Think about waking up on deck to the sight of emerald islands and historical citadel ruins because the solar warms the turquoise water round you. This can be a typical morning on Turkey’s famed Blue Cruise – a multi-day crusing journey alongside the Turquoise Coast the place historical past and pure magnificence unfold at each cove. Amongst all of the beautiful locales on these routes, one area stands out because the beating coronary heart of the Blue Cruise: Kekova.
Famed for its crystal-clear bays, half-sunken ruins, and peaceable villages solely reachable by boat, Kekova captures the essence of what makes a Blue Cruise magical. Whether or not you’re planning to be part of a cabin constitution with fellow vacationers or hire a non-public gulet for simply your group, chances are high Kekova would be the spotlight of your journey – and understanding your cruise choices will enable you to benefit from it.
In a Hurry? Right here’s How you can Resolve
For those who don’t need to learn the total breakdown, right here’s the short model:
Select a Cabin Constitution if:
✔ You’re touring solo, as a pair, or in a small group
✔ You desire a budget-friendly choice
✔ You take pleasure in assembly new individuals
✔ You’re completely satisfied following a set itinerary
👉 Prepared to affix the journey? Browse out there cabin cruises and safe your spot on a Kekova Blue Cruise.
Select a Personal Gulet Constitution if:
✔ You’re touring with 6–12 buddies or household
✔ You need full flexibility in your itinerary
✔ You like privateness and customized service
✔ You’re celebrating one thing particular
👉 Need the coast all to your self? Discover non-public gulet charters and request a customized quote on your dates.
What Is a Turkey Blue Cruise?
The “Blue Cruise” (or Mavi Yolculuk) has develop into synonymous with leisurely crusing holidays in Turkey – assume lazy days hopping between hidden bays, swimming over sunken ruins, and eating underneath the celebs on deck. It’s a practice that started within the Nineteen Fifties when a author began taking buddies on gulet voyages from Bodrum, and as we speak it’s a bucket-list expertise for vacationers worldwide. Kekova, a scenic bay space between Fethiye and Antalya, is usually cited because the jewel of the Blue Cruise route.
Actually, many cruises departing from western hubs like Fethiye or Bodrum spend most of their time within the Kekova space, drawn by its distinctive mix of pure and historic points of interest.
Geographically, Kekova sits roughly halfway alongside the Turquoise Coast, making it accessible from each instructions – some 4-day one-way cruises even begin in Fethiye and end close to Kekova (Demre), or vice versa, conveniently bridging vacationers to the Antalya area. It’s no marvel boats massive and small, from tour boats to non-public yachts, recurrently embrace Kekova on their itineraries
Why Kekova Is the Coronary heart of the Blue Cruise
Crusing into Kekova appears like getting into a residing museum within the open sea. The Kekova Particular Environmental Safety Space spans a big marine zone devoted to preserving its clear waters and wealthy biodiversity.
The consequence? Pristine coves with unbelievable visibility, vibrant marine life, and well-preserved ruins just under the floor. Beneath are a few of Kekova’s highlights which have earned it a prime spot on Blue Cruise itineraries:
Kaleköy (Simena Fortress)
A postcard-perfect Lycian village clinging to a hillside, Kaleköy has no highway entry – it’s reachable solely by sea, which retains its appeal intact. Hike as much as the medieval Simena Fortress for breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and scatterings of historical ruins.
Don’t miss the eerie Lycian sarcophagus rising from the water close to the shore – a favourite swim-by photograph op for guests. The entire setting makes you’re feeling such as you’ve stepped again in time.
Sunken Metropolis of Kekova
Simply throughout the channel on Kekova Island lie the half-submerged ruins of the traditional city of Dolichiste, typically referred to as the Sunken Metropolis. Destroyed by an earthquake within the 2nd century, its stays – stone partitions, staircases, and waterfront foundations – are nonetheless clearly seen beneath the water’s floor.
