Cabin Charter vs Private Gulet | Kekova & Blue Cruise Turkey

Imagine waking up on deck to the sight of emerald islands and ancient castle ruins as the sun warms the turquoise water around you. This is a typical morning on Turkey’s famed Blue Cruise – a multi-day sailing adventure along the Turquoise Coast where history and natural beauty unfold at every cove. Among all the stunning locales on these routes, one region stands out as the beating heart of the Blue Cruise: Kekova.

Famed for its crystal-clear bays, half-sunken ruins, and peaceful villages only reachable by boat, Kekova captures the essence of what makes a Blue Cruise magical. Whether you’re planning to join a cabin charter with fellow travelers or rent a private gulet for just your group, chances are Kekova will be the highlight of your journey – and understanding your cruise options will help you make the most of it.

What Is a Turkey Blue Cruise?

The “Blue Cruise” (or Mavi Yolculuk) has become synonymous with leisurely sailing vacations in Turkey – think lazy days hopping between hidden bays, swimming over sunken ruins, and dining under the stars on deck. It’s a tradition that began in the 1950s when a writer started taking friends on gulet voyages from Bodrum, and today it’s a bucket-list experience for travelers worldwide. Kekova, a scenic bay area between Fethiye and Antalya, is often cited as the jewel of the Blue Cruise route.

In fact, many cruises departing from western hubs like Fethiye or Bodrum spend most of their time in the Kekova area, drawn by its unique blend of natural and historical attractions.

Geographically, Kekova sits roughly midway along the Turquoise Coast, making it accessible from both directions – some 4-day one-way cruises even start in Fethiye and finish near Kekova (Demre), or vice versa, conveniently bridging travelers to the Antalya region. It’s no wonder boats big and small, from tour boats to private yachts, regularly include Kekova on their itineraries

Why Kekova Is the Heart of the Blue Cruise

Sailing into Kekova feels like entering a living museum in the open sea. The Kekova Special Environmental Protection Area spans a large marine zone dedicated to preserving its clear waters and rich biodiversity.

The result? Pristine coves with unbelievable visibility, vibrant marine life, and well-preserved ruins just below the surface. Below are some of Kekova’s highlights that have earned it a top spot on Blue Cruise itineraries:

Kaleköy (Simena Castle)

A postcard-perfect Lycian village clinging to a hillside, Kaleköy has no road access – it’s reachable only by sea, which keeps its charm intact. Hike up to the medieval Simena Castle for breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and scatterings of ancient ruins.

Don’t miss the eerie Lycian sarcophagus emerging from the water near the shore – a favorite swim-by photo op for visitors. The whole setting makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Sunken City of Kekova

Just across the channel on Kekova Island lie the half-submerged ruins of the ancient town of Dolichiste, often called the Sunken City. Destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century, its remains – stone walls, staircases, and waterfront foundations – are still clearly visible below the water’s surface.

This archaeological site is protected (no swimming or diving allowed here), but your gulet will slowly cruise by, and you can peer straight down through the glassy water at 2,000-year-old ruins beneath you. Some travelers even kayak along the shore for a closer look, gliding above submerged relics of Byzantine and Roman times.

After the Italian occupation of Kastelorizo, Kekova — which at the time was temporarily inhabited in summer for wood harvesting — was disputed between Italy and Turkey. The 1932 Convention between Italy and Turkey assigned it to Turkey.

On its northern side, there are the partly sunken ruins of Dolchiste/Dolikisthe, an ancient town which was destroyed by an earthquake during the 2nd century. Rebuilt and still flourishing during the Byzantine Empire period, it was finally abandoned because of Arab incursions. Tersane (meaning “dockyard”, as its bay was the site of an ancient city Xera and dockyard, with the ruins of a Byzantine church) is at the northwest of the island.

The Kekova region was declared a specially protected area on 18 January 1990 by the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Forest. All kinds of diving and swimming were prohibited and required special permits from government offices. In later years, the prohibition has been lifted except for the part where the sunken city is.

Hidden Coves and Sea Life

The Kekova area is dotted with quiet bays like Tersane and Gökkaya, which make idyllic stops for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch. These sheltered coves are part of a marine sanctuary, so the waters are exceptionally clean and rich with life – schools of fish, corals, and even loggerhead sea turtles.

In fact, the bays around Kaş and Kekova offer fantastic chances tospot endangered Caretta caretta turtles surfacing for air; it’s quite common and thrilling to encounter these gentle creatures during boat trips. Don your mask, and you might find yourself snorkeling alongside a sea turtle or watching one glide by your gulet.

Living Lycian History

Just inland from Kekova’s shores are treasures of Turkey’s Lycian heritage. The region is home to the Ancient City of Myra, known for its impressive rock-cut tombs and a grand Roman theater, as well as the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre – the burial place of the real-life 4th-century St. Nicholas (yes, the origin of Santa Claus!).

Cabin cruises typically stick to on-water activities and panoramic views, but if you’re a history buff on a private charter, you have the freedom to arrange a stop in Demre to visit these sites up close.

Many Blue Cruise guests don’t realize how close they are to such cultural gems; private gulet trips can seamlessly blend onshore excursions like Myra’s ruins or a quick pilgrimage to St. Nicholas’ Church into your sailing itinerary, something not possible on a fixed group route.

All told, it’s easy to see why sailors dub Kekova “the pearl of the Mediterranean.” This compact region alone offers a microcosm of the Blue Cruise experience – from ancient Lycian relics to untouched natural beauty and blissful turquoise swim spots.

Now, let’s look at how you can explore Kekova (and beyond) via the two main Blue Cruise styles: cabin charters and private gulet charters.

Cabin Charter Cruises in Kekova: Social Sailing Adventures

If you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or just looking to join a fun group on board, a cabin charter is an ideal way to experience the Blue Cruise.

In a cabin charter, you book a cabin on a shared gulet that follows a preset itinerary, sailing with a mixed group of passengers and a professional crew. Think of it like joining a floating hostel – but far more comfortable and scenic! You’ll get your own private cabin to sleep in, but all the common areas and the adventure itself are shared, making for a very social atmosphere.

Why choose a cabin charter?

For one, it’s budget-friendly. Instead of renting an entire boat, you pay per person or per cabin, which significantly lowers the cost compared to a private charter. The price usually includes your accommodation, meals prepared by the onboard chef, and basic activities, so it’s an all-inclusive deal without breaking the bank.

But perhaps the biggest draw is the camaraderie: you’ll be meeting new people from around the world – sunbathing, snorkeling, and enjoying sunset cocktails together. Many travelers make lifelong friends over the few days at sea. If you love a bit of adventure and don’t mind the company, cabin cruises can be incredibly fun. In fact, about 70–80% of cabin guests say the social aspect was a highlight of their trip

Types of cabin cruises

There are different styles of cabin cruises to suit different traveler types. Some are labeled “18-39 Young Adults”, geared toward younger travelers or the young-at-heart looking for a lively, upbeat vibe. Other cabin trips are mixed-age cruises, which tend to be more relaxed and family-friendly – perfect if you prefer a mellower environment or are traveling with kids or older family members. You can choose shorter trips vs. longer trips too.

Typical Routes (Fethiye to Olympos, etc.)

Cabin charters in Turkey typically come in two flavors: 4 days/3 nights or 7 days/6-7 nights.

The shorter 3-night versions are often one-way routes great for those on a tight schedule – for example, the famous Fethiye to Olympos itinerary (ending near Kekova) is a 4-day cruise that passes iconic spots like Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kaş, and the Sunken City of Kekova.

This classic route is often cited as the most popular gulet cruise in Turkey, beloved by backpackers and adventure seekers. Longer 7-night cruises usually do a round-trip loop (or cover more distance one-way) with extra time for hidden bays. One popular week-long route, for instance, sails Fethiye → Kekova → Fethiye, giving you ample time to explore the Göcek coves, Kaş town, Kekova’s many gems, and back – ideal if you want to start and end in the same port.

Pros and cons

On a cabin charter, the itinerary is fixed by the operator, which has its pros and cons. The good part is you don’t have to plan a thing – the route is expertly crafted to hit all the must-see spots and best swim stops, so you’re guaranteed to experience the highlights.

One day you might hike to a hillside monastery or paraglide over Ölüdeniz, the next you’ll be cruising past Kekova’s Sunken City or exploring a quaint town like Kaş. It’s a stress-free way to see the Turquoise Coast’s top attractions.

The flip side is you won’t have much flexibility to stray from the schedule. Everyone follows the same game plan, which might include set meal times, swim breaks, and overnight anchorage in designated bays. If, say, you absolutely loved Kaleköy and wanted to stay longer, on a cabin trip you typically have to sail on when it’s time.

But for most, that’s a minor trade-off given the convenience and value. (And if you fall in love with the Blue Cruise experience, you can always plan a private trip next time to customize your route!)

Private Gulet Charters in Kekova: Freedom and Personalization

If you have a family group, a bunch of friends, or simply crave privacy and flexibility, then a private gulet charter might be your dream come true. Chartering a gulet privately means you get the whole boat to yourself, with your own captain and crew, and you call the shots (to a reasonable extent) on where to go and what to do each day.

It’s like having a floating villa for a week – one that comes with a dedicated chef, skipper, and the ever-changing backyard of the Mediterranean Sea!

Why go private?

In one word: freedom. With a private charter, you’re not tied to a preset group itinerary. You can discuss the route daily with your captain and linger where you like, skip places you’re not interested in, even change plans on a whim if the mood strikes. Love a particular bay? Drop anchor and swim all afternoon.

Feeling adventurous? Ask the captain to sail early so you can fit in an extra island before dinner. The itinerary is tailored to your interests, within the bounds of weather and safety. This flexibility is ideal for exploring Kekova, where there’s so much to see.

For example, if your group is really into kayaking, you could have the crew arrange sea kayaks and spend a morning paddling around the Sunken City up close. Or if you’re history buffs, you might dedicate extra time to climb Simena Castle and still visit those onshore Lycian sites like Myra.

Want to pop ashore in Demre to see the Church of St. Nicholas or the Roman theater? On a private charter, no problem – you can build in a quick land excursion (something group cruises don’t typically offer). Essentially, private gulets unlock experiences that cabin trips can’t, because you have the luxury of choice.

Luxury vs Standard Gulets

Speaking of luxury, private charters also let you choose your style of boat. Gulets range from standard, cozy vessels to ultra-luxury yachts, and the price scales accordingly. A traditional standard gulet has comfortable but simple cabins (usually with ensuite bath), a nice dining deck, and maybe a smaller crew – great for an authentic, homey atmosphere on a lower budget.

On the other hand, if you’re after indulgence, luxury gulets come decked out like floating boutique hotels: think king-size beds, air-conditioning, gourmet menus, and possibly even a jacuzzi or jet skis on board.

With a larger crew to pamper you, the service on a luxury charter is top-notch – you won’t have to lift a finger. Most private charters include your basic meals and standard activities, but you can often request special touches. Fancy a beach BBQ one night or have a birthday to celebrate? The crew can make it happen. Just remember, all this exclusivity comes at a higher cost: you’re renting the entire boat for a week, so the price is in the thousands (varying by boat size and season) rather than hundreds per person.

The good news is that if you have a decent-sized group (usually 6 to 12 people), when you split the charter fee, the per-person cost can become surprisingly reasonable – sometimes close to what you’d pay on a cabin cruise for a week. For example, ten friends sharing a €10,000/week standard gulet is about €1,000 each, which is in the same ballpark as some cabin tours. Thus, with enough travel buddies, going private can be great value for the experience you get.

Finally, private charters offer an ambiance that you just can’t get on a shared boat. It’s just your group on board, so you’ll enjoy complete privacy and the freedom to be yourselves without worrying about other guests. It’s perfect for family reunions, a trip with couples or friends, or celebrating a special occasion. Want to play your own music playlist all day? Go for it. Prefer a quiet evening stargazing with no distractions? Done.

The crew adjusts entirely to your preferences, giving you a very personalized journey. Many people also choose private gulets for honeymoons or anniversaries, as it’s incredibly romantic to have a classic wooden yacht all to yourselves in secluded bays. On the flip side, you won’t have the built-in social scene of a cabin charter – but that’s exactly the point for those who choose this route. (If you’ll miss meeting new people, you can always befriend other gulets when anchored in the same bay – a friendly swim over to say hi is not uncommon!)

Prefer the luxury of freedom?

Explore private gulet charters to craft your dream Blue Cruise. Whether you opt for a charming standard gulet or a high-end luxury vessel, a private charter means Kekova and the Turquoise Coast are yours to discover on your own schedule. You might spend an extra day among Kekova’s coves because you just can’t get enough of the tranquility, or navigate to a quieter anchorage that big tours skip – it’s all up to you.

Cabin Charter or Private Gulet: Which to Choose?

Both cabin and private gulet cruises will let you live the Blue Cruise experience – waking up to turquoise bays, swimming in sun-kissed waters, and exploring Turkey’s coastal history – but the right choice depends on your travel style, budget, and group needs.

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you decide:

Feature	Cabin Charter	Private Gulet
Cost	Lower per person	Higher overall, shared cost
Social Atmosphere	Very social	Private
Flexibility	Fixed itinerary	Fully customizable
Amenities	Standard	Standard to luxury

Cost Per Person

For budget-conscious travelers or smaller parties, cabin charters win on price. A few hundred euros can book you a 3–4 night trip. Private charters require paying for the whole boat (thousands in total), so unless you have a larger group to split the cost, they’ll be significantly pricier per person. (Rough estimate: a standard private gulet in peak season might run ~€1,000+ per person with a full group, versus €600–€900 on a cabin cruise.)

For 8+ people, though, a private charter’s cost per head drops a lot and can approach cabin-cruise rates. Do the math with your group size and see what makes sense.

Atmosphere & Social Life

Cabin cruises are all about the group vibe – making new friends, maybe partying at night in a cove (yes, Smuggler’s Inn in Kekova is a popular stop for some youth-oriented cruises!), playing cards or swapping stories under the stars with diverse shipmates. If you’re outgoing or traveling alone, this can be a blast.

Private cruises are intimate and tailored – great for quality time with your own people, but you’ll forego the chance to meet other travelers on board. It’s not that one is better than the other; they’re just different flavors. Choose cabin if you thrive in social settings; choose private if you value privacy and a self-directed atmosphere.

Itinerary Flexibility

Private charter is the hands-down choice for flexibility. You can work with the captain to adjust plans daily – linger longer in that perfect bay, visit onshore sites like Myra that group trips skip, or even change the route to chase good weather.

Cabin charters stick to a fixed schedule, which reliably covers the highlights but doesn’t allow impromptu detours. So, if you have a very specific wishlist (say, you must spend a sunset at a particular hidden cove, or you want to add a scuba dive at Kaş), a private charter lets you do it. If you’re happy to relax and follow a ready-made itinerary, cabin cruises are wonderfully hassle-free.

Amenities & Comfort

On a shared cabin cruise, you’ll have a cozy cabin and common areas, but gulets used for cabin charters are typically standard category – comfortable but not opulent, and you share the crew’s attention with all guests.

Private charters give you more choice in boat comfort (standard vs. luxury) and often a higher crew-to-guest ratio, meaning more personalized service. Also, if having amenities like AC at night or fancy water toys is crucial, you can select a boat that provides those on a private charter. Cabin cruises offer a charming, authentic experience but usually without the frills (and note: on some budget cabin trips, cabins might not have AC 24/7, which is worth considering in peak summer).

In the end, your decision might boil down to practicality

Are you a couple or small group looking to keep costs low and make friends? Or do you have a bigger group (or bigger budget) and a desire for a customized journey?

The good news is, either way you’ll get to revel in Kekova’s magic. Cabin cruisers will bond over shared awe the first time they glide over the Sunken City’s ruins, and private charter guests will have the joy of experiencing Kekova’s serene mornings all to themselves.

Whichever style you choose, prepare for an unforgettable adventure. The Turkish coast has a way of captivating travelers – you might start your cruise as strangers or just tourists, but you’ll end it as sun-kissed Blue Cruisers with a deep appreciation for Turkey’s heritage and natural beauty.

And in Kekova’s case, it’s easy to see why so many call it the heart of the Blue Cruise: where else can you kayak above a 2nd-century city, swim with turtles, and clink glasses beneath a medieval castle – all in one afternoon?

So hoist the anchor and set sail for Kekova’s enchanting waters. Whether you’re mingling with new friends on a cabin charter or luxuriating in the freedom of a private gulet, the Turquoise Coast’s best awaits. Happy cruising – or as we say in Turkey, iyi yolculuklar! (Have a good journey!)