Discover the Magic of the Coast: Alanya Boat Trip

Right then shipmates grab a pew and listen in because if you are currently sweating your cobs off in Turkey I have got the ultimate cure for you. If you have been dragging yourself between the hotel buffet and the sunbed like a zombie in flip flops it is time to shake things up. You cannot come all the way to this gorgeous stretch of coastline and not actually get out on the water. That is where an Alanya boat trip comes in. I have been sailing these seas for donkey’s years and I can tell you that hopping on a boat is the absolute best way to see the sights without melting into a puddle on the pavement.

Let us be honest for a second because we need to talk about the heat. In July and August Alanya is basically an open air sauna. Walking around the castle or trudging through the bazaar is hard graft when it is forty degrees in the shade. The beauty of an Alanya boat trip is the breeze. As soon as you leave the harbour and the captain throttles up you get that sweet Mediterranean wind hitting your face and it is pure bliss. It is the only place in town where you can top up your tan without feeling like a chicken in an oven.

Now when you head down to the harbour to sort out your Alanya boat trip you are going to be bombarded by sales lads. These boys are proper grafters. They will promise you everything from free beer to a date with a supermodel just to get you on their boat. Do not get mugged off. You need to know what you are looking for. There are two main types of Alanya boat trip experiences. You have got the massive pirate ships which are essentially floating nightclubs. They play banging tunes have foam parties and are generally full of young ones having it large. If that is your bag then crack on. But if you want a bit of peace and quiet look for a smaller wooden gulet. These traditional boats offer a much more chilled Alanya boat trip where you can actually hear yourself think and read your book in peace.

The standard itinerary for an Alanya boat trip is pretty much the same whoever you book with because the coastline dictates the route. You will set off from the marina which is a sight in itself with the massive Red Tower standing guard. As you cruise out you will hug the cliffs around the peninsula. This is the only way to see the old shipyard and the sea caves properly. Your Alanya boat trip will take you past the Pirates Cave the Lovers Cave and the Phosphorus Cave. Legend has it that the Phosphorus Cave glows at night but even in the day the water is that mental turquoise colour that looks like it has been photoshopped.

One of the highlights of any Alanya boat trip is the swimming stops. The captain will drop the anchor in some secluded bays where the water is crystal clear. Jumping off the top deck into the deep blue is a rite of passage. Just make sure you check the depth before you hurl yourself off or you might end up with more than just a bruised ego. Most tours also stop near Cleopatra Beach. Swimming here from the boat is brilliant because you avoid the crowds fighting for sunbeds on the sand. You just dive off the back and you are swimming in the same water that the Egyptian Queen apparently loved although I reckon she probably had a better boat than us.

Let us talk about the grub because a day at sea works up a serious appetite. Almost every Alanya boat trip includes lunch in the ticket price. It is usually a standard spread of grilled chicken or mackerel with pasta salad and bread. It is not Michelin star dining but honestly when you are sitting on the deck with the salt drying on your skin it tastes absolutely cracking. However here is a massive warning for you. While the food is usually free the drinks on an Alanya boat trip can cost an arm and a leg. It is a captive market mate. You cannot exactly pop to the shop when you are a mile offshore. Some boats offer an all inclusive drinks package which might be worth it if you plan on sinking a few cold ones. If not bring plenty of cash because they rarely take card in the middle of the ocean.

Another thing you need to be dead careful about on your Alanya boat trip is the sun. The reflection off the white boat and the blue water acts like a magnifying glass. You will burn twice as fast as you do on the beach. I have seen so many Brits come off an Alanya boat trip looking like they have gone twelve rounds with a radiator. Slap on the factor fifty and wear a hat. Also if you go on a boat with a foam party be careful on the deck. That foam makes the floor slippery as ice. I saw a bloke go completely airborne last year and land flat on his back. Do not be that guy.

Regarding the booking process for your Alanya boat trip you have got options. You can book through your hotel rep but they will slap a massive commission on top. You can go down to the harbour and haggle with the captains directly which is good fun if you like a bit of banter. Or you can book online with a reputable agency to save the hassle. Just make sure you check if the transfer is included. The marina is right in the centre so if you are staying near Cleopatra Beach you can probably walk it but if you are further out you will want a pick up.

So to wrap it all up an Alanya boat trip is the quintessential holiday experience. It is cheap it is cheerful and it gets you away from the hustle and bustle of the town. Whether you want to party like a pirate or snooze on a sun deck there is an Alanya boat trip with your name on it. Just remember to pack your sun cream watch the drink prices and do not slip on the foam.

Right I am handing the ship’s wheel over to you lot now. I know loads of you have set sail on these waters. Did you go on a mental pirate ship or a quiet cruise for your Alanya boat trip. Did you brave the jump from the top deck or did you stick to the ladder. Did you manage to spot any turtles or just a load of other tourists. Drop a comment below and tell us your sea shanties. Your tips and stories help the other landlubbers plan their perfect day out so do not keep it to yourself. Let us get a proper thread going in the comments section. Cheers and happy sailing.