Kemer is wedged between the Taurus Mountains and the bluest stretch of the Turkish Mediterranean, which makes it one of the best bases on the coast for day trips. You can sail to an island nicknamed the “Maldives of Turkey,” ride a cable car from sea level to a 2,365 m summit, or wander the ruins of an ancient Lycian city on its own beach — all within easy reach of town. Here’s a local’s honest pick of the excursions actually worth booking from Kemer in 2026, with what each one involves and who it suits. Most tours include hotel pickup and free cancellation.
| Excursion | Duration | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suluada “Maldives” Boat Trip | 8–9 hours | ~$16 | Turquoise bays — top pick |
| Olympos (Tahtalı) Cable Car | ~3 hours | ~$78 | Views & photos |
| Phaselis & Tahtalı Full-Day Tour | Full day | Check price | History + views |
| Taurus Mountains Jeep Safari | Full day | Check price | Adventure |
| Suluada from Adrasan (with Lunch) | Full day | Check price | A calmer boat day |
Suluada Boat Trip — the “Maldives of Turkey”
This is the must-do day out from Kemer. Suluada is a tiny uninhabited island with powder-white sand and impossibly turquoise water — hence the “Maldives of Turkey” nickname. The boat cruises past cliffs and caves (keep an eye out for dolphins and turtles), with swim stops at the island’s beaches, Paradise Bay and the Love Cave, plus lunch on board. It’s superb value and the photos sell themselves. Book the morning trip for calmer seas.
Check Price & Availability — from $16 →
Olympos (Tahtalı) Cable Car
One of the longest cable cars in the world climbs from near sea level to the 2,365 m summit of Mount Tahtalı (ancient Olympos) in about 10 minutes, through the Beydağları National Park. The view from the top — pine-clad mountains tumbling down to the turquoise sea — is genuinely jaw-dropping, and on a clear day you can see all the way along the coast. Honest note: this is a scenic cable-car excursion rather than a guided tour, and you’ll usually get around an hour at the summit, so go for the views, not commentary.
Check Price & Availability — from $78 →
Phaselis & Tahtalı Full-Day Tour
Want history and the cable car in one day? This tour pairs the ancient Lycian city of Phaselis — Roman ruins, an aqueduct and a harbour set right on a gorgeous swimmable beach — with the ride up Mount Tahtalı. It’s the best way to combine Kemer’s two headline sights, with a swim among the ruins thrown in.
Taurus Mountains Jeep Safari
For an active day, an open 4×4 safari heads up into the Beydağları and Taurus foothills on rough forest tracks, with mountain views, a traditional village stop, a waterfall or river swim, lunch and the obligatory water fights. Bumpy, dusty and great fun — best for families with older kids and anyone who likes the off-road buzz.
Suluada from Adrasan (with Lunch)
If you’d rather a smaller, more relaxed boat to Suluada, this version departs from the pretty bay of Adrasan further south, sailing past cliffs and caves to the island with a lunch on board. One honest tip: even “relaxed” Suluada boats get busy in peak summer and some play music, so if you want true peace and quiet, check the boat size and style before booking.
More excursions worth considering
Beyond the headliners, a few other trips are popular from Kemer: the Kekova sunken city day tour, usually combined with Demre (the church of St Nicholas — the real Santa Claus) and the rock tombs of Myra; the Chimaera (Yanartaş) eternal flames near Çıralı, best as an evening trip when the natural fires glow in the dark; Göynük Canyon for hiking and cool pools; and scuba diving around the Three Islands. If any of these appeal, they’re easy to add to your trip.
Tips for booking excursions in Kemer
Book a day or two ahead in July and August, when the best boats and tours sell out, and choose free cancellation in case the weather changes. For boat trips, the morning departure means calmer seas; for the cable car, go on a clear day for the views. Bring swimwear, sunscreen and water for sea trips, and a light layer for the cable car summit — it’s much cooler up top. Always check exactly what’s included (lunch, drinks, entrance fees) before you book.
FAQ
What’s the best excursion from Kemer?
The Suluada “Maldives” boat trip is the must-do for its turquoise water and white sand. For something different, the Tahtalı cable car has the best views on the coast.
Is the Suluada boat trip worth it?
Yes — it’s beautiful and great value. Just pick your boat to match your mood: lively party boats versus calmer, smaller ones.
How high is the Tahtalı cable car?
It climbs to the 2,365 m summit of Mount Tahtalı (ancient Olympos), one of the longest cable cars in the world.
Can you swim at Phaselis?
Yes — the ancient city sits right on a lovely beach, so you can combine ruins and a swim.
When is the best time for excursions in Kemer?
May to October. June and September offer warm seas and great weather with fewer crowds than peak summer.
Planning your Kemer trip? See our Suluada boat trip guide, things to do in Kemer, the Phaselis ancient city guide, and the best hotels in Kemer.