Patara ยท From Antalya
Sunset cruise, Patara
Three hours timed so the last light lands on the water beside you.
- Duration3 hours
- Sailing time7.5 h
How the day runs
The beach faces south west into open sea with nothing on the horizon, so the sunset here is as clean as it gets on this coast. The complication is that there is no shelter: Patara is an open roadstead and an evening swell makes it uncomfortable. A sunset run only works on a settled day, and boats normally sleep at Kalkan afterwards.
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 Patara
Patara is the longest beach on this coast and it is empty, because it is a turtle nesting site and closes at dusk. Behind the dunes lies the capital of the Lycian League, with its council chamber excavated and a triple arched gate standing in the sand. From the water it is a single pale line with nothing on it at all.
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 Patara takes about 7.5 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 Patara?
About 7.5 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.