Turkish Riviera Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter on the Turkish Riviera

The Turkish Riviera – the stretch of Lycian coast running east from Fethiye through Kaş, Kalkan, Kekova and on toward Antalya – is where Turkey’s ancient past and natural drama reach their peak. This is the heartland of ancient Lycia, a fiercely independent civilisation that carved monumental tombs into sheer cliff faces, built harbour cities on headlands and islands, and left behind a trail of ruins so dense that you can barely sail an hour without passing another. The sunken city of Kekova – a Lycian settlement partially submerged by a 2nd-century earthquake, its walls, stairways and building foundations clearly visible through water of almost absurd clarity – is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sights in the Mediterranean, accessible only by boat.

But the Turkish Riviera is more than ruins. Kaş is the eastern Mediterranean’s premier diving destination, with over 30 dive sites including the 14th-century BC Uluburun shipwreck discovery site (the world’s oldest known seagoing vessel), underwater canyons draped in colourful sponges and coral, and amphora fields scattered with 2,000-year-old pottery. Kalkan is a boutique hillside town of Ottoman-Greek architecture, whitewashed houses trailing bougainvillea, and rooftop restaurants that rank among Turkey’s finest. Kaputas – a narrow beach squeezed between sheer cliffs, reached by 187 stone steps from the road or, far more elegantly, by tender from your yacht – is one of the most photogenic swimming spots on the coast. And Patara, the birthplace of St Nicholas (the historical figure behind Santa Claus), has 18 kilometres of unbroken white sand protected as a loggerhead turtle nesting site.

The cruising ground between Kaş and Kekova is compact, sheltered and extraordinarily beautiful: pine-forested mountains dropping straight into deep blue water, tiny fishing villages accessible only by sea, and anchorages where your yacht may be the only vessel in the bay. For charter guests who want Turkey’s most immersive blend of history, diving, gastronomy and wild coastal scenery, the Turkish Riviera is the destination. Enquire with Boatcrowd for availability and pricing on our Turkish Riviera fleet.

Why Charter a Yacht on the Turkish Riviera

The Sunken City of Kekova

Kekova Island shelters a partially submerged Lycian settlement that was destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century AD. As your captain cruises slowly along the island’s northern shore, you peer over the side at stone foundations, stairways, walls and the outlines of buildings visible through water that is rarely more than 3–5 metres deep and startlingly transparent. Swimming directly over the ruins is prohibited (it is a protected archaeological zone), but the surrounding bays offer superb snorkelling and kayaking. Opposite the island, the tiny village of Kalekoy (ancient Simena) – accessible only by boat, with no road connection despite being on the mainland – is crowned by a Crusader-era castle built on Lycian foundations, with a small carved-rock amphitheatre (possibly the smallest in Lycia) just below the ramparts. The waterfront is a row of simple fish restaurants where the tables sit on platforms over the water.

World-Class Diving from Kaş

Kaş is the diving capital of the Turkish Mediterranean, with over 30 catalogued dive sites ranging from beginner-friendly reef dives to advanced canyon, cave and wreck explorations. The Canyon – a trench in the rock starting at 4 metres and descending to 20 metres, its walls covered in colourful sponges, soft coral and gorgonians – is the signature dive. The Dimitri Wreck, a steel cargo vessel that struck the offshore islands in 1968, sits upright at 15–40 metres and is home to grouper, moray eels and schools of barracuda. The Uluburun Archaeopark in Hidayet Bay features a meticulously crafted replica of the famous 14th-century BC Bronze Age shipwreck (the original artefacts are in Bodrum’s Museum of Underwater Archaeology), with imitation amphoras and ingots placed on the seabed for divers to explore. Amphora fields scattered across the seabed near Kaş contain pottery fragments roughly 2,000 years old, visible even while snorkelling on calm days.

Kalkan: Rooftop Dining and Ottoman Charm

Kalkan is a small, sophisticated hillside town that tumbles down to a sheltered harbour in a cascade of whitewashed Ottoman-Greek houses, cobbled lanes and vibrant bougainvillea. It has no beach clubs, no nightlife strip and no high-rise hotels – what it has is one of the finest collections of rooftop restaurants on the Turkish coast. Korsan Fish Terrace (one of the first restaurants in the village, still owned by the Bilgutay family), Eski Ev (housed in a beautifully restored Ottoman trading house), and Salonika 1881 (romantic rooftop, refined Mediterranean-Turkish cuisine) are the headliners. Dining is al-fresco, the views sweep across the bay to the mountains, and the mood is unhurried, intimate and elegant. Your yacht anchors in the calm bay or moors at the small harbour, and your crew tenders you ashore for an evening that lingers long in the memory.

