Sailing out of Kas Harbor feels like you stepped into your own slice of the Turkish coast. On this private 55-foot sailing boat, you get serious freedom with snorkel gear and a Seascooter to explore underwater without crowds. The day also comes with a crew-prepared lunch of grilled kebabs and Turkish meze, so you spend your time enjoying, not hunting for food.

I especially like how the itinerary mixes big scenery with real water time, with anchor stops at Guvercin (Pigeon) Island, a cluster of islands in the Meis (Kastellorizo) area, plus beach breaks. One consideration: pickup can be extra, because private transportation is not included, so plan for that if you need a hotel pickup beyond Kas.

If you want a boat day that feels flexible but still structured, this one fits. The reviews track strongly on food, service, and the water activities, and it shows in the way the day is paced.

Key highlights and what matters

• Private 55-foot sailing boat for up to 10, so your group sets the tone for the day
• Snorkel gear + underwater camera + Seascooter, a rare combo for a day trip
• Guvercin Island undersea stop, including an underwater stone sculpture of a shark
• Meis (Kastellorizo) island-area snorkeling, with chances to see a shipwreck and underwater canyon
• Buyuk Cakil (Big Pebble) Beach break, known for an underground stream of cool, fresh water
• Crew-made lunch and snacks, with vegetarian meals available on request

The boat day set-up: a real private day, not a group shuffle

This trip starts in Kas, meeting at Boat Trips by Captain Ergun around 9:30am. From there, you board a 55-foot (about 17-meter) sailing boat, and you keep the whole experience to your own group (up to 10 people). That matters more than it sounds, because time on the water goes faster when you are not waiting on strangers to board, change, or ask the same questions.

You also get a practical rhythm to the day: sail out, anchor for swimming and snorkeling, eat while you are still out on the water, then return around 6pm (timing can shift based on your chosen schedule). If you like days that feel simple and continuous, this structure is a win.

If you are thinking about logistics, keep two things in mind. Pickup is offered from hotels in Kas if you need it, but transfer is extra charge, and private transportation is not included. Also, alcohol is not part of the package, though it can be purchased.

Kas Harbor to Kalekoy and Guvercin: where the snorkeling starts early

Once you leave the harbor, the first portion of the day is built around getting you into the water before you get bored. You make your way toward Guvercin Island (Pigeon Island), with an anchoring stop that gives you time to swim and snorkel right from the boat.

Guvercin is a standout because it is not just about seeing fish. There is an underwater stone sculpture of a shark that you can spot while snorkeling, which turns a normal swim into something more memorable. If you are the kind of traveler who likes a “one thing you actually saw” moment, that sculpture is it.

You also have tools that change how you explore:

• Snorkeling gear is included
• An underwater camera is included
• The boat has a Seascooter (underwater propulsion vehicle)

That Seascooter detail matters for comfort and confidence. Even if you are a decent swimmer, moving underwater with less effort helps you stay calm, look longer, and spend more time observing instead of fighting currents.

The Meis (Kastellorizo) island cluster: shipwreck and canyon time

After Guvercin, you continue sailing toward a picture-perfect island cluster associated with Meis, also known as Kastellorizo. This part of the day is where you get longer water access and more variety in what you can see.

The underwater focus here is strong. You’ll have a chance to snorkel near a shipwreck and through areas described as an underwater canyon. Even if you are not an expert snorkeler, the included gear and the fact that you are dropping anchor from a boat helps you stay oriented and spend more of your effort on looking, not on planning.

Also, do not skip the surface time. You are on a sailing boat, so there is a chance to soak up sun on deck as you move between anchor points. For a lot of people, that is half the charm, especially when your group can spread out and take turns exploring.

Limanagzi Bay break: beach time with a calmer harbor feel

After the longer swim-focused sections, the itinerary shifts to a more relaxed coastal rhythm. You head to Limanagzi Bay, also called Harbor Mouth Bay, where you get beach time in a pretty harbor setting.

This stop is valuable because it gives your body a breather. If you spent the first part of the day snorkeling and using the Seascooter, your shoulders and legs will appreciate a slower pace. It also helps you avoid the common mistake on boat trips, which is trying to do everything underwater and then rushing through the best views on land.

Keep an eye on what the schedule feels like in real time. If the sea is calm, you can linger a bit. If the weather shifts, you’ll still get time to enjoy the harbor and reset before your last beach stop.

Big Pebble Beach (Buyuk Cakil): the cool-water detail you will notice

Next comes Buyuk Cakil Beach, also known as Big Pebble Beach. This is one of the moments that makes the day feel special in a local way: it is described as having an underground stream of fresh, cool water.

That cool-water detail matters because it changes how long you want to stay. Even if the air is warm, a cooler spot keeps you comfortable in the water and encourages you to take your time. It is not just a photo stop, it is a practical, enjoyable break.

Expect about an hour at this stop. That is enough time to relax, swim, and enjoy the beach without making you feel like you are on a strict timetable.

Lunch on board: grilled kebabs, Turkish meze, and real pacing

One of the biggest reasons I’d recommend a private boat trip like this is the food timing. You do not hop off the boat to look for lunch and you do not wait until you are hungry enough to feel cranky. The crew prepares lunch after swimming, and it is designed to match what you have been doing on the water.

Lunch is grilled kebabs and Turkish meze, with an emphasis on organic, seasonal ingredients. Vegetarian meals are available if you ask at booking, so you can keep the day smooth even with dietary needs.

There is also an ongoing snack rhythm. Between swims and beach time, you’ll have Turkish tea and fresh fruit. That snack break is more than a small extra. It helps you stay energized and avoids the dip that can happen mid-trip when you are mixing sun, water, and movement.

If you are sensitive to sun, plan on staying shaded during lunch and tea. Midday heat can sneak up on you, even when you feel busy.

Included extras that make this feel like a complete experience

Here is what you should expect to be covered:

• Bottled water
• Lunch
• Coffee and/or tea
• Snacks
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Underwater camera
• Seascooter (as part of the boat’s equipped activities)
• Private tour

You should also plan for what is not included:

• Alcoholic drinks are not included, though they are available to purchase
• Drinks are not fully included beyond what is listed
• Private transportation is not included

This set-up is good value when you look at what you are getting. You are not just renting a boat for a scenic cruise. You are paying for a full day with guided water activities, gear, and meals, which is how boat trips stop feeling like “time on the boat only.”

Price and value: $1,206.82 per group, up to 10 people

The price is listed as $1,206.82 per group for up to 10 people, for about 8 hours. If you divide it up among a full group, the effective cost drops quickly compared to many per-person boat tours.

The real value comes from the “private” part. You keep your own pacing, your own space, and your own chance at calm moments for photos and swimming. You also avoid losing time to other groups boarding at different times.

So the math is pretty simple:

• If you have a small group, you may feel the price more because it is still charged per boat
• If you can fill the group capacity, it becomes a very reasonable way to buy a full day afloat, with food and snorkeling gear included

Who this private Kas Islands trip is best for

This is a strong match if you want:

• A private boat day without juggling other schedules
• Snorkeling you can do right from the boat
• Extra equipment, like the Seascooter and an underwater camera
• A crew that handles lunch and snacks so you can relax

It is also a good choice for families traveling with older kids, as children must be accompanied by an adult. For travelers who get sea-sick easily, you might want to think about your personal comfort in open water, even though nothing in the details mentions special accommodations.

If you are traveling with friends and you want the day to feel customized to your group, the private format is the main reason to book.

Practical tips before you go

A few small prep steps will make the day smoother:

• Bring a swimsuit you’re comfortable with for pebbly beaches at Buyuk Cakil
• Wear water-friendly footwear if you plan to spend time on stones or pebbles
• Use sunscreen before you start moving between anchor points, then reapply during beach time
• Let the crew know about vegetarian needs when you book
• If you want pickup, confirm early and factor in the extra transfer cost

Also, since you are on the water for roughly 8 hours, pack light for the boat time but plan for changing conditions. Even on sunny days, a breeze can make you feel chilly when you’re wet.

Should you book this Private Boat Trip to Kas Islands with BBQ Lunch?

Yes, if your ideal day in Kas is a mix of sailing views, real water time, and meals taken care of. The best reasons are the combination of snorkeling gear, underwater camera, and Seascooter, plus the way the day is paced with anchor stops and breaks.

I would book it especially if:

• You have enough people to spread the per-group cost
• You want a private sailing boat experience rather than a shared boat tour
• You care about structured water stops, including Guvercin’s shark sculpture and Meis-area underwater sights

I would think twice if you only need basic sightseeing and you have no interest in water activities, because much of what makes the value here is the included equipment and time in the sea. And if you need hotel pickup, remember the potential extra transfer fee.

If you want a confident plan for a day that feels both scenic and active, this one is easy to get excited about.

FAQ

What time does the private boat trip start?

The tour starts at 9:30am. You meet at Boat Trips by Captain Ergun in Andifli, Liman Sk. 4/A, Kaş/Antalya, Turkey.

How big is the group on this private sailing trip?

This is a private tour. Your group is the only group on board, with pricing set for up to 10 people.

What snorkeling gear is included, and do you get an underwater camera?

You get snorkeling equipment and an underwater camera included. The boat is also equipped with a Seascooter for underwater propulsion.

Is lunch included, and is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. Lunch is included and is described as grilled kebabs with Turkish meze. Vegetarian meals are available if you advise the team of your dietary needs at the time of booking.

Can the operator pick you up from your hotel in Kas?

Pickup can be offered from hotels located in Kas if required. Transfer is an extra charge, and private transportation is not included.

What is the cancellation policy for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.