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Boats and Bays
No visit to Kas would be complete without going somewhere on a boat. After all this is a harbour town in the centre of Turkey's “Rivera”! With numerous uncrowded bays and turquoise waters this is one of the best coastlines to cruise in the world.
There is a great range of tours on offer around the beautiful turquoise coast in the Kaş area. Privately rented small boats can take you to secluded bays and small islands where you can swim in the clear blue sea or just laze on the boat and soak up the sun, or on organised trips. Such as the very popular Kekova trip where you can see the half-submerged remains of a Byzantine sunken city and the nearby villages of Simena / Kaleköy with it’s hilltop castle or a trip to visit the Blue Cave. Whatever trip you choose you will have plenty of opportunities for swimming and enjoying the sun. Lunch is normally provided and includes either grilled local fish or barbecue chicken with salad and rice. A range of soft and alcoholic drinks are available on board for you to purchase. Usually some fishing and snorkelling equipment is available and is free to use. It is also possible to book a larger boat for overnight trips from one night to a week. There are two ferryboats to the Greek Island Kastellorizo (Meis) and regular ferries to the beaches in Liman Agzi.
The most popular bout tour by far is to Kekova. It is actually an island or rather a group of sparsely populated islands and bays isolated from big tourist centres. Famous for its' under water ruins, Kekova is a fascinating place where history and nature combine to give you the most out of this world experience. A visit to Kekova combines history and fun against a backdrop of the sea. The unspoiled landscape, the magical under water ruins, the warm Mediterranean sun and all the adventure that goes with it will give a memorable trip. You should not miss give this paradise on earth!
There are several ways you can visit the area from Kas but all involve a boat or kayak.
• You can hire a car, drive to Uçağız (one of the two villages in Kekova) and rent a boat for a trip directly from the owner (There are always a few hanging around at the entrance to the village). This can be an expensive way to do it, but is the best way to experience a day there, particularly a small group.
• There are agencies who take people by bus from Kas and Kalkan to Ucagiz and then take a boat from there to explore the bays and sights of the area. This is similar to above but a larger group (therefore cheaper). They claim this gives visitors more time on the water in Kekova and less time travelling to and fro.
• The most popular way however, is to go with one of the 10 or 12 boats that leave the harbour for Kekova every day in the summer at 10am. This is a whole day trip including lunch and the cruise along the coast from Kas to the bays can be very pleasant.
• Kayak is another way to see the area and you can find out about that here.
• Most overnight gulet trips will visit the area, a great way to experience the peace and beauty of Kekova “Roads”.
There are several ways you can visit the area from Kas but all involve a boat or kayak.
• You can hire a car, drive to Uçağız (one of the two villages in Kekova) and rent a boat for a trip directly from the owner (There are always a few hanging around at the entrance to the village). This can be an expensive way to do it, but is the best way to experience a day there, particularly a small group.
• There are agencies who take people by bus from Kas and Kalkan to Ucagiz and then take a boat from there to explore the bays and sights of the area. This is similar to above but a larger group (therefore cheaper). They claim this gives visitors more time on the water in Kekova and less time travelling to and fro.
• The most popular way however, is to go with one of the 10 or 12 boats that leave the harbour for Kekova every day in the summer at 10am. This is a whole day trip including lunch and the cruise along the coast from Kas to the bays can be very pleasant.
• Kayak is another way to see the area and you can find out about that here.
• Most overnight gulet trips will visit the area, a great way to experience the peace and beauty of Kekova “Roads”.
Tour Type 1 (by boat)
Boat leaves Kas Harbour around 10am in the morning to cruise to the sunken city at Kekova Island. On the way to Kekova there will be plenty of opportunities to swim in many of the small bays en route. In Kekova itself you will have the chance to swim in a bay which once served as a shipyard to the Lycians. You will also have the chance to visit a crusader castle in Simena, which has fantastic views over Kekova. A fabulous lunch will be served on board, where the host family cook up the fish they have caught that day, along with plenty of other choices of dishes. Return along the coast to Kas late afternoon.
Tour Type 2 (by road)
You will be picked up from your hotel at 10 am and driven to Üçağız Village, passing open cisterns and shepherds tending their flocks among the rocky outcrops. Üçağız (Yuch-ah-uz or three mouths) is a small seaside town near Kekova Island, with old stone houses, simple cafes and a cluster of ancient Lycian and Roman tombs.
You will board the boat and cruise around the Kekova Island area to the picturesque village of Simena, which is a charming town that has not changed much for many years. The crusader castle above the town has a magnificent view of the Kekova area and there are gnarled olive trees, hundreds of years old, next to stone sarcophagi which are shaped like houses.
The ancient city of Simens was located on the peninsula of the Tristomos Bay and dates back to the fourth century BC. The castle was built on the fortifications of a much older citadel. Below the fortifications is a small seven-tiered theatre. There is an ancient tomb submerged in the water in the harbour.
