Alanya: All Inclusive Luxury Boat Trip w/ Optional Free Time

Big ships make for big holiday fun. This Alanya cruise combines Turkey’s biggest pirate ship with open-sea swimming and stops at Pirates’ Cave, Phosphorus Cave, and Lover’s Cave. I like the buffet lunch and the simple hotel transfers, which make the day easy to manage. The main catch is choosing between 1.5 hours in Alanya and unlimited beer and wine, since you cannot have both.

I also like that the boat offers a quieter first deck with little music, so you can take a break from the party without leaving the ship. Families get a mini disco and child-friendly entertainment, while adults get contests and a foam party. Just remember that the full day can last up to seven hours once transfers are included, and the exact pickup time depends on your hotel.

Key points to know before booking

• Two versions of the day: Choose free time in Alanya with soft drinks, or stay on the boat for unlimited beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Three named coastal caves: The route passes Pirates’ Cave, Phosphorus Cave, and Lover’s Cave, with sightseeing from the water rather than a cave walk.
• Several swim breaks: You get a 20 to 25 minute swim at Ulas Beach, another near Cleopatra Beach, and a final 10 to 15 minute stop.
• A large party boat: The pirate ship has a luxury interior, buffet dining, music, dancing, contests, and a foam party.
• Useful family touches: A mini disco is provided for children, and a quieter first deck offers a calmer place to sit.
• Good value at $45: Hotel transport, lunch, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, and, on one option, beer and wine are included.

What your $45 buys you at sea

At $45 per person, this is priced as an easygoing full-day package rather than a small private cruise. You are paying for transport, a long boat outing, lunch, swimming, entertainment, and drinks. That makes the price appealing if you plan to use most of what is included.

The value is strongest for families and groups who want a ready-made beach day. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the port, find a waterfront restaurant, or pay separately for each swim stop. The buffet also keeps lunch simple, although you should expect a practical group meal rather than a special food experience.

You can choose between two formats. The free-time option gives you 1.5 hours in central Alanya, with soft drinks included but no alcohol. The no-free-time option keeps you on the water and includes unlimited non-alcoholic drinks plus beer and wine. This is an important choice, not a minor booking detail.

If seeing Alanya’s Red Tower and shops matters to you, choose the city stop. If your ideal day is staying aboard with a drink in hand, choose the alcohol option. I would decide based on your main aim before booking, because changing your mind on the day may not be possible.

The morning transfer from Konaklı to Türkler

The day begins with pickup from your hotel area in Konaklı. You are asked to wait outside the main entrance five minutes before the scheduled pickup time, but the stated time is approximate and can change depending on your location.

The transfer to Türkler takes about 30 minutes in the published route. The ship leaves at either 9:00 or 10:00, depending on the option you select, so check your confirmation carefully rather than relying on a general start time.

One useful exception concerns Vikingen Infinity Hotel. The ship is only a five to ten minute walk from that hotel, so transfer service is not included there. If you are staying at that property, the short walk may be easier than waiting for a vehicle, but plan for it before departure.

The boat itself is scheduled to last about six hours. With pickup and return transport added, the full activity is listed as 5.5 to 7 hours. That range makes sense for a route serving different resort areas, but it also means you should not schedule a tight evening reservation.

Choosing between Alanya time and unlimited drinks

The first major decision shapes the whole cruise.

Option one: 1.5 hours in Alanya

On the city-time version, the ship first stops at Ulas Mesire Piknik Alanı, also called Ulas Beach, for a 20 to 25 minute swim. After that, it continues to Alanya port.

You then have about 1.5 hours to walk around central Alanya. The Red Tower is the obvious sight to look for, and local shops give you a chance to browse or pick up small purchases. This is not enough time for a full city tour, a museum visit, and a relaxed meal, but lunch is served back on the ship, so you can use the stop for a quick look at the center.

I see this as the better choice for first-time visitors who want at least a taste of Alanya on land. It breaks up the boat day and gives you a chance to stretch your legs. The drawback is that your time is limited, and the included drinks are soft drinks only.

Option two: Stay aboard with beer and wine

The alcohol version skips free time in Alanya. Instead, you continue along the coast with unlimited beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks available on board.

This option suits you if the ship itself is the destination. You get more uninterrupted cruising time, coastal views, and access to the boat’s entertainment. At $45, unlimited beer and wine can add real value for adults who plan to drink, though it is less useful if you do not consume alcohol.

For couples or groups with different interests, this can be a source of debate. The city option is better for sightseeing. The alcohol option is better for a relaxed party cruise. Neither is automatically superior.

Ulas Beach gives you the first swim

The first swim stop comes at Ulas Beach and lasts about 20 to 25 minutes. This is long enough to get in, cool off, and return to the boat without turning the stop into a full beach visit.

Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a hat. A change of clothes is also sensible, especially if you plan to sit inside the boat afterward. The water is described as clear open sea, but you should still follow the crew’s instructions about where to swim and when to return.

This first stop helps set the rhythm of the outing: cruise, swim, sightseeing or drinks, lunch, another swim, then entertainment. If you prefer long, quiet time in the water, the short stop may feel brief. If you like variety, the repeated stops prevent the day from becoming one long stretch aboard.

Lunch aboard the pirate ship

Lunch is served as a buffet after the free-time portion, or after the continued cruise on the alcohol option. The meal period is listed at about 30 minutes.

The buffet format is practical. You can choose what you want and get back to the deck without spending much of the day at a table. Soft drinks are included, and beer and wine are included only on the no-free-time version.

Do not book this mainly for gourmet dining. The real value is convenience: you have a meal included in the middle of a long excursion, with no need to find a restaurant in Alanya. If you have dietary requirements, the supplied information does not specify menu choices, so ask the provider before booking rather than assuming the buffet will meet your needs.