Patara and the Xanthos Valley

Patara – roughly 20 nautical miles west of Kaş – was the principal port of the Lycian League and the birthplace of St Nicholas (Bishop of Myra, 4th century AD, the historical figure behind the Santa Claus tradition). Today, the ancient city’s ruins include a monumental gateway, a parliament building (the bouleuterion where the Lycian League assembled – considered one of the earliest democratic assemblies in history), a theatre and a lighthouse. In front of the ruins stretches Patara Beach: 18 kilometres of unbroken white sand, protected as a loggerhead turtle nesting site and entirely free of development. A few kilometres inland, the UNESCO-listed site of Xanthos – the former capital of Lycia – and the adjacent sanctuary of Letoön complete one of the most important archaeological corridors on the Lycian coast.

Remote, Unspoilt Anchorages

The coast between Kalkan and Kekova is one of the least developed stretches of Turkey’s Mediterranean shore. The Taurus Mountains rise sharply behind the coast, leaving no room for coastal roads in many places and preserving a wildness that has vanished from most of the western Mediterranean. Anchorages like Tersane Bay (Kekova), Gokkaya Bay (a deep inlet east of Kekova with dramatic cliff walls and sea caves), and the quiet coves west of Kaş are genuinely remote – in shoulder season, you may anchor in complete solitude with nothing but pine forest, rock and crystalline water for company.

Key Destinations on the Turkish Riviera

• Kaş – A charming harbour town built on ancient Antiphellos, with a well-preserved Greek amphitheatre (seating 4,000, overlooking the sea), Lycian sarcophagi in the streets, artisan shops, waterfront restaurants and Turkey’s best diving. The Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) is just 2 nautical miles offshore – a 10-minute crossing.

• Kekova (Sunken City) – A partially submerged Lycian settlement visible through crystal water, protected as an archaeological zone. Cruise slowly along the shore and look down at 2,000-year-old walls and stairways. Surrounding bays offer superb snorkelling and kayaking.

• Kalekoy (Simena) – A tiny waterside village accessible only by boat, crowned by a Crusader castle on Lycian foundations. The smallest known Lycian amphitheatre (seven rows of seats, capacity roughly 300) is carved into the rock just below the castle. Waterfront fish restaurants with tables over the water.

• Üçağız (Teimussa) – A rustic fishing village opposite Kekova Island, named for the three openings from the sea. Lycian sarcophagi stand in the shallows near the village, and simple harbourside restaurants serve the day’s catch.

• Kalkan – A sophisticated hillside town of Ottoman-Greek architecture, cobbled lanes and world-class rooftop restaurants. No beach clubs, no high-rises – just elegant dining, a sheltered bay and boutique charm. Roughly 18 NM west of Kaş.

• Kaputas Beach – A narrow, cliff-framed beach with vivid turquoise water, midway between Kalkan and Kaş. Reached by 187 stone steps from the road, or far more elegantly by tender from your yacht. One of the most photographed swimming spots in Turkey.

• Patara – Birthplace of St Nicholas, with ancient ruins (gateway, parliament, theatre, lighthouse) and 18 km of unbroken white sand protected as a turtle nesting site. Roughly 20 NM west of Kaş.

• Meis (Kastellorizo) – A tiny Greek island just 2 NM from Kaş. Colourful waterfront, deep-blue bay and the famous Blue Grotto – a sea cave where sunlight creates electric blue reflections. Cross-border paperwork handled by your crew.

• Gökkaya Bay – A deep, dramatic inlet east of Kekova with sheer cliff walls, sea caves and a pirate hideout atmosphere. Excellent swimming and snorkelling. One of the most secluded anchorages on the Lycian coast.

Best Time to Charter on the Turkish Riviera

Peak Season: July and August

The warmest months (30–36°C / 86–97°F). The sea reaches 26–28°C – perfect for diving and snorkelling. Kaş and Kalkan are at their liveliest, with rooftop restaurants fully booked and diving operations running multiple daily trips. Kekova attracts day-trip boats from mid-morning, but arriving by yacht before 10 a.m. or staying past 4 p.m. gives you the sunken city in relative peace.

Shoulder Season: May–June and September–October

Warm, sunny (22–30°C) and significantly quieter. Diving visibility is often at its best in May and October. Kalkan’s rooftop restaurants are open and the ancient sites are uncrowded. Rates are 20–30% below peak. September and early October are exceptional: warm sea, golden light, empty anchorages.

Early and Late Season: April and November

Mild (18–23°C) and very quiet. Kekova, Patara and the Xanthos valley are at their most atmospheric. Some Kalkan restaurants close for winter, but Kaş’s waterfront stays open. Diving is possible year-round (water temperatures 18–20°C in winter with a wetsuit).

