From Ucagiz: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat

Kekova is best seen from the water, where ancient ruins, clear swimming bays, and small coastal villages fit into one relaxed day. This seven-hour boat trip gives you plenty of time to swim, eat lunch onboard, and visit the hillside ruins of Simena Castle.

I like the long one-hour stop at Aquarium Bay and the chance to walk through Kaleköy rather than simply photograph it from the boat. I also like the grilled lunch, fruit service, and generous schedule of swim stops. The main consideration is timing: in the shoulder season, the advertised departure may not run, so confirm with the operator before heading to the harbor.

Key points to know before you book

• One full hour at Aquarium Bay: You get enough time to swim and snorkel without feeling rushed.
• A boat-level view of the Sunken City: The ancient ruins are seen from the water, not entered on foot.
• Lunch cooked onboard: The meal includes lunch and fruit, with grilled meat served on the boat on at least one departure.
• A real village stop at Simena: You have one hour to walk uphill to the castle and necropolis or stay near the water.
• Captain Mehmet and the Memedim boat: Meet at the Ucagiz harbor, checking the boat name and position before departure.
• Good value at $45: The price covers a seven-hour outing, food, fruit, tea, several swim stops, and the castle visit, though the €1 entrance fee is extra.

Why this Kekova boat trip works so well

Kekova is not a place you want to rush through. Its appeal comes from the mix of water, ruins, quiet coves, and small settlements, and this trip gives each part room to breathe.

The schedule is built around swimming. Aquarium Bay gets a full hour, followed by another 40-minute stop at Burç Bay, a 45-minute break at Gökkaya Bay, and 40 minutes at Esmeralda Bay. That adds up to a lot of time in the sea, so bring swimwear and a towel rather than treating them as optional extras.

The historical stops are shorter but well chosen. You cruise past Kekova Island and the Sunken City, look into Pirates Cave, and then spend a full hour at Simena Castle. This balance suits you if you want ancient sites without giving up a sunny day on the water.

The boat is identified as the Memedim Boat, with Captain Mehmet, and the meeting point is at the Ucagiz harbor. English and Turkish support is available, along with an audio guide in both languages. On one departure, a guide named Mustafa helped explain the sights in English and answered questions, which is useful because the main boat commentary may be in Turkish.

Setting off from Ucagiz harbor

The day begins at Ucagiz Village, with departure planned between 10:20 and 10:40 in the morning. The start is not an early dawn run, so you have time to reach the harbor without sacrificing breakfast.

Look for the Memedim Boat and confirm that Captain Mehmet is the person handling your departure. The supplied meeting information also refers to the boat as Kekova tekne turu Mehmedim3, so checking the exact boat name and location on the day is sensible.

This is particularly important outside the main summer period. One booking initially ran into a problem because the scheduled early-season tour was not operating. The operator later arranged a private outing at the same price, but you should still contact the provider in advance if you are visiting during the shoulder season or off season.

The trip returns to the same harbor after about seven hours. From there, you can walk into Ucagiz for dinner or continue to your next stop.

Aquarium Bay gives you time to settle in

Aquarium Bay is the first major stop, and it sets the tone for the day. You get one full hour for swimming and snorkeling in a picturesque bay beside Kekova Island.

A one-hour swim break matters. Short boat tours often give you just enough time to jump in, cool off, and climb back aboard before you have really enjoyed the water. Here, you can swim, float, and take your time getting comfortable.

Turkish tea and biscuits are served at Aquarium Bay. Morning snacks are included, so you do not need to bring food for the first part of the outing. You may still want water and sun protection, since the day is largely spent outdoors.

If you are not keen on swimming, this is also a pleasant chance to stay onboard and enjoy the view. The description confirms swimming and snorkeling, but it does not promise snorkeling equipment, so bring your own mask if that matters to you.

Seeing the Sunken City from Kekova Island

The boat then cruises along Kekova Island toward the Sunken City, with about 20 minutes devoted to guided sightseeing and views from the water.

The ruins belong to the ancient settlement of Dolchiste, which was flooded after an earthquake in the second century. Parts of the old city remain visible beneath and around the waterline. You do not walk through the ruins or swim among them. The point is the unusual view from the boat, as submerged walls and buildings appear along the shore.

Listen closely to the explanation here. The site makes more sense when you understand that this is not simply an abandoned seaside town. The earthquake and later flooding changed the shoreline, leaving a place where ancient remains meet the modern sea.

Because the stop is a cruise rather than a landing, keep your camera ready. You have a limited viewing period, and the boat continues onward after the sightseeing portion.

Cooler water at Burç Bay

The next swim break takes place at Burç Bay, where cold underwater springs make the sea noticeably cooler.

That cooler water can be refreshing after time in the sun, but it may surprise you when you first get in. The stop lasts around 40 minutes, long enough for a proper swim and a little snorkeling.

This is one of the trip’s small pleasures. The bays are not all identical, and the change in water temperature gives the day some variety. If you prefer warmer water, you might enjoy the scenery from the boat before deciding to swim.

Pirates Cave is a quick but memorable sight

Pirates Cave is visited from the boat. Its large size and curved entrance make it easy to recognize, and the natural shape gives it more character than a simple rocky inlet.

There is no listed walking stop here, so expect a cruise-by visit rather than a cave exploration. That is worth knowing if you are picturing a shore excursion inside the cave. You will have time to see the entrance, take photographs, and hear about the place before moving on.

It is a short stop, but it breaks up the swim schedule and adds another kind of scenery to the day.

Lunch and water sports at Gökkaya Bay

Gökkaya Bay is the main meal stop, with about 45 minutes for lunch and swimming. Lunch is included, as is fruit service, which improves the value of the $45 fare.