The three caves are best seen from the water

After lunch, the route passes three named caves: Pirates’ Cave, Phosphorus Cave, and Lover’s Cave. These are sightseeing stops from the boat, not underground walking visits.

That distinction matters. You will see the cave areas from the sea and hear the names and stories through the cruise atmosphere, but this is not a specialist geology tour. The caves add character to the coastal route and give the crew natural points of interest between the swim and party sections.

A 30-meter cliff jump by professional animators is also part of the entertainment. It is a visual highlight for many people, but it is not something you need to copy. If you prefer to stay on deck, you can watch the jump and keep your own day as gentle as you like.

Cleopatra Beach brings another open-sea swim

The boat later stops near Cleopatra Beach for another 20 to 25 minute swim. This is one of the better parts of the schedule if you want time in the sea rather than only coastal views.

The stop is near the beach, but the activity remains an open-sea swim from the boat. That means you should be comfortable entering the water from the ship and climbing back aboard. Bring only what you need on deck, and keep cash and personal items secure while you swim.

A final 10 to 15 minute swim takes place before the return to port. It is short, but welcome after the music and activity. By this point, you may prefer a last dip or a quiet place to sit, and the first deck is available for a lower-music break.

Music, contests, and the foam party

The entertainment is a major part of this experience. After the swimming stops, the crew turns the cruise into a floating party with dancing, contests for adults, a mini disco for children, and a large foam party.

Families get more than a simple boat ride. The mini disco gives younger children a planned activity, while teenagers may enjoy the music, swims, and foam. Adults can join the contests or simply watch from the deck.

The atmosphere is likely to be energetic, not peaceful. That is a plus if you want a holiday party and a drawback if you imagined a quiet sailing trip. The first deck, where music is minimal, gives you an escape valve. I would use it during the loudest periods if you want the views without constant sound.

The activity is described as suitable for all ages, but suitability depends on your preferred pace. Young children can enjoy the swimming and mini disco, while older children and teenagers may appreciate the cliff jump and foam party. People seeking a quiet coastal cruise should choose another type of outing.

Practical packing advice for a wet, sunny day

Pack for movement between water and deck. The most useful items are:

• Beachwear and a change of clothes
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Cash for personal expenses
• A towel if your hotel does not provide one for excursions
• Any motion-sickness medication you normally use

The bar can provide motion-sickness tablets upon request, according to the activity information. If you already know you are prone to seasickness, I would not wait until you feel ill. Take your usual precautions and choose a stable place on the lower or quieter deck.

Free Wi-Fi is included, which is handy for staying in touch or sharing a quick update. Photos and videos are not included, so you may be offered paid photo services during the outing. Treat those as optional extras and keep your phone protected from water.

The ship is wheelchair accessible, which is useful information when planning. Still, the practical ease of boarding, swimming, and moving between decks can depend on your personal mobility, so confirm any specific needs with Timur Travel before departure.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several holiday activities bundled into one day. It works particularly well for:

• Families who want swimming, food, and child-friendly entertainment
• Teenagers who enjoy music, contests, and a foam party
• Adults who prefer a social boat day with beer and wine
• First-time visitors who want either a short look at Alanya or a coastal cruise
• Budget-conscious visitors who value transport and included meals

I would be more cautious if you want a small boat, personal service, a quiet route, or extended time at one beach. The ship is large and entertainment-led. You should also think twice if you dislike fixed schedules, since the day moves from one planned stop to the next.

The average rating is 4.3 from 58 ratings, and the strongest praise focuses on the atmosphere, the large pirate ship, family appeal, caves, swimming, and foam party. One especially useful detail is that the experience worked well for a three-year-old, while another family enjoyed it with teenagers. That gives you a good sense of its broad age range, though very young children still need close supervision around the water.

Booking details that matter

Timur Travel operates the excursion, with English, Russian, and Turkish available from the host or greeter. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for the stated pickup area, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still shifting. Check the exact availability and start time before booking, since the departure can be at 9:00 or 10:00 and the transfer time varies by location.

At $45, the tour offers solid value when you want a full package. The key is making the correct option choice. Pick free time if Alanya matters more than alcohol. Pick the no-free-time cruise if you want to remain aboard and make use of the included beer and wine.

Should you book the Alanya pirate ship cruise?

Book it if you want a lively, good-value day with swimming, lunch, caves, and organized entertainment. The large ship, family activities, multiple swim stops, and foam party give you plenty to do without arranging separate plans.

Choose the Alanya free-time version if you want to see the Red Tower and browse the city center. Choose the no-free-time version if unlimited beer and wine, a longer uninterrupted cruise, and the party atmosphere sound more appealing.

I would skip it only if you are seeking a quiet or intimate boat trip. For everyone else, especially families and groups who enjoy a bit of holiday silliness, this is a practical way to combine Alanya sightseeing with a full day on the water.

FAQ

How long does the Alanya boat trip last?

The full activity lasts about 5.5 to 7 hours, including hotel transfers. The boat trip itself lasts about six hours.

What time does the boat depart?

Departure is at 9:00 or 10:00, depending on the option selected. Your exact pickup time is approximate and varies by hotel location.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included. You should wait outside your hotel’s main entrance five minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Beer and wine are included only with the option that does not provide free time in Alanya. Soft drinks are included on both options.

Can I visit Alanya during the cruise?

Yes, the free-time option includes about 1.5 hours in central Alanya. This version includes a stop at Ulas Beach first and provides time to see the Red Tower and browse local shops.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, sunscreen, beachwear, a change of clothes, and cash for personal expenses. Motion-sickness tablets are available at the bar upon request.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. For specific mobility needs, confirm the practical details with Timur Travel before departure.