Kaş is the jewel of Turkey's Lycian Coast, a place where ancient history and bohemian charm meet the most stunning turquoise waters imaginable. While any journey here is special, exploring this coastline aboard a private motor yacht transforms a great holiday into an extraordinary one. The combination of speed, luxury, and flexibility allows you to experience the region’s legendary sites-from sunken cities to Greek islands-with an unparalleled level of comfort and style.
Advantages of a Motor Yacht Charter in Kaş
Choosing a motor yacht in Kaş is about maximizing your experience. The unique geography of the region, with its cluster of historical sites and nearby islands, is perfectly suited to the capabilities of a modern motor yacht.
- Unmatched Speed and Range: Effortlessly cruise to the entire Kekova region in under an hour. Decide on a whim to have lunch on the Greek island of Meis or dinner in Kalkan's chic harbour. A motor yacht turns the entire Lycian coast into your personal playground.
- Superior Comfort and Luxury: Enjoy the journey in air-conditioned comfort. Relax on a spacious flybridge with 360-degree views as you speed across the water. Motor yachts offer a stable and smooth ride, minimizing the effect of waves and ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
- Ultimate Itinerary Freedom: Your plans are not dependent on the wind. This reliability means you can plan a detailed itinerary for a shorter trip and be confident you'll see everything on your list.
- Privacy and Exclusivity: Access the most secluded coves and private swimming spots far from the daily tour boats, arriving quickly and leaving whenever you please.
Who Is It For?
- Luxury-Seeking Travellers: Guests who prioritise premium comfort, en-suite cabins, high-end service, and a sophisticated travel experience.
- Time-Conscious Explorers: Those on a 1-week or shorter holiday who want to experience the best of the region-including Kaş, Kekova, Kalkan, and Meis-without spending most of their time in transit.
- Families and Groups Seeking Comfort: The stability, amenities, and easy access to the water make motor yachts an ideal and stress-free platform for families with children or multi-generational groups.
- Social butterflies: Individuals who enjoy hopping between the vibrant harbours of Kaş, Kalkan, and Meis, exploring upscale restaurants, and shopping in boutique stores.
Season & Weather
The charter season in Kaş runs from May to October. A motor yacht offers a fantastic experience throughout this period.
- May - June & September - October: These shoulder months offer ideal conditions with warm, sunny days (22-28°C) and fewer crowds. The sea is wonderfully calm, perfect for high-speed cruising.
- July - August: The peak of summer brings the hottest weather (often above 30°C) and the warmest sea temperatures. A motor yacht's air-conditioned interior provides a welcome retreat from the midday heat, while its speed creates its own refreshing breeze.
Sample Itineraries
1-Day Route: The Kaş, Kekova & Meis Power Tour
Depart Kaş Marina and cruise at speed to the Kekova region. Glide over the Sunken City and take a swim in Tersane Bay. Make a quick photo stop at Kaleköy (Simena) before speeding across the channel to the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) for a delightful waterfront lunch. After exploring the colourful harbour, enjoy a fast and exhilarating ride back to Kaş in time for sunset cocktails.
2–3 Day Route: The Lycian Riviera Express
- Day 1: Explore the full Kekova region at a relaxed pace. Visit the Sunken City, climb the castle at Kaleköy, and swim in several different bays like Gökkaya. Overnight at a peaceful anchorage.
- Day 2: In the morning, cruise west past Kaş to the magnificent Kaputaş Beach. After a swim, continue to the sophisticated port of Kalkan. Enjoy the afternoon exploring its charming old town and dine at one of its famous rooftop restaurants.
- Day 3: Depart Kalkan and head to the Greek island of Meis for brunch and a quick dip in its Blue Grotto, then enjoy a final, swift cruise back to Kaş Marina.
1-Week Route: Kaş to Göcek Luxury Voyage
- Day 1 & 2: Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Kaş and the Kekova region.
- Day 3: Enjoy a thrilling open-water cruise past the Seven Capes, arriving at the world-famous Ölüdeniz lagoon. Anchor nearby for the night.
- Day 4: A short cruise takes you to Butterfly Valley (viewed from the sea) and St. Nicholas Island, famed for its Byzantine ruins.
- Day 5: Enter the stunning Gulf of Fethiye. Spend the day exploring pristine bays like Bedri Rahmi and the sunken ruins of Cleopatra's Bath.
- Day 6: Experience the glamorous yachting hub of Göcek, hopping between its beautiful islands and enjoying the exclusive atmosphere.
- Day 7: Begin the swift journey back towards Kaş, stopping at Kalkan for a final exquisite dinner before returning to base.
Port, Transfer & Check-in
The most convenient airport is Dalaman Airport (DLM), a scenic 2-hour transfer to Kaş. Kaş Marina is the primary departure point for luxury motor yacht charters. Standard check-in is on Saturday afternoons.
Boat & Equipment
Motor yachts chartered in this region are designed for performance and luxury. Expect powerful engines capable of cruising speeds over 20 knots, spacious flybridges perfect for entertaining and sunbathing, elegant air-conditioned interiors, and state-of-the-art navigation systems. Many are also equipped with stabilizers for added comfort at sea and a range of water toys for entertainment.
Cost Breakdown
When chartering a motor yacht, be mindful of the following costs:
- The Yacht Charter Fee
- Fuel: This is a significant extra cost, directly proportional to your cruising speed and distance.
- Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA): A budget paid upfront to cover fuel, food, drinks, and port fees.
- Port & Mooring Fees
- Customs & Port Formalities for Greece
- Crew Gratuity (A tip of 5-15% of the charter fee is customary for excellent service).
Safety, Insurance & Rules
All charter vessels are commercially registered, fully insured, and adhere to strict international safety standards. Your professional crew is trained to handle all situations at sea. A trip to Greece (Meis) requires advance notification to your charter agent to prepare the necessary customs and passport documentation. Adherence to your captain’s instructions is paramount for a safe and enjoyable journey.
Local Highlights
- Kekova Sunken City: Witness the underwater ruins of an ancient city, a truly unique sight best experienced from the deck of a private yacht.
- Meis (Kastellorizo): A stunningly beautiful Greek island just a stone's throw away, perfect for a change of scenery and culture.
- Kaleköy (Simena): A car-free village crowned by a Crusader castle, offering panoramic views of the entire Kekova Sound.
- Kaputaş Beach & Blue Cave: A world-famous beach and a nearby sea cave with ethereal blue light, both best accessed by your own boat.
- Kalkan: A sophisticated harbour town known for its historic architecture and world-class rooftop restaurants.
- Ancient Aperlai: Snorkel over the ruins of another fascinating submerged Lycian port city.
Tips
- Manage Your Speed, Manage Your Budget: Discuss your preferred cruising style with your captain. Cruising at a more moderate displacement speed (e.g., 10-12 knots) will dramatically reduce fuel consumption compared to high-speed planing.
- Utilise Your Captain's Knowledge: Your captain is your best local guide. Ask them to make dinner reservations at the best restaurants in Kaş or Kalkan.
- Pack Light, Pack Smart: Even on a large yacht, storage is at a premium. Soft-sided duffel bags are far more practical than rigid suitcases.
- Don't Forget Your Passport: Even if a trip to Meis is only a possibility, it's essential to have your travel documents with you.
- Pre-Stock Your Preferences: Provide a detailed list of your favourite food, wine, and spirits in advance so your yacht can be perfectly provisioned for your arrival.
