Antalya sits where the Taurus Mountains meet the Mediterranean, and the coastline either side of the city is a string of pine-clad cliffs, sheltered coves and sea caves. A boat tour is the most direct way to reach the bays you cannot drive to — and to swim in water that turns genuinely turquoise over the pale limestone seabed.
- Sea
- Mediterranean
- Main harbour
- Kaleici
- Water temp (summer)
- 26–28 °C
- High season
- June – September
01Why a boat tour
Antalya's most photogenic stretches of coast are simply easier from the water. Many of the bays west toward Kemer and the caves below the cliffs have no road access, so the only practical way in is by boat. A half-day cruise typically packs in two or three swim stops, a cave or two, and a lunch break — covering more of the shoreline than a full day spent driving the coast road.
There is also the Düden waterfall that drops straight into the sea near Lara, best seen from a boat looking back at the cliffs. From the water you read the city differently: the old harbour of Kaleici, the Ottoman-era houses above it, and the mountains rising behind.
The water turns a hard, clear turquoise over the pale seabed — a colour you only really see once you are out past the harbour wall.
02Route options
- Short bay cruise · 2–3 hours · Kaleici harbour out along the cliffs to the nearest coves, with one swim stop
- Standard day trip · 5–7 hours · Several bays and a sea cave, multiple swim stops, on-board lunch included
- Kemer coves route · full day · West toward Kemer for the quieter, clearer bays such as the area around Phaselis
- Sunset cruise · 2–3 hours · Late-afternoon departure timed for the light over the cliffs, roughly 17:30–20:00 in summer
- Private charter · half or full day · Your own boat and crew, route and stops set to your group
032026 boat types and prices
| Option | Duration | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Short bay cruise (shared) | 2–3 hours | €20 – €35 |
| Full-day gulet trip (shared) | 5–7 hours | €30 – €45 |
| Sunset cruise (shared) | 2–3 hours | €25 – €45 |
| Private boat (small group) | 3–4 hours | €150 – €250 |
| Private yacht charter (full day) | 6–8 hours | €250 – €400 |
All figures are estimated 2026 ranges and vary by operator, season and group size; expect the higher end in July and August. Shared day trips are the best value and usually include lunch and soft drinks, while private charters are priced per boat rather than per person — which makes them competitive for families or groups of six or more.
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04Departure points
- Kaleici (Old Harbour) · The classic departure point in central Antalya, below the old town. Most shared bay cruises leave from here.
- Kemer marina · About 45 minutes west; the gateway to the clearer western bays and the Phaselis coast.
- Side harbour · East of Antalya near the ancient ruins; convenient if you are staying in the Side or Manavgat resorts.
Many day-trip operators include hotel pick-up, so your effective departure point may be your resort rather than the harbour itself — worth confirming when you book.
05Best time to go
The best months are May–June and September–October. The sea is warm enough for swimming, the light is good and the boats are less crowded than at peak. July and August bring the warmest water but also the highest prices and busiest decks, so an early-morning or sunset departure is more comfortable. Tours can be cancelled on windy days when the swell makes the open coast uncomfortable, and most operators run from April through to late October.
06What you will see
West of Antalya (toward Kemer):
- Sea caves cut into the limestone cliffs, several big enough to swim into
- Sheltered coves with the clearest water, reachable only by boat
- The Phaselis bays, where ancient harbour ruins meet the shore
- Pine forest running right down to the waterline
Around the city and east:
- The lower Düden waterfall, dropping straight into the sea near Lara
- The cliffs and Ottoman houses above Kaleici, seen from the water
- The long Lara and Konyaaltı beaches stretching either side of the city
- Side's ancient harbour and the temple ruins on the eastern run
07Frequently asked questions
How long does an Antalya boat tour take?
A short bay cruise runs 2–3 hours, a standard day trip is 5–7 hours including swim stops and lunch, and a private charter can be booked by the half or full day. Sunset cruises last about 2–3 hours.
Which boat type is best?
For value, a shared day-trip gulet (€20–45) covers the main bays and caves. For comfort and flexibility a private boat or yacht charter (€150–400) lets you set the route and stops for your own group.
Do I need to book in advance?
In high season (June–September) booking a day or two ahead is wise for popular shared tours, and 1–2 weeks ahead for private charters. Off-season you can often join a shared boat on the day at the harbour.
What is the best season?
May–June and September–October offer warm seas with fewer crowds. July–August is hottest and busiest; the sea is warmest then but boats fill quickly, so early or sunset departures are more comfortable.
Where do the boats depart from?
The main departure points are Kaleici (the old harbour in central Antalya), Kemer marina to the west, and Side harbour to the east. Your pick-up point depends on the operator and route.