Antalya is more than just a city; it's the grand capital of the Turkish Riviera, a vibrant hub where history, nature, and the deep blue Mediterranean converge. To start a yacht charter from here is to cast off from a harbor steeped in Roman history and set a course along the legendary Lycian Way-a coastline famed for its dramatic cliffs, ancient cities, and myth-laden shores. This is the starting point for a true voyage of discovery.
Advantages of Chartering a Yacht in Antalya
Chartering from Antalya offers a unique blend of urban convenience and wild, untouched beauty. Its international airport (AYT) is one of Turkey's largest, making access incredibly easy. The city's historic Kaleiçi (Old Town) provides a stunning backdrop for the beginning or end of your journey. Most importantly, Antalya is the perfect gateway for exploring the magnificent and historically rich coastline that stretches west towards Kaş and Kekova, a route that is arguably one of the most spectacular sailing grounds in the world.
Who Is It For?
- History & Archaeology Enthusiasts: Those who want to sail to and explore ancient Lycian and Roman cities like Phaselis, Olympos, Myra, and the sunken city of Kekova, which are often best accessed from the sea.
- Adventure Seekers: Divers and snorkelers eager to explore underwater ruins and vibrant marine life, and hikers who want to trek sections of the famous Lycian Way trail from coastal anchorages.
- Families and Groups Seeking Variety: The route offers a perfect mix of everything: quiet bays for swimming, fascinating ruins to explore, charming towns like Kaş to visit, and the amenities of a large city.
- Scenery Lovers: Anyone who appreciates dramatic landscapes will be in awe of the Taurus Mountains plunging directly into the sea, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the entire journey.
Season & Weather
The sailing season along the Antalya coast runs from late April through October.
- May - June: Ideal conditions with warm, sunny days perfect for exploring ancient sites without the peak summer heat. The sea is refreshing, and the coastline is lush and green.
- July - August: The hottest part of the year, with temperatures regularly in the 30s (°C). The sea is delightfully warm, perfect for constant swimming. The coastline is more exposed than other regions, so the sea can be livelier.
- September - October: Often considered the prime time. The intense heat subsides, the sea is at its warmest, and the evenings are balmy. The crowds have thinned, making for a more peaceful experience.
Sample Itineraries
1-Day Route: Waterfalls and Islands
Depart from Antalya's Old City Marina and cruise along the city's impressive cliffs to witness the Lower Düden Waterfall cascading directly into the Mediterranean-a sight only visible from the sea. Anchor at Sıçan Island for swimming and lunch before returning to the marina as the sun sets over the mountains.
2–3 Day Route: Journey to Ancient Harbors
- Day 1: Set sail west from Antalya towards the Kemer region. Anchor for the night in the stunning bay of Phaselis, an ancient city with three separate harbors. You can swim over submerged ruins and walk ashore to explore the well-preserved aqueduct and theatre.
- Day 2: Continue to the beautiful bay of Adrasan. In the afternoon, you can visit the nearby ruins of Olympos, a mystical ancient city set in a lush valley.
- Day 3: Enjoy a final morning swim in Adrasan's calm waters before a relaxing sail back to the Antalya marina.
1-Week Route: The Legendary Antalya-Kekova Cruise
- Day 1: Depart Antalya and head to Phaselis for your first night among ancient ruins.
- Day 2: Sail to Olympos and then anchor in the serene Adrasan Bay.
- Day 3: Journey to Demre. You can arrange a short land tour to see the incredible Lycian rock tombs of Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas (the original Santa Claus). Anchor in the sheltered Gökkaya Bay.
- Day 4: The highlight: explore the Kekova region. Sail over the Sunken City and anchor near Kaleköy (Simena), a timeless village crowned by a Crusader castle with stunning views.
- Day 5: Arrive in the beautiful town of Kaş. Moor in the marina to explore its charming streets, great restaurants, and boutiques.
- Day 6: Begin the return journey, stopping at different coves and islands you missed on the way, perhaps near the islands of the Five Houses (Beş Adalar).
- Day 7: Enjoy a long, leisurely day of sailing and swimming, with a final night's anchorage in a quiet bay near Antalya before disembarking the next morning.
Marina, Transfer & Check-in
Your charter will likely start from Setur Antalya Marina or the historic Kaleiçi Marina. Both are about a 30-40 minute drive from Antalya International Airport (AYT), a major travel hub. Weekly charters typically begin on Saturday afternoons, with check-in around 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
Yacht & Equipment
The Antalya to Kekova route is perfectly suited for a comfortable journey.
- Gulets: The most popular choice for this route. Their spaciousness and stability are ideal for week-long charters, and the full crew allows you to fully relax and soak in the history and scenery.
- Motor Yachts: A great option for those who want to cover the significant distances of the Lycian coast with speed and in ultimate comfort, allowing for more time at each destination.
Cost Items
Your charter holiday budget will be composed of several key elements:
- Charter Fee: The base price for renting the yacht and crew.
- Fuel: For the main engines and generators.
- Provisions: All food and beverages consumed onboard.
- Port & Mooring Fees: Costs for docking in marinas like Kaş or Kemer.
- APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) / Security Deposit: A budget for your expenses, managed by the captain, or a refundable security deposit.
- Crew Gratuity: A tip to show appreciation for your crew's hard work (optional, but customary).
Safety, Insurance & Rules
All charter yachts are commercially licensed, fully insured, and equipped with modern safety gear. Your captain is an experienced professional responsible for your safety. It is crucial to respect their decisions, especially concerning weather and itinerary changes. Also, be mindful of local regulations at historical sites; for instance, swimming and anchoring are strictly forbidden over the Sunken City in Kekova to protect the underwater heritage.
Local Highlights
- Kaleiçi (Antalya Old Town): A beautifully restored historic quarter with Hadrian's Gate, a charming harbor, and winding streets.
- Düden Waterfalls: Witnessing this powerful waterfall plunge into the sea is a unique experience from your yacht.
- Phaselis: A stunningly preserved ancient city where you can wander through pine forests from one Roman harbor to another.
- Sunken City of Kekova: An entire city submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century, visible through the clear turquoise water.
- Simena Castle (Kaleköy): A magnificent hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of the entire Kekova Sound.
Tips
- Consider a One-Way Charter: To maximize your exploration and avoid repetition, a one-way trip from Antalya to Kaş or Fethiye is highly recommended.
- Pack for Land and Sea: Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the extensive ancient ruins. A light jacket or sweater is also wise for cooler evenings.
- Plan Land Excursions: For sites like Myra or St. Nicholas Church, which are slightly inland, your charter agent can help arrange a vehicle and guide to meet you at the nearest port.
- Embrace the History: Read a little about the Lycian civilization before you go. It will make exploring the tombs, theatres, and cities infinitely more rewarding.
- Stay Hydrated: The Turkish sun is strong. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, both on the yacht and while exploring ashore.
