Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

The Sunken City of Kekova is the star of this day on the water. As your boat passes the submerged Lycian ruins, you can see old walls, steps, and buildings beneath the clear sea. The real pleasure, though, is the full mix: quiet coves, warm swimming stops, a good lunch, and a walk through the tiny village of Simena.

I like the generous amount of time in the water, and I like that lunch and afternoon tea are included rather than leaving you to fend for yourself. Captain Ergun receives especially warm praise for his friendly service, historical explanations, and even occasional drone footage. The main catch is comfort: the boat can carry up to 65 people, and your seat may be indoors unless you arrange an upper-deck place early.

The day at a glance

• Four swimming stops: Inönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, and Çamlık Bay give you plenty of time in the clear Mediterranean water.
• A close look at ancient ruins: The Sunken City of Kekova is viewed from the boat, with submerged houses, walls, and steps visible below the surface.
• Simena on foot: You get about an hour around Kaleköy, including time for the castle, harbor, old tombs, cafés, and views.
• Lunch served on board: Expect a buffet-style meal, with fish or chicken and salads mentioned as common choices.
• A full eight-hour outing: The 9:30 am start and return to the meeting point make this a substantial day trip, not a quick boat ride.
• Good value with a few extras: The $84.65 price includes the boat, guide, fuel surcharge, landing fees, lunch, and afternoon tea, but drinks and the Simena Castle admission cost extra.

Why Kekova works best from the water

Kekova is one of those places where the sea is part of the historical story. Earthquakes pushed sections of the ancient Lycian settlement below the water, leaving ruins that can be seen through the clear surface. You do not walk among the remains. Instead, the boat cruises alongside the protected area so you can look down at the old structures.

That distinction matters. If you want to climb through ancient streets, this is not the right outing. If you enjoy seeing history in its setting, with cliffs, coves, and sea all around it, the view is far more rewarding than a museum display.

The water is often remarkably clear, which makes the submerged walls easier to spot. Still, visibility depends on light, weather, and the position of the boat. Treat the Sunken City as a scenic historical pass, not a long archaeological tour. The scheduled viewing time is about 30 minutes.

The surrounding coast adds plenty of appeal. Rocky slopes drop toward blue water, small coves interrupt the shoreline, and old settlements appear in places that are now reachable only by boat. I find this combination of ancient remains and simple seaside scenery more memorable than a day spent visiting ruins on land.

Inönü Bay starts the swimming rhythm

The first stop is Inönü Bay, where you have about 45 minutes. A small canyon gives the stop a little more purpose than a standard swim break. You can walk toward it or stay near the water and enjoy the bay.

This is a useful opening stop because it lets you settle into the pace of the excursion. The day is not built around rushing from one sight to another. You spend part of the time cruising, then step into a quiet cove, then return to the boat for the next stretch.

The canyon walk is optional, and the information provided does not specify a marked trail or the walking distance. Wear shoes that can handle uneven ground if you plan to explore beyond the shore. If you simply want to swim, rest, or take photographs, there is no need to turn this into a hike.

Aquarium Bay brings the clearest water

Aquarium Bay is another 45-minute stop, and its name tells you what to expect. The water is noted for its clarity, with fish visible beneath the surface and rocky sides framing the cove.

This is one of the better places to bring a mask if you like looking underwater. Snorkeling equipment is mentioned in one account as available during the trip, but the tour details do not clearly state whether equipment is always supplied. I would bring your own mask and snorkel if seeing marine life matters to you.

The bay is also pleasant if you prefer to stay above water. The turquoise color, surrounding cliffs, and quiet setting create some of the best photo opportunities of the day. Water shoes are useful but not required, especially if you dislike rocky entries.

The Sunken City is a short but special passage

The boat then reaches the Sunken City ruins of Simena, part of ancient Kekova. The remains include sections of homes, old walls, stairways, and a Byzantine church, all partly hidden below the sea.

Your boat will not stop for a long archaeological explanation on shore, because the ruins are protected and viewed from the water. The scheduled time is about 30 minutes, so keep your camera ready and listen for the guide’s commentary. On the upper deck, though, recorded or spoken explanations may be harder to hear, especially when the boat is full or the sea is noisy.

This is where expectations matter most. The Sunken City is not a conventional ruin site with paths and signs. It is a fleeting view into an ancient town, and the pleasure comes from noticing pieces of it through moving water. I would sit where you can look down easily rather than treating this part as a formal lecture.

Simena Castle rewards the climb

After the water-based history lesson, the boat reaches Simena, also called Kaleköy. You have about an hour around the village and harbor.

The most important sight is Simena Castle, a medieval fortress set above the water. From the top, you get wide views over Kekova Island, the coves, and the small boats scattered around the bay. The climb takes effort, so wear sensible shoes and allow enough time to get back to the boat.

Castle admission is not included in the tour price. Bring some local currency or be prepared to pay separately, since the supplied details do not state the admission charge. You may decide the view is worth the extra cost, but do not assume the castle entrance is covered.

Kaleköy itself is small and charming. Whitewashed houses, flowers, stone lanes, waterfront cafés, and ancient Lycian tombs give the village a calm, lived-in feel. You can browse, eat ice cream, take photos, or focus on the castle. One practical warning: the hour can pass quickly, and some people wish they had more time at the fortress. Start your walk promptly if the castle is your priority.

