Ahoy day-trippers: this pirate boat is all about sea time. I like how the tour mixes big swimming stops with a real dose of fun (music and a foam party) rather than turning into a stuffy sightseeing grind. You also get lunch included on board, and the route threads in major coastline scenery like Mount Tahtali on the way back.

The biggest catch to plan for: drinks cost extra, and the day can run late sometimes if the boat needs time to get fueled. If you’re okay with that and you like a swim-heavy itinerary, this is a fun-value outing in Antalya Province.

Key highlights at a glance

• Hotel pickup/drop-off via a comfortable vehicle, starting at the hotel main security gate (not the lobby)
• Cleopatra and Cennet Bay swim breaks, including an hour-long stop at Cleopatra Bay
• Phaselis Bay views of Greek and Roman ruins, with a chance to swim toward shore if you’re a strong swimmer
• Lunch on board (buffet-style) plus vegetarian alternatives if you request them
• Toilets, outside showers, and a bar on the pirate ship (bar drinks aren’t included)

Pirate-ship basics in Kemer: what you get for about $19

For the price, this tour delivers the stuff that matters on the water: transport, meals, and activities. You’re paying roughly $19 per person for a 7-hour outing with hotel transfer both ways, guiding service, full insurance, lunch, and a foam party. That’s a strong value mix if you mainly want sun, swimming, and an easy day that doesn’t require planning a route yourself.

The ship is set up for comfort on a long sea stretch. You get toilets, plus outside showers (handy for rinsing off after swimming). There’s also a bar onboard. The bar is where your budget can sneak up on you, because drinks aren’t included and they can be pricey.

One more practical bit: you can bring your own snorkelling equipment. That matters because you’ll likely spend time in the water, and having your own gear helps you make the most of the stops without scrambling at the last minute.

Your 7-hour route: Cleopatra, Phaselis, Cennet Bay, and the return view of Mount Tahtali

The day runs on a simple flow: morning pickup, cruise and anchor time, then more bays before returning to Kemer. Between 9:00 and 9:30 am, you’ll be picked up from your hotel area and head to the marina to board the pirate ship.

From there, the itinerary leans into the Turkish Riviera vibe—coastline views, beaches, and hidden-cave style scenery along the way. Then comes the first big moment: Cleopatra’s beach. The boat anchors in turquoise water so you can swim if you want.

After that, lunch is served onboard as part of the day’s rhythm. Next you move to Phaselis Bay, where the ancient city of Phaselis sits. The boat gives you time to enjoy the view and swim again, and if you’re confident in the water you may be able to reach shore (not everyone will, and the condition of the water matters).

As you head back toward Kemer, the route includes magnificent views of Mount Tahtali. On the return leg, you get a second swim stop at Cennet Bay, and this is where the fun steps up. There’s a foam party and on-board animations.

Finally, you end with Cleopatra Bay for an hour-long swimming break. You’re typically back at the marina around 4:30 to 5:00 pm, then your vehicle is waiting for drop-off.

Cleopatra’s beach and Cleopatra Bay: swimming breaks that drive the whole day

This tour is built around the water, and the Cleopatra stops are the headline. First, you’ll reach Cleopatra’s beach, where the boat anchors and you can jump in for a refreshing swim. Later, you’ll get another hour-long swimming break at Cleopatra Bay. So yes, you get repetition—but it’s repetition with payoff when you just want to be in the sun and water for hours.

Legend ties the name to Cleopatra, who is said to have swum here. Even if you ignore the story, you still get the practical benefit: these are the kinds of bays where the boat can sit close to the action, so you spend more time floating and less time waiting.

What I’d plan for is simple: bring what you need to feel comfortable for multiple swim breaks. A sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel matter more than you think on a half-day at sea. If you’re using a snorkel, pack it in a way that’s easy to grab when you’re on a moving deck.

Also, the boat includes outside showers, which is a small detail that makes a big difference at the end of the day. You’ll appreciate rinsing off before getting back in the vehicle.

Phaselis Bay ruins: what you’ll see, and the one extra cost to know

Phaselis is where the cruise gains a little brain-candy. You get a swim break at Phaselis Bay, with time to look toward the Greek and Roman ruins from the water. If you’re a strong swimmer, there’s the possibility of reaching shore, but the tour frames it as something for those who can handle the swim.

Here’s the catch: the entrance fee to Phaselis Antique City is not included. So you’ll want to decide ahead of time whether you just want the views from the bay or you plan to visit the ruins on land (if that’s an option on the day you go). If you’re mostly a scenery-from-the-water person, you can treat this as a free bonus.

One more point to keep your expectations realistic. This isn’t a strict museum-style walkthrough. The experience leans more toward time on the boat and swimming, with ruins as a scenic backdrop rather than a long guided history lesson.