Signature Experiences

• Cruise the Sunken City – Your captain edges slowly along Kekova Island’s northern shore while you lean over the rail and watch 2,000-year-old Lycian walls, stairways and building outlines slide past beneath the crystal surface. One of the most haunting sights in the Mediterranean.

• Dive the Canyon, Kaş – Descend into a rocky trench draped in sponges and soft coral, with moray eels peering from crevices and schools of barracuda patrolling the blue. Your yacht anchors nearby while the dive crew kits you up.

• Rooftop Dinner in Kalkan – Tender ashore at sunset and climb the cobbled lanes to Korsan Fish Terrace or Salonika 1881 for a slow, candlelit dinner of grilled sea bass, Ottoman-inspired meze and chilled Turkish wine, with the bay and the mountains spread below.

• Climb Simena Castle – Tender to Kalekoy’s waterfront and climb the stone path to the Crusader castle. The views from the ramparts – across Kekova Island, the sunken city, and the pine-forested mountains – are among the finest on the Lycian coast. Stop at the carved Lycian amphitheatre on the way up.

• Kaputas by Tender – Skip the 187 stone steps. Your crew drops you by tender on this cliff-framed beach, where the turquoise water is so vivid it looks filtered. Swim, sunbathe, and return to the yacht when you’re ready.

• Blue Grotto, Meis – Cross the 2-nautical-mile strait from Kaş to the tiny Greek island of Kastellorizo and enter the Blue Grotto by small boat. Sunlight refracting through a submerged entrance turns the cave interior an electric shade of blue. A memorable half-day excursion.

Yacht Types Available

• Motor Yachts (78’–99’) – Ideal for covering the Kaş–Kekova cruising ground and reaching Kalkan, Patara and Meis in short hops. All-inclusive crewed charters with water toys, dive compressors on request, and full service.

• Superyachts (100’+) – The Turkish Riviera’s remote anchorages and crystal water are tailor-made for superyacht privacy. Berth at Kaş harbour or anchor in Gökkaya Bay in complete seclusion.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Stable, spacious and shallow-drafted – perfect for accessing Kekova’s tight bays and Kaputas’ narrow beach. Ideal for families and groups who want comfort in calm water.

• Luxury Gulets (80’–115’) – The classic Blue Voyage runs east from Fethiye or Marmaris to Kekova and back. A gulet’s wide aft deck and foredeck sleeping are perfectly suited to the Turkish Riviera’s warm nights and quiet anchorages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter on the Turkish Riviera cost?

Crewed motor yachts (78’–99’) start from around $25,000–$45,000 per week. Luxury gulets (80’–115’) start from $25,000–$60,000 per week all-inclusive. Luxury catamarans (55’+) start from $30,000–$45,000 per week. Shoulder-season rates are 20–30% softer. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote.

Can I visit the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) from Kaş?

Yes. Meis is just 2 nautical miles from Kaş – a 10-minute crossing by motor yacht. The island’s deep-blue bay, colourful waterfront, handful of tavernas and the famous Blue Grotto make it a worthwhile half-day excursion. Cross-border paperwork (transit logs, crew lists, customs) is handled by your captain and Boatcrowd specialist. Turkish-flagged vessels require advance coordination with Greek port authorities.

Is the sunken city of Kekova safe to visit by yacht?

Absolutely. Kekova is a designated archaeological protected area, but yachts are welcome to cruise along the northern shore of Kekova Island for views of the submerged ruins. Swimming and diving directly over the ruins is prohibited, but the surrounding bays (Tersane, Üçağız, Kalekoy) offer superb snorkelling and swimming. Your captain knows the regulations and the best viewing angles.

What is the diving like around Kaş?

Kaş is the Turkish Mediterranean’s top diving destination, with over 30 catalogued sites. Highlights include the Canyon (sponge- and coral-draped trench to 20m), the Dimitri Wreck (steel cargo vessel at 15–40m), the Uluburun Archaeopark (replica Bronze Age shipwreck), and amphora fields with 2,000-year-old pottery. Visibility routinely exceeds 20 metres, and water temperatures range from 18°C in winter to 28°C in summer. Dive operators in Kaş can meet your yacht and provide equipment; some charter yachts carry onboard dive compressors by request.

How do I get to Kaş or the Turkish Riviera?

Dalaman Airport (DLM) is the nearest international hub, roughly 180 km west of Kaş (approximately 2.5 hours by road). Antalya Airport (AYT) is 190 km east (approximately 3 hours). Both airports receive direct flights from London, major European cities and Istanbul. Private helicopter transfers can cut travel time to under an hour. Alternatively, many guests start their charter in Fethiye or Göcek (closer to Dalaman) and cruise east to the Turkish Riviera as part of a multi-day itinerary.