This archaeological website is protected (no swimming or diving allowed right here), however your gulet will slowly cruise by, and you may peer straight down via the glassy water at 2,000-year-old ruins beneath you. Some vacationers even kayak alongside the shore for a better look, gliding above submerged relics of Byzantine and Roman occasions.
After the Italian occupation of Kastelorizo, Kekova — which on the time was quickly inhabited in summer season for wooden harvesting — was disputed between Italy and Turkey. The 1932 Conference between Italy and Turkey assigned it to Turkey.
On its northern aspect, there are the partly sunken ruins of Dolchiste/Dolikisthe, an historical city which was destroyed by an earthquake throughout the 2nd century. Rebuilt and nonetheless flourishing throughout the Byzantine Empire interval, it was lastly deserted due to Arab incursions. Tersane (that means “dockyard”, as its bay was the positioning of an historical metropolis Xera and dockyard, with the ruins of a Byzantine church) is on the northwest of the island.
The Kekova area was declared a specifically protected space on 18 January 1990 by the Turkish Ministry of Setting and Forest. All types of diving and swimming have been prohibited and required particular permits from authorities workplaces. In later years, the prohibition has been lifted aside from the half the place the sunken metropolis is.
Hidden Coves and Sea Life
The Kekova space is dotted with quiet bays like Tersane and Gökkaya, which make idyllic stops for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch. These sheltered coves are a part of a marine sanctuary, so the waters are exceptionally clear and wealthy with life – colleges of fish, corals, and even loggerhead sea turtles.
Actually, the bays round Kaş and Kekova supply incredible probabilities tospot endangered Caretta caretta turtles surfacing for air; it’s fairly widespread and thrilling to come across these mild creatures throughout boat journeys. Don your masks, and also you may end up snorkeling alongside a sea turtle or watching one glide by your gulet.
Residing Lycian Historical past
Simply inland from Kekova’s shores are treasures of Turkey’s Lycian heritage. The area is dwelling to the Historic Metropolis of Myra, identified for its spectacular rock-cut tombs and a grand Roman theater, in addition to the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre – the burial place of the real-life 4th-century St. Nicholas (sure, the origin of Santa Claus!).
Cabin cruises sometimes keep on with on-water actions and panoramic views, however should you’re a historical past buff on a non-public constitution, you may have the liberty to rearrange a cease in Demre to go to these websites up shut.
Many Blue Cruise company don’t understand how shut they’re to such cultural gems; non-public gulet journeys can seamlessly mix onshore excursions like Myra’s ruins or a fast pilgrimage to St. Nicholas’ Church into your crusing itinerary, one thing not doable on a set group route.
All instructed, it’s simple to see why sailors dub Kekova “the pearl of the Mediterranean.” This compact area alone presents a microcosm of the Blue Cruise expertise – from historical Lycian relics to untouched pure magnificence and blissful turquoise swim spots.
Now, let’s take a look at how one can discover Kekova (and past) through the 2 major Blue Cruise kinds: cabin charters and personal gulet charters.
Cabin Constitution Cruises in Kekova: Social Crusing Adventures
For those who’re a solo traveler, a pair, or simply trying to be part of a enjoyable group on board, a cabin constitution is a perfect method to expertise the Blue Cruise.
In a cabin constitution, you ebook a cabin on a shared gulet that follows a preset itinerary, crusing with a blended group of passengers and knowledgeable crew. Consider it like becoming a member of a floating hostel – however much more comfy and scenic! You’ll get your individual non-public cabin to sleep in, however all of the widespread areas and the journey itself are shared, making for a really social environment.
Why select a cabin constitution?
For one, it’s budget-friendly. As an alternative of renting a complete boat, you pay per individual or per cabin, which considerably lowers the associated fee in comparison with a non-public constitution. The value often consists of your lodging, meals ready by the onboard chef, and fundamental actions, so it’s an all-inclusive deal with out breaking the financial institution.
