Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

The best part of this Kekova boat tour is the mix of easy swimming and ancient sites. One moment you are stretched out on a roomy deck, the next you are looking through clear water at the Sunken City or climbing toward Simena Castle above Kaleköy. Captain Ergun and his crew run a polished day, with lunch, watermelon, tea, showers, and even optional drone footage included.

I especially like the several well-spaced swim stops and the generous meal, which keep an eight-hour outing from feeling like one long cruise. I also like the thoughtful extras: pool noodles for nervous swimmers, clean bathrooms, and free drone videos when conditions allow. The main caution is that the historical commentary can be brief, and the one-hour stop at Simena is tight if you want both the castle and the village.

Quick takeaways for your day on the water

• Four or more clear-water stops: İnönü Bay, Tersane Bay, Üzüm İskelesi, and other coves provide time to swim and snorkel.
• Captain Ergun’s personal touch: The captain may make free drone footage of you swimming or standing at the front of the boat.
• A full lunch onboard: Expect a filling meal, with fish, chicken, or köfte reported on different departures, plus side dishes.
• Kekova’s main sights in one day: You view the Sunken City from the boat and spend about an hour around Simena Castle and Kaleköy.
• Bring your own snorkel mask: Pool noodles and life jackets are available, but snorkel equipment is not included.
• Good value at $94: Lunch and a full day at sea are included, while drinks and the castle entrance cost extra.

Why Kekova works so well by boat

Kekova is best understood from the water. The coast is a sequence of pale stone slopes, small islands, old ruins, and sheltered bays that are difficult to connect on foot. From a boat, you get both the broad view and the chance to stop wherever the water looks most inviting.

The tour leaves from the Larsoy Travel & Tourism office near the harbor in Kaş, opposite the mosque. You collect your ticket there rather than directly from the boat, so allow a little time to find the office. If you arrive by car, parking in central Kaş can be difficult. The marina is an easier option, though it may involve a fee.

The trip lasts about eight hours. That sounds long on paper, but the day is broken into cruises, swimming, lunch, and time ashore. I would still bring a light top or dry towel for the return ride. The wind can pick up after a swim, even on a warm day.

A comfortable boat, with room to settle in

The boat is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It is described as clean, spacious, and well maintained, with upper-deck loungers, bathrooms, rinse showers, and room to move around. If you like sun, claim a top-deck lounger early. If you prefer shade and easier access to food and drinks, choose a lower seating area.

The crew keeps the day moving without making it feel rushed. Food is brought around, swimming areas are clearly explained, and life jackets and pool noodles are available. This makes the tour workable for confident swimmers and people who prefer extra support in open water.

The boat can feel social when it is full. That is part of the appeal for some people, but not for anyone seeking a quiet private cruise. The spacious layout helps, though you may not have complete peace during the busiest summer departures.

Drinks are not included. Water, beer, cocktails, coffee, and other drinks are available for purchase, with prices described as similar to those around Kaş. Outside drinks are generally not allowed, so budget for onboard purchases.

İnönü Bay starts the swimming rhythm

After roughly 45 minutes of cruising, the boat reaches İnönü Bay. This is an early chance to swim, settle into the sea, and get used to the boat’s routine before the major sights appear.

The water is clear, and the stop allows time for swimming, snorkeling, and looking for marine life. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you care about seeing below the surface. The tour does not include snorkel gear, although equipment may be available to buy onboard.

Lunch may be served during this part of the day or around the nearby stops, depending on the captain’s timing. Expect a substantial Turkish-style meal rather than a small snack. Different meals have included fish, chicken, or köfte with several sides, and portions are generally generous.

Karakol Islands brings lunch and scenery

The next long pause is around the Karakol Islands, with about an hour for food, views, and more time on the water. This is where the tour’s relaxed character really settles in. You can eat, take in the coastal scenery, and swim rather than hurry from one landmark to the next.

The meal is one of the best values in the $94 price. You are paying for a full day on the water, but lunch is not an afterthought. It is served onboard and often followed later by watermelon and tea, small touches that make the schedule feel well looked after.

One practical note: the tour may have a barbecue-style service or a buffet-style plate, but the exact main course can vary. If you have strict dietary needs, ask the operator before booking, since the supplied information does not promise a specific menu.

Seeing the Kekova Sunken City from the deck

The Sunken City is the historical centerpiece. The boat passes slowly along Kekova Island, where earthquake damage left parts of the ancient settlement below the waterline. You can see submerged walls, stone structures, and other remains from the boat.

You are not allowed to swim among or climb on the ruins. That is important because the experience is about viewing the site from the water, not entering it. Bring sunglasses and a camera, but remember that glare can make the underwater remains hard to photograph.

The historical explanation is useful but not always extensive. Captain Ergun and the guides provide information about the sites, yet the amount of detail can depend on where you are sitting and how clearly you hear the guide. If the Sunken City is your main reason for booking, stay near the guide during the explanation and ask questions when there is a chance.

This is the one area where I would keep expectations measured. You receive a scenic introduction to the ruins, not a full archaeological tour. The setting does much of the work, but anyone wanting detailed history may want to read about Kekova before leaving Kaş.

Simena Castle and the one-hour decision

The boat then reaches Kaleköy, also known as Simena, for about an hour. You can walk through the small village, climb toward the medieval castle, look for the ancient theater, or enjoy a swim near the harbor. You probably cannot do all of this at a leisurely pace.

The climb to Simena Castle is not especially easy. The route includes steps and uneven ground, but the view from above is the reward. You look across the village, the water, and the scattered islands that make this part of the coast so memorable.