The harbor is also a pleasant place to slow down. After several hours at sea, the chance to step ashore, stretch your legs, and look back at the boat is welcome. The village feels quite different from Kaş, which is a reason this excursion earns its place in a holiday schedule.

Tersane Bay and Çamlık Bay finish the swimming

Tersane Bay, also called Shipyard Bay, offers another 45-minute swim. Its name comes from the old shipbuilding activity associated with the area. The bay is surrounded by rocky cliffs and greenery, with clear water suited to swimming and snorkeling.

The setting also gives you a view toward Simena Castle from the water. This is a good time to take the photograph you may not have had time for while walking around the village. The bay feels quieter than the main harbor and gives the day another change of scenery.

Çamlık Bay is the final swimming stop, also lasting about 45 minutes. Pine trees and calm water shape the scene. By this point, the stop works as both a last swim and a chance to relax before the return journey.

Four swim breaks are a major reason to choose this tour. You are not spending eight hours sitting still while the boat moves between sights. If swimming is not your thing, however, the repeated stops may feel long, particularly outside the hottest months.

Lunch, drinks, and the boat setup

Lunch is included and is served as a buffet. The food described in the supplied information includes fish or chicken with several salads, and watermelon or another light afternoon serving may follow. The meal is served on proper plates and cutlery, according to one detailed account, and it is generally treated as a real meal rather than a token snack.

Afternoon tea is included too. Additional drinks, including water, soda, coffee, and tea, cost extra. Prices are described as reasonable, and card payment may be available, but I would still carry some cash. Alcoholic drinks can also be purchased separately.

The boat is described as clean and in good condition, with an upper deck containing sunbeds. That sounds ideal, but seating deserves attention. The boat may be full, and some bookings place people downstairs indoors without making the choice clear at the time of reservation.

If you care about a sunbed or a covered spot upstairs, ask about seating before the day of departure and arrive early. The upper deck gives you better views and more open air, while the lower area may be more comfortable for shade or for anyone who wants shelter. The guide’s English explanations may also be easier to hear downstairs or near the crew, depending on where you sit.

The group limit is 65 people. That is not a small private cruise, so expect a social boat atmosphere rather than complete quiet. On the positive side, the larger vessel provides room to spread out, and several accounts describe ample upper-deck space.

Guides, service, and small inconsistencies

Captain Ergun is frequently praised for his warm manner, historical stories, and effort to make the day personal. A particularly unusual extra is drone footage for people who help collect rubbish from the sea. This is not a guaranteed part of every departure, but it gives you an idea of the friendly style associated with some crews.

Boat assignments can vary. One departure was led by Captain Mehmet from Üçağız, with a shorter water journey and clear explanations of the area. Another account reports an unpleasant interaction with a captain and poor communication about a delay and passenger boarding. That experience appears to be an exception among the largely positive feedback, but it is still worth knowing that service can depend on the particular boat and crew.

The published start time is 9:30 am, and the tour returns to the same meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the departure point in Kaş yourself, and if you are staying in Kalkan or elsewhere, contact the operator before booking rather than assuming a transfer is available.

Is $84.65 good value?

For an eight-hour day, the price is fair if you plan to swim and visit Simena. You are paying for the boat, guide, fuel surcharge, landing and facility fees, lunch, and afternoon tea. The price also covers a full route through several bays rather than a short harbor cruise.

The value is strongest for a first visit to the Kekova area. You see the Sunken City, experience several coves, and get time in one of the coast’s most appealing small villages without arranging separate transport or meals.

The cost rises a little once you add drinks and the castle entrance. You may also want to bring a towel, water shoes, and snorkeling gear. These are small extras, but they matter if you are comparing this trip with a private charter or a shorter boat outing.

A private boat would give you more control over the route and seating, but it would normally cost more. This shared excursion makes sense if you want the main sights, a prepared lunch, and a sociable full-day schedule.

Who should book this Kaş boat tour?

I would choose this tour if you want a mix of swimming, scenery, and history without organizing each piece yourself. It suits couples, families with adult supervision for children, and anyone who enjoys spending most of a day on the sea.

It is less suitable if you dislike boats, need a quiet private setting, or want a long archaeological visit at every stop. The castle walk may also be tiring for anyone uncomfortable on uneven ground, and the repeated swimming breaks are not useful if you plan to stay dry.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, and a vegetarian lunch is available if you request it when booking. The tour depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

The cancellation rule is simple: cancel at least 24 hours before the 9:30 am start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

My verdict on the Kekova day cruise

Book it if you want a full, easy day on Turkey’s turquoise coast, especially if swimming and Simena appeal to you as much as the ruins. The strongest features are the four water stops, the included lunch, the clear view of the Sunken City, and the chance to walk through Kaleköy.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is a shared boat, drinks cost extra, the castle ticket is separate, and an upper-deck seat is not guaranteed. Ask about seating before departure, bring a towel and water shoes, and keep your camera ready for the submerged ruins. With those details handled, the tour offers a strong blend of sea, history, and simple coastal pleasure for the price.

FAQ

Where does the Kekova boat tour start?

The tour starts at the meeting point in Kaş at 9:30 am and returns to the same meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts about eight hours.

Is lunch included?

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

Are drinks included?

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

Is admission to Simena Castle included?

No. Admission to Simena Castle is not included in the tour price.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 65 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum group size may also lead to another date or a full refund.