Cabin Charter vs Private Gulet | Kekova & Blue Cruise Turkey

Think about waking up on deck to the sight of emerald islands and historical citadel ruins because the solar warms the turquoise water round you. It is a typical morning on Turkey’s famed Blue Cruise – a multi-day crusing journey alongside the Turquoise Coast the place historical past and pure magnificence unfold at each cove. Amongst all of the gorgeous locales on these routes, one area stands out because the beating coronary heart of the Blue Cruise: Kekova.

Famed for its crystal-clear bays, half-sunken ruins, and peaceable villages solely reachable by boat, Kekova captures the essence of what makes a Blue Cruise magical. Whether or not you’re planning to be part of a cabin constitution with fellow vacationers or lease a non-public gulet for simply your group, chances are high Kekova would be the spotlight of your journey – and understanding your cruise choices will make it easier to profit from it.

What Is a Turkey Blue Cruise?

The “Blue Cruise” (or Mavi Yolculuk) has grow to be synonymous with leisurely crusing holidays in Turkey – suppose lazy days hopping between hidden bays, swimming over sunken ruins, and eating beneath the celebrities on deck. It’s a convention that started within the Fifties when a author began taking buddies on gulet voyages from Bodrum, and at the moment it’s a bucket-list expertise for vacationers worldwide. Kekova, a scenic bay space between Fethiye and Antalya, is commonly cited because the jewel of the Blue Cruise route.

In truth, many cruises departing from western hubs like Fethiye or Bodrum spend most of their time within the Kekova space, drawn by its distinctive mix of pure and historic sights.

Geographically, Kekova sits roughly halfway alongside the Turquoise Coast, making it accessible from each instructions – some 4-day one-way cruises even begin in Fethiye and end close to Kekova (Demre), or vice versa, conveniently bridging vacationers to the Antalya area. It’s no surprise boats large and small, from tour boats to non-public yachts, often embody Kekova on their itineraries

Why Kekova Is the Coronary heart of the Blue Cruise

Crusing into Kekova seems like getting into a residing museum within the open sea. The Kekova Particular Environmental Safety Space spans a big marine zone devoted to preserving its clear waters and wealthy biodiversity.

The outcome? Pristine coves with unbelievable visibility, vibrant marine life, and well-preserved ruins slightly below the floor. Beneath are a few of Kekova’s highlights which have earned it a high spot on Blue Cruise itineraries:

Kaleköy (Simena Fort)

A postcard-perfect Lycian village clinging to a hillside, Kaleköy has no street entry – it’s reachable solely by sea, which retains its appeal intact. Hike as much as the medieval Simena Fort for breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and scatterings of historical ruins.

Don’t miss the eerie Lycian sarcophagus rising from the water close to the shore – a favourite swim-by picture op for guests. The entire setting makes you’re feeling such as you’ve stepped again in time.

Sunken Metropolis of Kekova

Simply throughout the channel on Kekova Island lie the half-submerged ruins of the traditional city of Dolichiste, usually known as the Sunken Metropolis. Destroyed by an earthquake within the 2nd century, its stays – stone partitions, staircases, and waterfront foundations – are nonetheless clearly seen under the water’s floor.

This archaeological web site is protected (no swimming or diving allowed right here), however your gulet will slowly cruise by, and you may peer straight down by way of the glassy water at 2,000-year-old ruins beneath you. Some vacationers even kayak alongside the shore for a better look, gliding above submerged relics of Byzantine and Roman occasions.

After the Italian occupation of Kastelorizo, Kekova — which on the time was quickly inhabited in summer time for wooden harvesting — was disputed between Italy and Turkey. The 1932 Conference between Italy and Turkey assigned it to Turkey.

On its northern aspect, there are the partly sunken ruins of Dolchiste/Dolikisthe, an historical city which was destroyed by an earthquake in the course of the 2nd century. Rebuilt and nonetheless flourishing in the course of the Byzantine Empire interval, it was lastly deserted due to Arab incursions. Tersane (that means “dockyard”, as its bay was the positioning of an historical metropolis Xera and dockyard, with the ruins of a Byzantine church) is on the northwest of the island.

The Kekova area was declared a specifically protected space on 18 January 1990 by the Turkish Ministry of Setting and Forest. Every kind of diving and swimming had been prohibited and required particular permits from authorities workplaces. In later years, the prohibition has been lifted aside from the half the place the sunken metropolis is.

Hidden Coves and Sea Life

The Kekova space is dotted with quiet bays like Tersane and Gökkaya, which make idyllic stops for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch. These sheltered coves are a part of a marine sanctuary, so the waters are exceptionally clear and wealthy with life – faculties of fish, corals, and even loggerhead sea turtles.

In truth, the bays round Kaş and Kekova supply improbable probabilities tospot endangered Caretta caretta turtles surfacing for air; it’s fairly frequent and thrilling to come across these mild creatures throughout boat journeys. Don your masks, and also you may end up snorkeling alongside a sea turtle or watching one glide by your gulet.

Residing Lycian Historical past

Simply inland from Kekova’s shores are treasures of Turkey’s Lycian heritage. The area is dwelling to the Historical Metropolis of Myra, identified for its spectacular rock-cut tombs and a grand Roman theater, in addition to the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre – the burial place of the real-life 4th-century St. Nicholas (sure, the origin of Santa Claus!).

Cabin cruises usually persist with on-water actions and panoramic views, however if you happen to’re a historical past buff on a non-public constitution, you’ve got the liberty to rearrange a cease in Demre to go to these websites up shut.

Many Blue Cruise company don’t notice how shut they’re to such cultural gems; non-public gulet journeys can seamlessly mix onshore excursions like Myra’s ruins or a fast pilgrimage to St. Nicholas’ Church into your crusing itinerary, one thing not doable on a hard and fast group route.

All advised, it’s simple to see why sailors dub Kekova “the pearl of the Mediterranean.” This compact area alone affords a microcosm of the Blue Cruise expertise – from historical Lycian relics to untouched pure magnificence and blissful turquoise swim spots.

Now, let’s take a look at how one can discover Kekova (and past) through the 2 predominant Blue Cruise kinds: cabin charters and personal gulet charters.

Cabin Constitution Cruises in Kekova: Social Crusing Adventures

In case you’re a solo traveler, a pair, or simply trying to be part of a enjoyable group on board, a cabin constitution is a perfect option to expertise the Blue Cruise.

In a cabin constitution, you guide a cabin on a shared gulet that follows a preset itinerary, crusing with a combined group of passengers and knowledgeable crew. Consider it like becoming a member of a floating hostel – however much more snug and scenic! You’ll get your personal non-public cabin to sleep in, however all of the frequent areas and the journey itself are shared, making for a really social environment.

Why select a cabin constitution?

For one, it’s budget-friendly. As an alternative of renting a whole boat, you pay per particular person or per cabin, which considerably lowers the associated fee in comparison with a non-public constitution. The value often consists of your lodging, meals ready by the onboard chef, and primary actions, so it’s an all-inclusive deal with out breaking the financial institution.

However maybe the most important draw is the camaraderie: you’ll be assembly new individuals from world wide – sunbathing, snorkeling, and having fun with sundown cocktails collectively. Many vacationers make lifelong buddies over the few days at sea. In case you love a little bit of journey and don’t thoughts the corporate, cabin cruises could be extremely enjoyable. In truth, about 70–80% of cabin company say the social side was a spotlight of their journey

Varieties of cabin cruises

There are completely different kinds of cabin cruises to go well with completely different traveler varieties. Some are labeled “18-39 Younger Adults”, geared towards youthful vacationers or the young-at-heart on the lookout for a energetic, upbeat vibe. Different cabin journeys are mixed-age cruises, which are usually extra relaxed and family-friendly – excellent if you happen to desire a mellower atmosphere or are touring with youngsters or older relations. You’ll be able to select shorter journeys vs. longer journeys too.

Typical Routes (Fethiye to Olympos, and many others.)

Cabin charters in Turkey usually are available two flavors: 4 days/3 nights or 7 days/6-7 nights.

The shorter 3-night variations are sometimes one-way routes nice for these on a good schedule – for instance, the well-known Fethiye to Olympos itinerary (ending close to Kekova) is a 4-day cruise that passes iconic spots like Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kaş, and the Sunken Metropolis of Kekova.

This traditional route is commonly cited as the most well-liked gulet cruise in Turkey, beloved by backpackers and journey seekers. Longer 7-night cruises often do a round-trip loop (or cowl extra distance one-way) with additional time for hidden bays. One in style week-long route, for example, sails Fethiye → Kekova → Fethiye, providing you with ample time to discover the Göcek coves, Kaş city, Kekova’s many gems, and again – supreme if you wish to begin and finish in the identical port.

Execs and cons

On a cabin constitution, the itinerary is fastened by the operator, which has its professionals and cons. The nice half is you don’t should plan a factor – the route is expertly crafted to hit all of the must-see spots and finest swim stops, so that you’re assured to expertise the highlights.

In the future you may hike to a hillside monastery or paraglide over Ölüdeniz, the following you’ll be cruising previous Kekova’s Sunken Metropolis or exploring a quaint city like Kaş. It’s a stress-free option to see the Turquoise Coast’s high sights.

The flip aspect is you gained’t have a lot flexibility to stray from the schedule. Everybody follows the identical recreation plan, which could embody set meal occasions, swim breaks, and in a single day anchorage in designated bays. If, say, you completely beloved Kaleköy and wished to remain longer, on a cabin journey you usually should sail on when it’s time.

However for many, that’s a minor trade-off given the comfort and worth. (And if you happen to fall in love with the Blue Cruise expertise, you possibly can all the time plan a non-public journey subsequent time to customise your route!)

Personal Gulet Charters in Kekova: Freedom and Personalization

When you’ve got a household group, a bunch of buddies, or just crave privateness and suppleness, then a non-public gulet constitution could be your dream come true. Chartering a gulet privately means you get the entire boat to your self, with your personal captain and crew, and also you name the pictures (to an inexpensive extent) on the place to go and what to do every day.

It’s like having a floating villa for every week – one which comes with a devoted chef, skipper, and the ever-changing yard of the Mediterranean Sea!

Why go non-public?

In a single phrase: freedom. With a non-public constitution, you’re not tied to a preset group itinerary. You’ll be able to talk about the route day by day along with your captain and linger the place you want, skip locations you’re not concerned about, even change plans on a whim if the temper strikes. Love a selected bay? Drop anchor and swim all afternoon.

Feeling adventurous? Ask the captain to sail early so you possibly can slot in an additional island earlier than dinner. The itinerary is tailor-made to your pursuits, throughout the bounds of climate and security. This flexibility is right for exploring Kekova, the place there’s a lot to see.

For instance, in case your group is actually into kayaking, you might have the crew organize sea kayaks and spend a morning paddling across the Sunken Metropolis up shut. Or if you happen to’re historical past buffs, you may dedicate additional time to climb Simena Fort and nonetheless go to these onshore Lycian websites like Myra.

Wish to pop ashore in Demre to see the Church of St. Nicholas or the Roman theater? On a non-public constitution, no downside – you possibly can construct in a fast land tour (one thing group cruises don’t usually supply). Primarily, non-public gulets unlock experiences that cabin journeys can’t, as a result of you’ve got the posh of alternative.

Luxurious vs Customary Gulets

Talking of luxurious, non-public charters additionally allow you to select your model of boat. Gulets vary from commonplace, cozy vessels to ultra-luxury yachts, and the value scales accordingly. A conventional commonplace gulet has snug however easy cabins (often with ensuite tub), a pleasant eating deck, and perhaps a smaller crew – nice for an genuine, homey environment on a decrease finances.

Then again, if you happen to’re after indulgence, luxurious gulets come decked out like floating boutique lodges: suppose king-size beds, air-conditioning, connoisseur menus, and presumably even a jacuzzi or jet skis on board.

With a bigger crew to pamper you, the service on a luxurious constitution is top-notch – you gained’t should elevate a finger. Most non-public charters embody your primary meals and commonplace actions, however you possibly can usually request particular touches. Fancy a seaside BBQ one evening or have a birthday to have fun? The crew could make it occur. Simply keep in mind, all this exclusivity comes at a better price: you’re renting the complete boat for every week, so the value is within the hundreds (various by boat measurement and season) quite than lots of per particular person.

The excellent news is that in case you have a decent-sized group (often 6 to 12 individuals), once you cut up the constitution price, the per-person price can grow to be surprisingly affordable – typically near what you’d pay on a cabin cruise for every week. For instance, ten buddies sharing a €10,000/week commonplace gulet is about €1,000 every, which is in the identical ballpark as some cabin excursions. Thus, with sufficient journey buddies, going non-public could be nice worth for the expertise you get.

Lastly, non-public charters supply an ambiance that you just simply can’t get on a shared boat. It’s simply your group on board, so that you’ll get pleasure from full privateness and the liberty to be yourselves with out worrying about different company. It’s excellent for household reunions, a visit with {couples} or buddies, or celebrating an important day. Wish to play your personal music playlist all day? Go for it. Want a quiet night stargazing with no distractions? Achieved.

The crew adjusts fully to your preferences, providing you with a really customized journey. Many individuals additionally select non-public gulets for honeymoons or anniversaries, because it’s extremely romantic to have a traditional picket yacht all to yourselves in secluded bays. On the flip aspect, you gained’t have the built-in social scene of a cabin constitution – however that’s precisely the purpose for many who select this route. (In case you’ll miss assembly new individuals, you possibly can all the time befriend different gulets when anchored in the identical bay – a pleasant swim over to say hello isn’t unusual!)

Want the posh of freedom?

Discover non-public gulet charters to craft your dream Blue Cruise. Whether or not you go for a captivating commonplace gulet or a high-end luxurious vessel, a non-public constitution means Kekova and the Turquoise Coast are yours to find by yourself schedule. You may spend an additional day amongst Kekova’s coves since you simply can’t get sufficient of the tranquility, or navigate to a quieter anchorage that large excursions skip – it’s all as much as you.

Cabin Constitution or Personal Gulet: Which to Select?

Each cabin and personal gulet cruises will allow you to reside the Blue Cruise expertise – waking as much as turquoise bays, swimming in sun-kissed waters, and exploring Turkey’s coastal historical past – however the suitable alternative is dependent upon your journey model, finances, and group wants.

Right here’s a fast side-by-side comparability that will help you resolve:

Price Per Individual

For budget-conscious vacationers or smaller events, cabin charters win on value. A couple of hundred euros can guide you a 3–4 evening journey. Personal charters require paying for the entire boat (hundreds in whole), so except you’ve got a bigger group to separate the associated fee, they’ll be considerably pricier per particular person. (Tough estimate: a normal non-public gulet in peak season may run ~€1,000+ per particular person with a full group, versus €600–€900 on a cabin cruise.)

For 8+ individuals, although, a non-public constitution’s price per head drops rather a lot and might method cabin-cruise charges. Do the mathematics along with your group measurement and see what is smart.

Ambiance & Social Life

Cabin cruises are all in regards to the group vibe – making new buddies, perhaps partying at evening in a cove (sure, Smuggler’s Inn in Kekova is a well-liked cease for some youth-oriented cruises!), enjoying playing cards or swapping tales beneath the celebrities with various shipmates. In case you’re outgoing or touring alone, this is usually a blast.

Personal cruises are intimate and tailor-made – nice for high quality time with your personal individuals, however you’ll forego the prospect to fulfill different vacationers on board. It’s not that one is healthier than the opposite; they’re simply completely different flavors. Select cabin if you happen to thrive in social settings; select non-public if you happen to worth privateness and a self-directed environment.

Itinerary Flexibility

Personal constitution is the hands-down alternative for flexibility. You’ll be able to work with the captain to regulate plans day by day – linger longer in that excellent bay, go to onshore websites like Myra that group journeys skip, and even change the path to chase good climate.

Cabin charters persist with a hard and fast schedule, which reliably covers the highlights however doesn’t permit impromptu detours. So, in case you have a really particular wishlist (say, you should spend a sundown at a selected hidden cove, otherwise you need to add a scuba dive at Kaş), a non-public constitution helps you to do it. In case you’re completely happy to chill out and observe a ready-made itinerary, cabin cruises are splendidly hassle-free.

Facilities & Consolation

On a shared cabin cruise, you’ll have a comfy cabin and customary areas, however gulets used for cabin charters are usually commonplace class – snug however not opulent, and also you share the crew’s consideration with all company.

Personal charters offer you extra alternative in boat consolation (commonplace vs. luxurious) and infrequently a better crew-to-guest ratio, that means extra customized service. Additionally, if having facilities like AC at evening or fancy water toys is essential, you possibly can choose a ship that gives these on a non-public constitution. Cabin cruises supply a captivating, genuine expertise however often with out the frills (and observe: on some finances cabin journeys, cabins may not have AC 24/7, which is price contemplating in peak summer time).

In the long run, your resolution may boil all the way down to practicality

Are you a pair or small group trying to preserve prices low and make buddies? Or do you’ve got a much bigger group (or larger finances) and a need for a custom-made journey?

The excellent news is, both method you’ll get to experience Kekova’s magic. Cabin cruisers will bond over shared awe the primary time they glide over the Sunken Metropolis’s ruins, and personal constitution company can have the enjoyment of experiencing Kekova’s serene mornings all to themselves.

Whichever model you select, put together for an unforgettable journey. The Turkish coast has a method of charming vacationers – you may begin your cruise as strangers or simply vacationers, however you’ll finish it as sun-kissed Blue Cruisers with a deep appreciation for Turkey’s heritage and pure magnificence.

And in Kekova’s case, it’s simple to see why so many name it the guts of the Blue Cruise: the place else are you able to kayak above a 2nd-century metropolis, swim with turtles, and clink glasses beneath a medieval citadel – multi function afternoon?

So hoist the anchor and set sail for Kekova’s enchanting waters. Whether or not you’re mingling with new buddies on a cabin constitution or luxuriating within the freedom of a non-public gulet, the Turquoise Coast’s finest awaits. Completely satisfied cruising – or as we are saying in Turkey, iyi yolculuklar! (Have an excellent journey!)