Red Dragon Pirate Boat Trip & Lunch

A Complete Guide to the Red Dragon Pirate Boat Trip & Lunch in Kemer

If you’re looking for a day of adventure, sun, and sea in Turkey’s Antalya Province, the Red Dragon Pirate Boat Trip offers a captivating way to explore the coast. This 6-8 hour excursion departs from Kemer Beach, taking you on a lively cruise along the Mediterranean, stopping at historic ruins and stunning bays. For travelers wanting a blend of sightseeing, swimming, and a taste of pirate-themed fun, this trip ticks many boxes.

What we love most about this experience is how relaxed and engaging it seems. The boat’s lively atmosphere, combined with scenic views and opportunities to swim in calm waters, makes it a great choice for families, groups, or solo travelers. Plus, the included BBQ lunch is a welcome treat, often praised for being hearty and flavorful. That said, one thing to consider is that drinks on board aren’t included, and prices can be high—so it’s worth bringing some cash if you want to indulge.

This tour suits those who enjoy a mix of history, scenery, and social fun. If you’re after an authentic, laid-back day on the water with plenty of swimming and good company, the Red Dragon Pirate Boat trip really delivers. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the coast from the water, enjoy some lively vibes, and step into a bit of pirate-themed escapism—all without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Scenic Bays & Crystal Clear Waters: Discover Kemer’s stunning bays, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
• Historical Highlights: Visit the ancient city of Phaselis with its well-preserved ruins like aqueducts, baths, and an amphitheater.
• Relaxed, Social Atmosphere: Expect a lively boat experience with music and a friendly crew who keep the vibe upbeat.
• All-Inclusive Lunch: A traditional BBQ served onboard provides a satisfying midday meal.
• Flexible Duration & Easy Transfers: The tour runs for about 6-8 hours, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included in most options.
• Affordable Price Point: At roughly $17 per person, this trip offers good value, considering the activities and scenery.

The Itinerary in Detail

The trip kicks off with a hotel pickup (if you’ve booked that option) and a transfer to Kemer Marina. From there, the adventure begins aboard the Red Dragon Pirate Boat, where you’ll set sail past the lively Kemer coastline. The cruise itself is a highlight; the boat is described as pretty fast, which helps in covering multiple spots in a day.

First Stop: Kemer Marina & Coastal Cruising

The initial part of the journey involves cruising along the coast, giving everyone a chance to soak in the views of Kemer’s lively port and rugged shoreline. According to reviews, guests appreciate the knowledgeable crew, with some mentioning the captain being particularly attentive and friendly, making the trip more enjoyable.

Discovering Phaselis

After a scenic cruise, the boat arrives at Phaselis, an ancient city with ruins dating back to Greek and Roman times. Here, visitors can explore extensive ruins like aqueducts, the agora, baths, and a theatre, seeing history. The stop typically includes a break for photos, some free time to wander through the ruins, and a chance to appreciate the blend of nature and history.

Reviewers like Christine mention how the ruins are a highlight, and many appreciate that the visit is well-organized, giving enough time to see the key sights without feeling rushed. Entrance fees aren’t included, but the opportunity to walk through such ancient sites makes this a worthwhile addition for history buffs.

Bay & Swimming Breaks

Post-lunch, the boat heads to Paradise Bay or Mehmet Ali Bükü for swimming. The waters here are calm, shallow, and safe—ideal for kids and less confident swimmers. Reviewers praise the quality of swim stops, noting that the bays are beautiful and perfect for relaxing in the sun or snorkeling.

Further stops include Alaca Water (Alacasu Koyu), a picturesque inlet where guests can snorkel and enjoy the underwater scenery. These swimming breaks are often the favorite part of the day, especially for those who love spending time in the water rather than just sightseeing.

Final Cruise & Drop-offs

After a full day of swimming, the boat heads back along the coast towards Kemer, with a stop at Beycik Bükü for a quick photo opportunity. The cruise concludes with hotel drop-offs at up to four locations, including Belek, Marina Kemer, Antalya, or Kemer itself.

