From Kas: Day Trip to Kekova Island

Kekova’s ancient city is best seen from the water, where broken walls and stairways slip below the surface beside the boat. This full-day trip combines that unusual sight with several long swim stops and one hour in Kaleköy, ancient Simena. I especially like the clear water at Aquarium Bay and the chance to climb toward Simena Castle for wide views over the coast.

The $57 price is fair for a nine-hour day with transport from Kaş, lunch, and multiple bays included. The main thing to consider is communication: English and Turkish assistance is offered, but the boat crew may speak little English, and the sunken city is viewed from the boat rather than from a glass-bottom vessel.

Key points at a glance

• One hour at Aquarium Bay: You get a proper swim break, not just a quick stop for a dip.
• Kekova’s sunken city from the water: The protected ruins are viewed by cruising alongside them, and swimming there is not allowed.
• A choice at Kaleköy: Use your hour for the uphill walk to Simena Castle or another swim near the port.
• Lunch is included: Drinks are extra, so bring money or water for the boat.
• Several different bays: Burç, Gökkaya, and Esmeralda each bring a different setting and swimming stop.
• A long day with a practical transfer: Pickup begins in Kaş, followed by a drive to Uçağız and return after the boat trip.

From Kaş to the Uçağız harbor

Your day starts at a meeting point in Kaş, outside Smiley’s Restaurant. The exact pickup time changes with the season, and you receive the time by WhatsApp or email one day before departure. That late confirmation is worth watching for, especially if you are arranging breakfast or a bus connection.

A car takes you to the boat in Uçağız, also referred to as Demre harbor in the tour details. The boat leaves between 10:20 and 10:40 in the morning. From there, you spend most of the day on the water and return to Kaş after the boat docks.

This transfer matters because Kekova is not right in Kaş. You are paying for more than a simple harbor cruise, since the outing includes the ride to the departure point, the boat, lunch, swim stops, and the return drive. Still, it becomes a full-day commitment, so do not book it on a day when you need to be back in Kaş by early afternoon.

Wear shoes that are easy to remove, and bring a towel, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The boat portion is exposed to the sun, and the itinerary gives you several chances to get wet.

Aquarium Bay gives you time to enjoy the water

Aquarium Bay is the first major stop and includes a one-hour swim break. That is a generous amount of time for a boat itinerary. You can cool off, float, snorkel if you bring your own gear, or simply stay on deck and enjoy the view. Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included, so pack your own if it matters to you.

The water is described as especially clear, and the bay beside Kekova Island makes a fine introduction to the day. I like this stop because it gives you time to settle into the boat’s pace. You are not rushed from one photo stop to the next.

There is a tradeoff. A swim-focused day means less time walking on land. If you prefer ruins, village streets, and museums to repeated swims, parts of the itinerary may feel slow. If warm water and open-air relaxation are your priority, the balance works well.

Seeing the sunken city without entering the water

The Sunken City of Kekova is the trip’s main historical sight. The ancient settlement of Dolchiste was flooded after an earthquake in the second century. Sections of the old city remain visible below and along the waterline, including traces of buildings and stone structures.

The boat cruises slowly beside the ruins so you can look down into the water and take photographs. Swimming is prohibited because the site is protected. That rule is important: this is a viewing stop, not another place for a swim.

You should also set your expectations correctly. The boat used for this trip may not have a glass bottom. One account of the day described the boat simply passing alongside the ruins rather than providing a glass-bottom tour. You will still see the site from the water, but the view depends on the light, the clarity of the sea, and your position on deck.

I recommend staying alert during this section rather than treating it as background scenery. The ruins can be easy to miss if you are talking, eating, or sitting below deck. Keep your camera ready, but also look for the shapes of walls and steps under the surface. The unusual part of Kekova is the meeting of an ancient settlement and a living coastline, not a large collection of exposed monuments.

Burç Bay and the cooler water

The boat makes another swim stop at Burç Bay. The water here is cooler because of cold natural springs beneath the sea. That makes this a good place to refresh yourself after the warmer water at the earlier bays, though some swimmers may find the change sharp.

This stop shows why the route is more than a single visit to the sunken city. You see different sections of the Kekova coast, and each bay gives the day a slightly different rhythm. The repeated swims also help break up the time spent seated on the boat.

Bring a towel that dries quickly, and do not assume you will want to swim at every stop. You can remain aboard if the water feels too cold or if you would rather rest in the shade.

Pirate’s Cave is a short natural sight

Pirate’s Cave is a naturally formed cave with a large, curved entrance. The boat visits it as part of the cruise, giving you a chance to look into the opening and take photographs.

This is a brief sightseeing stop, not a cave tour on foot. You will not be walking through it or exploring underground. Think of it as one of the coastal details that adds variety between swimming and the main historic sites.

The stop works best when you treat the route as a relaxed boat day rather than a tightly scheduled series of major attractions. Pirate’s Cave will not occupy the same amount of time as Simena Castle or the sunken city, but it gives you another reason to keep watching the shoreline.

Lunch and water sports at Gökkaya Bay

Gökkaya Bay is the longer midday pause. Lunch is included, and the setting gives you another chance to swim. The meal has been described as a generous buffet by people on the boat, though the supplied details do not specify the exact menu.

Drinks are not included. Bring money for beverages, and carry water if you prefer a particular brand or want to avoid buying drinks onboard. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Various water sports may be available at Gökkaya Bay, but the exact options are not specified. Treat them as an optional extra rather than a guaranteed part of the price. Ask the crew about availability and cost before committing.

