Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

The most memorable part of this day is the Sunken City of Kekova, where submerged walls, steps, and old buildings show through remarkably clear water. You view the ruins from the boat rather than walking among them, then continue to Simena, a small seaside village topped by a medieval castle.

I like the generous swimming time and the fact that lunch is included, so this feels like a full day on the water rather than a quick sightseeing cruise. I also like the friendly, hands-on crews, especially Captain Ergun, who may add local stories and even offer drone footage on some departures.

The main thing to check is the seating and meeting point. Some departures leave from Kas, while one reported arrangement used Ucagiz, about a 35-minute drive away. Upper-deck loungers may also need to be requested early, and drinks are extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Four scenic swim stops: You get time at Inönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, and Camlik Bay, with clear water and quiet coves.
• The ruins are viewed from the boat: The Sunken City is protected, so you do not walk through or snorkel directly over the ancient remains.
• Simena is the cultural highlight: You can visit the castle, wander around Kalekoy, and see old Lycian tombs near the village.
• Lunch is part of the price: Expect a buffet meal, with fish or chicken often available, plus salads and fruit.
• A large boat suits a social day: The maximum group size is 65, with an upper deck, indoor seating, and room to sunbathe.
• Captain Ergun may add extra touches: Some trips include detailed stories, rock jumping by crew members, or a complimentary drone video.

A full day between Kas and Kekova Island

This is not a short boat ride with one photo stop. The schedule runs for about eight hours, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending back at the meeting point. You spend much of the day moving between bays, swimming, eating, and taking in one of Turkey’s most striking coastal areas.

The route combines three things well: warm-water leisure, old ruins, and village life. You are not rushing from one ancient site to another. Instead, the boat gives you time to enjoy the sea, then pauses for the main sights.

At $84.65 per person, the price is reasonable for a full-day cruise with lunch, an English-speaking driver-guide, fuel, landing fees, and facility fees included. You still pay separately for drinks and alcoholic beverages, but onboard prices have been described as fair, and credit cards may be accepted for the tab.

The boat can carry up to 65 people, so this is not a private yacht outing. That larger size brings useful space and a stable ride, but it also means the best sunbeds can go quickly. Ask about upper-deck seating when you book if sitting outside matters to you.

Inönü Bay begins the day gently

The first stop is Inönü Bay, where a small canyon gives you a choice. You can walk toward the canyon or stay near the water and enjoy the setting. The stop lasts about 45 minutes, which gives you enough time to stretch your legs after leaving the harbor.

This is a pleasant opening rather than the tour’s main event. If you are eager to swim, you may find the first stop a little slow, but the relaxed pace helps you settle into the day. The bay also gives you an early look at the pale rock, green vegetation, and clear water that define this stretch of coast.

You should wear shoes that are comfortable around a boat and rough waterfront paths. Water shoes are useful but not essential, and a towel is not supplied in the tour details, so bring one.

Aquarium Bay is made for swimming

Aquarium Bay earns its name from the transparent water. This is one of the better stops for seeing small fish below the surface, and the 45-minute pause gives you time to swim rather than simply take a quick dip.

I like this part of the route because it is simple. There is no complicated shore visit or long explanation to follow. You get into the water, look around, and enjoy the coast from sea level. The rocky sides and greenery create a fine backdrop for photographs from the boat.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. The tour includes the opportunity to swim, but the supplied details do not promise snorkeling equipment. Some comments describe goggles being available, but equipment can vary by boat, so I would not rely on it.

The water may be cold outside the main summer season. One April departure had cool weather and water cold enough to discourage swimming, despite the beauty of the route.

Seeing the Sunken City of Kekova

The Sunken City is the historical centerpiece. The ancient Lycian settlement, also known as Dolchiste, was damaged by earthquakes and partly submerged. From the boat, you can see old walls, steps, house remains, and parts of a Byzantine church beneath or beside the clear water.

Your viewing time here is about 30 minutes. That is enough for photographs and an explanation, but not enough for an extended historical stop. The boat passes slowly through the area, allowing you to look down into the water while the guide explains what you are seeing.

It is important to set the right expectation: this is a viewing stop, not an underwater archaeological visit. Swimming and snorkeling directly around the protected ruins are not presented as part of the experience. The value comes from seeing an ancient settlement in an unusual setting, with the sea covering part of the town.

For the best view, stay alert when the boat approaches the ruins and keep your camera ready. Reflections, glare, and moving passengers can make small details hard to see from certain seats.

Kekova Island brings nature and old stone together

Kekova Island is the broad setting for the cruise. Its coast combines bare rock, shrubs, clear water, secluded bays, and remains from earlier settlements. You will see the island from the boat as the route links the swimming areas and historical sites.

This is where the tour feels most different from a standard beach cruise. The water is not the only attraction. Ancient stonework appears along the coast, and the route connects several places that are difficult to experience efficiently without a boat.

The boat gives you access to coves that are otherwise awkward to reach from land. You also avoid spending the day arranging separate transport, meals, and admission at each stop. That convenience is a major part of the value.

Simena Castle and Kalekoy deserve your time

The visit to Simena, also called Kalekoy, lasts about an hour at the castle and another hour around Kalekoy Harbour. This is the part of the day where you leave the swimming routine and walk through a real village.

Simena Castle sits above the coast and offers wide views over Kekova Island and the surrounding water. The fortress dates from the Byzantine period, and the climb gives you a useful sense of how tightly the village and ruins fit into the rocky shore.

The castle entrance is not included in the tour price. Bring some cash for this and for snacks or ice cream in the village, although the supplied information does not give an admission amount.

Kalekoy itself is small, with narrow paths, white houses, flowers, waterfront cafes, and old Lycian tombs in the surrounding area. You have time to explore at your own pace, but the schedule is not long enough for a slow village afternoon and a detailed archaeological tour. If the castle is your priority, head uphill first and browse the waterfront afterward.

The climb may be tiring in hot weather. Good walking shoes will help, and you should carry water from the boat because drinks are not included. The views are the reward, but this is not a flat, easy stroll.

Tersane Bay adds another swim

Tersane Bay, also called Shipyard Bay, is a 45-minute stop with a historical name. It was associated with ancient shipbuilding, and its rocky shore makes a quiet setting for swimming and photographs.

The water is clear, and the bay is surrounded by cliffs and vegetation. You may also get views toward Simena Castle from the water. This stop is a good balance after the walking time in Kalekoy because it lets you cool off and relax.

The boat schedule includes several swim stops, so you do not need to force yourself into the water at every one. If you prefer to stay dry, the upper deck offers a place to sunbathe, though shade and lounge availability can depend on where you are seated.

Camlik is the final chance to swim

Camlik Bay is the final swimming stop and lasts about 45 minutes. Pine trees and calm water give it a quieter feel, and the timing makes sense: you can enjoy one last swim before the boat returns.

By this point, the day may feel pleasantly full. If you are planning to swim at every stop, use sunscreen, drink regularly, and take breaks. The sun can be strong even when the boat ride feels cool.

The repeated swimming stops are one of the tour’s strongest features. You are not given only one short chance to get wet. You can choose the bays that suit you and spend the rest of the time on deck.

Lunch, tea, and drinks on board

Lunch is included as a buffet. Menus can vary, but the food has included chicken or fish, salads, and fruit. Afternoon tea is also provided, with watermelon mentioned on some departures.

The meal is more substantial than the usual snack box. You eat on the boat, which saves time and keeps the day moving. Proper plates and cutlery have been used on some boats, and the meal is often served after one of the morning stops.

Drinks are not included. Water, soda, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages can be purchased onboard. Prices have been described as reasonable, but you should budget for them if you do not want to bring your own bottle.

Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking. Do not wait until lunch to raise the issue, since the kitchen needs notice.

The boat, crew, and seating

The boat is described as clean and well kept, with space on the upper deck for sunbeds and a covered area. The ride is generally calm, but the boat is large enough for a social atmosphere rather than a quiet private outing.

Captain Ergun is named repeatedly in the experience details. On his departures, he may explain the sites, point out features along the coast, and arrange a drone video or photograph. One unusual extra involved a drone clip after passengers helped collect rubbish from the sea.

Another captain, Mehmet, has also led departures, particularly from Ucagiz. The guide and boat can vary, so do not assume Captain Ergun will be on every sailing. The English explanation is available, though it may be difficult to hear from the upper deck when the boat is busy.

Seating deserves attention. At least one booking placed passengers downstairs indoors without making the choice clear in advance. If you want a lounger, covered upper deck, or outdoor seat, ask before departure and arrive early. A full boat can make seat changes difficult.

There was also one report of a late departure and poor crew behavior on a specific boat. Most of the supplied feedback describes friendly staff and smooth organization, but that complaint is worth keeping in mind. Service can vary by captain and vessel.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this tour if you want a single, efficient day combining swimming and history. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone staying in Kas who wants to see Kekova without arranging several separate trips.

It is also a good choice if you enjoy being on the water but do not want to spend every hour swimming. Simena gives the day a cultural break, while the Sunken City adds something you cannot get from a normal beach cruise.

You may prefer a smaller private boat if you dislike groups, want complete control over the route, or need guaranteed outdoor seating. A group of up to 65 also means the guide’s commentary may be harder to hear from the far end of the boat.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable boarding a boat, swimming from it, and walking uphill in Simena if you want to reach the castle.

The tour is offered in English and is close to public transportation. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Confirm the exact departure point before the morning of your trip, especially if you are staying outside Kas.

Is the $84.65 price good value?

For an eight-hour outing, I consider the price fair. You receive the boat ride, several swim stops, lunch, afternoon tea, a driver-guide, fuel costs, and landing and facility fees. You also reach Simena and the Kekova ruins in one organized day.

The value is strongest if you plan to eat lunch onboard and use the full route. It is less compelling if you mainly want a short swim or prefer to spend most of the day alone. Add money for drinks, the castle entrance, and village purchases.

The tour is often booked about 15 days ahead. That timing makes sense in the busy season, especially if you want a particular boat or upper-deck position.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour if you want the classic Kekova experience with plenty of water time. The combination of four swim stops, a satisfying lunch, the Sunken City, and Simena Castle gives you a well-rounded day for the price.

Before paying, confirm the meeting point, ask about outdoor seating, and request a vegetarian meal if needed. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and a little cash. If you do those things, this is one of the more useful full-day excursions from Kas.

FAQ

How long does the Kekova boat tour last?

The experience lasts about eight hours. It begins at 9:30 a.m. and returns to the meeting point later the same day.

Where does the tour start?

The tour information lists Kas as the location and says the activity ends back at the meeting point. One departure used Ucagiz, about a 35-minute drive from Kas, so confirm the exact harbor before you go.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included, and afternoon tea is also provided. Fish or chicken, salads, and fruit may be served, depending on the departure.

Are drinks included?

No. Water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. Swimming stops are planned at Inönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, and Camlik Bay. Swimming conditions can vary with the weather and season.

Can I enter the Sunken City ruins?

No. The Sunken City is viewed from the boat. The tour does not describe walking through or swimming directly around the protected ruins.

Is the entrance to Simena Castle included?

No. Admission to Simena Castle is not included in the tour price.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you should request it when booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires suitable weather. If it is canceled because of bad weather or because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.