Kemer Boat Trip from Belek to Turquoise Bays and Phaselis

• Pick-up from hotels in Belek, Bogazkent and Kadriye by air-conditioned vehicle (around 08:30)
• Arrival at Kemer Marina and boarding the MegaStar
• Departure from Kemer Marina (10:30)
• Stop at Phaselis Bay: approximately 1 hour for swimming, with the option to visit Phaselis Ancient City (entrance fee extra)
• Open buffet lunch served on board
• Entertainment programme: animation, music, dancing, contests and games
• Stop at Paradise Bay: approximately 1 hour for swimming
• Foam party
• Stop at Kiris Bay / Aquarium Bay: approximately 1 hour for swimming
• Return to Kemer Marina (around 16:30)
• Transfer back to hotels by air-conditioned vehicle (around 18:30)

Few day trips from Belek manage to combine sea, history and entertainment quite like a boat excursion along the Kemer coast. Situated west of Antalya, where the Taurus Mountains plunge steeply into the Mediterranean, Kemer boasts turquoise bays framed by dense pine forests and archaeological sites that stretch back thousands of years. A Kemer Boat Trip from Belek is the most comfortable way to explore this striking coastline from the water.

Organised by TourBelek, the day begins with a morning pick-up from hotels across the Belek, Bogazkent and Kadriye area. An air-conditioned vehicle takes you to Kemer Marina, where you board the MegaStar for a full-day route that includes swimming stops in three separate bays, a close-up encounter with the ancient port city of Phaselis, live entertainment on deck and an open buffet lunch. Among the Belek boat trip options available, the Kemer route stands out for combining natural beauty with genuine historical depth.

The Kemer Region and Its Coastal Landscape

Kemer is a district roughly 43 kilometres west of Antalya city centre. Its name derives from the stone walls local people once built to protect the settlement from flash floods. Set at the foot of the Western Taurus range, the district rises from sea level to the 2,365-metre peak of Mount Tahtali, creating one of the most dramatic vertical landscapes anywhere on the Mediterranean. Pine forests carpet the hillsides right down to the waterline, and their deep green contrasts sharply with the turquoise surface below. This scenery accompanies the entire boat route, offering photographers a constantly changing canvas of colour and light.

Distance and Journey from Belek to Kemer

The road distance between Belek and Kemer Marina is approximately 85 kilometres. In an air-conditioned transfer vehicle the journey takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, following the Antalya ring road before turning off toward Kemer town centre and the marina. As part of a Belek to Kemer full day boat excursion, guests are collected from their hotel security gate and returned to the same point in the evening. The drive itself offers views of the Antalya coastline and the Taurus ridgeline.

Kemer Marina and the MegaStar Vessel

Kemer Marina, the departure point for the trip, ranks among the largest yacht harbours on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Capable of accommodating hundreds of boats at once, it is easily recognisable by its white tower. The MegaStar is a large, white-hulled, multi-deck excursion vessel built for comfort on full-day routes. The upper deck features open-air sunbathing areas with loungers, while the lower deck has seating groups and dining tables. Showers, changing cabins and toilets are available throughout the boat. A Kemer MegaStar boat tour from Belek is one of the most sought-after options in the area, appealing to families and larger groups thanks to its spacious layout and onboard facilities.

Phaselis Bay and Swimming Among Ancient Ruins

The first stop on the route is Phaselis Bay, located within the Tekirova district of Kemer. Phaselis was founded by sailors from Rhodes in the 7th century BC and grew into one of the Mediterranean's key trading ports. Well-preserved aqueducts, Roman-era baths, agora foundations, a colonnaded main street and an amphitheatre still stand as evidence of the city's historical importance. On a Belek to Phaselis boat trip, you approach this ancient settlement from the sea; the MegaStar anchors in the bay directly in front of the ruins.

Phaselis Bay is divided into three beach sections. Pebble shores are shaded by surrounding pine forests, and the shallow, calm water makes swimming accessible for all ages. Guests who wish to explore the ancient city can wade ashore and reach the site on foot. Entrance to Phaselis is not included in the tour price; Museum Pass holders enter free of charge. Those who prefer not to visit the ruins can spend the full hour swimming in the remarkably clear water of the bay.