If you want more from Phaselis than just what you can see in a short window, ask the guide questions while you’re there. Quick, specific questions help: what part is most recognizable from the water, and what to look for if you do pay the entrance fee later.

Foam party and on-board energy: fun staff, music, and animations

This tour doesn’t aim for quiet romance. It’s lively. You’ll have a foam party plus various animations during the day, especially around the second swim break at Cennet Bay.

The vibe is often powered by the guide and crew. In particular, there’s strong mention of staff members like Metin and Ali helping set the atmosphere—Metin for a big, upbeat welcome and Ali as a high-energy host who keeps the mood moving. That kind of onboard energy matters on a boat day, because it turns the experience from just swimming into something you’ll remember.

What to expect practically: you’ll have time to relax too, but the tour isn’t built around silent contemplation. If your ideal day is a strict schedule of stops and deep guided explanations, this may feel more like a float-and-play day.

If you’re traveling with kids, this portion is often the moment they look forward to most. If you’re an adult who likes a little silliness on vacation, you’ll probably enjoy it too.

Lunch onboard and the drinks reality: good food, extra spending

Lunch is included, and it’s not just bread and salad. The buffet-style meal includes schnitzel, three different types of salads, pasta, and rice. There are also vegetarian alternatives available if you request them during booking.

This is a key value point. On many boat trips, lunch is minimal. Here, lunch is built into the package, which means you can enjoy the day without constantly calculating what you need to buy next.

Now for the part to plan for: drinks aren’t included, and the onboard bar can be expensive. There’s no need to panic, but it’s smart to decide what your spending limit is before you step up to the counter. If you’re the type who buys cocktails or beer while out on the water, this is where you’ll feel the cost.

A simple strategy: treat lunch as the main included meal and budget a modest amount for any bar purchases you want.

Snorkelling setup, comfort, and what to bring for a smooth day

This is a practical packing day. Even if you’re not a serious snorkeler, you’ll likely get wet and you’ll want to enjoy it. The tour specifically says you can bring your own snorkelling equipment, so if that’s your thing, pack your gear.

What to bring is clearly listed, and I’d follow it:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Cash

That last one—cash—matters because some of the extras cost money on the day, like bar drinks or photos/video (photos & video aren’t included). Also, if you decide you want to pay an entrance fee for Phaselis Antique City, cash can be helpful.

Comfort-wise, the ship has toilets and outside showers, which helps you stay functional even if you’re on a multi-swim schedule. And because it’s a boat day, you’ll move between areas and decks, so quick-dry clothing and a secure bag for valuables are worth it.

Pickup and timing: the one logistics thing to take seriously

This tour depends on hotel pickup working smoothly. Pickup is included, and the important detail is that tour vehicles meet you at the main security gate of your hotel—not inside the hotel border and not at the lobby/reception area.

That means you should head to the gate early and avoid assuming they’ll come into the hotel grounds. A missed meeting point can turn into stress fast.

Timing is another reality check. While the tour is scheduled to start between 9:00 and 9:30, there can be delays if the boat needs time to be fueled. When that happens, communication may not be perfect. The best move is to stay flexible, be ready at the pickup spot, and keep expectations open for a slower start.

The upside: once underway, the day tends to deliver the key ingredients—bays, swimming breaks, lunch, and that foam-party fun.

Should you book the Kemer Pirates Boat Trip?

Book it if you want an easy, value-priced sea day with multiple swimming breaks, included lunch, and a lively onboard vibe. It’s especially appealing if you like water time more than long land-based sightseeing, and if you’ll enjoy the foam party energy.

Skip it (or choose carefully) if you need lots of detailed guided history in a tight schedule, because this feels more like cruise + swim + fun than a slow, explanatory tour. Also note it’s not suitable for people with heart problems and wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.

One more decision factor: extra costs. The main ones are Phaselis entrance fee (if you go in) and drinks, which can add up onboard. If you budget for those, the base price is a fair deal for a full day on the water.

If that sounds like your kind of vacation, you’ll probably have a great time on the pirate ship.

FAQ

How long is the Kemer Pirates Boat Trip?

It lasts about 7 hours.

What time does hotel pickup usually happen?

Pickup is scheduled between 9:00 and 9:30 am.

What are the main stops during the tour?

You’ll visit Cleopatra’s beach, Phaselis Bay, Cennet Bay, and you’ll finish with an hour-long break at Cleopatra Bay.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included onboard and is served as a buffet.

Are drinks included with lunch?

No. Drinks are not included, though there is a bar onboard.

Do I have to pay an entrance fee for Phaselis?

Yes. The entrance fee to Phaselis Antique City is not included.

Can I bring my own snorkelling equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkelling equipment.

Does the boat have toilets and showers?

Yes. The boat has toilets, plus outside showers.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with heart problems?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it isn’t recommended for people with heart problems.