Kemer Bay Blue Cruise from Kemer

Kemer Bay Blue Cruise from Kemer: A Relaxed Day on the Water

Taking a boat cruise along the stunning coastline of Kemer is a popular way to unwind and soak up some sun in Turkey’s famed Turquoise Coast. This particular tour, offered by Destination Services Turkey, promises an 8-hour laid-back experience filled with swimming stops, scenic views, and a tasty onboard lunch. While it’s not a high-adrenaline adventure, it’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a leisurely day on the water.

What we appreciate most about this cruise is how it balances beautiful scenery with simple comforts—think soft music, unlimited local drinks, and easy swimming spots—without feeling overly crowded or rushed. However, the main caveat is that, with a maximum group size of 50, it can sometimes feel a bit tight, and the lack of a designated smoking area might be a concern for some travelers, especially those with children. This tour suits families, couples, and anyone craving a peaceful day by the sea, rather than an adrenaline-filled excursion.

Key Points

• Relaxed coastal cruising with scenic views of Kemer Bay and the Turquoise Coast.
• Multiple swimming stops for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing on the deck.
• All drinks and a hearty onboard lunch included, providing good value for a full day out.
• Ideal for families and casual travelers looking for a low-key, scenic experience.
• Limited seating options and no designated smoking area, so plan accordingly.
• Pre-booking is recommended, often booked around 6 days in advance.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Booking and Getting There

The tour costs $60.40 per person, which, considering the full-day experience, includes transportation, a boat trip, lunch, and all drinks. This makes it fairly straightforward for travelers who want a hassle-free day without worrying about additional costs. Booking in advance is advisable—most people seem to reserve about 6 days ahead—so you can secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

The tour begins early at 8:00 am, with pickup options available, making it convenient for those staying in Kemer or nearby areas. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the departure point, a smooth start to what promises to be a leisurely day.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start in Kemer: The cruise kicks off with a gentle sail along the coastline, offering panoramic vistas of long sandy beaches, luxury hotels, and the shimmering waters of the coast. Our review sources note that the views are a highlight, with many travelers appreciating the opportunity to relax on deck while soft music plays in the background.

Swimming and snorkeling stops: The boat drops anchor at several points, giving you the chance to swim in clear waters, check out marine life with your snorkel gear, or simply lounge on deck. As one reviewer put it, it’s a “lazy day cruise” perfect for unwinding and enjoying nature.

Lunch on board: Midway through the trip, a delicious buffet-style lunch is served. The menu includes options like chicken escalope, fish, pasta, and couscous salad—plenty to satisfy different tastes. The lunch is well-reviewed for its quality and variety, with one reviewer describing it as “beautiful”. Soft drinks and local beverages are offered free of charge throughout the day, adding to the relaxed, all-inclusive feel.

Additional swimming stops: After lunch, there are usually a couple more opportunities to cool off or soak up the sun, followed by the sail back to Kemer. The overall pace is slow and relaxed, perfect for those wanting to escape busy sightseeing schedules.

The Vessel and Comforts

The boat, described as capable of holding up to 50 travelers, features outdoor seating and deck space where you can sunbathe or relax. Some reviews mention limited seating options, with travelers sometimes lying on mats pressed closely together. Be prepared for a casual, communal atmosphere—it’s all about comfort and scenery rather than luxury.

While the experience is largely positive, one critique from reviews is the lack of a designated smoking area, which might affect families or those who prefer a smoke-free environment.

Authentic Traveler Insights

One reviewer called it a “great low-key family cruise”, highlighting the friendly and informative guide (though no specific guide names were mentioned). They appreciated the friendly crew and the fact that the tour offered good value for money—especially since lunch and drinks are included.

Another traveler shared their experience of booking directly through a hotel rep after a different tour was canceled unexpectedly. Despite a late start—arriving at the boat after 10 am—they appreciated the calm pace and scenic views. They also noted the absence of extensive seating but said the experience was “relaxing” overall.

A French-speaking reviewer pointed out that the “few seats” and the couch-like mats might not suit everyone, especially if you’re expecting a more structured boat layout. Still, they enjoyed the meal and the peaceful ambience, describing the cruise as “relaxing”.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Duration: The cruise lasts around 8 hours, with plenty of time to relax, swim, and enjoy the scenery.
• Price: At $60.40, the experience offers reasonable value considering all included amenities.
• Meeting Time: Starting at 8:00 am, with pickup offered—be punctual to avoid missing the boat.
• What to Bring: Pack swimwear, sunblock, and perhaps a towel. Since drinks are included, you can stay hydrated freely.
• Group Size: Max 50 travelers, which balances a small-group feel with enough space on the boat.
• Accessibility & Suitability: The tour is suitable for most travelers, including families with children, although those sensitive to crowds or with mobility issues should consider the limited seating.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for travelers seeking a laid-back, scenic experience rather than a high-energy adventure. Families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy sun, sea, and good company will find it suits their pace. It’s especially valuable for those who want to enjoy the views of the coastline, take a dip in the Glistening waters, and indulge in a tasty lunch without extra costs or planning.

If you’re after a peaceful day on the water, the friendly guides, and delicious onboard meal, this cruise will meet your expectations. But if you prefer more space, extensive snorkeling, or a smoking area, you might want to explore other options.

The Sum Up

The Kemer Bay Blue Cruise represents good value for a simple, relaxing day out on Turkey’s beautiful coast. Its highlights include stunning scenery, accessible swimming stops, and a hearty included lunch. The experience’s relaxed pace makes it perfect for those who want to unwind, enjoy nature, and avoid overly crowded or commercialized excursions.

While it’s not the most luxurious cruise available, the friendly crew, scenic views, and all-inclusive drinks make it a worthwhile choice for travelers looking for an uncomplicated, enjoyable day by the sea. It’s especially suited for families, nature lovers, or anyone wanting to spend quality time on the water without breaking the bank.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The cruise lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax, swim, and enjoy the scenery.

What is included in the price?
The ticket price includes transportation, the boat trip, lunch, and all drinks—a good all-in-one deal.

Is there a pickup service?
Yes, pickup from your hotel is offered, helping make the start of the day seamless.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring swimwear, sunblock, and a towel. Since drinks are included, you can stay hydrated without extra costs.

Are there any reviews about the guide or crew?
Travelers mention friendly, helpful crew members and guides, with some reviewers noting the guide’s informative nature.

What should I expect from the lunch?
The onboard lunch features chicken escalope, fish, pasta, and couscous salad, with positive comments about its quality and variety.

Are there enough seats for everyone?
Some reviews mention limited seating options, with travelers sometimes lying on mats on the deck, so come prepared for a casual setup.

Can children participate?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, but keep in mind the seating situation and no designated smoking area.

In summary, if you’re after a straightforward, scenic, and relaxing day on the water, the Kemer Bay Blue Cruise offers an enjoyable balance of views, swimming, and good food at a fair price. It’s a low-key way to experience Turkey’s coast without the fuss—perfect for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty of Kemer.