Across the bay along Kekova Island are half-submerged ruins of the city sunk by earthquake in the second century AD. You will be able to see remains of stone foundations beneath your boat and on the land staircases seemingly going to nowhere, with remains of abandoned houses. There are also strangely shaped rock islands that have been hollowed out as they were used as stone quarries and later as dwellings. You will enjoy lunch and make various swimming and snorkelling stops to unspoiled bays in the area such as Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay (an ancient shipyard and remains of a Byzantine Church), Gokkaya Bay and Burc Bay. Return to Kas in the early evening.
You will board the boat and cruise around the Kekova Island area to the picturesque village of Simena, which is a charming town that has not changed much for many years. The crusader castle above the town has a magnificent view of the Kekova area and there are gnarled olive trees, hundreds of years old, next to stone sarcophagi which are shaped like houses.
The ancient city of Simens was located on the peninsula of the Tristomos Bay and dates back to the fourth century BC. The castle was built on the fortifications of a much older citadel. Below the fortifications is a small seven-tiered theatre. There is an ancient tomb submerged in the water in the harbour.
Across the bay along Kekova Island are half-submerged ruins of the city sunk by earthquake in the second century AD. You will be able to see remains of stone foundations beneath your boat and on the land staircases seemingly going to nowhere, with remains of abandoned houses. There are also strangely shaped rock islands that have been hollowed out as they were used as stone quarries and later as dwellings. You will enjoy lunch and make various swimming and snorkelling stops to unspoiled bays in the area such as Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay (an ancient shipyard and remains of a Byzantine Church), Gokkaya Bay and Burc Bay. Return to Kas in the early evening.
Islands Tour Example
“You’ll sail by boat from Kaş at 10 AM to enjoy swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling near different bays and secluded coves between the mainland of Turkey and the island atolls near Meis (Kastellorizo). You may visit the protected bay of Limanagzı, which has Lycian tombs cut into the sheer rock face, or cruise to Ufakdere and Kovan Island. You may be lucky enough to see a shy octopus, colourful fish, and sponge growing on the sea floor. The famous Uluburun Bronze Age shipwreck, which is located in the Bodrum Museum, was discovered near here.
Although you will not visit the Island of Meis (Kastellorizo) on this tour, you will be close enough to get a view of the charming harbour area, and you may just consider a separate trip by ferry to discover more of the Greek island's charms. This is an enjoyable day cruise including lunch, which ends around 5 PM, back in the harbour of Kaş”
Although you will not visit the Island of Meis (Kastellorizo) on this tour, you will be close enough to get a view of the charming harbour area, and you may just consider a separate trip by ferry to discover more of the Greek island's charms. This is an enjoyable day cruise including lunch, which ends around 5 PM, back in the harbour of Kaş”
Some times these boat tours will include a visit to some sea caves that can be explored along the coast near Kas. "Wild Pigeon Cave" where the birds come to roost above cool spring-fed water. Another popular cave to swim in is the "Blue Cave", a large cave in near darkness except for the indescribable brilliant phosphorescent-blue of the water caused by sunlight shining up through the surface of the water.
Apart from these various day trips some boats go on a “romantic moonlit cruise” which sometimes includes dinner.
On board a gulet, you will have time for you. You can lose yourself among the pages of a book or simply relax in the shade in a hammock on deck. Take a swim at dawn or enjoy a hearty breakfast served by the crew of the boat.
You can sail turquoise waters, watching the wonders of the coast, anchor in beautiful secluded bays, take a good walk and enjoy an unforgettable sunset.
You usually sail a couple of hours a day and then the boat is anchored in a bay or in a small village. Each day you will visit two to three bays. Normally the schooner uses the engine, and only under favourable conditions of wind, can also use the sails.
The departure and meal times may vary depending on daily activities and the requests of the group. The captain is the one who decides any changes in itinerary and the sailing time.
In short, an adventure where you can choose at any time what you want to do (swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, sunbathing) and where the crew will take care of everything: to prepare and serve meals, provide the service bar, cleaning, and will be at your disposal all time to carry out your preferences for the entire trip.
You can sail turquoise waters, watching the wonders of the coast, anchor in beautiful secluded bays, take a good walk and enjoy an unforgettable sunset.
You usually sail a couple of hours a day and then the boat is anchored in a bay or in a small village. Each day you will visit two to three bays. Normally the schooner uses the engine, and only under favourable conditions of wind, can also use the sails.
The departure and meal times may vary depending on daily activities and the requests of the group. The captain is the one who decides any changes in itinerary and the sailing time.
In short, an adventure where you can choose at any time what you want to do (swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, sunbathing) and where the crew will take care of everything: to prepare and serve meals, provide the service bar, cleaning, and will be at your disposal all time to carry out your preferences for the entire trip.
Various sizes and types of wooden gulet are available for overnight trips in Kas harbour. You can book for one night and up to a week and size probably depends on how many people are in your group.
Overnight Gulet Tours
Kastellorizo (Meis)
An excursion to the nearby stunning and traditional Greek island of Kastellorizo ia another popular choice. The main village is clustered around a small harbour and the pastel-coloured classical buildings are exactly what you’d expect a Greek fishing village to look like – the perfect day out.
