Antalya/Kemer: Phaselis Yacht Trip for Families and Couples

Antalya/Kemer: Phaselis Yacht Trip for Families and Couples — A Practical, Honest Look

If you’re planning a trip to the Turkish Riviera and considering a day on the water, the Phaselis yacht trip from Kemer is a popular option. We’ve looked into it, and while we haven’t done this exact trip ourselves, it consistently garners decent reviews and offers a mix of scenic cruising, swimming, and an ancient site visit.

It’s one of those experiences that promises to be relaxing, scenic, and filled with good food—ideal if you’re seeking a laid-back day with a splash of history.

What really draws us in are the stunning views of the coastline and bays—particularly the famous Paradise and Cleopatra bays—as well as the chance to explore the ruins of Phaselis, an ancient port city. Plus, the boat itself seems well-equipped, offering comfort and amenities that make the trip enjoyable.

On the flip side, a possible consideration is that it’s mostly on the boat with swimming stops, rather than on land explorations.

This tour is best suited for couples or families looking for a leisurely day, with no solo travelers accepted. If you’re after a quick, scenic escape with the chance to swim in clear waters and enjoy some historical sights, this could be a fit. However, if you’re hoping for a full land exploration of Phaselis or a party vibe, this might not be the ideal choice.

Key Points

• Relaxing cruising experience with plenty of time to swim and sunbathe
• Beautiful bays like Paradise and Cleopatra, great for photo ops and cooling off
• Historical site visit to Phaselis ruins, with a swimming approach rather than land exploration
• Comfortable boat and friendly crew that prioritize safety and relaxation
• Delicious on-board lunch, with options like fish, chicken, pasta, and salads
• Limited additional costs for drinks and photos, but be aware of extra charges at bars

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

This trip runs between 6 to 8 hours, with the exact start time depending on your booking. The day kicks off with a hotel pickup—if you opt for that—then a comfortable drive to Kemer’s marina, where you’ll board a sizable yacht. The vessel boasts an interesting design and is equipped for a relaxed day on the water, with plenty of lounging space and shaded areas, as some reviews note.

Once onboard, the boat begins its journey along the picturesque coastline. You’ll love the views of pirate caves, golden beaches, and mountains, which make for stunning scenery even before you reach the bays. The crew plays mellow music, creating a chill atmosphere appreciated by many guests.

Stops for Swimming and Sunbathing

The trip includes three stops for swimming, two of which are near the bays of Paradise and Cleopatra. These are the highlights for many—crystal-clear waters great for cooling off and snapping photos.

The reviews highlight the quality of the swimming experience: “they stopped off at 3 bays, and as another reviewer said, there is no chance to actually explore Phaselis but you'll see it from a distance when they drop you off at the bay.”

You’ll have ample time to swim, sunbathe, or just relax on the boat. The upper deck is ideal for catching rays, while shaded areas keep those who prefer to stay cool comfortable. The lower deck offers wooden tables and benches where your lunch will be served on a tray, providing a casual and communal dining experience.

Visiting Phaselis: The Ruins from the Water

When it’s time to visit the ancient city of Phaselis, you’ll approach by swimming to a beach where ruins are visible from the shoreline. It's important to note that this isn’t a guided land tour—there’s no official guide explaining the site on land, but you can walk along the main street and see remnants like city walls, houses, baths, and an amphitheater.

One review mentions: “this trip is mostly on boat and you stop 3 times to swim, but you do not actually go on land to explore.” So, if you’re expecting a full archaeological tour, be prepared for a more casual, visual experience rather than a detailed exploration.

Lunch and Other Amenities

Lunch is included and praised as “delicious,” featuring fish, chicken, pasta, and salads. It’s served on the lower deck, with a variety of options to suit most tastes. Some reviews mention that the food is freshly cooked and plentiful. Be aware, however, that drinks are not included, and extra costs for beverages and photos can add up—especially if you want a beer or ice cream.

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Return Journey and Final Views

After a relaxing day at sea, the boat sails back along the coast, offering views of Tahtali Mountain and the scenic islands. From the marina, your transfer will drop you back at your hotel, making for a convenient end to the day.

The Experience: What Really Matters

The reviews consistently emphasize the friendly crew, with many noting how safe and professional they felt throughout. The boat itself is described as well-maintained and comfortable, great for those who prefer a more refined cruising experience rather than a boisterous party boat.

Guests mention the relaxed atmosphere—no loud music or chaos—and appreciate the fact that the crew plays music at a volume that doesn’t overpower conversation or relaxation. The lunch seems to be a highlight, with many guests describing it as tasty and satisfying.

A common theme in reviews is the quality of swimming stops—the turquoise waters are a major draw, and many find that they have enough time to fully enjoy each bay. One reviewer noted that the water was so beautiful and that there were plenty of opportunities for photos and swimming.

Downsides and Considerations

While the trip offers a peaceful and scenic experience, some guests have pointed out that there’s no land exploration of Phaselis beyond swimming at the shoreline. If you're a history buff hoping to walk through ruins and learn about the site, this might be disappointing. Also, be aware of extra costs—drinks at the bar can be pricey, and photos are an additional expense.

Another aspect to consider is that this tour is not for solo travelers—only couples and families are accepted, with no bookings from single males. The trip is designed for those wanting a peaceful, scenic day rather than an energetic or party vibe.

Is This Tour Worth It?

This yacht trip offers a highly relaxed, scenic day with good food, comfortable surroundings, and beautiful swimming spots. It’s great for couples seeking a romantic escape or families wanting a gentle day on the water. The stunning views and friendly crew make it a solid choice, especially if you enjoy swimming and historical glimpses without heavy land exploration.

The value is decent, considering the all-day experience, with lunch included and multiple swim stops. Just keep in mind the extra costs for drinks and photos, and remember that the main focus is on the boat and water rather than detailed land touring.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love cruising along scenic coastlines, enjoy swimming in clear waters, and are interested in a visual glimpse of Phaselis, this trip fits the bill. It’s ideal for couples wanting a romantic, laid-back day or families with children comfortable in the water. Those looking for a party atmosphere or a land-based historical tour should look elsewhere.

It’s also a good choice if you prefer a small, intimate group in a stress-free environment, as many reviews mention the boat was not crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select this option, you'll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Kemer’s marina. The pickup times depend on your hotel’s location, especially from Antalya, which might require early planning.

How long is the trip?
The trip lasts between 6 to 8 hours, including transfers, swimming, and the time spent on the boat. Exact start times vary based on your booking and location.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the price. You can purchase beverages onboard, but they are generally more expensive—expect to pay extra for beer, coke, or ice cream.

Can I explore Phaselis on land?
No, this trip does not include a guided land tour of Phaselis. You’ll see the ruins from the water and have time to swim nearby, but not to walk through the archaeological site.

Is this trip suitable for solo travelers?
No, solo bookings from males are not accepted. It’s designed for couples and families looking for a peaceful day on the water.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in case your plans change.

In the end, this yacht trip from Kemer offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful scenery, good food, and swimming in some of Turkey’s most inviting bays. It’s a nice choice if you’re after a relaxing day with a hint of history, especially if you're traveling as a couple or family.

Just keep your expectations aligned with the boat-based, swim-focused experience, and you'll likely have a memorable outing.

You can check availability for your dates here: