Kas by sea feels private fast. This private Kas Islands boat trip is a full-on day on your own 55-foot sailing boat, with time for snorkel stops, pretty bays, and a crew that handles food so you don’t have to think. I especially love the hands-on undersea setup—snorkel gear plus an underwater camera and Seascooter—and the fact that lunch is cooked fresh by the crew rather than some rushed package meal. The main consideration is simple: you’re out for about 8 hours, and the day is easiest if you’re happy to live on deck and in the water.

You’ll start in Kas Harbor at 9:30am with your captain and crew, then settle in as you head toward Guvercin (Pigeon) Island. After a swim-and-snorkel anchor, you continue to the island group around Meis, also known as Kastellorizo, where the snorkeling theme turns from pretty water to real underwater sights like a shipwreck and an underwater canyon. And because it’s private, you’re not stuck in the same tempo as a big group tour.

Food and service are part of the draw here. I like that lunch is built around grilled kebabs and Turkish meze, with organic, seasonal ingredients and vegetarian meals available on request. The only snag I’d flag is that alcohol isn’t included, and pickup (if you want it) costs extra, so plan your budget accordingly.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Your own private 55-foot sailboat for up to 10 people, so the day stays flexible
• Seascooter plus snorkeling gear and an underwater camera for easier, gear-supported underwater exploring
• Guvercin Island time with bird spotting and an underwater stone shark sculpture to look for
• Meis/Kastellorizo island-hopping style route with a shipwreck and underwater canyon
• BBQ lunch on board with grilled kebabs, Turkish meze, and vegetarian option on request
• Cool-water break at Big Pebble Beach thanks to an underground stream

Private sailboat day from Kas Harbor: what it feels like

This is the kind of tour that changes the mood of your whole vacation. Instead of meeting up, waiting, and squeezing onto a shared boat, you step aboard your own sailboat and get into “on our schedule” mode. Even the timing works well: you get an early start from Kas Harbor, then the day unfolds in swim-friendly blocks rather than one long boring stretch.

The boat itself is part of the value. A 55-foot (about 17-meter) sailing boat usually means more comfortable deck space than small speedboats, and it makes the day feel like a real outing rather than a short excursion. You’ll likely spend a lot of time either sunning on deck or gear-ready at anchor—so if you like that relaxed rhythm, you’ll be in your element.

Captain Ergun’s route: how the day is paced

You meet the captain and crew at Boat Trips by Captain Ergun in Andifli, Liman Sk. 4/A in Kas at 9:30am. From there, the itinerary is built around anchor stops and short, high-reward shore or swim breaks. You’re not chasing ten different ports; you’re doing fewer places with enough time to actually enjoy them.

A typical arc goes like this: sail out toward Guvercin Island, anchor for about two hours of bird spotting and snorkel time, then continue onward to the Meis/Kastellorizo region for more water time. After that, you shift to harbor time and beach time, including a snack break of tea and fruit, and then you head back to Kas Harbor around 6pm (depending on your chosen departure timing).

The “private” part matters here. If your group wants more time in the water at one stop, that flexibility is usually easier to manage when it’s just your party on the boat. If your group is more land-and-photo oriented, you can still enjoy the water without being stuck on a rigid schedule.

Guvercin Island (Pigeon Island): birds, snorkel gear, and a stone shark to spot

Guvercin Island is the first big highlight, mainly because it mixes scenery with underwater rewards. You’ll get about two hours there, and you can watch for resident birds along the island before you head into the water.

The snorkeling hook here is specific: there’s an underwater stone sculpture of a shark. It’s the kind of detail that makes the stop memorable because it turns “normal snorkeling” into a little scavenger hunt. Bring a mask you like and take a slow look—these kinds of underwater artworks reward calm, not rushing.

If you want a practical tip: this is one of those stops where the timing is on your side. Two hours gives you a real chance to swim, snorkel, and warm up again without feeling like you’re only there for ten minutes and then back on the boat.

Meis and Kastellorizo: shipwreck snorkeling and canyon scenery

After Guvercin, your route continues toward the island cluster around Meis (Kastellorizo). This is where the day starts to feel like a “greatest hits” underwater sampler—still pretty on the surface, but with stronger underwater content.

You’re set up to snorkel again after the boat reaches the Meis/Kastellorizo area. You’ll be looking for two standout underwater features mentioned for this trip: a shipwreck and an underwater canyon. These are exactly the kinds of places where gear support helps—so the included snorkeling equipment and underwater camera are worth paying attention to.

And yes, the Seascooter changes how you experience this part. Instead of relying purely on your own kicking power, the Seascooter underwater propulsion vehicle can help you glide more comfortably. That tends to make the water time feel longer and less exhausting, especially if you’re not used to snorkeling for long stretches.

Kaleköy Harbour and harbor-mouth time: getting scenery without the rush

Not every stop is about being in the water. You also get time around Kas’s island-and-harbor atmosphere, including Kaleköy Harbour for about an hour. It’s a nice palate cleanser after the open-water feel, and it’s practical for photos and a quick break from the sun.

Later, you’ll have time at Limanagzi Bay (also described as Harbor Mouth Bay). This is where you can do that classic sailing-vacation move: relax, swim if you want, and enjoy the look of the shoreline from a different angle than the deck. Harbor breaks also give your body a chance to reset if the morning snorkel session got you energized (or tired).

