Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

Kekova turns a boat day into a history lesson. This full-day cruise from Kaş mixes clear-water swimming with the ruins of Kekova Island, a visit to Simena Castle, and lunch served on board. I like the way the trip gives you several swim stops rather than parking in one bay all day, and I like the clean, spacious boat, attentive crew, and thoughtful extras such as watermelon, tea, and, when offered, free drone footage. The main consideration is that drinks and the castle entrance fee cost extra, while the historical commentary may feel too brief if you want detailed archaeology.

At $94 per person for about eight hours, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. It is good value if you want swimming, food, a comfortable boat, and the main Kekova sights bundled together. You should bring your own snorkel gear, too. Pool noodles and life jackets are available, but masks and snorkels are not normally supplied.

Key points to know before you book

• Five scenic water stops: The schedule includes İnönü Bay, Karakol Islands, Tersane Bay, Üzüm Iskelesi, and other quiet coves for swimming and snorkeling.
• Simena Castle takes effort: You get about an hour ashore, enough for the castle and village, but not for a slow visit, shopping, and a long ice cream stop all at once.
• The Sunken City is viewed from the boat: The boat passes slowly along the submerged ruins, so you see them from above rather than walking through them.
• Lunch is a real strength: The meal is generous and commonly includes fish, chicken, or köfte with side dishes. Watermelon and tea may follow.
• Captain Ergun adds personal touches: Free drone clips and occasional Polaroid photos have made this cruise more memorable for many people.
• Bring a warm layer: Even on a hot day, the return ride can feel cool once the wind picks up.

Why Kekova makes such a good day trip from Kaş

Kaş is a fine base for the Kekova coast because the trip gives you a full day on the water without requiring a complicated transfer. The meeting office, Larsoy Travel and Tourism, is close to the harbor, opposite the mosque. You collect your ticket there before heading to the boat.

Kekova is special because nature and old ruins share the same narrow stretch of coast. Earthquakes and invasions changed the area over centuries, leaving Byzantine remains, old harbors, scattered stonework, and the famous submerged settlement. The sea is often the star of the day, but the ruins give the cruise a purpose beyond sunbathing.

I particularly like this combination for a first visit to the Turkish Riviera. You get the lazy rhythm of a boat excursion, then a short walk through Kaleköy, also called Simena, where the castle rises above the village. It is a good balance, though you should not expect an intensive archaeological tour.

The boat is shared and can be fairly large. One account describes a group of about 95 people, yet the spacious decks, loungers, bathrooms, and generally well-kept facilities make the crowd easier to manage. If you want a quiet private cruise, this is not that experience. If you enjoy a sociable day with plenty of room to move around, it works well.

The early cruise to İnönü Bay

The first long stretch on the boat takes about 45 minutes. This is your chance to claim a place on the upper deck, settle in, and watch Kaş recede behind you.

İnönü Bay is the first major stop, with about 50 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch. The water is clear enough to make the stop feel immediately worthwhile, especially if you are happy to spend your morning in the sea.

Lunch is served during the day rather than left until the end. Depending on the meal prepared, you may receive fish, chicken, or köfte with several side dishes. Portions are often described as large, and the meal is one of the strongest parts of the trip. If you are a vegetarian or have dietary restrictions, the available information does not confirm special menu arrangements, so ask before booking.

Life jackets and pool noodles help less confident swimmers enjoy the stops. You can also use the boat’s shower facilities to rinse off afterward. For snorkeling, pack your own mask and snorkel. This small detail catches people out, and purchasing equipment on board may be your only alternative.

Karakol Islands and the pleasure of slowing down

After another boat ride of roughly 45 minutes, the cruise pauses around the Karakol Islands for about an hour. The stop combines scenery, food, swimming, and a relaxed break on deck.

This is the sort of pause that makes the eight-hour schedule feel manageable. You are not rushing from monument to monument. You can eat, look out over the small islands, and get back into the water when the heat calls for it.

The exact order of lunch and swimming can vary, but the general rhythm is clear: cruise, stop, swim, eat, and cruise again. Several people value the fact that the boat visits many places and gives each stop a reasonable amount of time. The tradeoff is that no single bay receives a very long stay.

If you prefer one secluded cove and two hours of uninterrupted snorkeling, you may find the schedule too busy. I think the variety is more useful for most first-time visitors, since each bay has a slightly different setting and you avoid spending the entire day in one spot.

Passing the Kekova Sunken City by boat

The Sunken City is the historical centerpiece of the route. The boat spends about 30 minutes passing along Kekova Island, giving you views of submerged walls, stone foundations, and other remains beneath the waterline.

This is a viewing stop, not an underwater expedition. You remain on the boat, and swimming near the ruins is not the point. The best place to understand the site is from the deck as the boat moves slowly past the shore. Keep your phone ready, but also listen to the guide, since the shapes in the water can be easy to miss if you do not know what you are looking for.

Here is where expectations matter. The tour is sold around historical sites, but the commentary may be fairly light. The guide points out features and explains the area, yet some English-speaking participants have found the historical detail limited or difficult to hear from certain seats. If ancient sites are your main reason for booking, choose a place where you can hear the guide and consider asking questions directly.

The setting itself still carries the experience. Ruins beneath clear water, a steep island shore, and the boat’s slow passage create a memorable scene. Just do not expect the depth of explanation provided by a specialist archaeology guide.

One precious hour at Simena Castle and Kaleköy

The boat then reaches Simena Castle, above the village of Kaleköy, for about an hour. This is the most active part of the outing. You walk through the village and climb toward the medieval castle ruins for wide views across the coves and Kekova Island.

