From Kas: Day Trip to Kekova Island

Clear water, ancient ruins, and a long day at sea. This trip from Kaş combines a cruise past the Sunken City of Kekova with several swim stops, lunch, and a visit to the old village of Kaleköy. I like the generous time in Aquarium Bay and the chance to walk up to Simena Castle, two details that make this more than a simple boat ride. The main consideration is that the day includes many swimming stops, so anyone hoping for long periods on land may find the pace repetitive.

The trip costs $57 per person and lasts about nine hours, including transport from Kaş to the harbor at Uçağız or Demre. I also like the small-group feel described for the boat and the friendly service, but you should bring cash for Simena Castle and be aware that the English guiding may be limited.

Key points to know before booking

• The Sunken City is viewed from the boat: Swimming is not allowed in this protected area, and the boat cruises slowly alongside the ruins.
• Aquarium Bay offers a full hour in the water: This is the longest stated swim stop and a strong reason to pack your towel.
• Simena Castle requires a climb: You get about one hour at Kaleköy, enough for the hillside ruins and views if you walk briskly.
• Lunch is included, drinks are not: Bring money for beverages and for the castle entrance if you decide to go up.
• The day has several swim breaks: Burç, Gökkaya, and Esmeralda bays all add time in the water, with lunch at Gökkaya Bay.
• The schedule can run later than expected: Some people were taken to two tourist stops on the return, so the trip may not finish as early as you expect.

Leaving Kaş for Uçağız harbor

Your day begins at a meeting point in Kaş, outside Smiley’s Restaurant. The exact pickup time changes with the season, and the operator sends it by WhatsApp or email one day before departure. A car collects you and takes you to the boat at Uçağız or Demre harbor.

The boat leaves the harbor between 10:20 and 10:40 in the morning. That makes this a full-day commitment rather than a quick morning outing. You should allow extra energy for the return journey to Kaş, especially if the sea is busy or the tour includes additional stops.

The host or greeter speaks English and Turkish, but the level of spoken English may vary on the boat. One account described the boat owners as warm and helpful, while communication sometimes depended on a Turkish-English-speaking passenger. If detailed historical explanations are important to you, keep your expectations modest and ask questions early.

The boat itself has been described as comfortable, with plenty of room for a small group. That matters on a day with many hours at sea. You can expect a more relaxed feel than a packed party boat, though the exact boat and group size can change.

A full hour in Aquarium Bay

The first major stop is Aquarium Bay, next to Kekova Island. You get about one hour to swim, which gives you enough time to settle into the water rather than rushing in for a quick dip.

The bay is praised for clear water and strong color, and it is the kind of stop where the boat becomes a floating base for the morning. Bring a towel, sunglasses, and a hat, but keep your valuables secure while you swim. Comfortable shoes are also useful because you will need them later in Kaleköy.

This stop sets the tone for the day. The trip is not built around long historical talks or a single major attraction. It is a mix of coastal scenery, short stops, lunch, and repeated swims. If you like being in the water, the structure works very well. If you prefer to explore villages and ruins on foot, the amount of swimming may feel excessive.

Cruising past Kekova’s Sunken City

The most unusual sight comes at Kekova Island, where the remains of ancient Dolchiste sit partly underwater. An earthquake in the second century flooded the settlement, leaving stone structures and other traces along the shore.

You view the ruins from the boat because the area is protected and swimming is forbidden. The boat cruises alongside the coast, giving you a chance to take photographs from the deck. This is a quiet and atmospheric part of the trip, but it is important to picture it correctly: you are not walking through the ruins or swimming over them.

Some descriptions of similar outings can create expectations of a glass-bottom boat. That is not guaranteed here. The boat may simply pass alongside the sunken remains, so your view depends on the boat’s position, the water, and how clearly you can see below the surface.

I find the restriction sensible. The ruins are fragile, and keeping boats and swimmers at a respectful distance protects what remains. Still, anyone booking mainly for an underwater sightseeing experience should know that this is a viewing stop, not an underwater tour.

Burç Bay and the colder water

Burç Bay brings another swim break, but the water here can feel cooler because of natural underwater springs. That contrast gives the stop a little character. After a warm morning in the sun, the colder water may be refreshing, though some people will prefer to ease in slowly.

The repeated swim stops are one of the strongest features of this outing. You are not limited to one crowded swimming area. Each bay offers a change of setting, and the clear water is a major part of the appeal.

At the same time, the schedule can begin to feel similar after several stops. One account described the repeated half-hour swims as slightly slow, especially when there was little time to walk on shore. You should book this trip because you enjoy swimming and relaxing on a boat, not because you want a tightly packed sightseeing program.

The Pirate Cave and Gökkaya Bay lunch

The Pirate Cave is a naturally formed cave with a large, curved entrance. It is a brief sightseeing stop rather than a long visit, but it gives the cruise a bit of variety after the open-water swim at Burç Bay.

Next comes Gökkaya Bay, where lunch and another swim break take place. Lunch is included in the $57 price, which improves the value of the outing. A full day on the water becomes expensive if you must buy every meal separately, so having lunch covered makes the price easier to justify.

The meal has received particularly strong praise, with the buffet described as delicious and generous. Drinks are not included, so bring cash or another accepted payment method for water and other beverages. The tour does not include alcohol, and alcohol and drugs are not permitted.

Gökkaya Bay also offers optional water sports. The supplied information does not specify which activities are available or what they cost, so ask on the day before setting aside money for them. You can also simply eat, swim, and enjoy the bay without taking part.

Esmeralda Bay and the quieter side of the day

Esmeralda Bay is another swimming stop, presented as a peaceful place to slow down. By this point, you will have already seen the main historical sight and several bays, so this stop works best as downtime.

