Kekova ยท From Antalya
Sunset cruise, Kekova
Three hours timed so the last light lands on the water beside you.
- Duration3 hours
- Sailing time5.5 h
How the day runs
A sunset run at Kekova works differently from anywhere else on this coast, because the channel faces west and the low sun goes straight down into the water above the ruins. The boat holds off the sunken city rather than passing it, engines down, and for about twenty minutes the submerged walls light up from the side instead of from above. Departure is from Ucagiz or Kas, not Antalya.
A sunset cruise boards two to three hours before the sun goes, runs out far enough that the coast becomes a silhouette, and then simply stops. The crew serves on the aft deck while the colour works through gold, rose and finally indigo. On the way back the deck lights come on and the shoreline turns into a string of lights.
About Kekova
An earthquake in the second century dropped half a Lycian town below the waterline, and the sea kept it. Staircases run down into the blue, doorways stand open at three metres, and jars still sit where they were stacked. Swimming is not allowed directly over the ruins, so the day is built around gliding slowly along the shoreline and then anchoring in the bay next door for lunch and a long swim.
Ways to charter
Nearby anchorages
Yachts for this charter
Practical notes
The season runs from late April to the end of October, and July and August are the busiest weeks. Boarding is normally between 09:00 and 10:00, and the run out to Kekova takes about 5.5 h. Bring a hat, reef safe sun cream and soft soled shoes; towels, snorkel sets and shade are already aboard. Hotel pickup across Antalya, Kemer, Belek and Lara can be arranged the evening before at no extra charge. If the forecast turns, the captain moves the route to the sheltered side of the coast rather than cancelling, and a genuine weather cancellation is refunded in full.
Common questions
How long does it take to reach Kekova?
About 5.5 h of sailing from the departure marina, which is why boarding is early and the return is timed for the last of the light.
Is lunch included on a Sunset cruise?
A full Mediterranean lunch is prepared aboard by the chef, with soft drinks, water, tea and Turkish coffee included. Wine and spirits are charged separately or you are welcome to bring your own.
Can we swim at every stop?
At almost all of them. The exception is directly over protected ruins, where swimming is restricted by law, so the swim stop moves to the bay alongside.
What happens if the weather changes?
The captain reroutes to the sheltered side of the coast, which on this coastline almost always works. If a day genuinely cannot sail, you are refunded in full.
How many guests can come?
From two up to twelve, depending on the yacht. Larger parties are handled by taking two boats out together on the same route.
Included in every charter
- Licensed captain and crew
- Fuel, harbour fees and insurance
- Towels, snorkel sets and paddle boards
- Soft drinks, water, tea and Turkish coffee
- Hotel pickup across Antalya on request
From EUR 800 Per boat, not per person, for the whole yacht and your party only. The exact figure depends on the programme, the season and the number of guests, and you get it in one message.
Ready when you are
Tell us your dates and party size. We answer within the hour, in your language.