A small consideration: since the day is anchored around swim time, don’t expect long, shaded walking stretches on land. Plan on wearing sun protection and treating shade as a bonus, not a guarantee.

Big Pebble Beach: the cool-water trick you’ll feel

Big Pebble Beach (Buyuk Cakil Beach) is one of those stops with a built-in fun fact: there’s an underground stream of fresh, cool water. That matters because it turns a beach break into something you’ll notice with your whole body, not just your eyes.

You’ll get about an hour here, which is long enough to get in for a swim, take a few photos, and then float back toward the boat without feeling rushed. Pebble beaches often get overlooked because they’re not “sand-luxury,” but the payoff is that they can feel more grounded and less crowded than the sandier alternatives.

If you’re sensitive to pebbles underfoot, wear water shoes. You’ll avoid that constant “careful step” mode and enjoy the water stop more.

Lunch on board: grilled kebabs, Turkish meze, and the crew’s rhythm

Here’s where this trip scores big for real-world comfort. Lunch is prepared fresh by the crew after your morning snorkeling. You’ll get grilled kebabs and Turkish meze (small plates), with organic, seasonal ingredients called out as part of the approach.

It’s not just that lunch is included. It’s that the timing matches the day. Eat after water time when you’re hungry, not when you’re still half numb from being on the water. And because the food is cooked onboard, the day keeps its rhythm instead of turning into a “find a restaurant” vacation detour.

Vegetarian meals are available if you request them at booking. That’s the kind of detail that makes planning easier for groups, especially if you have mixed dietary needs.

You’ll also get snacks later in the day—Turkish tea and fresh fruit—so you’re not relying on the BBQ lunch as your only energy source. Alcohol isn’t included, and that’s worth noting if your group plans a celebratory vibe.

Price and value: when this private boat is worth it

The price is listed as $1,206.82 per group, up to 10 people, for about 8 hours. That sounds high if you’re thinking like a solo traveler. But think like a group. If you spread the cost across 10 people, you’re essentially buying a private day with serious gear and multiple swim stops, without sharing the boat with strangers.

Where the value really comes from is what’s included:

• snorkel gear
• an underwater camera
• a Seascooter
• lunch and snacks
• bottled water
• coffee and/or tea

For many shared tours, you pay extra for some or all of the above. Here, they’re bundled, and the boat size and private nature add comfort. For families or friends traveling together, this is often the “best day on the water” option because you’re paying for convenience plus time.

If you’re traveling as a smaller group, you’ll still be paying a premium. In that case, decide if you’d rather spend more for privacy and gear, or if you’d rather go cheaper with a shared cruise and accept less flexibility.

What to bring (and what to plan for) for an 8-hour sea day

This is a deck-and-water day, so pack like you’re doing both. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, and bring swimwear you’re comfortable re-wetting. You’ll want a towel, and if you have one, water shoes for pebble stops.

Bring a dry bag or waterproof pouch if you care about keeping your phone safe. The underwater camera is included, but you’ll still likely want your own device for above-water photos.

Hydration is covered with bottled water, but salty-sun days still work up a thirst. If your group tends to get hungry fast, you’ll be fine thanks to lunch plus snacks, but don’t skip breakfast before you meet at 9:30am.

One more small, practical thought: deck sun can get intense on a sea day. If your group wants shade, plan to spend time in the boat’s shadier areas during peak sun rather than expecting it to be naturally shaded the whole time.

Who this tour fits best in Kas

I think this tour is ideal for:

• groups of friends who want a private day and don’t want to compromise on swim time
• couples who like snorkeling and want the calm of a private boat rather than a crowded cruise
• families that want a crew-handled lunch and a schedule built around comfort

It’s especially appealing if you care about underwater moments, because the trip isn’t generic snorkeling. It’s geared to specific underwater sights like the stone shark sculpture, plus the shipwreck and canyon area.

It may be less ideal if your group wants lots of long land walks or a fast sightseeing sprint. This is a sea-first day with shorter land interludes. Also, if anyone in your group gets motion sick easily, consider that before booking.

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

Book it if you want a true private day on the water with snorkel support that goes beyond basic gear. The combination of Seascooter + underwater camera + lunch cooked by the crew is exactly what turns the trip from a “nice outing” into a day you remember.

Skip or compare if you’re traveling solo or as a tiny group and the cost feels uncomfortable. In that case, you might prefer a shared cruise to lower the per-person price, even if you lose some flexibility.

My final take: this is a strong choice for groups who plan to actually use the water time. If your idea of a perfect Kas day includes snorkeling, cool bay stops, and a real lunch served on board, you’ll likely feel like you got your money’s worth.

FAQ

What time does the boat trip start in Kas?

It starts at 9:30am, and you return to Kas Harbor around 6pm depending on your chosen departure time.

How long is the experience?

The duration is listed as approximately 8 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

Included are bottled water, lunch, coffee and/or tea, snacks, snorkeling equipment, use of an underwater camera and a Seascooter (as part of the boat’s equipment), and the private tour.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered from hotels in Kas or near residents’ homes if required, but transfer is an extra charge.

Is there a vegetarian lunch option?

Yes. Vegetarian meals are available if you advise dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Is alcohol included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase, but they are not included.