Cruises in Belek

Two different waters open up from Belek. The first is the sea: evening yacht trips head west along the coast towards ancient Side, and the columns of the Temple of Apollo on the headland appear from an angle no walking tour can offer. Such outings run about four hours, are timed for sunset and usually include dinner on board. Longer six-hour versions exist too, calling at bays with stops for swimming.

The second water is fresh. The Green Canyon on the Oymapınar reservoir lies about an hour away: the boat moves slowly between wooded slopes, makes two or three swimming stops, and the water stays cold even in July because the basin is deep. These programmes nearly always include lunch on board and soft drinks, and they fill a full day with hotel transfer.

What separates the offers. Large double-deckers carry many people and run to a timetable; catamarans and smaller yachts take fewer passengers and leave more deck space. Check whether alcohol is covered and how many swim stops are made — that is precisely what distinguishes one all-inclusive package from another. Day sailings call for a hat and sun cream, since shade above is scarce; evening ones call for long sleeves, because after sunset the water turns cool even in August.