However maybe the largest draw is the camaraderie: you’ll be assembly new individuals from world wide – sunbathing, snorkeling, and having fun with sundown cocktails collectively. Many vacationers make lifelong buddies over the few days at sea. For those who love a little bit of journey and don’t thoughts the corporate, cabin cruises could be extremely enjoyable. Actually, about 70–80% of cabin company say the social facet was a spotlight of their journey
Forms of cabin cruises
There are completely different kinds of cabin cruises to swimsuit completely different traveler varieties. Some are labeled “18-39 Younger Adults”, geared towards youthful vacationers or the young-at-heart on the lookout for a vigorous, upbeat vibe. Different cabin journeys are mixed-age cruises, which are usually extra relaxed and family-friendly – excellent should you choose a mellower atmosphere or are touring with children or older relations. You may select shorter journeys vs. longer journeys too.
Typical Routes (Fethiye to Olympos, and so forth.)
Cabin charters in Turkey sometimes are available two flavors: 4 days/3 nights or 7 days/6-7 nights.
The shorter 3-night variations are sometimes one-way routes nice for these on a good schedule – for instance, the well-known Fethiye to Olympos itinerary (ending close to Kekova) is a 4-day cruise that passes iconic spots like Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kaş, and the Sunken Metropolis of Kekova.
This basic route is usually cited as the preferred gulet cruise in Turkey, beloved by backpackers and journey seekers. Longer 7-night cruises often do a round-trip loop (or cowl extra distance one-way) with further time for hidden bays. One common week-long route, as an example, sails Fethiye → Kekova → Fethiye, providing you with ample time to discover the Göcek coves, Kaş city, Kekova’s many gems, and again – ultimate if you wish to begin and finish in the identical port.
Professionals and cons
On a cabin constitution, the itinerary is fastened by the operator, which has its professionals and cons. The nice half is you don’t should plan a factor – the route is expertly crafted to hit all of the must-see spots and finest swim stops, so that you’re assured to expertise the highlights.
Someday you may hike to a hillside monastery or paraglide over Ölüdeniz, the subsequent you’ll be cruising previous Kekova’s Sunken Metropolis or exploring a quaint city like Kaş. It’s a stress-free method to see the Turquoise Coast’s prime points of interest.
The flip aspect is you gained’t have a lot flexibility to stray from the schedule. Everybody follows the identical sport plan, which could embrace set meal occasions, swim breaks, and in a single day anchorage in designated bays. If, say, you completely liked Kaleköy and wished to remain longer, on a cabin journey you sometimes should sail on when it’s time.
However for many, that’s a minor trade-off given the comfort and worth. (And should you fall in love with the Blue Cruise expertise, you possibly can at all times plan a non-public journey subsequent time to customise your route!)
Personal Gulet Charters in Kekova: Freedom and Personalization
When you’ve got a household group, a bunch of buddies, or just crave privateness and adaptability, then a non-public gulet constitution is perhaps your dream come true. Chartering a gulet privately means you get the entire boat to your self, with your individual captain and crew, and you name the photographs (to an affordable extent) on the place to go and what to do every day.
It’s like having a floating villa for per week – one which comes with a devoted chef, skipper, and the ever-changing yard of the Mediterranean Sea!
Why go non-public?
In a single phrase: freedom. With a non-public constitution, you’re not tied to a preset group itinerary. You may focus on the route day by day together with your captain and linger the place you want, skip locations you’re not all in favour of, even change plans on a whim if the temper strikes. Love a specific bay? Drop anchor and swim all afternoon.
Feeling adventurous? Ask the captain to sail early so you possibly can slot in an additional island earlier than dinner. The itinerary is tailor-made to your pursuits, inside the bounds of climate and security. This flexibility is ultimate for exploring Kekova, the place there’s a lot to see.
For instance, in case your group is admittedly into kayaking, you might have the crew prepare sea kayaks and spend a morning paddling across the Sunken Metropolis up shut. Or should you’re historical past buffs, you may dedicate further time to climb Simena Fortress and nonetheless go to these onshore Lycian websites like Myra.
Need to pop ashore in Demre to see the Church of St. Nicholas or the Roman theater? On a non-public constitution, no downside – you possibly can construct in a fast land tour (one thing group cruises don’t sometimes supply). Basically, non-public gulets unlock experiences that cabin journeys can’t, as a result of you may have the luxurious of selection.
Luxurious vs Commonplace Gulets
Talking of luxurious, non-public charters additionally allow you to select your fashion of boat. Gulets vary from customary, cozy vessels to ultra-luxury yachts, and the worth scales accordingly. A conventional customary gulet has comfy however easy cabins (often with ensuite tub), a pleasant eating deck, and perhaps a smaller crew – nice for an genuine, homey environment on a decrease price range.
However, should you’re after indulgence, luxurious gulets come decked out like floating boutique motels: assume king-size beds, air-conditioning, gourmand menus, and presumably even a jacuzzi or jet skis on board.
With a bigger crew to pamper you, the service on a luxurious constitution is top-notch – you gained’t should raise a finger. Most non-public charters embrace your fundamental meals and customary actions, however you possibly can typically request particular touches. Fancy a seashore BBQ one evening or have a birthday to have fun? The crew could make it occur. Simply keep in mind, all this exclusivity comes at the next value: you’re renting all the boat for per week, so the worth is within the 1000’s (various by boat measurement and season) quite than tons of per individual.
The excellent news is that when you’ve got a decent-sized group (often 6 to 12 individuals), whenever you break up the constitution price, the per-person value can develop into surprisingly affordable – generally near what you’d pay on a cabin cruise for per week. For instance, ten buddies sharing a €10,000/week customary gulet is about €1,000 every, which is in the identical ballpark as some cabin excursions. Thus, with sufficient journey buddies, going non-public could be nice worth for the expertise you get.
Lastly, non-public charters supply an ambiance that you just simply can’t get on a shared boat. It’s simply your group on board, so that you’ll take pleasure in full privateness and the liberty to be yourselves with out worrying about different company. It’s excellent for household reunions, a visit with {couples} or buddies, or celebrating a special day. Need to play your individual music playlist all day? Go for it. Choose a quiet night stargazing with no distractions? Finished.
The crew adjusts fully to your preferences, providing you with a really customized journey. Many individuals additionally select non-public gulets for honeymoons or anniversaries, because it’s extremely romantic to have a basic wood yacht all to yourselves in secluded bays. On the flip aspect, you gained’t have the built-in social scene of a cabin constitution – however that’s precisely the purpose for individuals who select this route. (For those who’ll miss assembly new individuals, you possibly can at all times befriend different gulets when anchored in the identical bay – a pleasant swim over to say hello shouldn’t be unusual!)
Choose the posh of freedom?
Discover non-public gulet charters to craft your dream Blue Cruise. Whether or not you go for a charming customary gulet or a high-end luxurious vessel, a non-public constitution means Kekova and the Turquoise Coast are yours to find by yourself schedule. You may spend an additional day amongst Kekova’s coves since you simply can’t get sufficient of the tranquility, or navigate to a quieter anchorage that massive excursions skip – it’s all as much as you.
Cabin Constitution or Personal Gulet: Which to Select?
Each cabin and non-public gulet cruises will allow you to stay the Blue Cruise expertise – waking as much as turquoise bays, swimming in sun-kissed waters, and exploring Turkey’s coastal historical past – however the precise selection will depend on your journey fashion, price range, and group wants.
