Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

The best part of this Kekova boat tour is the mix of swimming and ancient sites. You do not spend all day looking at ruins from a bus or all day sitting on a beach. You move between clear bays, the Sunken City, and the hilltop remains of Simena Castle, with lunch served on board.

I like the spacious, well-kept boat and the thoughtful pacing. You get several proper swim stops, not just a quick splash, and the crew provides life jackets, pool noodles, watermelon, and tea. Captain Ergun is also known for offering free drone footage of guests in the water.

The main drawback is that the historical commentary can feel light, especially at the Sunken City. The one-hour stop at Kaleköy is enough for the castle and a quick look around, but not enough for a slow visit, shopping, and a relaxed swim. The castle entrance fee, drinks, and snorkel equipment cost extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Four or more swim stops: İnönü Bay, Karakol Islands, Tersane Bay, and Üzüm İskelesi offer time for swimming and snorkeling.
• Sunken City by boat: You see the submerged ruins from the deck, since swimming and anchoring around the protected site are restricted.
• Simena Castle requires a climb: The views are excellent, but the path and steps take most of your one-hour stop.
• Generous lunch included: Expect a filling meal served on board, with fish, chicken, or köfte reported on different departures, plus side dishes.
• Bring your own snorkel gear: Life jackets and pool noodles are available, but snorkeling equipment is not included.
• Captain Ergun adds personal touches: Free drone clips, occasional Polaroid photos, watermelon, and tea have made this more than a basic boat transfer.

A full day from Kas to the Kekova coast

This is an eight-hour boat day from Kas, priced at $94 per person. You meet at the Larsoy Travel and Tourism office near the harbor, opposite the mosque, then walk to the boat with the crew.

That meeting point matters. You do not collect your ticket on the boat itself, and parking in central Kas can be awkward. If you have a car, the marina is easier for parking, though you should allow time to get there and collect your ticket before departure.

The boat is designed for a full day at sea rather than a short sightseeing run. You can sit on the upper deck, find a lounger, or move around between stops. The bathrooms and general facilities have received especially strong praise, which is useful on an eight-hour outing.

Captain Ergun is the name most closely linked with this operation. The crew handles swimming access, meals, drinks, and safety in an organized way. English and Turkish are spoken, though the quality and volume of historical explanations can depend on where you sit and the conditions on board.

İnönü Bay makes an easy first swim

After roughly 45 minutes on the water, the boat reaches İnönü Bay. This is the first chance to swim, snorkel, and settle into the rhythm of the day.

The stop lasts about 50 minutes, long enough to get into the water without feeling hurried. Life jackets and pool noodles help less confident swimmers take part. If you want to snorkel, bring your own mask and snorkel because equipment is not included.

The water around Kekova is the star of this trip. It is clear, calm, and inviting, particularly in the sheltered coves. You may see some marine life below the surface, but this is not presented as a dedicated wildlife tour. Think of snorkeling as a pleasant extra beside the scenery and swimming.

The first stop also gives you a chance to decide where you want to sit for the rest of the day. The upper deck offers sun and a better view, while shaded areas are useful in the warmer months. A light top is worth packing because the return ride can feel cool when the wind picks up.

Karakol Islands brings lunch and open views

The route continues toward the Karakol Islands, with another stretch of cruising before a longer stop. This section is scenic, with small islands, coves, and views across the Turkish coast.

Lunch is served on board, usually in a generous buffet style. Different meals have included fish, chicken, or köfte with several side dishes. The food is not an afterthought or a small sandwich eaten standing up. It is a proper midday meal, and the portions are useful after several swims.

I like the way lunch fits into the day. You do not have to leave the water, find a restaurant, and wait for a table. You eat with the sea around you, then return to the deck for the next section of the route.

Drinks are not included in the $94 price. The boat has a selection available for purchase, and some departures have offered coffee, cocktails, beer, and soft drinks. The information about bringing your own drinks is inconsistent, so ask at the meeting office before boarding. Do not assume outside drinks are permitted.