What’s Included and What to Expect

Included in the tour are hotel pick-up and drop-off, which simplifies logistics and saves time. The boat trip itself features snorkeling gear, swimming stops, and a BBQ lunch on board. The lunch is often praised for being substantial—a typical BBQ with grilled meats, salads, and bread—offering good value considering the price.

Drinks are not included, which means you’ll want to bring extra cash if you’re keen on beers, soft drinks, or other beverages. Reviewers mention that drinks can be expensive onboard (around 250 TL for a beer), so packing a few bottles or purchasing drinks at the marina beforehand could be wise.

The tour is flexible, with availability and starting times varying. It’s worth checking your specific option to see when the cruise departs, especially if you’re planning a day around other activities.

Authentic Guest Experiences

Guests consistently mention how friendly and helpful the crew are. Tomasz, for instance, states, “The staff were very friendly and the boat tour was amazing,” highlighting the lively, welcoming atmosphere created on board. Meryem adds that the captain was very attentive, making sure everyone was comfortable—especially helpful for travelers with children.

The reviews also reveal that the boat’s vibe tends to be fun and festive, often with music and even dancing. Caroline notes that while she was originally booked for a different trip, the experience was still enjoyable, albeit more party-focused than expected with music and a foam party—showing that the atmosphere can vary but generally stays lively.

Some minor criticisms include initial pickup issues, as Madara points out, but these seem to be outweighed by the overall positive experience and stunning scenery.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying the Tour

• Bring cash for drinks and souvenirs; although the tour is affordable, extras can add up.
• Arrive early or confirm pickup times to avoid delays, as some reviews mention pickup issues.
• Apply sunscreen liberally—spending a day on the water means sun exposure.
• Pack swimwear, towels, and a hat to stay comfortable during swimming and lounging.
• Consider bringing a waterproof camera—the bays are scenic, and many guests enjoy capturing underwater moments.
• Allocate some time before or after for exploring Kemer or nearby attractions if you wish to extend your day.

Is This Tour Worth It?

The Red Dragon Pirate Boat Trip & Lunch offers excellent value for travelers seeking a relaxed, fun-filled day on the Mediterranean. The combination of stunning bays, historic ruins, and a lively atmosphere makes it a hit among many guests. With reviews consistently praising the crew’s friendliness, the scenic stops, and the hearty BBQ, it’s clear this trip has a lot to offer.

While drinks are extra and some logistics could be smoother, the balance of affordable pricing, picturesque settings, and enjoyable swimming breaks makes this tour appealing. It’s particularly suited for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers eager to enjoy the coast with a bit of pirate-themed flair.

If you’re after a laid-back day with plenty of opportunities to cool off and soak in the views, this cruise is a great choice, blending history, nature, and fun into one memorable outing.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on the specific schedule and start time. It includes multiple swimming and sightseeing stops.

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, most options offer hotel pick-up and drop-off, making the day hassle-free. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Kemer or nearby locations.

What is the cost of drinks onboard?
Drinks are not included and tend to be expensive, with prices around 250 TL for a beer. It’s a good idea to bring your own or buy drinks beforehand.

Is the BBQ lunch vegetarian?
The tour features BBQ lunch, which typically includes grilled meats and salads. If you have dietary restrictions, it’s best to inquire prior or bring your own snacks.

Are entrance fees to Phaselis included?
No, entrance fees to Phaselis are not included in the price. You can explore the ruins and enjoy the site at your own expense.

Can children participate?
Absolutely. The waters are safe for swimming, and families often enjoy the experience, especially the calm bays and fun atmosphere.

In sum, the Red Dragon Pirate Boat Trip offers an engaging and affordable way to enjoy Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. With its mix of history, swimming, and lively vibes, it provides a memorable day out—ideal for those wanting to combine relaxation with some adventure.