Plan your hour before you step ashore. If the castle matters most, go directly uphill. If you prefer village life, spend time among the narrow lanes and stop for the well-known peach ice cream. If you want both, keep an eye on the time. The boat will not wait for a relaxed shopping stroll.

The castle entrance is not included, and you should carry cash. One person arrived with a card but not enough cash for the fee, so this is an easy detail to prepare for. The village itself offers a pleasant change from the boat, but the stop is short enough that you need to choose your priorities.

Tersane Bay shows the quieter side of Kekova

After Simena, the boat cruises for about 20 minutes to Tersane Bay. This is a calmer stop, with time to swim, snorkel, and look toward the remains of an old church and other Byzantine ruins around the bay.

The name refers to the area’s connection with shipbuilding in ancient times. You do not receive a long shore visit here. Instead, the interest comes from seeing history in a natural setting, then returning to the clear water.

Tersane is also a good reset after the climb at Simena. You can rinse off in the boat shower, stretch out, and cool down before the return route. As with the other bays, the water may look inviting enough to stay all afternoon, but the schedule keeps you moving.

Üzüm Iskelesi closes the swimming stops

The final major pause is Üzüm Iskelesi, where you have roughly 50 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, scenery, and a tea break. By this stage, you will have had several chances to get into the water, so you can decide whether to swim again or simply rest on deck.

The repeated swim stops are a real strength. You are not dependent on one perfect bay, and the captain can give you several different settings throughout the day. For a non-swimmer, a life jacket or noodle makes it possible to enjoy the water with less worry, though you should still be comfortable following the crew’s safety instructions.

Tea near the end is a welcome Turkish touch. It gives the last part of the trip a gentle, social feel before the final 45-minute cruise back to Kaş.

The Captain Ergun extras

Captain Ergun is central to the character of this outing. The crew is described as punctual, attentive, and professional, while Ergun often shares information about the bays and historical sites. The tone is friendly rather than formal.

The most unusual extra is the free drone footage. When weather and local conditions allow, the captain may film you swimming or standing at the front of the boat, then send the clip to your phone. Some departures have also included Polaroid photos, adding a personal souvenir without another charge.

Do not book solely for the drone video, since it depends on timing and conditions. But if it is offered, it is a fun bonus and a better keepsake than another standard harbor photograph.

Is $94 good value?

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Kaş. It is a full-day experience, though, and the price includes lunch, multiple swim stops, a guide, the Kekova viewing route, and time at Simena. Those inclusions make it a strong choice if you want one organized day rather than arranging separate transport and meals.

You will need extra money for drinks and the castle fee. Snorkeling equipment is another possible cost if you do not bring your own. The value is best for someone who plans to use the whole day: swim several times, eat onboard, climb to the castle, and enjoy the boat rather than treating the cruise as simple transportation.

Compared with a private boat, this is clearly a group outing. You trade privacy for a lower per-person price and a structured schedule. For couples wanting total seclusion, a private charter may suit better. For solo visitors, families, and friends, the shared setting can make the day more sociable and straightforward.

Who should book this Kekova day trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a mix of sea time and ancient sites without managing the details yourself. It suits swimmers, sunbathers, casual snorkelers, families with older children, and anyone staying in Kaş who wants to see Kekova in one day.

It is less suitable if you need an in-depth archaeological lecture, dislike group outings, or have medical conditions that make long boat days and open-water swimming difficult. The activity information specifically advises against joining if you have heart problems, epilepsy, or pre-existing medical conditions.

Bring beachwear, a passport or ID card, sunscreen, a towel, a light layer, and your own snorkel mask. Pets, alcohol, drugs, and outside drinks are not allowed. The boat is wheelchair accessible, but ask the operator about your exact needs before booking, especially for the stop at Simena, where the castle route includes uneven steps.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. That flexibility is useful if your Kaş plans depend on the weather.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your ideal day includes clear bays, a good onboard lunch, a comfortable boat, and a short but memorable visit to Simena Castle. The strongest reasons are the number of swim stops, the clean facilities, Captain Ergun’s attentive crew, and the small extras such as watermelon, tea, and possible drone footage.

Think twice if the historical side is your top priority. You will see the Sunken City and Kekova ruins, but the commentary may not satisfy someone looking for detailed archaeological context, and one hour in Kaleköy forces quick choices. For most people, though, this is an enjoyable and well-priced way to experience the coast around Kekova.

FAQ

How long is the Kekova boat tour from Kaş?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including the boat rides, swimming stops, lunch, sightseeing, and time at Simena Castle.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the Larsoy Travel & Tourism office near the Kaş harbor, opposite the mosque. You collect your ticket at the office rather than directly from the boat.

What is included in the price?

Lunch is included. The tour also includes the boat trip, guided sightseeing, swimming stops, and the listed onboard service.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included and must be purchased onboard. Outside drinks are not allowed.

Is the Simena Castle entrance fee included?

No. The castle fee is separate. Bring cash because card payment may not be available or convenient.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes, bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to snorkel. Snorkeling gear is not included, though it may be available to purchase on the boat.

Are life jackets available?

Yes. Life jackets and pool noodles are available for swimming, including for people who want extra support in the water.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card and beachwear. A towel, sunscreen, snorkel gear, and a light top are also practical choices based on the swimming stops and cooler ride back.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. The climb and uneven route around Simena Castle may still require additional planning, so ask the operator about your specific mobility needs.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also allows you to reserve now and pay later.