Kemer Pirate Cruise — Ancient Ruins, Caves & Open-Water Swims
Antalya
Overview
The coastline west of Antalya is backed by the Taurus Mountains and fronted by water so clear it barely looks real. This boat trip covers it from the deck of a pirate-themed gulet — the kind of day where you alternate between swimming in open Mediterranean bays and walking through a 2,700-year-old port city built by the Phoenicians.
You’ll depart Kemer Marina in the morning, cruising past pine-forested cliffs to Moonlight Beach and then into a series of sea caves the locals have called pirate caves for centuries (the name is earned — this coast was a haven for Cilician pirates before the Romans cleared them out). The highlight is Phaselis, an ancient Lycian city where three harbors, a Roman aqueduct, and a colonnaded main street are all within walking distance of the beach. After Phaselis, the boat heads to the Three Islands for more swimming before returning to Kemer.
There’s entertainment on board — music, activities — and a full lunch served while you cruise between stops. The boat runs from 08:00 to 18:00, and hotel transfers are included.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
08:00 — Hotel Pickup & Departure from Kemer Marina
Pickup from your Antalya or Kemer area hotel. Board the pirate-themed gulet at Kemer Marina and head west along the coast.
Mid-Morning — Moonlight Beach
First stop along the coast. Moonlight Beach sits in a natural cove at the base of the mountains — good for a first swim and easing into the day.
Late Morning — Pirate Caves
The boat moves into a stretch of coast lined with sea caves. These aren’t tourist installations — they’re natural formations in the limestone cliffs that sheltered Cilician pirates 2,000 years ago, before Pompey’s campaign cleared the coast. You can swim into some of the caves from the boat.
Midday — Phaselis Ancient City
The main cultural stop. Phaselis was founded by Rhodian colonists around 700 BC and later became a key Lycian trading port. You’ll go ashore and walk through:
- Three harbors — north, south, and main — each serving different trade winds
- Colonnaded main street — the city’s central avenue, still partially paved
- Roman aqueduct — the water supply system that fed the city from the mountains
- Agora and bathhouses — the commercial and social heart of the city
The ruins sit directly on a pine-covered peninsula between two beaches. You can swim on either side after exploring.
Lunch — On Board
A full Turkish lunch served on the boat between Phaselis and the afternoon stops. Grilled dishes, salads, fresh bread.
Afternoon — Three Islands & Swimming Stops
The boat anchors near the Three Islands off the Kemer coast for extended swimming. The water here is deep, clear, and sheltered by the islands. Music and entertainment continue on board between swims.
18:00 — Return to Kemer Marina
The boat returns to Kemer Marina. Transfer back to your hotel.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Antalya/Kemer area)
- Full-day pirate-themed boat cruise
- Lunch on board
- On-board entertainment and music
- Swimming stops and Phaselis visit
- Captain and crew
Not Included
- Drinks on board
- Phaselis entrance fee (if charged separately)
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities (optional, appreciated)
Who Is This Tour For?
This tour works well for:
- Families with kids — the pirate-themed boat, on-board music, and sheltered swimming bays at the Three Islands make this an easy yes for children. The Phaselis ruins are close enough to the beach that kids can explore without anyone getting bored
- Travelers staying in Kemer or Antalya who want a full water day without a long transfer — you board at Kemer Marina and the coastline starts immediately
- Snorkelers — the caves and rocky shoreline along the Kemer coast offer better underwater visibility than the main beaches
- Ancient history dabblers — Phaselis gives you a 2,700-year-old Phoenician port city with a colonnaded street and Roman aqueduct, sandwiched between swimming stops. Enough ruins to feel cultured, enough water time to feel like a holiday
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a shared cruise. The pirate-themed boats accommodate groups. For a private charter along the same route, contact us and we’ll arrange it.
Typically 1–1.5 hours, enough to walk the main ruins and swim at the beach. If you want a deeper archaeological experience at Phaselis, consider our Antalya day trips with a dedicated guide.
Yes. The boats have safety railings, shaded areas, and crew experienced with families. Life vests are available for all ages. The swimming stops include sheltered bays with calm water.
Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes for Phaselis (the paths are uneven), and a waterproof phone case. The boat has shaded seating but limited shade at the ruins.
May through October. The water is warmest from June to September. Shoulder months are less crowded and still comfortable for swimming.
Gallery
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