Kemer Phaselis Private Yacht Tour
Kemer Phaselis Private Yacht Tour, a Private Voyage to the Ancient Harbour
The Kemer Phaselis private yacht tour begins at G Marina and reaches Phaselis, the most well-known ancient harbour on the Antalya coast, on a day reserved exclusively for your group. Our yachts depart in the morning, starting from the shallow turquoise waters of Moonlight Bay, passing Paradise Cove, Kiriş Cave and Kiriş Bay, and dropping anchor at both shores of the Phaselis ancient harbour, which dates back to the 7th century BC.
What sets this route apart from the pirate boats is not only capacity. There are no fixed schedules, no animation programmes, no foam parties. The captain adapts the route to the weather and to your group's pace, extending stops or adding an extra cove when you prefer. When you picture a Phaselis ancient city boat trip, think of a calm view of Hadrian's Gate from the deck of your own yacht, rather than jostling through crowds to reach the shore.
The Rhythm of a Day, an Hour by Hour Programme
- 10:00 Welcome at G Marina, refreshments on arrival, introduction to the captain and crew, and a short safety briefing.
- 10:30 Departure from the marina. First stop Moonlight Bay, a short swim break in shallow turquoise water.
- 11:30 Anchorage at Paradise Cove. Snorkelling gear comes out and you can observe the rocky underwater world below.
- 12:30 Passing in front of Kiriş Cave, with a photo break and a short cool-down at the cave mouth.
- 13:00 Anchorage at Kiriş Bay, plated lunch service prepared by the captain's chef, with a choice of meat, chicken or fish, and vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options.
- 14:30 Arrival at the Phaselis ancient harbour. Those who wish can disembark by tender or via the yacht's side ladder to explore the ancient city.
- 16:00 Departure from Phaselis. Tea and coffee service on the return route, with an additional short swim break on request.
- 17:00 Return to G Marina.
What Is Included in the Tour?
Included
- Professional captain and crew
- Fuel and harbour fees
- Plated lunch service, with a choice of meat, chicken or fish and vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options
- Unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee and seasonal fruit
- Snorkelling equipment, life jackets and towels
- Bluetooth sound system, sun loungers and cushions
Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks (can be pre-ordered or brought by you)
- Phaselis ancient city entrance fee, an active Müzekart (Turkish museum pass) is accepted
- Hotel to marina transfer (can be added on request)
- Tips
Yachts for This Tour
Phaselis, the Story of an Ancient Port City with Three Harbours
Phaselis is a port city founded by Rhodian colonists around 690 BC on both sides of a small peninsula reaching into the Mediterranean. Its location was among the most cleverly chosen harbours of the ancient world, because whichever direction the wind came from, one of the city's three ports, the North Harbour, the Battle Harbour and the Sun (South) Harbour, would always offer shelter to ships. For this reason it remained a key node in maritime trade between Egypt, Syria and Greece for centuries.
The brightest day in the city's history came in 333 BC, when Alexander the Great stayed here for a month and was welcomed by the people with a golden crown. Today, as you enter the ancient city, you are first greeted by the 24-metre-wide colonnaded street, then the monumental gate built for Emperor Hadrian, followed by the Roman baths, the agora and the 1,500-seat theatre. The far end of the ruins opens onto the fine sandy shore of Phaselis Bay, and from the yacht deck you can see column capitals through the pine forests. A Phaselis yacht cruise lets you take in this layered view at the captain's pace rather than through a coach window.
Ancient sources mention Phaselis for its rose essence and seafaring; looking at it today from the yacht deck, it is clear at a glance why this place was not abandoned for two thousand years.
What You Will See When You Step Off Your Yacht
When you come ashore at Phaselis, what surprises you is not the size of the ruins but how close they are to the sea. A 30-second walk from the beach takes you onto streets that are 2700 years old. Here are the main structures you can see in 60 to 90 minutes after disembarking from your yacht:
Hadrian's Gate
Built in 131 AD in honour of Emperor Hadrian's visit. The foundation blocks of the magnificent three-arched structure still stand in place, and the votive inscription "grandson of the divine Nerva, son of Trajan" can still be read on the arch.
The Colonnaded Street
The 20 to 24-metre-wide main avenue connecting the North and South harbours. Along both sides you will find the remains of Roman-era shops, podiums and inscribed blocks. As you walk among the pine trees, the street still feels like a living urban space.
The Theatre
A Roman theatre dating from the 2nd century AD with a capacity of 1,500 to 2,000. The stage building is divided by five monumental gates; if you climb the wooden steps to the top of the cavea, Mount Tahtalı forms a natural backdrop behind the stage.
The Roman Baths
Two bath complexes, one large and one small. Both date from the 3rd century AD and used the hypocaust (under-floor heating) system. The mosaic-floored latrina (public toilet) is still preserved.
The Roman Aqueduct
The best-preserved structure in Phaselis. Starting from the spring behind the North harbour, the 450-metre aqueduct gathered water on the hill behind the Agora of Hadrian. Rising through the pines, it is ideal for photographs.
The Three Ancient Harbours
North, Central (Battle) and South. Yachts usually anchor in the Central or South harbour. In the clear water you can clearly see the ancient stone blocks of the breakwater and, in some places, column fragments resting on the seabed; if you snorkel down, you can see the bottom of a 2000-year-old trade port with your own eyes.
Coves Visited on This Tour
Moonlight Bay
The first stop, shallow and clear, reached shortly after leaving the marina. Surrounded by pine forests, with a calm entry that is ideal for a photo break.
Swim break
Paradise Cove (Alacasu)
A turquoise cove flanked by cliffs, accessible only by sea. Snorkellers can clearly see the rock formations on the seabed.
