Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

The best part of this day is the mix of clear-water swimming and ancient ruins. You cruise along the Kekova coast, pause in quiet bays, look down at the submerged remains of an ancient city, then walk through Simena, a tiny seaside village below its hilltop castle. It is a full day, but the pace is broken nicely by water, food, and shore time.

I like the generous lunch, which usually includes chicken or fish with salads, and I like the number of swimming stops. Captain Ergun receives especially warm praise for friendly service, local explanations, and occasional drone photos. The main drawback is seating: some bookings place you downstairs inside, while upper-deck loungers may be limited or assigned in advance.

• Four swimming opportunities in clear bays, including Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, and Camlık Bay.
• A close look at the Sunken City of Kekova from the boat, with submerged walls and houses visible through the water.
• Time in Simena, also called Kaleköy, where you can see the castle, old tombs, waterfront cafes, and wide views.
• Lunch and afternoon tea included, while drinks and alcohol cost extra.
• Captain Ergun and his crew are frequently praised for friendly service and helpful explanations.
• A large boat with up to 65 people means more space than a tiny day boat, but not a private or quiet cruise.

Why this Kaş boat trip is worth considering

Kaş is a fine place to walk, eat, and watch the sunset. But the coast beyond town is where the day becomes special. The Kekova area gives you a rare combination: calm Mediterranean water, small bays reached by boat, Lycian remains, and a village that still feels tied to the sea.

At $84.65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day on the water. Still, the price covers about eight hours, a buffet lunch, afternoon tea, fuel, landing and facility fees, and a guide or boat crew. Once you add the number of stops and the time spent in Simena, I see it as a fair package for a full day, especially if you want both swimming and history rather than a simple beach cruise.

This is a shared boat experience, not a private yacht outing. The boat can hold up to 65 people, and one trip was described as quite full. That means you get a social atmosphere, a proper lunch service, toilets, sunbeds, and more room to move around than on a small vessel. It also means you should not expect silence, personal service, or a guaranteed sun lounger.

Leaving Kaş at 9:30 am

The stated start time is 9:30 am, with the activity ending back at the meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the departure point yourself. If you are staying in Kalkan or elsewhere outside Kaş, contact the operator before booking rather than assuming transport will be arranged.

The route can vary slightly by boat and operating arrangement. One especially positive experience began from Üçağız, about a 35-minute drive from Kaş, which shortened the amount of time spent traveling by boat and put the group closer to Kekova. Other departures leave from Kaş itself. Confirm the meeting point carefully on the day before departure.

The first part of the cruise gives you time to settle in. I would use it to claim a sensible place, check where the toilets are, and ask about the return time from Simena. If sitting outside matters to you, ask how seating works before you pay. One person expected a sun lounger upstairs but was assigned an indoor seat, while others were offered a choice. That is a small detail that can shape your whole day.

İnönü Bay and the little canyon

The first listed stop is İnönü Bay, with about 45 minutes to enjoy the cove. A small canyon offers a short walk for anyone who wants a bit of movement, while the bay itself suits anyone who would rather stay near the water.

This is a gentle opening stop. You are not being rushed into a major sight, and the time lets you get used to the boat and the swimming routine. The canyon is modest rather than a major hike, so keep your expectations in check. The value here is the setting and the chance to stretch your legs before the more important Kekova stops.

Aquarium Bay and the clearest water of the day

Aquarium Bay is named for its transparent water. The bay is framed by rocky slopes and greenery, while fish can be seen below the surface. For many people, this is one of the day’s best swimming stops because the water looks almost glassy from the boat.

Bring a towel and, if you own them, water shoes. Water shoes are not required, but they can help around rocky edges and ladders. Snorkeling gear may be available on board, though the provided information does not guarantee equipment for every departure, so ask the crew rather than counting on it.

The boat usually gives you ample time in the water, but conditions and timing can change. If you want to swim at every stop, keep your swimsuit on under your clothes and have a dry layer ready for the ride afterward. The sea may feel cold in April, even when the weather is pleasant.

Seeing the Sunken City of Kekova from the boat

The Sunken City is the historical centerpiece. Earthquakes pushed parts of the ancient Lycian settlement beneath the water, leaving walls, houses, stairs, and other structures visible in the clear shallows. A Byzantine church is also associated with the submerged remains.

You view the ruins from the boat rather than walking through them. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, and boats pass slowly enough for you to look down and take photographs. The water is the key: on a calm, bright day, the outlines are easy to make out. On a rougher day, glare and movement may make them harder to see.

This is not a conventional archaeological site with signs, galleries, or a long guided walk. Its appeal comes from seeing history in place, partly underwater and surrounded by the coast. I find that more memorable than a standard ruin, but you should know what you are booking. You are not getting a long shore visit or a chance to explore the structures up close.

Listen carefully to the guide if you are on the upper deck. One person found the English explanation difficult to hear from upstairs. If the history matters to you, move closer to the crew during the explanation or ask for a repeat.

Kekova Island and the story beneath the water

Kekova Island is a rugged stretch of coast with rocky cliffs, green slopes, small coves, and clear blue water. Its natural appeal would be enough for a pleasant boat trip, but the ruins make the island more than a swimming stop.

The ancient settlement is often linked with Dolchiste, a Lycian city damaged by earthquakes. The visible remains help you understand how the coast changed over time. You see the relationship between old stonework and the sea rather than a separate ruin surrounded by modern roads and buildings.

The cruise also gives you a chance to watch for changes in the water and coastline. One minute you are looking at quiet coves, and the next you are passing ancient masonry beneath the surface. That steady change is why this itinerary works better than a day made up of only one beach stop.

