Kemer Pirates Boat Trip

If you’re planning a trip to Kemer in Turkey and looking for a lively, scenic day on the water, the Kemer Pirates Boat Trip might catch your eye. This tour promises a mix of adventure, history, and relaxation, all aboard a pirate-themed boat cruising along the Mediterranean coast. It’s not a luxury cruise, but it offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to cool off and enjoy stunning scenery.

What we like about this experience is how it combines a scenic boat ride with stops at notable spots like Cleopatra Beach and Phaselis, plus the fun touches like foam parties and animations. The price point—around $21 per person—makes it accessible for many travelers, especially considering it includes hotel transfers and a buffet lunch.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour has mixed reviews, mainly because of logistical hiccups like unreliable pickup service, which some travelers found frustrating. It also requires a bit of planning, like bringing your own snorkeling gear and cash for personal expenses.

This tour suits those who want a lively, social experience, enjoy being on the water, and don’t mind some variability in execution. If you’re after a relaxed, quiet day, this might not be your best pick. But if fun, scenic stops, and lively entertainment sound appealing, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Affordable price for a full 7-hour day of activities and sightseeing.
• Includes hotel transfer and lunch, making logistics simpler.
• Multiple swimming and snorkeling stops for cooling off.
• Lively atmosphere with foam parties and animations.
• Potential for logistical issues like pickup problems, so confirm arrangements.
• Guided tours in several languages, including English, Russian, and Turkish.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Kemer Pirates Boat Trip

This tour starts early in the morning, with pickup from your hotel in Kemer—most likely between 9 and 9:30 am. The ride to the marina is comfortable, and the boat itself has some nice pirate-themed touches that set a fun tone. Once on board, you’ll cruise along the Turkish Riviera, enjoying views of beaches, mountains, and secret caves. It’s a chance to relax and take in the scenery, especially if you’re into photography or just want some downtime on the water.

The Scenic Cruise and Cleopatra Beach

The highlight for many is reaching Cleopatra Beach, famous for the legend that Cleopatra herself swam there. The boat anchors, giving guests the option to jump into the clear, inviting waters for a swim or snorkel. You’ll love the chance to cool off in such a picturesque setting, with some beautiful rock formations and calm waters.

The boat is equipped with toilets, outside showers, and a bar, which makes it convenient for longer stops. You’re welcome to bring your own snorkel gear—many travelers find this worthwhile to explore the underwater scenery more closely.

Lunch on the Water

A buffet-style lunch is served while you’re anchored at Phaselis Bay. The menu includes schnitzel, pasta, rice, and a variety of salads—something hearty enough to keep you going through the day. Vegetarian options are available if you request ahead, which is a nice touch for those with dietary preferences.

Exploring Phaselis & Other Stops

After lunch, the boat moves on to Phaselis, an ancient city with Greek and Roman ruins. Here, you’ll have time to swim again and admire the historical sights. If you’re a confident swimmer, you might even make it to the shore to explore the ruins up close. Remember, this stop is free for swimming, but entrance to the archaeological site isn’t included, so you’ll need to pay separately if you want to explore the ruins.

The next stops are Cennet Bay and Cleopatra Bay, both offering more swimming opportunities. The boat usually anchors for about an hour at Cleopatra Bay, giving you plenty of time to relax, swim, or take photos.

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Entertainment & Atmosphere

This isn’t just a sightseeing trip—it’s packed with fun. The tour hosts a foam party and some lively animations, adding a festive vibe to the day. The boat crew and guides are generally friendly and knowledgeable, especially if you get one of the guides who speak your language.

The Return Journey

As the day winds down, you’ll cruise back with stunning views of Mount Tahtali looming in the distance. Expect to arrive back at the marina around 4:30 to 5 pm, where your hotel transfer awaits. Keep in mind, the return timing can vary slightly depending on sea conditions and group size.

How the Experience Works

This tour is designed for easy participation:

• Pickups are from your hotel’s main security gate, so be ready a little early.
• The tour lasts about 7 hours, with flexible start times based on availability.
• You’ll be guided in English, Russian, or Turkish, with an audio guide included.
• You can bring your own snorkelling equipment, which is a plus if you want to explore underwater more actively.

Real Traveler Insights

One reviewer, Claire from France, shared a glowing experience, praising the lively atmosphere and the guide, Metin, for his warm welcome and positive energy. She mentioned, “everything was really perfect,” which speaks to the fun vibe some guests enjoy.

However, not everyone’s experience has been smooth. One traveler reported, “The organizer did not pick us up from the hotel as agreed,” citing unprofessional behavior. This highlights the importance of confirming pickup arrangements and being prepared for possible hiccups.

Value for Money

For $21, you’re getting a full day of entertainment, scenic stops, and a substantial meal. Considering that many similar tours can cost much more and may not include transfers or lunch, this trip offers decent value—if logistical issues don’t dampen your experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This boat trip is ideal for travelers who want a lively, social day on the water with plenty of swimming. If you’re traveling with friends, a group, or enjoy a festive atmosphere, you’ll likely have a blast. It’s also suited for those interested in seeing the ruins of Phaselis without the hassle of organizing separate transportation or meals.

However, if you prefer a quieter, more structured tour with guaranteed punctuality, or if you’re not comfortable with variable logistics, you might want to consider other options. This trip isn’t designed for those seeking high-end luxury or a very relaxed pace but works well for travelers seeking fun and adventure.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel transfer service, with pickup from the main security gate of your hotel and drop-off at the end of the day.

What should I bring with me?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and some cash for personal expenses or souvenirs.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?
Yes, vegetarian alternatives are available for the buffet lunch if you request when booking.

Can I bring my own snorkeling equipment?
Absolutely. Bringing your own gear can enhance your experience, especially if you’re keen to explore underwater.

Is the boat accessible with a wheelchair?
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it’s recommended to check with the operator if you have specific mobility needs.

How long do stops last?
Most stops, such as Cleopatra Bay and Phaselis, last about an hour, giving you enough time to swim, relax, and explore a little.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather conditions can affect the tour, especially at sea. It’s a good idea to check the forecast and confirm the cancellation policy—free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a day of lively fun, scenic views, and swimming in beautiful spots like Cleopatra Beach and Phaselis, the Kemer Pirates Boat Trip offers good value for the price. The combination of a festive atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and historical sites makes it a solid choice for those who enjoy social outings on the water.

That said, be mindful of potential logistical issues, like pickup reliability, and remember that this experience is best suited for travelers looking for an energetic, interactive day rather than a quiet or luxury-focused trip. If you enjoy meeting new people, love being on boats, and want to see some iconic spots along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, this tour could be a highlight of your Kemer visit.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or in a group, it’s worth considering. Just double-check your pickup arrangements and bring your gear for a fun, memorable day on the water!

You can check availability for your dates here: