Beyond the Postcards: Why Kekova Is a True Hidden Gem
When you envision a Kekova boat trip, your mind likely conjures images of the world-famous Sunken City of Dolchiste and the impossibly picturesque, car-free village of Kaleköy. These are the crown jewels of the region, and rightfully so. Yet, for the discerning traveler, they are just the beginning of the story. The true, deep magic of Kekova is found in the places the day-trip boats pass by-the silent, pine-scented coves, the secret beaches accessible only by sea, and the ancient ruins that lie waiting in quiet solitude. This is the Kekova that sailors and seasoned explorers whisper about, a world of profound tranquility and untouched beauty.
A private yacht charter is your exclusive key to this hidden world. It's the freedom to glide past the main attractions and drop anchor in a secluded bay where your group are the only souls in sight. This guide is your treasure map to these lesser-known destinations. We will take you beyond the postcards and into the heart of the real Kekova, revealing the Kekova hidden bays and Kekova beaches that transform a great holiday into an unforgettable adventure. This is not just a tour; it's a journey of discovery into one of Turkey's most precious protected paradises.
Anchors in Antiquity: Secluded Bays Worth Discovering
The true luxury of a private charter is the ability to linger. It's the freedom to spend an entire afternoon in a bay that captures your heart. The following coves are the soul of the Kekova sailing experience, each offering a unique character and a powerful sense of peace.
Tersane Bay
Located on the northwestern side of Kekova Island, Tersane Bay is a place where history and nature are beautifully intertwined. Its name translates to 'Shipyard Bay', a nod to its past as a safe harbour and boat-building site during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. As you enter the well-protected cove, you are greeted by the picturesque ruins of a Byzantine chapel on the shore. But the real magic lies beneath the water. The bay is scattered with submerged ruins of the ancient settlement, and the unique thrill of swimming and snorkeling directly above and among these centuries-old walls is an experience that connects you to the past in a truly tangible way. It's a perfect, calm spot for a long lunch at anchor, followed by an afternoon of historical exploration in your swimsuit.
Karaloz Bay
For those seeking absolute tranquility, Karaloz Bay is a sanctuary. Tucked away on the mainland, this small and deeply indented cove is renowned for its exceptional protection from the wind, making it a favourite and secure overnight anchorage for sailors in the know. There are no restaurants, no facilities, just the sound of the wind in the olive groves and the gentle lapping of the waves against your hull. The water here is deep, dark, and exceptionally clean. It's a place to read, to talk, to swim in profound peace, and to witness a night sky so brilliant it feels like you can almost touch the stars. It is one of the most serene and restorative of all Turkey's secluded beaches and coves.
Gökkaya Bay
Gökkaya Bay is a vast, sprawling, and wonderfully complex natural harbour, a labyrinth of smaller coves, inlets, and rocky outcrops that invite exploration. Its size and protected nature make it a fantastic playground for water sports. You can spend hours here exploring by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, discovering tiny private beaches and hidden corners. But Gökkaya also holds a quirky secret that adds a unique social dimension to its seclusion. Tucked away is a rustic, boat-access-only bar known as the 'Smuggler's Inn'. After a day of peaceful exploration, it's a fun and famous ritual for sailors to take their tender to this simple spot for a cold drink, making it a surprising and memorable part of any yacht charter in Kekova.
Sands of Seclusion: Secret Beaches Only Accessible by Boat
While Kekova is known for its dramatic rocky coastline, it also hides some small but perfect beaches that are the ultimate reward for the seafaring explorer.
Korsan Cove (Pirate Cove)
Living up to its adventurous name, Pirate Cove is a tiny, magical spot that feels like a secret discovery. Its defining feature is a small sea cave, which you can swim or kayak into, exploring its shadowy interior where light plays beautifully on the water. The cove itself is a perfect little anchorage for a swim stop, offering a sense of enclosure and mystery that is thrilling for both kids and adults. It's the kind of place that sparks the imagination and makes you feel like you've found a real pirate hideout.
Aquarium Bay (Akvaryum Koyu)
This bay is a testament to the pristine water quality of the Kekova region. It has rightfully earned its name, 'Aquarium Bay', for its phenomenal, swimming-pool-like clarity. The white sandy bottom reflects the sunlight upwards, creating a luminous, brilliant turquoise glow that is simply mesmerizing. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and inviting places to swim in all of Turkey. Dropping anchor here and diving off the yacht into this cool, crystal-clear water is a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss-a highlight of any Kekova gulet trip.
Your Passage to Paradise: How to Explore Kekova by Yacht
The key to unlocking these hidden gems is a private yacht. The daily group tours that service the region are on a strict schedule and are wonderful for seeing the main attractions, but they do not have the time or the permission to stop and linger in these more secluded spots.
Crafting Your Itinerary: Ideal Routes and Timing
A private charter gives you the ultimate freedom. To truly immerse yourself in the magic of Kekova and have time for these hidden bays, a charter of at least a few days is recommended, with a week being ideal. Many voyages into this region begin from the nearby hubs of Kaş or Fethiye, but the closest major base is the town of Demre, home to the famous Church of St. Nicholas. For the most peaceful and crowd-free experience, the shoulder seasons of May, June, September, and October are the absolute best times to visit.
The Right Vessel for Discovery: Types of Boats Suitable for Kekova
Kekova's calm, protected waters are suitable for all types of yachts. The best choice depends on your group's style:
The Gulet: A traditional, crewed gulet offers the most relaxing and authentic way to explore, with a professional crew to handle all the details.
The Sailing Yacht: A monohull sailing yacht provides an engaging and classic way to travel between the bays.
The Motor Yacht: A motor yacht offers speed and luxury, allowing you to cover more ground and arrive in style.
The Conscious Explorer: Tips for a Peaceful Blue Cruise Experience
As a visitor to this specially protected area, you are a temporary guardian of its beauty. To ensure it remains pristine for generations to come, a few simple practices make all the difference. Always anchor in sand to protect the vital seagrass meadows. Adhere to a strict 'leave no trace' policy, ensuring all your rubbish is brought back to port. When observing historical ruins, do so with respect-look but don't touch. By being a mindful and responsible traveler, you become a part of the preservation story of this incredible place. To explore more of these incredible destinations, you can browse our guide to Turkey's hidden coves and beaches.
A voyage into the secret heart of Kekova is an experience that resonates long after you return to shore. It is a journey for those who seek not just to see, but to feel. Planning such a bespoke adventure is made effortless with a trusted partner who knows and loves this coastline. At Göcek Yachting, we specialize in crafting unique itineraries that go beyond the obvious. We can guide you to these hidden paradises and ensure your Kekova sailing experience is as unique as you are. When you're ready to discover the secrets of the Turquoise Coast, we invite you to contact us.
