Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

Kekova’s Sunken City ruins are the star of this eight-hour boat trip, but the real pleasure is the full day on the water. You’ll cruise from Kaş through clear Mediterranean bays, stop for several swims, eat lunch aboard, and spend time in the old seaside village of Simena.

I like the generous swimming schedule and the mix of history with simple coastal fun. I also like the practical extras: a filling buffet lunch, afternoon tea, clean boats, and crews such as Captain Ergun, who may add stories and even drone photos. The main drawback is size. With up to 65 people, upper-deck loungers may fill early, and some bookings place passengers downstairs.

Key points to know before booking

• Four swimming opportunities: İnönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, and Çamlık provide plenty of time in clear water.
• The Sunken City is viewed from the boat: You do not get off to walk among the ruins.
• Simena adds real historical interest: You have about an hour around the castle and Kaleköy harbor, with castle admission extra.
• Lunch is included: Expect a buffet meal, with fish or chicken and salads mentioned as common choices.
• Drinks cost extra: Water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and alcohol are available to buy.
• Reserve early for a better seat: The tour is often booked about 15 days ahead, and top-deck space can be limited.

A full day from Kaş to Kekova Island

The boat leaves the Kaş meeting point at about 9:30 am and returns there after roughly eight hours. That makes this a substantial day out, not a quick sightseeing cruise with one token swim.

The route covers the coast between Kaş and Kekova Island, where rocky shores, small bays, old Lycian sites, and clear water share the same view. The pace is relaxed, with stops long enough to swim or walk rather than simply pause for a photograph.

I think the timing works well for anyone who wants one major sea day in Kaş. You get history, food, swimming, and scenery without needing to arrange several separate activities. The tradeoff is that the day is fixed around the boat schedule, so you will not have unlimited time at any one place.

The boats are described as clean and in good condition, with open deck space and sunbeds on some vessels. The upper deck is the place to aim for if you want sun and wide views, but seating may not be assigned in the way you expect. One important booking detail is that a downstairs seat can be allocated, while someone else may have had a choice of deck when booking.

If an upper-deck lounger matters to you, ask before paying and arrive early. Bring a towel. Water shoes can be useful on rocky shorelines, though they are not essential.

İnönü Bay and the first taste of the coast

The first stop is İnönü Bay, where a small canyon gives the stop more purpose than a simple swim. You can walk toward the canyon or stay by the water and enjoy the quiet setting.

The stop lasts about 45 minutes. That is enough for a short stroll and a swim, but not enough for a serious hike. I would treat it as an easy introduction to the day rather than a major historical stop.

This is also a good chance to settle into the boat. The sea is the main attraction, and the early stop helps break up the journey before the more important Kekova sites appear.

Aquarium Bay brings the best swimming

Aquarium Bay earns its name from its clear water. The sheltered cove is used for swimming and snorkeling, with fish visible below the surface and rocky slopes around the bay.

You get about 45 minutes here. That is a useful amount of time if you want to swim properly rather than just take a quick dip. Bring your own mask if you have one, although equipment may be available on some boats. The supplied information does not promise snorkeling gear, so do not count on a full equipment service.

This stop is one of the strongest reasons to choose the trip. The water and coast are the focus, and you get time to enjoy them without paying separately for a water activity. If you prefer sightseeing from the deck, you can simply remain aboard and watch people swim below the cliffs.

Seeing the Sunken City from the boat

The Sunken City of Kekova is the most unusual sight on the route. The ancient Lycian settlement, also called Dolchiste, was partly submerged after earthquakes. Through the clear water, you can see the remains of walls, houses, stairways, and a Byzantine church.

The viewing stop lasts about 30 minutes. This is not a shore excursion into the ruins. Boats pass alongside the submerged remains, and the crew may explain what you are seeing. Swimming and diving around the ruins are restricted, so the boat view is the proper way to experience this part of Kekova.

The site is fascinating because the ruins are not separated from nature behind a fence. They sit beneath the sea, alongside modern boats and steep coastal slopes. That also means the experience depends on light, water clarity, and your position on deck. Try to stand where you can see down into the water, and listen closely if the guide is explaining the features.

Captain Ergun is one guide associated with this tour, and he is praised for sharing facts about the sites. Other departures may use a different captain or boat, including boats identified as Grand Safari 2 or Kumsal. The quality of narration and the exact seating arrangement can therefore vary.

Kekova Island, where nature and archaeology meet

Kekova Island gives the route its name and its character. Its coast combines rocky slopes, green growth, small coves, and ruins beneath the sea. From the boat, you get a broad view of the island rather than a conventional walking tour.

This is a good place to understand why a boat is the right way to see the area. Roads do not take you along every inlet, and many of the most interesting views are from the water. You can look into quiet coves, see old stonework near the shore, and watch the color of the sea change with depth.

Do not expect a museum-style presentation. The value here is the combination of open-air scenery and ancient remains. If you want long explanations or detailed archaeology, the guide’s spoken commentary may feel brief, especially on the upper deck where engine noise and distance can make it hard to hear.

Simena Castle and the village of Kaleköy

Simena, also known as Kaleköy, is the main land stop. The village sits beside the sea, with narrow lanes, whitewashed houses, flowers, waterfront cafés, and views across Kekova.

The castle is on higher ground and dates from the Byzantine period. From above, you can look across the island and the coves that the boat has just visited. The old Lycian necropolis nearby adds another layer of history, with stone tombs scattered around the village.

You have about an hour for Simena Castle and Kaleköy harbor. That is enough to walk around and enjoy the views, but it may feel short if you want to climb to the castle, explore every lane, stop for an ice cream, and sit at a café. One person described the castle time as too limited, and I think that is a fair concern.

Castle admission is not included. The village and harbor stop itself is included, but you should carry some money if you want an entrance ticket, ice cream, or something from a café. The tour is not designed for a long meal ashore, since lunch is served on the boat.

Simena is also the point where the day shifts from swimming to history. If you care most about the archaeological side, use your hour carefully. Go directly toward the castle first, then return through the village and waterfront.

Tersane Bay and Çamlık Bay

Tersane Bay, also called Shipyard Bay, is another 45-minute swimming stop. Its name points to an old shipbuilding connection, while the setting offers clear water, rocky edges, and views toward the coast and Simena Castle.

The bay is especially appealing if you like a quieter swim away from the larger harbor. You can use the time to snorkel, sit in the sun, or stay on the boat. The shore can be uneven, so water shoes may help if you choose to get close to land.

The final swimming stop is Çamlık Bay. Pine trees surround the calm water, giving the last stop a cooler, more sheltered feel. After a full day, this is a sensible final pause before the return journey. You can swim again or simply rest on deck.

The route therefore offers four main swim periods, depending on how the operator counts the stops: İnönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, and Çamlık Bay. Along with the Sunken City and Simena, that gives the day a good rhythm.

Lunch, tea, and the real value of the price

At $84.65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day at sea in Kaş. It is reasonable value if you use the full package: about eight hours aboard, several swimming stops, the Kekova route, lunch, afternoon tea, and the visit to Simena.

Lunch is a buffet, with fish or chicken, salads, and fruit such as watermelon described on different departures. Some meals are prepared or finished on board, including grilled chicken. Portions are reported as generous, and food is served with proper plates and cutlery on some boats.

Drinks are not included. Water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately, with prices described as reasonable and card payment available on at least one boat. Budget for drinks rather than assuming the lunch package covers everything.

The value is strongest when you want a complete day and would otherwise need to pay for a boat trip, meals, and a separate visit to Kekova. It is less compelling if you dislike group cruises, rarely swim, or want a private boat and a flexible route.

Boat space, guides, and what can vary

The boat can hold up to 65 people, so this is a group outing. That capacity gives you room to meet other people and usually keeps the price below a private charter, but it also affects seating, noise, and how quickly you can move around at stops.

The upper deck has sunbeds on some departures and is the best place for photos. Reserve or ask about this in advance if it matters to you. The lower indoor area may be more comfortable in strong sun, but it offers less of the open-air feeling that makes this trip appealing.

Captains and boats can vary. Captain Ergun is repeatedly identified as warm, helpful, and good at adding facts about the coast. Captain Mehmet, associated with the Kumsal boat, is also noted for clear explanations and long experience on this route. Do not assume a particular captain will operate every departure.

Service can also depend on the specific boat and crew. Most accounts describe friendly staff and a well-run day, but one departure had a late start, no clear safety briefing, and poor communication around returning to the boat. That is a useful reminder to follow the crew’s instructions closely and be back at the stated meeting time in Simena.

English is offered, but commentary may be difficult to hear from the upper deck. If the history matters to you, sit nearer the guide when possible.

Who should book this Kaş boat tour?

I would choose this trip if you want a simple way to combine the Turkish coast with Kekova’s ancient sites. It suits couples, families with adult supervision, and anyone who wants several swims without arranging transport between separate bays.

It is also a good choice for people who like a social day on a larger boat. The food, deck space, and repeated swim stops keep the day from feeling like a dry history tour.

I would think twice if you need a quiet private setting, guaranteed sunbed seating, or a long visit inside Simena Castle. The group can be large, and the castle stop is only about an hour. Anyone with mobility concerns should also ask about the boat and shore access, since the tour includes boarding, swimming stops, and a hilltop castle visit.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, and a vegetarian lunch is available if you request it when booking.

Should you book it?

Yes, if your ideal Kaş day includes warm water, good coastal views, a filling lunch, and a little ancient history. The four swimming stops are the strongest part, while the Sunken City and Simena make the outing more than a standard beach cruise.

Book ahead if you want a particular deck position, since the tour is commonly reserved around 15 days in advance. Confirm the meeting point, ask about seating, bring a towel, and plan to pay extra for drinks and castle admission.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Poor weather or too few bookings can also lead to a new date or a full refund. With a 4.9 rating from 441 reviews and 97 percent recommendation, it has a strong record, but the group size and variable boat arrangements are the details to weigh before you commit.

FAQ

How long is the Kekova boat tour from Kaş?

The tour lasts about eight hours and begins at 9:30 am. It ends back at the meeting point in Kaş.

Is lunch included on the boat?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included, along with afternoon tea. Vegetarian food is available if requested when booking.

Are drinks included in the price?

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

Can you swim at the Sunken City?

The Sunken City is viewed from the boat. The tour provides several separate swimming stops at bays around Kekova.

Is admission to Simena Castle included?

No. Time at Simena and Kaleköy harbor is included, but castle admission is not.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 65 people. Seating may include both upper-deck and downstairs areas, so ask about your preferred position before booking.