Paradise Bay, a Hidden Cove Reached Only by Sea

Nestled at the foot of Beydaglari Coastal National Park, Paradise Bay is one of those rare coves that are virtually inaccessible overland and best reached by boat. Officially known as Alacasu Paradise Bay, this small stretch of shoreline is just 175 metres long. Sheltered from waves, surrounded by thick vegetation and fed by freshwater springs that seep down from the mountains, it feels like a genuine wilderness retreat. Where the freshwater meets the sea, the shifting colour gradations in the water are particularly striking.

The boat stops at Paradise Bay for roughly one hour. Landing on shore is not possible here, so guests jump directly from the deck into the sea. The water is so clear that the sandy bottom and small pebbles are visible in sharp detail. Of all the stops on a Belek to Kemer bays boat trip, this is usually the quietest and most peaceful.

Cleopatra Bay and the Legend Carved in Rock

Near Tekirova, Cleopatra Bay is one of the most storied spots along the Kemer shoreline. On the western cliffs of the cove, a natural rock formation resembles the profile of the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. Legend has it that the Roman general Marcus Antonius had the silhouette carved into the cliff to immortalise his love for her. Whether historically accurate or not, the rock face remains one of the most photographed features of any boat trip in the region.

The water at Cleopatra Bay is clear and the shoreline largely rocky. The boat typically slows to pass close by or makes a brief stop. There are patches of sand on the eastern side, but the main attraction is the rugged, untouched setting and the dramatic outline of the cliff itself.

Moonlight Bay, Kemer's Central Beach

Within walking distance of Kemer Marina, Moonlight Bay is one of the town's best-known beach areas. Its wide sandy shore, shallow water and the park behind it make it popular with locals and visitors alike. As the boat passes this bay, you get a panoramic view that takes in Kemer's town centre, the yachts moored in the marina and the hotel skyline stretching along the coast. On some routes a short swimming stop at Moonlight Bay may also be scheduled.

Kiris Island and Aquarium Bay, a Window to the Underwater World

The final swimming stop is the Kiris area, south of Kemer and close to Tekirova. Also known as Aquarium Bay, it takes its name from the extraordinary clarity of the water. Colourful reef fish, seaweed beds and small marine creatures can be observed even without any equipment. For anyone with a snorkel set the experience is richer still; dense clusters of marine life gather around the shallow rocks.

Around one hour of free time is given near Kiris Island. During this stop guests can choose between swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing on deck. Kemer bays Belek boat trip participants often single this out as the most interactive stop on the route, and children in particular enjoy watching the underwater life up close.

Pirate Cave and Phosphorus Cave

One of the landmarks the boat passes along the Kemer coastline is Pirate Cave. Sitting just below sea level, this natural cavern has an entrance roughly 10 metres wide and 6 metres high. According to local lore, Mediterranean pirates once used it as a hiding place. Today, small boats can enter the cave while larger vessels slow down to pass in front, giving passengers a close look at where rock and sea converge.

Another natural formation on the route is Phosphorus Cave. Named after the phosphorescent glow that sunlight creates on the interior rocks, it is most impressive when light filters in at certain angles during the day.

Mount Tahtali and Beydaglari Coastal National Park

Throughout the boat trip, Mount Tahtali (Olympos) and its 2,365-metre summit remain in view. The profile rising directly from sea level to that height is one of the most striking vertical panoramas on any Mediterranean coastline. In the afternoon, when sunlight hits the western face of the mountain, the play of light and shadow produces frames that photographers particularly prize.

A significant section of the route lies within Beydaglari Coastal National Park, one of Turkey's most important shoreline conservation areas. The park harbours endemic plant species, Calabrian pine forests and Mediterranean scrubland. Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) are known to pass through these waters on their migration routes. Thanks to its national park status, the bays along this stretch of coast have been preserved in a largely natural state.