Food quality can vary on boat trips, but one especially positive detail here is that grilled meat may be prepared directly onboard. That makes lunch feel like part of the outing rather than a box meal handed out between stops.

You can eat, swim, or simply sit back at the bay. Various water sports may also be available, though the supplied details do not specify which activities or their prices. Ask onboard before paying for anything extra.

The timing is fairly tight if you want to do everything. Forty-five minutes must cover the meal and any swim, so I would eat first if lunch is important to you. You can always swim afterward if time allows.

A quiet swim at Esmeralda Bay

The boat continues to Esmeralda Bay for another 40-minute swimming and snorkeling stop.

This bay is described as a peaceful place to enjoy the water, and it offers a quieter change of pace after the meal. The repeated swim breaks are a major part of the experience, not filler between monuments.

By this point, you may be glad for the chance to get back into the water. You can also use the stop to dry off, rest, and enjoy the coast from the deck. The boat has indoor space and an upper area with mattresses on at least one departure, giving you somewhere to stretch out between swims.

One hour at Simena Castle and Kaleköy

The most substantial land stop comes at Kaleköy, the village beside ancient Simena. The boat anchors in port for one hour, giving you time to choose between a hillside walk and another swim.

The climb to Simena Castle rewards you with wide views across the Kekova region. The ruins sit above the village, while the nearby necropolis adds another layer to the site. You should allow enough time for the uphill walk, the castle visit, and the return to the harbor. With only one hour, there is no room for a slow wander.

The castle entrance fee is not included, but it is only €1. Keep that small amount ready so you do not lose time at the entrance.

If you do not want to climb, you can stay in Kaleköy, browse the village, and swim in the blue water near the port. This flexibility is useful for mixed groups. One person can go uphill for the views while another enjoys the shoreline.

Kaleköy is a small, authentic village rather than a large resort town. Its appeal is the combination of homes, ruins, water, and footpaths in one compact place. You get a better sense of the local setting here than you would from a passing boat view alone.

What the $45 price really includes

At $45 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to use the full day. You receive roughly seven hours on the water, several swimming stops, tea and biscuits, morning snacks, lunch, and fruit.

The price also covers the most useful sightseeing stops. You see the Sunken City from the boat, pass Pirates Cave, spend time in several bays, and get a full hour at Simena Castle. Comparable outings can feel expensive when food and site visits are added separately, but this one keeps most of the day’s basic costs together.

The €1 castle entrance is the only clearly listed extra. Water sports at Gökkaya Bay may also cost more, though no prices are provided, so ask before taking part.

The value is less convincing if you dislike swimming or boat-based sightseeing. Much of the seven hours is spent moving between bays and stopping for swims. You should choose a land-heavy archaeological tour instead if ruins are your only priority.

Food, language, and comfort details

Food is one of the stronger parts of the outing. Morning snacks, Turkish tea, biscuits, lunch, and fruit are included. Grilled meat may be cooked on the boat, which gives the meal a fresh and social feel.

Bring a towel and swimwear. You should also bring sun protection, although that is not specifically listed, because the itinerary places you outside for most of the day.

The host or greeter speaks English and Turkish, and an English and Turkish audio guide is included. The spoken commentary may not always be in English, however. On one trip, Mustafa provided English explanations and answered questions, so it is worth asking who will handle English guidance when you board.

The boat offers space inside and on top, with mattresses available on at least one boat departure. That gives you a choice between shade, shelter, and an open-air place to rest.

Who should book this Kekova day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day that mixes swimming with a little history. It works especially well for people who prefer seeing ruins as part of a wider coastal outing rather than spending the entire day at an archaeological site.

Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the choice at Simena. Strong swimmers can enjoy the bays, while others can stay onboard or spend the land stop in the village. The repeated breaks also keep the day from becoming one long stretch of sitting on a boat.

It suits independent planners too. The meeting point is simple, the tour returns to Ucagiz, and the cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your route through Turkey is still changing.

I would hesitate if you need guaranteed English commentary throughout, dislike getting in and out of the water, or are visiting very early or late in the season without confirming the departure. The tour provider handled one early-season problem generously, but avoiding that uncertainty is better than relying on a last-minute fix.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want good value, long swim stops, an included lunch, and a proper visit to Simena Castle. The schedule covers the essential Kekova sights without turning the day into a rushed checklist.

Before you go, confirm the boat’s exact position and that the tour is operating, especially in the shoulder season. If those details are settled, this is an easygoing and well-rounded way to see Kekova from Ucagiz.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start and finish?

The trip starts and ends at the Ucagiz Village harbor. The meeting information names the Memedim Boat, with Captain Mehmet.

How long does the Kekova boat trip last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The planned departure from Ucagiz is between 10:20 and 10:40 in the morning.

What food is included?

Morning snacks, Turkish tea and biscuits, lunch, and fruit service are included. Grilled meat may be prepared onboard.

Is the Simena Castle entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee is listed separately as €1.

How long do you spend at Simena Castle?

The boat anchors at Kaleköy for one hour. You can walk uphill to Simena Castle and the necropolis, explore the village, or swim near the port.

Can you swim during the boat trip?

Yes. Swimming stops are scheduled at Aquarium Bay, Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, and Esmeralda Bay. Swimming and snorkeling are also listed at several of these stops.

What should you bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. If you want to snorkel, bringing your own mask may be useful because snorkeling equipment is not specifically listed as included.

Is the tour available in English?

English and Turkish host support are available, and an English and Turkish audio guide is included. Commentary may be in Turkish on some departures, with English assistance available when provided by the guide.