Kemer’s Pirate Boat Tour: A Relaxing Day on the Turquoise Coast
If you’re craving a day away from the busy resorts and looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline, the Pirate Boat Tour on the Bays of Kemer offers an appealing mix of stunning scenery, swimming, and a touch of history. For around $30, you’ll hop onto a Viking-inspired vessel, enjoy around 7 hours of cruising, swimming, and sightseeing, with hotel pickup and a delicious lunch included.
What makes this trip stand out? First, the scenic views of Cleopatra’s Bay, Mount Tahtali, and Paradise Bay are breathtaking, giving you a true sense of the area’s natural charm. Second, the freedom to swim at multiple beaches in crystal-clear waters is a highlight for many travelers. However, one consideration is the inconsistency in reviews regarding the boat experience itself—some travelers report disappointment with the actual vessel used or the arrangement.
This tour is ideal for those who love relaxing on the water, stunning coastal scenery, and want an affordable way to see the best beaches without the hassle of planning individual trips. If you enjoy a mix of leisure, light exploration, and scenic views, you’ll likely find this tour well worth your time.
Key Points
- Beautiful coastal scenery with views of Mount Tahtali and Cleopatra’s Bay
- Multiple swimming stops in turquoise waters for relaxation and fun
- Includes lunch and hotel pickup, offering convenience and value
- Optional visit to Phaselis, an ancient city-port (extra cost)
- Viking-inspired boat adds a playful, memorable touch to the cruise
- Tours have mixed reviews, so check details carefully
The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect
When we boarded the boat around 10 am, the atmosphere was relaxed and scenic. Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel around 9 am—a time that suits travelers eager to maximize their day. Once at the harbor, you’ll settle onto your Viking-inspired vessel, which definitely adds a fun, distinctive twist to the experience. This isn’t your average cruise.
The boat departs promptly and begins to glide along the coastline, giving you front-row seats to the golden beaches and rugged mountains that define Kemer’s landscape. The views of Mount Tahtali, standing tall at 2365 meters, and the shimmering Cleopatra’s Bay make for great photo opportunities. The boat’s route is carefully designed to show off some of the most picturesque spots along the coast, with stops in several bays for swimming.
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Scenic Highlights and Swimming
One of the biggest draws is the chance to swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters. The boat makes multiple stops at beaches like Cleopatra’s Bay and Paradise Bay, where you can simply sunbathe or cool off with a swim. The water is warm and inviting, perfect for a refreshing escape from the summer heat. The boat’s upper deck offers ample space for sunbathing, while the shaded lower deck with wooden tables provides a pleasant place for those who prefer to stay out of the sun.
Based on reviews, many travelers find the swimming stops to be the most relaxing part of the day. One visitor noted, “Staying away from the busy resort just to rest, sunbathe on the top deck of the boat, swim in clear water, and enjoy the picturesque sea and mountain views” — a sentiment shared by many.
Lunch and Comfort
A typical feature of this tour is the included lunch, which is served on the boat. While some travelers suggest the food is good and adds to the relaxed atmosphere, others think it could be improved, especially if you’re expecting a gourmet meal. Still, it’s a convenient way to refuel after a few hours of swimming and sightseeing.
Optional Visit to Phaselis
For those interested in uncovering history, an extra charge allows you to visit the ancient city of Phaselis. Founded in the 7th century BC, Phaselis offers evocative ruins—city walls, baths, an amphitheater—that evoke the area’s long history. From the reviews, travelers appreciated this stop, noting that walking through the ruins surrounded by pine forests and beaches adds a special dimension to the trip.
However, it’s important to note that this is an optional, self-funded visit. You’ll need to manage your own entry fee and time, which could vary depending on your pace and interest.
The Return Journey
As the tour concludes around 3 pm, you’ll enjoy a scenic sail back, with views of other islands and the stunning Mount Tahtali. This is a peaceful, scenic way to end a day in the sun, giving you ample time to relax and reflect on the day.
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The Practicalities: What Travelers Should Know
Transport and logistics are straightforward. The hotel pickup makes starting hassle-free, especially if you’re staying in central Kemer. The boat itself is designed with comfort in mind, offering both shaded and sunny spots. Despite some mixed reviews about the boat quality, most travelers find it suitable for a day on the water.
The length of the tour, around 7 hours, strikes a good balance—enough time to relax, swim, eat, and sightsee without feeling rushed. The group size, capped at 55 travelers, keeps things manageable, though some reviews suggest that the experience can vary depending on the other guests.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The price of $29.65 per person is quite reasonable considering the overall experience, especially with lunch and pickup included. However, you’ll want to budget for additional costs such as the entrance fee to Phaselis (not included), drinks, and any souvenirs or photos you purchase.
Potential Drawbacks
A few reviews mention issues like transfer miscommunications or the boat used being different from what was advertised, sometimes called “Medusa,” which can be cheaper but might not match expectations. Some travelers noted a predominance of Russian speakers, which might influence the tour’s atmosphere if you prefer an English-speaking environment.
Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
This cruise is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a relaxing day on the water. If you love sunbathing, swimming, and scenic views, you’ll likely find this trip very satisfying. Those interested in a bit of history can opt for the Phaselis visit, but keep in mind it’s an extra expense and self-guided.
It’s also a good choice for travelers on a budget, given the value-packed price and included amenities. However, those expecting a luxury yacht experience or seeking very quiet, intimate tours might find it less suitable.
Final Thoughts
The Pirate Boat Tour on the Bays of Kemer offers a delightful combination of stunning scenery, fun swimming opportunities, and a relaxed cruise atmosphere. While there are minor hiccups like mixed reviews about the vessel and the optional ruins visit, most travelers find the overall experience worth the modest price.
What sets this tour apart is its relaxed vibe, the beautiful bays, and the chance to unwind with a good meal and plenty of time in the turquoise waters. It’s perfect for those wanting to enjoy the natural beauty and warm waters of the Turkish coast without overcomplicating things.
If you’re looking for a straightforward, enjoyable day on the Mediterranean with plenty of opportunities to swim, relax, and enjoy lovely vistas, this cruise should be high on your list.
FAQs
Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it very convenient, especially if you prefer to avoid arranging your own transport.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, from pickup around 9 am to returning around 3 pm, giving you plenty of time for swimming, relaxing, and sightseeing.
What is included in the price?
You get lunch and transportation included in the price of approximately $29.65 per person. Be aware that entrance fees to Phaselis and drinks are not included.
Can I visit Phaselis during this tour?
Yes, for an extra charge, you can visit the ancient city of Phaselis, which features ruins, beaches, and pine forests.
Are there swimming stops?
Absolutely. The boat makes several stops at scenic beaches where you can swim in the warm, turquoise waters—many travelers consider this the highlight.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a towel. If you wish to explore Phaselis, consider bringing extra cash for entrance fees and any souvenirs.
Is the boat comfortable?
Most reviews mention that while the boat is playfully Viking-themed, the quality can vary. Some travelers report a good experience, while others mention boats called “Medusa” that may differ from expectations. It’s best to go with an open mind and focus on the scenery and swimming.
Whether you’re after a peaceful day in nature, a scenic cruise, or a bit of historical exploration, the Kemer pirate boat tour offers a flexible, affordable way to enjoy Turkey’s stunning coast. Just pack your swimsuit, put on your sunhat, and prepare to relax amidst some of the most picturesque waters in the Mediterranean.