Named Meis in Turkish - and truly an Oscar-winner of an island! Kastellorizo was the feature island of the film “Mediterraneo”; which won an Oscar for “Best Foreign Language Film” in 1991. Just 2 nautical miles (@4Km) and a relaxing 20-minute ferry trip from Kas harbour' Kastellorizo is a wonderful village that typifies Greek island life.
The ferries leave Kas at around 10:00am and head out across the sea, entering the wonderful village harbour with its' typical Greek houses and church, a different world from Kas.
The town's backstreets are worth strolling around and there is a castle and museum and some churches to see. The bars and tavernas around the harbour are the place to sample Greek cuisine and enjoy a taste of Greece.
The ferries return to Kas late afternoon you'll see panoramic off-shore views of Kas before arriving back in time for a late afternoon swim.
Many ex-pats who live between Marmaris and Antalya use this trip to renew their 3 month visas, the the ferries can run throughout the year, not just the summer season.
Named Meis in Turkish - and truly an Oscar-winner of an island! Kastellorizo was the feature island of the film “Mediterraneo”; which won an Oscar for “Best Foreign Language Film” in 1991. Just 2 nautical miles (@4Km) and a relaxing 20-minute ferry trip from Kas harbour' Kastellorizo is a wonderful village that typifies Greek island life.
The ferries leave Kas at around 10:00am and head out across the sea, entering the wonderful village harbour with its' typical Greek houses and church, a different world from Kas.
The town's backstreets are worth strolling around and there is a castle and museum and some churches to see. The bars and tavernas around the harbour are the place to sample Greek cuisine and enjoy a taste of Greece.
The ferries return to Kas late afternoon you'll see panoramic off-shore views of Kas before arriving back in time for a late afternoon swim.
Many ex-pats who live between Marmaris and Antalya use this trip to renew their 3 month visas, the the ferries can run throughout the year, not just the summer season.
In Kaş harbour there are frequent ferry boats to Limanazi, at the far end of Kas bay, where there are 3 beaches accessible only by boat. The ferry boats will wait until they have a group of people and then set off across the bay, calling at each of the 3 beaches in turn. You pay a fixed fee of 10TL for the return trip and get off at whichever beach you prefer. They are all fairly similar with a cafe/restaurant providing sunbeds and umbrellas and the usual range of drinks and food. The ferry boats return throughout the day, normally the last one is around 6pm. You simply go to the jetty and wait for the next one to leave.
There are four beaches in Limanağzı - from east to west, Nuri's (by the cliff with the tombs), Don Quixote, Otağ and Bilal's.
In the height of summer they all do pretty well for late sun - up to around 6pm when the boats stop running. Early or late in the season (end of September) much of Bilal's and Don Quixote do tend to get shaded by late afternoon, say 4.00 to 4.30, because of higher ground and trees immediately to the west. The east part of Nuri's beach probably gets the most amount of sunlight but as most people leave the beach by around 5.00pm so there isn't a lot in it.
All four beaches have restaurants and serve drinks and are not usually more expensive than the beach areas in the Town.
The boats from Kaş do not necessarily visit the beaches in any particular order so the 'last stop' idea may be misleading. It depends on the captain and the beach to which he has the greatest affinity. Quite often, when they have dropped off all their passengers, the captain may stay at one of the beaches all day before returning in the evening. So it is best to tell the
There are four beaches in Limanağzı - from east to west, Nuri's (by the cliff with the tombs), Don Quixote, Otağ and Bilal's.
In the height of summer they all do pretty well for late sun - up to around 6pm when the boats stop running. Early or late in the season (end of September) much of Bilal's and Don Quixote do tend to get shaded by late afternoon, say 4.00 to 4.30, because of higher ground and trees immediately to the west. The east part of Nuri's beach probably gets the most amount of sunlight but as most people leave the beach by around 5.00pm so there isn't a lot in it.
All four beaches have restaurants and serve drinks and are not usually more expensive than the beach areas in the Town.
The boats from Kaş do not necessarily visit the beaches in any particular order so the 'last stop' idea may be misleading. It depends on the captain and the beach to which he has the greatest affinity. Quite often, when they have dropped off all their passengers, the captain may stay at one of the beaches all day before returning in the evening. So it is best to tell the
Occasionally a boat will offer an evening cruise to the island for a different sort of experience.
It is possible to arrange a private boat trip to Kastellorizo so you can decide yourself how much time to spend cruising and visiting the village. We can arrange for your group to rent a private boat for this, or book you a place on the ferry.
It is possible to arrange a private boat trip to Kastellorizo so you can decide yourself how much time to spend cruising and visiting the village. We can arrange for your group to rent a private boat for this, or book you a place on the ferry.
captain of the boat which beach you want to go to when you get on board so that he can decide which drop offs he wants to do first. If you are in Kaş for several days you will have time to try them all and choose your favourite.
Contact us to find out more or book a trip.
Contact us to find out more or book a trip.
Contact us to find out more or book a trip.
Contact us to find out more or book a trip.
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Kas Yoga Holidays > What To Do > Boats
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Yoga Cruise and Villa Holidays in Kas, Turkey - A Turkish Experience.