The full thirteen-stop day, then sunset and dinner cooked on board — back at eleven, and never more than six of you.
Everything the full-day private tour covers, and then the part most people miss. We sail the same thirteen stops at the same unhurried pace, but instead of turning for home after the sunset tea at Çamlık we stay out. Dinner is cooked on board and served at anchor while the light goes, and we come alongside at Çayağzı around eleven, under the stars. This one is limited to six guests rather than twelve, so both decks stay comfortable all day and the table is never crowded. We do not sell drinks on board: bring your own, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, at no extra charge. The galley splits the day in two: köfte or chicken at lunch, then fish with mezes once we are at anchor for the evening. Calamari and prawns can be added for an extra charge, settled on board.
Museum and archaeological site tickets can be bought in advance at muze.gov.tr, where the current prices are also listed. A Müzekart, which covers entry to state sites for a year, can be bought at the site entrance.
Kekova is small enough that every boat visits the same places — what changes is the order. We go the other way round, which is why our swimming stops are empty when everyone else’s are full.
We leave the yacht harbour at ten and slow down off the beach, where a freshwater spring runs into the sea and loggerhead turtles come in to feed. Swim with them, or photograph them from the deck.
A quiet, clean bay to start the day in — tea on deck and the first proper swim, with nobody else at anchor.
Through the strait, past Aşırlı Island and its wild goats, with the water changing from blue to green beside you.
We drop the hook in the most sheltered corner of Gökkaya. Swim, sunbathe, or do nothing at all.
The ruins of a Byzantine church stand on Kişneli Island to port. The captain tells you its history from the deck as we pass.
Past İkizler bay, Burç Castle comes into view. We slow right down for photographs and the story behind it.
A kilometre and a half along the Lycian and Roman ruins of Simena, at the slowest speed the boat will hold and as close to shore as we are allowed. Swimming is forbidden here, so this is the one stop you watch rather than swim.
Anchor among the ruins. The stonework underwater here is from the same period as the Sunken City, and you are allowed to swim over it. Lunch is served at this stop.
Famous for how clear it is, and quiet by this hour because most boats have already turned for home.
About an hour ashore. Climb to the castle, swim out to the Lycian tomb standing in the sea, walk the village lanes, and eat the homemade ice cream.
One of Kekova’s most isolated bays — clear, calm and almost always empty. A last long swim.
The last swim of the day, in the softest light it gets. Tea, coffee or a plate of fruit on deck while nobody is in a hurry.
Back alongside in Çayağzı, at the same quay we left from in the morning.
Times are a guide. The captain may adjust the programme and the length of each stop for weather and sea conditions — and because this is a private charter, the day can be reshaped around what your group feels like doing.