The practical advantage is choice. You can swim, stay on the boat, take photographs, or rest in the shade if space allows. A nine-hour outing needs these slower intervals, especially during hot weather.

Pack sun protection seriously. A hat, sunglasses, and a towel are listed as essentials, and comfortable shoes will help when you reach Kaleköy. The boat has open exposure to the sun, and the day includes long periods outside.

One hour in Kaleköy and the climb to Simena Castle

The boat anchors at Kaleköy, the modern village built around ancient Simena. You get about one hour here, which is enough for a focused visit but not a leisurely exploration of every corner.

The main attraction is Simena Castle, reached by walking uphill. The climb rewards you with broad views over Kekova and the surrounding coast. The village also contains a necropolis, adding another layer to the stop beyond the castle walls.

You should wear shoes with a firm sole. Flip-flops may work for the boat, but they are less comfortable on a hillside path. If you want to reach the castle, head up soon after arriving rather than spending most of the hour at the waterfront.

There is also a perfectly reasonable alternative. You can stay near the port, admire the castle from below, and swim in the blue water. That option suits anyone who wants a gentler stop, but people with limited mobility should note that the experience is not recommended for them.

Bring cash for the castle. The need for an entrance payment was not obvious to at least one person on the trip, and being prepared saves an awkward pause at the gate. The exact fee is not provided, so do not rely on the $57 tour price to cover it.

The return journey and possible extra stops

After Kaleköy, the boat returns to Uçağız or Demre harbor, followed by transport back to the meeting point in Kaş. The advertised duration is nine hours, but the actual finish may feel later if the return includes extra stops.

Two tourist stops were included at the end of one outing without being expected in advance. They were considered acceptable, but they delayed the return. Do not schedule a tight dinner reservation or an evening bus immediately afterward.

Weather can also affect the plan. One departure was canceled because of conditions, with an alternative island tour offered instead. The replacement still included beautiful swimming areas and a buffet lunch, but it did not provide the same Kekova sightseeing, and the lack of walking time became noticeable.

The flexible cancellation policy helps here. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you keep your plans open. Still, weather decisions are made for safety, and a substitute outing may not match the original route.

Is the $57 price good value?

For $57, you receive transport from Kaş to the harbor, the boat trip, lunch, and access to several bays and historic sites. You do not pay separately for a long list of major attractions, though castle admission, drinks, and possible water sports are extra.

I consider the price fair for a nine-hour day, especially if you would otherwise need to arrange transport to Uçağız and find lunch independently. The value is strongest for people who want a complete day on the water without planning each stop themselves.

The value is less convincing if your main goal is a detailed archaeological tour. The Sunken City is seen from the boat, the English commentary may be limited, and only about one hour is available at Simena. You are paying for the combination of scenery, swimming, lunch, and transport rather than a specialist history lesson.

The overall rating of 4.7 from 46 ratings reflects the trip’s strongest qualities: clear water, friendly service, tasty lunch, attractive bays, and a boat day that feels full without requiring complicated planning. The lower marks focus on limited English communication, the absence of a glass-bottom boat, weather changes, and the repetition of swim stops.

Who should book this Kekova boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you enjoy swimming, want to see Kekova without arranging several connections, and like mixing ancient sites with a relaxed day at sea. Families with confident swimmers, couples, and small groups looking for a scenic full-day outing should find plenty to enjoy.

It is also a good choice if you want to see Simena Castle but do not need half a day to explore Kaleköy. The one-hour stop gives you a useful taste of the village and ruins while keeping the boat moving to more bays.

I would hesitate if you have limited mobility, dislike boat-based days, or want a long guided explanation at every historic stop. The castle involves an uphill walk, the itinerary includes several swims, and the English guiding may not be as polished as the description suggests.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Bring cash for Simena Castle, drinks, and any optional water sports.
• Pack a towel, hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.
• Keep your schedule open after the stated nine-hour duration.
• Expect to see the Sunken City from the boat, not by swimming through it.
• If you want the castle views, begin the uphill walk as soon as the boat docks.
• Ask about the lunch and drink arrangements before leaving the harbor.
• Check WhatsApp or email the day before for your seasonal pickup time.
• Do not book if you need an accessible outing, as the tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if your ideal day means clear water, several swim breaks, lunch on board, and a brief but worthwhile visit to Simena Castle. The combination offers good value at $57, and the historic setting gives the swimming day more purpose.

Skip it if you want a glass-bottom view, extensive time ashore, or a formal English-language history tour. For most active visitors staying in Kaş, though, this is a well-priced way to see Kekova’s coast in one long, scenic day. Just carry cash, expect the water stops to dominate the schedule, and leave your evening free.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Pickup takes place at the meeting point outside Smiley’s Restaurant in Kaş. The exact time may vary by season and is sent by WhatsApp or email one day before the tour.

How long does the Kekova trip last?

The activity lasts about nine hours, including transport from Kaş to the harbor and the return journey.

What time does the boat leave the harbor?

The boat departs from Uçağız or Demre harbor between 10:20 and 10:40 in the morning.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included in the tour price. Drinks are not included.

Can I swim at the Sunken City?

No. The Sunken City is in a protected area, so swimming is not permitted there. You view the ruins while cruising alongside them.

How long do I have at Simena Castle?

The boat stops at Kaleköy for about one hour. You can walk uphill to Simena Castle and the necropolis or remain near the port and swim.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a towel. Cash is also useful for the castle, drinks, and optional water sports.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments, especially because visiting Simena Castle involves an uphill walk.