Right here’s a fast side-by-side comparability that can assist you resolve:
| Function | Cabin Constitution | Personal Gulet |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Decrease per individual | Increased general, shared value |
| Social Ambiance | Very social | Personal |
| Flexibility | Mounted itinerary | Absolutely customizable |
| Facilities | Commonplace | Commonplace to luxurious |
Price Per Individual
For budget-conscious vacationers or smaller events, cabin charters win on value. A number of hundred euros can ebook you a 3–4 evening journey. Personal charters require paying for the entire boat (1000’s in whole), so except you may have a bigger group to separate the associated fee, they’ll be considerably pricier per individual. (Tough estimate: a regular non-public gulet in peak season may run ~€1,000+ per individual with a full group, versus €600–€900 on a cabin cruise.)
For 8+ individuals, although, a non-public constitution’s value per head drops so much and may strategy cabin-cruise charges. Do the maths together with your group measurement and see what is sensible.
Ambiance & Social Life
Cabin cruises are all concerning the group vibe – making new buddies, perhaps partying at evening in a cove (sure, Smuggler’s Inn in Kekova is a well-liked cease for some youth-oriented cruises!), taking part in playing cards or swapping tales underneath the celebs with various shipmates. For those who’re outgoing or touring alone, this generally is a blast.
Personal cruises are intimate and tailor-made – nice for high quality time with your individual individuals, however you’ll forego the prospect to satisfy different vacationers on board. It’s not that one is healthier than the opposite; they’re simply completely different flavors. Select cabin should you thrive in social settings; select non-public should you worth privateness and a self-directed environment.
Itinerary Flexibility
Personal constitution is the hands-down selection for flexibility. You may work with the captain to regulate plans day by day – linger longer in that excellent bay, go to onshore websites like Myra that group journeys skip, and even change the path to chase good climate.
Cabin charters keep on with a set schedule, which reliably covers the highlights however doesn’t permit impromptu detours. So, when you’ve got a really particular wishlist (say, you should spend a sundown at a specific hidden cove, otherwise you need to add a scuba dive at Kaş), a non-public constitution enables you to do it. For those who’re completely satisfied to chill out and observe a ready-made itinerary, cabin cruises are splendidly hassle-free.
Facilities & Consolation
On a shared cabin cruise, you’ll have a comfy cabin and customary areas, however gulets used for cabin charters are sometimes customary class – comfy however not opulent, and also you share the crew’s consideration with all company.
Personal charters offer you extra selection in boat consolation (customary vs. luxurious) and sometimes the next crew-to-guest ratio, that means extra customized service. Additionally, if having facilities like AC at evening or fancy water toys is essential, you possibly can choose a ship that gives these on a non-public constitution. Cabin cruises supply an enthralling, genuine expertise however often with out the frills (and notice: on some price range cabin journeys, cabins may not have AC 24/7, which is value contemplating in peak summer season).
Ultimately, your determination may boil right down to practicality
Are you a pair or small group trying to maintain prices low and make buddies? Or do you have a much bigger group (or larger price range) and a want for a personalized journey?
The excellent news is, both method you’ll get to experience Kekova’s magic. Cabin cruisers will bond over shared awe the primary time they glide over the Sunken Metropolis’s ruins, and personal constitution company may have the enjoyment of experiencing Kekova’s serene mornings all to themselves.
Whichever fashion you select, put together for an unforgettable journey. The Turkish coast has a method of charming vacationers – you may begin your cruise as strangers or simply vacationers, however you’ll finish it as sun-kissed Blue Cruisers with a deep appreciation for Turkey’s heritage and pure magnificence.
And in Kekova’s case, it’s simple to see why so many name it the guts of the Blue Cruise: the place else are you able to kayak above a 2nd-century metropolis, swim with turtles, and clink glasses beneath a medieval citadel – multi functional afternoon?
So hoist the anchor and set sail for Kekova’s enchanting waters. Whether or not you’re mingling with new buddies on a cabin constitution or luxuriating within the freedom of a non-public gulet, the Turquoise Coast’s finest awaits. Joyful cruising – or as we are saying in Turkey, iyi yolculuklar! (Have a very good journey!)