The Sunken City is best seen from the deck

The boat then passes Kekova Island and the famous Sunken City. This is a sightseeing section of about 30 minutes, not a shore visit.

Earthquakes and later upheaval pushed parts of the ancient settlement beneath the water. From the boat, you can see submerged walls, stone foundations, stairways, and other remains beneath the surface. The clear water helps, but you need to pay attention because the ruins can be easy to miss as the boat moves along.

This is the part of the tour where expectations matter. You will not walk through the Sunken City, swim among the ruins, or stop for a long archaeological talk. The protected status of the area means the boat passes at a respectful distance.

The guide shares information about what you are seeing, but the commentary may be brief. If you want detailed archaeological context, read a little about Kekova before the trip or ask the guide specific questions. The view itself is memorable, but the experience is strongest when you combine the visual stop with your own preparation.

Simena Castle requires a quick uphill walk

The boat continues to Kaleköy, also known as Simena, for about one hour. This is your main chance to leave the boat, walk through the village, and climb toward Simena Castle.

The route uphill includes steps and uneven ground. The climb is manageable for many people, but it is not a flat stroll. Wear secure sandals or walking shoes, not loose flip flops. From the castle, you get broad views over Kekova Island, the surrounding coves, and the small village below.

You will probably need to choose your priorities. A steady climb to the castle, a look around the village, a swim, and a stop for ice cream is a lot to fit into one hour. If the castle matters most, head uphill soon after landing. If you prefer a slower visit, stay in Kaleköy and enjoy its narrow lanes and waterfront atmosphere.

The entrance fee is not included, so bring cash for the castle. Card payment may not be useful here. The village is known for peach ice cream, a fun local treat if you have time, but do not let the ice cream stop make you late returning to the boat.

The one-hour timing is the clearest compromise in the schedule. It keeps the full day moving and allows several swims, but it leaves little room for lingering. You can see the main sights, though not at a leisurely pace.

Tersane Bay combines ruins and another swim

After leaving Simena, the boat returns to the water for about 20 minutes before stopping at Tersane Bay.

Tersane means shipyard, and the bay has long been linked with boat building and coastal activity. The area also contains Byzantine remains, including the remnants of a church. The stop lasts about 45 minutes and allows time for swimming, snorkeling, and looking around.

This is a good example of how the tour blends nature and history without turning every stop into a formal museum visit. You can swim in the clear water, then look toward the shoreline and think about the people who used this sheltered bay centuries ago.

The historical information here may be concise. If you want more than a quick explanation, ask about the church remains and the bay’s earlier use. The setting does much of the work, especially when the water is calm and the boat is sitting quietly in the cove.

Üzüm İskelesi ends the route gently

Üzüm İskelesi is another scenic stop, lasting about 50 minutes. It offers more time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing before the return journey to Kas.

A tea service is provided toward the later part of the day, and watermelon has also been served as a refreshing snack. These small extras matter after hours in the sun. They make the boat feel more like a hosted day out than a simple sightseeing vessel.

You can use this stop to take final photographs, dry off, or simply sit on the deck. If Captain Ergun offers the drone footage, this is one of the memorable additions to look forward to. Guests have received short aerial clips of themselves swimming or standing at the front of the boat, often transferred to their phones before leaving.

The drone service is not the reason to book the tour, but it is a clever extra. It gives you a view of the coastline and the boat that ordinary phone photos cannot provide. Ask the crew how it works and make sure your phone is ready to receive the file.

What lunch, service, and comfort are really like

The food is one of the strongest parts of this day. The meal is filling, served on board, and suited to the schedule. Fish, chicken, or köfte may be offered depending on the departure, with salads and other side dishes.

You should still bring the right expectations. This is boat lunch, not a restaurant meal with a printed menu. But the generous portions and fresh additions make it good value, particularly after several swims.

The crew keeps the boat tidy and checks on people throughout the day. The bathrooms have been singled out as clean and usable, which is no small thing on a full day at sea. The boat has also been described as comfortable and spacious, though the exact vessel can change because of last-minute arrangements.

The atmosphere is social. A busy departure can carry a large group, so this is not the right choice if you want a private or silent cruise. Still, the layout gives you room to move, and the schedule spreads people across swimming stops, the upper deck, and the seating areas.

What to pack for a smoother day

Bring your passport or ID card, even though this is a domestic coastal outing. You should also pack beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a light layer for the ride back.

Your own snorkel mask and snorkel are important if you care about seeing below the surface. The boat supplies life jackets and pool noodles, but snorkeling gear is not part of the included equipment. You may be able to buy gear on board, but bringing a familiar set is simpler.

Cash is useful for the Simena Castle entrance fee and for small purchases in Kaleköy. Drinks are extra, and outside food or drink may not be allowed, so confirm the boat’s current policy before you arrive.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the castle climb and uneven village paths are not suitable for every mobility need. Ask the operator about the specific boat and shore access if this affects your booking.

People with heart problems, epilepsy, or other pre-existing medical conditions should consider the swimming and boat conditions carefully before booking. The sea can be calm, but you are still spending most of the day on the water.

Is $94 good value for eight hours?

At $94 per person, the price is reasonable if you want a full day that combines meals, swimming, transport along the Kekova coast, and a visit to Simena. A shorter cruise may cost less, but it will not necessarily give you the same number of swimming stops or the same amount of time on the water.

The included lunch improves the calculation. So do the life jackets, pool noodles, tea, watermelon, and well-maintained facilities. You should budget extra for drinks, the castle, and snorkeling gear if needed.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, a meal, and access to the Kekova sights. It is less appealing if your main goal is serious archaeology, a private boat, or a long stay at one beach.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less risky. Check the departure time and available date before committing because the tour runs for a full eight hours.

Who should book this Kekova boat tour?

I would choose this tour if you want a relaxed day with several chances to swim and enough history to give the coast meaning. Families with confident swimmers, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a social boat atmosphere should fit in well.

It also works for non-swimmers who are comfortable using a life jacket. The crew provides flotation aids, and the swim stops are long enough to enter the water without pressure.

You may want another option if you need detailed archaeological guiding, dislike group outings, or have difficulty with steps. The Simena visit is short, the commentary can be limited, and the boat may feel busy in the high season.

Book it for the coastal experience first, with the ruins as an important bonus. If you keep that balance in mind, the day makes good sense.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a well-organized full day from Kas with clear water, several swim stops, a generous lunch, and views of the Sunken City and Simena Castle. Captain Ergun and his crew add useful personal touches, especially the drone clips, fresh watermelon, and tea.

Book with realistic expectations about the history. You will see remarkable sites, but you may need to do some reading beforehand if you want more than short explanations. Bring snorkel gear, cash, a light layer, and shoes suitable for the castle steps, and this is likely to be one of the better value ways to experience Kekova from Kas.

FAQ

How long does the Kekova boat tour last?

The tour lasts eight hours, including cruising, swimming stops, lunch, the Sunken City viewing, and time at Simena Castle.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Larsoy Travel and Tourism office near the harbor in Kas, opposite the mosque.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on board and may include fish, chicken, or köfte with side dishes.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included. Drinks may be available to purchase on the boat, but confirm the current outside drink policy before departure.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. Swimming is offered at İnönü Bay, Karakol Islands, Tersane Bay, Üzüm İskelesi, and other coastal stops on the route.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel or ask whether equipment is available to purchase on board.

Can I visit Simena Castle?

Yes. The tour includes about one hour at Simena Castle and Kaleköy. The castle entrance fee is not included.

Is the castle fee included?

No. You need to pay the castle entrance fee separately. Carry cash because card payment may not be available.

Is the Sunken City a walking visit?

No. The boat passes the Sunken City and lets you view the submerged ruins from the water. You do not walk through the ruins.

What languages are offered?

The live guide service is offered in English and Turkish.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve now and pay later option is also available.