Catamaran Boat Tour with Snorkelling Alanya

Alanya harbour, the Red Tower and the castle

The catamaran leaves from Alanya harbour, right beside the Red Tower, the octagonal Seljuk tower built in 1226 that still guards the port. Within minutes you are sailing beneath the peninsula, where the walls of Alanya Castle run along the clifftops high above the water. This view of the old fortress, its towers and the houses inside the walls is one of the finest on the Turkish Riviera.

Seen from the deck, the scale of the castle is impressive: the walls follow every fold of the rock, and the cliffs fall straight into deep blue sea. Our guide on board points out the landmarks as you go. If you are wondering how to see Alanya Castle without climbing the hill, this Alanya catamaran tour gives you the panorama in comfort, with a cool breeze and a seat in the sun.

Pirates' Cave and Lovers' Cave

At the southern tip of the peninsula the limestone cliffs are pierced by caves carved over thousands of years by the waves. Pirates' Cave takes its name from the old stories of corsairs who once hid along this coast, while Lovers' Cave is linked to a local tale of a couple who sheltered there. The catamaran approaches as closely as the sea allows so you can see the arches and the colour of the water.

The caves are only reachable from the sea, which makes this part of the cruise special. The water around them is so clear that you can see the rocks far below the surface. On calm days the light inside the openings creates beautiful reflections, and the guide shares the stories behind each cave as the boat drifts slowly past.

Phosphorus Cave

Phosphorus Cave is famous for the way the water seems to glow inside it. Sunlight entering beneath the surface reflects off the white limestone and turns the water a luminous green and turquoise, an effect that gave the cave its name. It is one of the most photographed spots on any Alanya sea caves boat tour.

The best light is usually around midday, when the sun is high and the colours are at their brightest, which is when this tour passes by. Keep your camera ready, as the boat only pauses for a short time at each cave. The contrast between the dark rock, the glowing water and the open blue sea is one of the lasting images of the day.

Cleopatra Beach

Cleopatra Beach stretches for about two kilometres along the western side of the peninsula and is one of the best-known beaches in Türkiye, with fine golden sand and remarkably clear water. The catamaran anchors offshore for a swim of around 45 minutes, so you enjoy the beach scenery without the crowds on the sand.

From the water you see the long curve of the beach, the hotels and palm-lined promenade behind it and the castle hill rising at its end. Many travellers ask about the best time to visit Cleopatra Beach; early summer and September bring warm water and softer light. Swimming here from a boat is one of the nicest ways to experience it.

Swimming and snorkelling bays of the Turkish Riviera

During the cruise the boat makes three or four stops in sheltered bays, giving you plenty of time to swim, float and snorkel in the turquoise sea. The seabed of rocks and sand shelters small fish, and if you are lucky you may spot dolphins or sea turtles in the open water. Please bring your own snorkelling gear, as it is not provided on board.

Between swims you can sunbathe on the upper deck, relax with music or join the foam party during the on-board entertainment. Lunch of chicken, pasta and salad is served with soft drinks while the boat sails with views of Alanya Castle and the Red Tower. In wavy conditions the captain may adjust the programme for safety.