Simena Castle and the walk through Kaleköy

The stop at Simena, also called Kaleköy, lasts about an hour at the castle and another hour around the harbor. This is the most substantial time on land, and you should use it well.

Simena Castle sits above the village and offers broad views over Kekova Island and the surrounding water. The climb can be worthwhile for the view, but the available information does not give a precise walking time or detail the path, so wear sturdy shoes and allow enough time to return to the boat. Admission to the castle is not included.

Below the castle, narrow stone lanes pass white houses with flowers, small shops, and waterfront cafes. You may also see Lycian tombs and sarcophagi in and around the village. This is a good place to slow down. Buy an ice cream if you like, take photographs from the harbor, or sit with a drink while the boat waits.

The main limitation is time. One person felt there was not enough of it to see the castle properly. If the castle is your priority, go uphill first and explore the waterfront afterward. Do not spend the entire stop at the cafes and then try to squeeze in the climb.

Kaleköy Harbor and the quieter side of the coast

Kaleköy Harbor gives you a different view of Simena. From water level, the village looks small and peaceful, with boats, old walls, and the castle above. It is also the place to appreciate how little road access shapes the character of the settlement.

I like this stop because it is not only about a photograph. You get a feel for a place organized around boats rather than cars. The harbor also offers a natural pause after the castle walk. Keep an eye on the departure time, though. The boat needs to leave on schedule, and confusion at the dock has caused delays on at least one departure.

Tersane Bay, the old shipyard

Tersane Bay, or Shipyard Bay, is named for the area’s connection with ancient shipbuilding. It is a scenic cove surrounded by rock and plant-covered slopes, with clear water for swimming and snorkeling. You get about 45 minutes here.

This is one of the better stops for people who want both scenery and water time. The bay feels more enclosed than the open coast, and the setting gives you a strong view of the area around Simena. The name also adds a small piece of historical context without requiring a long lecture.

The practical point is simple: use the swim ladder carefully, take your belongings with you, and do not assume you will have another chance to retrieve anything after the boat pulls away. A proper safety briefing was not always given, so listen to crew instructions and wait until the boat is fully ready before entering or leaving the water.

Camlık Bay closes the swimming schedule

Camlık Bay is the final listed swimming stop, with roughly 45 minutes in calm water among pine trees. Ending with a swim is smart. By this point, you have seen the ruins and castle, eaten lunch, and can spend the last water stop relaxing rather than trying to fit in a major sight.

If you are not a strong swimmer, you can simply enjoy the view or remain near the boat. The schedule includes several swimming opportunities, but you do not have to use every one. This makes the trip workable for mixed groups, as long as everyone accepts that the day is built around time on the water.

Lunch, drinks, seating, and comfort on board

Lunch is one of the strongest practical features. It is served buffet-style, and examples include fish or chicken with several salads. Afternoon tea and fruit, including watermelon on some departures, may follow. The food is served on proper plates and cutlery on some boats, and the onboard toilets have been described as clean.

Drinks are not included. Water, soda, tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks can be bought on board, with payment by credit card available on at least some boats. Prices are described as reasonable, but bring a card and do not assume your drink is part of the tour price.

The boat has an upper deck with sunbeds, as well as indoor seating. The upper deck is the place to be for sun and views, but it may fill quickly. Ask about reserving or choosing a lounger when you book. If you are assigned downstairs, the ride can still be comfortable, but you may hear less of the English commentary and miss some open-air views.

Pack a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat with a secure strap, and a light layer. Keep hats and phones safely stowed while the boat is moving. Captain Ergun has sometimes offered drone photos or video, including a playful arrangement involving ocean cleanup, but this should be treated as an extra courtesy, not a guaranteed part of every departure.

Who will enjoy this Kekova excursion most

I would choose this trip if you want a full day that combines swimming, coastal views, ruins, and a village visit. It suits couples, families with children accompanied by adults, and anyone who prefers a planned day over arranging several separate boat trips.

It is also a good value for people who will use the included lunch and several swim stops. The 4.9 rating from 441 reviews and 97 percent recommendation rate match the strongest parts of the experience: the scenery, food, clean boat, and friendly crew.

I would hesitate if you want a private, quiet cruise, guaranteed outdoor seating, or a long archaeological tour. The boat can carry up to 65 people, drinks cost extra, and the castle visit is short. The experience also depends on good weather and a minimum number of bookings.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9:30 am start. If bad weather cancels the trip, you can receive another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number is not reached.

Should you book the Kaş to Kekova boat tour?

Yes, if your ideal day in Kaş includes warm water, several swim stops, a satisfying lunch, and a memorable look at ruins beneath the sea. The combination is hard to match with a simple beach cruise.

Before booking, confirm the departure point, ask how outdoor seating is handled, and plan to pay separately for drinks and castle admission. If you do that, the $84.65 price is reasonable for a long day that covers the coast, Kekova, Simena, food, and most major costs.

FAQ

How long is the Kaş Kekova boat tour?

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

Is lunch included?

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

Are drinks included in the tour price?

No. Water, soda, tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately on board.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The schedule includes swimming stops at İnönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, and Camlık Bay. Swimming time can also be affected by weather and operating conditions.

Is admission to Simena Castle included?

No. The stop at Simena Castle is included, but the admission ticket is not.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the stated meeting point yourself.

What happens if the tour is canceled because of weather?

You can be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation. The same options apply if the minimum number of bookings is not reached.