Marine Life and Underwater Biodiversity

The clear waters off the Kemer coast support one of the Mediterranean's richest pockets of biodiversity. Shallow rocky zones provide habitat for colourful wrasse, sea bream, sea bass and juvenile tuna, as well as coral-like marine algae. Snorkellers at Aquarium Bay and around Phaselis Bay regularly encounter a dense concentration of underwater life. Traces of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) population have also been recorded in the area, though the species is extremely shy and sightings are rare. While a Kemer Boat Trip from Belek is not a dedicated dive excursion, it offers plenty of opportunities for casual underwater observation.

On-Deck Entertainment and Foam Party

The MegaStar's professional animation team organises a rolling programme of activities on deck between swimming stops. Dance performances backed by live music, group contests, games designed especially for children and other interactive activities keep the atmosphere lively throughout the day. The highlight of the entertainment programme is the foam party, when purpose-built machines fill the deck with thick foam, turning it into an open-air party zone. This activity is especially popular with younger groups and families.

Dining on Board

An open buffet lunch is served on the boat around midday, featuring staples of Turkish cuisine. The spread typically includes a fresh vegetable salad, a selection of cold mezes, grilled chicken, pasta and side dishes. Lunch is laid out at the tables on the lower deck, and guests can eat whenever it suits them. A bar operates on board throughout the day, offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for separate purchase.

Best Season and Weather Guide

Boat trips along the Kemer coast generally run from mid-April to the end of October. Sea conditions and comfort levels vary from month to month. The table below summarises average sea temperature, air temperature and crowd levels by month.

June and September offer the best balance of comfort and crowd levels. July and August are the hottest months, making sun protection and generous water intake essential. Early October is a quieter period when the sea is still warm enough for swimming but the peak-season crowds have thinned out.

Photography and Drone Tips

A series of photogenic spots come into view one after another as the boat moves along the coast. The most rewarding shooting opportunities include:

• At Phaselis Bay in the morning, when the sun rises from the east, the ancient ruins and the bay can be framed together.
• For the Cleopatra silhouette, be ready as the boat passes the western end of the cove; the window is brief.
• At Paradise Bay around midday, when the sun is directly overhead, the turquoise tones of the water reach their most vivid.
• The best angle for Mount Tahtali is during the crossing from Phaselis to Paradise Bay.
• For underwater shots, Aquarium Bay offers the best conditions; plenty of light penetrates the shallow rocky areas and the colours are vibrant.

Drone flights within Beydaglari Coastal National Park may be subject to restrictions. It is advisable to check the current regulations before flying. Waterproof camera cases and wide-angle lenses are among the most useful pieces of equipment for this trip.

Suitable for Families, Children and All Ages

A Belek to Kemer bay cruise is designed as a family-friendly experience. The animation team on board runs dedicated games and competitions for children. During swimming stops, the sheltered, shallow bays allow young children to enter the water safely. Shaded seating areas on deck cater to elderly guests, and crew members assist with boarding and disembarking. The generous proportions of the MegaStar also provide a comfortable space for guests with limited mobility.

How This Trip Differs from Other Belek Activities

Day trips from Belek include land and river-based activities such as rafting, jeep safari, ATV rides, diving and horse riding. Most of these focus on a single type of activity. The Kemer boat trip occupies a different niche because it brings together nature, history and social entertainment in a single day. Swimming in front of an ancient port city, exploring pristine bays within a national park by sea and enjoying a lively atmosphere on deck is a combination that no other Belek excursion replicates.

Safety Measures and Insurance

The boat carries an adequate supply of life jackets, a first-aid kit and fire-extinguishing equipment. Non-swimmers or anyone hesitant about entering the water can request a life jacket from the crew at any time. All participants are covered by insurance for the duration of the trip. On days when sea conditions are unfavourable, the captain may alter the route or skip certain bays; such decisions are made solely on the basis of safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Swimming in the crystal-clear Mediterranean right in front of the ancient ruins of Phaselis
• Discovering unspoilt natural coves such as Paradise Bay and Aquarium Bay, accessible only by sea
• A full day of live music, animation and a foam party on the MegaStar's open deck
• Viewing the Kemer coastline from the water, framed by Mount Tahtali and pine-clad mountains