Kemer: Boat Trip with Swimming and Snorkeling

A Practical Look at the Kemer Boat Trip with Swimming and Snorkeling

If you’re planning a day out on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, the Kemer boat trip with swimming and snorkeling offers a chance to see the area’s beautiful bays and historical sites in a relaxed, scenic setting. This tour, run by solymos travel, promises an 8-hour adventure featuring boat rides, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and a visit to the ancient ruins of Phaselis. While some travelers find it a worthwhile way to enjoy the coast, others highlight logistical hiccups that can affect the overall experience.

What many appreciate is the opportunity to enjoy stunning seaside views and sheltered beaches—perfect for sunbathing and cooling off in the refreshing waters. However, some visitors mention issues with organization and communication, which can affect the smoothness of your day. This tour tends to suit those looking for an active, scenic day with plenty of swimming, rather than a perfectly polished experience.

In this review, we’ll explore what you can expect, the real pros and cons based on actual reviews, and who this trip might be best suited for. Whether you’re after history, stunning scenery, or just a relaxing day on the water, this trip offers some genuine highlights but also some areas to watch out for.

Key Points

• Beautiful Bays & Clear Waters: Expect time for swimming and snorkeling in calm, sheltered spots along the coast.
• Historical Excursion: The stop at Phaselis provides a glimpse into ancient trading life with ruins like aqueducts, baths, and an amphitheater.
• Organizational Hiccups: Reviews note delays in pickup and some communication issues, so patience is key.
• All-Inclusive Feel: The price includes hotel pickup, transfer, lunch, and insurance, giving a straightforward experience.
• Limited Alcohol or Drinks: Drinks are not included, so bring your own if you want a refreshing beverage on board.
• Authentic Coastal Experience: Smaller bays and hidden beaches make this feel more genuine than a crowded tour.

What to Expect from the Kemer Boat Trip

Starting the Day: The experience kicks off with hotel pickup—an aspect many find convenient, though some reviews mention delays of up to two hours. You’ll be transferred to Kemer Marina, where you’ll meet your boat. Keep in mind that communication might be a bit limited if your Turkish isn’t strong, and some travelers have noted the bus in disrepair. Still, once aboard, the day’s adventure begins.

The Boat Ride & Bays: The boat takes you around four main spots: the bays of Kemer, the ancient city of Phaselis, Kiris, and Camyuva. Expect a relaxed pace, as the boat hops from one bay to the next, allowing plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling. The waters here are described as crystal-clear, making for excellent visibility—ideal for underwater exploration.

Exploring Phaselis: One of the main highlights is a stop at Phaselis. This old trading center dates back centuries and boasts ruins like aqueducts, an agora, baths, and an antique theater. The terrain is rocky in parts, so comfortable shoes and a sense of curiosity will enhance your visit. Some reviews note that exploring the ruins is a quick affair, but the scenery around them is quite lovely.

Beach & Water Activities: After exploring Phaselis, you’ll enjoy sheltered pebble beaches perfect for swimming. The calm waters are often highlighted as a favorite part, allowing for relaxing sunbathing or snorkeling. Many travelers love the chance to see underwater life in the Mediterranean, but you’ll need to bring your own snorkeling masks, as they’re not provided.

Lunch & Additional Time: A buffet-style lunch is included, typically served at one of the bays. While basic, it offers enough sustenance for the day. After lunch, you’ll have more time to swim or just relax on the boat as it makes its way through the remaining bays. The boat’s schedule is generally flexible enough to allow for extensive water time.

The Realities: Pros and Cons Based on Reviews

While the scenery and swimming opportunities are often praised, the reviews do highlight some logistical challenges. One traveler noted that the pickup was delayed nearly two hours, and communication was only in Turkish and limited English, which could frustrate those eager to start on time. The bus used for transfers was also reportedly in poor condition, adding to the feeling of disorganization.

Another traveler described chaos upon returning, with no clear instructions on which bus to take, leading to confusion. This level of disarray can detract from an otherwise enjoyable day, especially if you’re someone who values punctuality and clear communication.

On the brighter side, some reviews mention that the tour itself was good, especially the chance to see the coast’s natural beauty and explore Phaselis. One traveler appreciated the “delightful waters” and found the bays ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The included lunch was also seen as a reasonable addition, making the experience feel more complete.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is well-suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic day on the water with some historical sightseeing thrown in. If you enjoy swimming in calm waters and want a chance to explore ancient ruins without strenuous hiking, this could be a good fit. It’s also suitable for families or groups who appreciate a straightforward, all-in-one experience with hotel pickup and lunch included.

However, if you’re someone who values strict punctuality and seamless organization, this tour might feel a bit chaotic. The delays and communication issues could be a drawback, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. Also, those looking for a luxurious, fully catered experience might find the drinks and amenities somewhat lacking.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

If your priority is enjoying the bays and historical ruins in a laid-back setting, this boat trip offers a decent value. The inclusion of hotel pickup, lunch, and insurance simplifies planning, and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters makes it worth considering. Just be prepared for potential delays and communicate your expectations clearly.

For those seeking authentic coastal views and a taste of ancient history, this tour has some genuine highlights. It’s best suited for travelers who don’t mind a bit of organizational imperfection and are looking for a straightforward day spent on the water, soaking up the scenery.

Ultimately, this experience offers a scenic, activity-packed day with memorable sights, but it’s important to weigh the logistical feedback before booking. If you’re flexible and want to enjoy Turkey’s beautiful coastline, it could be a worthwhile addition to your holiday plans.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The trip lasts around 8 hours, with specific start times depending on availability. Check your booking details for exact timings.

What is included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and insurance are included. Drinks and other personal expenses are not.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
Yes, you should bring your own snorkeling masks as they are not provided.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and possibly a hat for sun protection. It’s also good to have some cash for extra drinks or souvenirs.

Are there any age restrictions?
The description does not specify age limits, but given the activities, it’s likely suitable for most ages with parental supervision.

Is the tour accessible if I have mobility issues?
Accessibility details are not provided, so it’s best to contact the tour provider for specific questions.

How are the transportation conditions?
Some reviews mention that the transfer bus was in poor condition and experienced delays, so be prepared for possible inconvenience.

Will I have enough time at each stop?
Yes, the itinerary is designed to give you time for swimming and exploring, but the duration can vary depending on delays.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour available year-round?
Availability depends on the season, so check with the provider for current options.

To sum it up, the Kemer boat trip offers a chance to combine scenic coastline views, historical exploration, and relaxing swimming in calm waters. While organizational hiccups have been noted, the experience remains appealing for those seeking a straightforward, scenic day out. Just plan for some flexibility and come ready to enjoy the natural beauty of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.