This is also the point where the day’s length becomes clear. You have already had a swim, seen the sunken city, visited the cave, eaten lunch, and still have more stops ahead. If you enjoy unhurried days on the sea, that is a benefit. If you need constant sightseeing activity, the swim pauses may begin to feel repetitive.

Esmeralda Bay offers a quieter swim

Esmeralda Bay is another swimming stop, presented as a peaceful place to enjoy the water. By this stage, you may appreciate a quieter pause more than another major sight. You can swim, sit on deck, or simply take in the coast.

The route includes enough water time that you should book this trip for the sea, not only for the ruins. The strongest parts of the day are the clear bays, the relaxed pace, and the chance to see Kekova from several angles. The weakest part for some people will be the amount of time spent moving between stops where there is little to do except swim or wait.

If you are not a confident swimmer, ask where you can enter the water safely and stay near the boat. The activity is not recommended for people with limited mobility, and the boat setting may involve steps, uneven surfaces, and boarding without easy access.

One hour in Kaleköy and ancient Simena

The final major stop is Kaleköy, the small village at ancient Simena. The boat anchors in the port for one hour. This is your main chance to get off the boat and walk on land.

You can use the time in two ways. The more active choice is the uphill walk toward Simena Castle. The climb gives you broad views over Kekova and the surrounding water, while the village also contains a necropolis. Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to make the uphill walk.

The other option is to stay closer to the port and admire the castle from below. You can use the remaining time for another swim in the blue water. This flexibility is valuable because the walk may be too demanding in the heat, and some people will simply prefer one more swim after a long day aboard.

Bring some cash if you want to visit the castle. Entrance costs are not included in the supplied price information, and cash was needed for the castle during one visit. The tour gives you an hour here, so do not assume you have unlimited time for a long climb, photographs, and a swim.

Kaleköy is also the part of the day that gives the cruise a human scale. The sunken city is impressive from the water, but Simena lets you walk through a real village and look back across the route you have just traveled. I would make the castle walk my first choice if the heat and footing feel manageable.

What the $57 price really covers

At $57 per person, this is good value if you want a full day built around swimming and sightseeing. The price includes the Kaş transfer, the boat trip, lunch, the listed stops, and the return to the meeting point. A private boat or a short harbor cruise would give you less for the same amount of time.

The price does not include drinks, possible water sports, or any castle admission. Those extras are small compared with the base cost, but they are worth planning for. Carry cash because card payment may not be available at every stop.

The biggest value comes from the number of included swim breaks. You are not paying $57 for only ten minutes beside the ruins. You receive a long day with Aquarium Bay, Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, Esmeralda Bay, Pirate’s Cave, the sunken city, and Kaleköy.

At the same time, you should not book it expecting a private guide who explains every site in detailed English. The activity offers English and Turkish assistance, but communication quality can vary. On one boat, the couple running it spoke little English and another passenger helped translate. That may be fine for a simple swim-and-sightsee day, but it matters if clear historical commentary is central to your plans.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would choose this trip if you want:

• Several chances to swim in clear coastal water
• A low-cost way to see Kekova from the sea
• A full day with lunch and transport arranged
• A choice between climbing to Simena Castle and swimming near Kaleköy
• A relaxed boat schedule rather than a fast sightseeing circuit

I would think twice if you need step-free access, dislike long periods on a boat, or want a detailed English-language history tour. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the one-hour village stop may not be enough for a slow climb and extensive exploration.

Weather can also affect the plan. One scheduled Kekova trip was canceled because of weather and replaced with an island tour focused on swimming and lunch. That shows the practical limit of a sea excursion: the final route depends on safe conditions. Flexible plans help.

The boat atmosphere appears friendly, with plenty of space on at least some departures and a crew that takes care with lunch and service. Still, group size and exact boat arrangements are not specified, so do not book it expecting a guaranteed private or small-group cruise.

Should you book the Kekova day trip?

Book it if you want the best mix of sunken ruins, clear bays, and a long swim day without arranging your own transport from Kaş. The included lunch and return transfer make $57 a sensible price, and the hour in Kaleköy gives you a real choice between a castle walk and more time in the sea.

Skip it if the main thing you want is a glass-bottom view or a full guided explanation in English. The sunken city is seen from the boat, and the quality of spoken English may vary. For most visitors who value scenery, swimming, and an easy all-day route, this is a strong choice. Just bring a towel, sun protection, cash for extras, and patience for a long day on the water.

FAQ

Where does the Kekova boat trip start?

Pickup is arranged at the meeting point outside Smiley’s Restaurant in Kaş. A car takes you to the boat at Uçağız, also described as Demre harbor.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat departs between 10:20 and 10:40 in the morning. Pickup times vary by season, and the exact time is sent by WhatsApp or email one day before the tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price. Drinks are not included.

Can I swim at the sunken city?

No. Kekova’s sunken city is in a protected area, so swimming there is not permitted. You view the ruins while cruising beside them.

How long do I have at Kaleköy and Simena Castle?

The boat stays in Kaleköy port for one hour. You can walk uphill to Simena Castle and the necropolis, admire the castle from below, or use the time for another swim.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a towel. You may also want money for drinks, castle admission, or optional water sports.

Is the trip suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The activity is not recommended for people with limited mobility and is specifically listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.