A pirate boat day in the Med.

This Kemer Pirates Boat Trip is built around classic Riviera moments: cruising past beaches and caves, then anchoring at Cleopatra’s Beach and Phaselis Bay (with possible dolphin sightings along the way).

I love two things here. First, the hotel pickup and drop-off makes it low-effort, even if you’re not a morning person. Second, the boat setup is practical: toilets onboard, plus outside showers and a bar when you want a break between swims.

One drawback to plan for: drinks cost extra and can add up, and timing can be a little imperfect if the boat needs fuel or if pickup instructions aren’t followed closely.

Key things to know before you go

• What you’re really paying for: $19 gets you boat time, guiding, lunch, transfers, and a foam party, not just a ride.
• Two big swim areas plus a bonus stop: Cleopatra Bay, Phaselis Bay, and Cennet Bay (with a second swim break).
• Ruins-view time at Phaselis Bay: you get a water setting with Greek and Roman ruins nearby, and shore access depends on how confident you are in the water.
• Bring your own snorkel kit: you can bring equipment, and the stops are long enough to use it.
• Onboard comfort helps during the day: toilets, outside showers, and a bar keep you from feeling trapped.
• Pickup location matters: you’re collected at the hotel main security gate, not inside the hotel borders.

From Kemer hotel gate to pirate ship: the 7-hour rhythm

The day starts with pickup in Kemer sometime between 9:00 and 9:30 AM. You’ll head to the marina by comfortable vehicle, then step onto a pirate-style boat for a cruise along this stretch of the Turkish Mediterranean.

This is not a “sit and stare” tour. The timing is built around the water: you’ll spend chunks of time anchored, swimming, and reboarding. That’s great if you want a full day outdoors without a lot of walking. It’s also why the day can feel slower if you’re expecting nonstop sightseeing talk.

Included in the core package: hotel transfer both ways, guiding service, full insurance, lunch, and the foam party. You also get a guide and audio support in English, Russian, and Turkish. If you’re the type who likes context while you’re floating, you’ll appreciate having both on-board guidance and audio.

Cleopatra Bay: the famous name, the real swim time

Cleopatra’s name is the hook, but the practical reason to come is simple: the boat anchors in warm, turquoise water and gives you real time to swim. Cleopatra Bay is your first major swim stop, and it comes after a cruise where you’ll pass beaches, mountains, and hidden caves from the water.

Here’s how to use this stop well:

• Arrive ready to swim. You’ll want your towel, sunscreen, and swimwear accessible because you’re not just doing a quick dip.
• If you bring your own snorkel gear, this is one of the places where it makes the most sense to use it.
• Bring a hat and sunglasses. Even when you’re in the shade on board, the anchor time is sun-forward.

The tour experience also carries a “keep your eyes open” factor. The boat trip is promoted as a chance to see dolphins, so don’t ignore the horizon while you’re distracted by lunch or music.

Phaselis Bay and the ruins: water views with optional shore time

Next, the boat stops at Phaselis Bay, where the ancient city of Phaselis sits nearby. Even if you don’t pay to enter the antique city, you still get a sense of place from the ruins viewpoint area and the coastal setting.

Important money note: entrance fee to Phaselis Antique City is not included. That means this tour is mostly about the bay, the atmosphere, and the scenery from the water area. If you’re hoping to do a full ruin walk with tickets, you’ll need to sort that separately.

There’s also a swim-and-walk question you’ll feel once you’re there: the tour format allows for the possibility that strong swimmers can reach the shore. That’s not something you should force. If you’re a confident swimmer, it can turn your day into a more active adventure. If you’re not, you can still enjoy the view and swimming without committing to shore access.

Lunch is served around this part of the day. It’s a buffet-style meal with schnitzel, three types of salads, pasta, and rice. If you’re vegetarian, you can request vegetarian alternatives when you book, which matters because you don’t want to “make do” while everyone else is eating.

Cennet Bay foam party: fun on the surface, less structure underneath

After lunch, you cruise onward to Cennet Bay for your second swim break. This is also where the tour gets more playful.

You’ll have a foam party and various onboard animations. On some days, the energy level can be high, especially when the host is in the groove. Names like Metin and Ali come up in accounts of the onboard vibe, with music and dance taking center stage. If you travel with kids, this is often the part that makes the trip feel more like an event than a ferry ride.

The trade-off is that the day’s structure is swim-heavy. If you’re the type who wants long guided stops on land, you may find yourself wishing for more information time while anchored. Some days can also include downtime between activities. So pack snacks in your mind (not literally included, since personal spendings aren’t part of the package) and treat the day as a “swim and cruise” experience first.