Snorkelling
Kiriş Cave
A natural cave carved into the rocks along the shoreline. The yacht draws close to the cave mouth alongside, with time for photos and a short cool-down.
Cave
Kiriş Bay
A sheltered, calm bay, ideal as an anchorage for lunch. Its shallow entry is safe for children and non-swimmers.
Lunch
Phaselis Ancient Harbour
The peak of the route. The yacht can drop anchor in two of the three harbours dating from the 7th century BC, and you can disembark to see the colonnaded street and Hadrian's Gate.
Ancient harbourWho Is This Route Ideal For?
Families
The shallow entries of Moonlight Bay and Kiriş Bay are safe for children, while the cave and ancient ruins capture the curiosity of older kids. Child portions and life jackets in every size are available.
Honeymoon and Couples
Anchored between the two harbours of Phaselis, the yacht offers one of the most romantic settings on the Mediterranean for watching the late afternoon sun through ancient columns.
Friend Groups and Corporate
A capacity of up to 40 people, deck space for your own playlist, flexible break times and bespoke menu options make this route well suited to corporate events.
What Should You Bring?
You Bring
- Swimwear, beach towel and flip-flops
- High SPF sunscreen shade is limited at the ancient city
- Hat and sunglasses
- Light cardigan or T-shirt the wind cools things down at open sea
- Müzekart for free entry to the ancient city
- Water shoes the Phaselis shore is pebbly
We Provide
- Snorkelling equipment
- Life jackets in adult and child sizes
- Beach towels depending on yacht size
- Bluetooth sound system
- First aid kit and sun shade
- Soft drinks, tea and coffee
Practical Tips from the Captain
Shared boats are crowded in the early morning hours. By the afternoon, the Mega Star type 600-passenger boats are already on their way back, and you get the chance to photograph Hadrian's Gate in peace.
The fallen ancient blocks of the breakwater lie on the seabed; underwater visibility is usually 8 to 10 metres, and submerged stone blocks and, in some places, column fragments are clearly visible. The Phaselis Project carried out by Akdeniz University uncovers new findings every year.
Shade is limited inside the ancient city; the sun is especially direct on the walk between the Agora of Hadrian and the theatre. Take a 1.5-litre chilled bottle of water with you from our yacht; it will be waiting for you when you return.
Phaselis and its surroundings are among the shores where caretta caretta sea turtles occasionally lay their eggs. If you see a nesting trail, do not step on the area or touch the fenced and marked spots in the sand; our yachts anchor away from the beach to protect natural life.
An active Müzekart provides free entry to the Phaselis ancient city. The card is not single-use; if you also visit Olympos or Tahtalı on the same day, you can use it again. For foreign visitors, the "Museum Pass Mediterranean" is a separate product, do not confuse it with the Müzekart for Turkish citizens.
What Is the Best Time of the Year?
Early Season
Air 24–28°C, sea 21–24°C. Crowds are sparse at the ancient city, ideal for photography. Spring flowers bloom under the pine trees.
Calm and freshPeak Season
Air 32–36°C, sea 27–29°C. The hottest and busiest period. The yacht deck calls for a sunshade at midday.
PopularGolden Season
Air 27–32°C, sea still 26–28°C. Our recommendation, the crowds have eased, the light has softened, and the ancient city is at its finest.
RecommendedOff Season
The weather is changeable and the sea is cold for swimming. Tours are arranged on request, depending on weather conditions.
On requestThe ancient city entrance fee is not included in the yacht tour, and an active Müzekart is accepted. Since the shore is pebbly, water shoes are recommended. Shade is limited among the ruins, so be sure to carry a hat and water with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kilometres is it between Kemer and Phaselis?
From Kemer centre to the Phaselis ancient city, the distance is approximately 15 km by road and slightly shorter by sea. The full route from G Marina, with its 5 stops round trip, covers approximately 14 nautical miles.
What is the difference between a Phaselis boat trip and a private yacht tour?
Shared Phaselis boat trips run on large vessels carrying 80 to 600 passengers, with fixed schedules and animation programmes. Our Kemer Phaselis private boat tour is reserved exclusively for your group on a private yacht; the route, breaks and menu remain flexible, with no animation or foam parties.
Can we go ashore from the yacht to the Phaselis ancient city?
Yes. Our yachts can drop anchor at two of the harbours of Phaselis, and you can reach the shore by tender or via the yacht's side ladder. An average of 60 to 90 minutes is ideal for a visit to the ancient city.
Can Paradise Cove (Alacasu) only be reached by sea?
In practice, yes. There is no road access to Paradise Cove, and because the cove can only be reached by sea on yachts and boats, its water keeps its clarity all year round.
Is this route suitable for children?
Yes. Moonlight Bay and Kiriş Bay are shallow and calm, life jackets are available in every size, and child portions can be added to the menu. The ancient ruins of Phaselis are engaging for older children.
Can I bring alcohol?
Yes. You can bring your own wine, beer or spirits, or pre-order them during your reservation if you wish. Soft drinks, tea and coffee are complimentary.
Can I change the route?
Yes. Your Phaselis Bay yacht tour from Kemer follows a standard sequence of Moonlight, Paradise, Kiriş Cave, Kiriş Bay and Phaselis. However, the day can be extended until sunset, one cove skipped to spend longer at another, or stops such as Kemer Aquarium or Cleopatra Bay added on request.
Is there a transfer from my hotel to the marina?
Yes, a VIP transfer can be added on request. We offer pickup and drop-off services from hotels in the Beldibi, Göynük, Çamyuva and Tekirova areas.