Cruise back with Mount Tahtali views: the easy wrap-up

On the way back toward Kemer, the tour route includes views of Mount Tahtali. This is a good moment to relax and take photos without the pressure of swimming or queueing.

Your return is planned to land back at the marina between about 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM, depending on the day’s pace. Then the vehicle waits to take you back to your hotel.

If you’re trying to schedule dinner afterward, this timing usually gives you enough runway to shower and head out. But if you’re sensitive to delays, keep dinner plans flexible. This trip can start later if the boat needs fuel, and communication isn’t always perfectly timed.

What’s onboard (and what you need to bring)

The boat is set up for comfort during a long water day. You’ll find:

• Toilets onboard
• Outside showers
• A bar (drinks cost extra)

You can bring your own snorkelling equipment, which is a big win if you’ve got a mask you like. You’ll also want your own towel, since you’ll be switching between sun, water, and reboarding.

What to bring list that actually matters:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Camera (and/or phone)
• Cash (useful for bar purchases)

Also note: the bar is part of the experience, but it’s not part of the package. In one recent account, bar prices were mentioned as quite high, like beer around £7 and cocktails around £15. Prices will vary, but the lesson is consistent: if you plan to drink, budget for it.

Price and value: where the $19 shines

At $19 per person for a 7-hour day, the value comes from what’s bundled. You’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re also getting:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• guiding service and audio support
• full insurance
• lunch
• foam party

That’s why this can feel like a deal compared with tours that sell the “boat day” but make you pay extra for transfers, basic meals, or the fun bits.

Where you should expect extra costs:

• Drinks at the bar
• Phaselis Antique City entrance fee (not included)
• Photos/video sales (not included)
• Personal spending

If you want to keep costs controlled, plan your day around what’s included: swim time, lunch, and the onboard entertainment. Bring a little cash so you’re not stuck when you want a soft drink later.

Pickup logistics: the most common reason a day goes sideways

This tour uses a specific pickup rule: the pick-up point is the main security gate of your hotel, not a lobby or reception area inside hotel borders.

That sounds minor until it’s 9:00 AM and you’re holding up a guide who’s trying to find you. If your hotel has multiple entrances or gates, stand at the one the driver expects. If you’re unsure, ask your hotel staff the name of the security gate where tour vehicles stop.

Also, pickup and timing can slip on some departures if the boat needs fuel, and updates may not always be clear. So keep your patience hat on, stay reachable, and avoid booking something that absolutely can’t move later in the day.

Who this pirate boat trip suits best

This is a fun, swim-focused day that works especially well for:

• Families who like the foam party vibe
• Couples who want a scenic cruise without heavy walking
• Travelers who can swim comfortably and enjoy snorkeling breaks
• People who like straightforward logistics (pickup, lunch, drop-off handled)

It’s not suitable for:

• People with heart problems
• Wheelchair users

If you’re unsure about swimming strength, don’t force the shore swim possibility at Phaselis Bay. You can still enjoy the bay and the view without taking on a bigger water challenge.

Also, this tour is more about the water and atmosphere than a deep guided ruin tour. If your priority is serious time inside Phaselis Antique City with tickets and lots of walking, you may want a different style of excursion.

Should you book the Kemer Pirates Boat Trip?

I’d book it if you want a low-stress boat day from Kemer with multiple swim stops, a free lunch, and a foam party that can turn into real fun fast. The $19 price is hard to beat for transfers, insurance, and food, and the stops are built for enjoying the coast rather than racing through it.

I’d think twice if you:

• hate paying extra for drinks
• need highly reliable timing with frequent updates
• want long, structured land sightseeing inside ancient sites

If you go in with the right expectations—swim first, cruise second, ruins scenery nearby—you’ll likely have the kind of easy, sunny day that makes the Turkish Riviera feel like a vacation, not a checklist.

FAQ

How much is the Kemer Pirates Boat Trip?

It costs $19 per person.

How long is the trip?

The duration is 7 hours.

When are hotel pickups in Kemer?

Pickup happens between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM.

What stops are included during the cruise?

You’ll visit Cleopatra Bay, Phaselis Bay (for the ruins area view), and Cennet Bay (with a second swimming break).

Is the entrance fee to Phaselis Antique City included?

No. The entrance fee is not included.

Is lunch included, and is vegetarian food available?

Lunch is included. It’s a buffet-style meal with schnitzel, salads, pasta, and rice, and vegetarian alternatives are available if you request them when booking.

Can I bring my own snorkeling equipment?

Yes. You can bring your own snorkelling equipment.

What facilities are on the pirate boat?

The boat has toilets, and there are outside showers and a bar.

What languages are available on the tour?

The live guide is available in English, Russian, and Turkish, and there is also an audio guide in English, Russian, and Turkish.

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