The climb is not especially long, but the stone steps require proper shoes and a bit of energy. The hour is enough to reach the castle, look around, and return to the boat if you keep moving. It is not quite enough for a leisurely castle visit, a full village wander, shopping, and a relaxed ice cream break.

Kaleköy has narrow lanes and a charming waterfront feel. The famous peach ice cream is a fun local treat if time allows. I would make the castle your priority, then use any remaining minutes for the village. The views from above are the reward, and this is the stop that gives the historical side of the tour its strongest sense of place.

The entrance fee is not included in the $94 price. Bring cash for the castle, since card payment may not be reliable. This is also the point where you should watch the time. The boat will not wait for a long browse through the shops.

Tersane Bay, Üzüm Iskelesi, and the return route

After Simena, the boat continues for about 20 minutes to Tersane Bay. You get roughly 45 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, and looking at the remains around an old shipbuilding harbor.

Tersane has more historical atmosphere than a simple swimming cove, but the water remains the practical attraction. You can cool off, look for marine life, and enjoy the contrast between the old stone remains and the bright sea.

The final listed stop is Üzüm Iskelesi, reached after another 45-minute cruise. The boat pauses for about 50 minutes, with more swimming and snorkeling, plus a tea service. This late stop is a pleasant change of pace after the castle walk. Turkish tea on the water is a small touch, but it helps the day feel cared for rather than purely functional.

Depending on the day, other named bays such as Aquarium Bay and Pine Bay may feature in the route or be passed nearby. Aquarium Bay is known for exceptionally clear water, while Pine Bay offers a calmer setting near the pine-covered shore. The precise order can change with operating conditions, so focus on the overall pattern rather than treating every listed place as a guaranteed long stop.

The return cruise takes about 45 minutes. Bring a towel or light top for this stretch. Several people have found the wind surprisingly cool after sunset or late in the afternoon, even after a warm day of swimming.

The boat, crew, and small extras

The boat is one of the main reasons this tour earns strong marks. It is described as clean, comfortable, and spacious, with upper-deck loungers, well-maintained bathrooms, and showers for rinsing off. You are not confined to a hard seat for eight hours.

Captain Ergun and his crew are often praised for being organized, punctual, friendly, and attentive. The crew serves food, keeps the shared areas tidy, and checks that people are comfortable. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal, with a bar offering drinks and snacks for purchase.

A particularly unusual extra is the captain’s drone. When conditions permit, he may record short clips of you swimming or standing at the front of the boat, then send the footage to your phone before you leave. Some trips have also included Polaroid photos, reportedly handled by the captain’s daughter. These extras are not the reason to book the tour, but they add a personal touch at no additional cost.

Drinks are excluded. Do not assume you can bring a cooler from town, since outside food and drink are not allowed on some departures. Small water bottles, beer, cocktails, coffee, and other drinks are available for purchase on board, and prices have been described as similar to those around Kaş. The information supplied is slightly mixed on bringing personal drinks, so confirm the current rule when you collect your ticket.

Is $94 good value for this Kekova cruise?

At $94, the price makes sense if you use the whole package. You are paying for an eight-hour boat day, multiple swimming stops, a full lunch, the cruise past the Sunken City, time at Simena, crew service, and access to a comfortable vessel.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise book separate activities for swimming and Kekova sightseeing. Lunch is not an afterthought, and the extra fruit and tea help reduce the feeling of paying for every small thing. The drone clips are a nice bonus.

The price is less attractive if your only aim is to see the Sunken City. You spend much of the day swimming and cruising, while the archaeological explanation can be limited. You also need to add drinks, the castle fee, and possibly snorkel equipment.

For an eight-hour outing in one of Turkey’s most scenic coastal areas, I consider the cost fair, particularly for couples, families, and groups who want a simple day with no meal planning. Independent visitors focused only on ruins may prefer a shorter or more specialized excursion.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would choose this trip if you want:

• Several chances to swim in clear water
• A comfortable shared boat with space to stretch out
• A generous lunch without leaving the boat
• A short but worthwhile visit to Simena Castle
• A relaxed mix of scenery, swimming, and old ruins
• Helpful crew service and a lively group atmosphere

You should think twice if you have heart problems, epilepsy, or other pre-existing medical conditions, since the activity is not considered suitable for you in those cases. The tour is wheelchair accessible, but the castle climb itself involves walking and steps, so ask the operator about the exact arrangements that apply to your needs.

Pack your passport or ID card, beachwear, towel, sunscreen, a light layer, and your own snorkeling gear. Wear shoes suitable for uneven stone paths at Kaleköy. Keep some cash for the castle, and do not count on having time to shop there.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the date carefully before committing.

Final verdict: a strong choice for a full day on the water

I would recommend the Kaş to Kekova boat tour to anyone who wants the Turkish coast in one well-organized day. The clear bays, clean boat, filling lunch, and excellent crew service are the safest reasons to book. Captain Ergun’s possible drone footage is a memorable bonus.

The historical side is enjoyable but not exhaustive. You see the Sunken City from the water and have just one hour for Simena Castle and Kaleköy, so this is a scenic cruise with history, not a specialist heritage tour.

Book it if you want to swim often, eat well, and see the major Kekova sights without arranging several separate outings. Bring snorkel gear, cash, and a warm top, and you will be prepared for nearly all of the practical drawbacks.

FAQ

How long is the Kaş Kekova boat tour?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including the boat rides, swimming stops, lunch, the Sunken City viewing, and time at Simena Castle.

What is included in the tour price?

Lunch is included. Drinks, the Simena Castle entrance fee, and snorkeling equipment are not included.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The route includes several swimming stops in clear-water bays, including İnönü Bay, Tersane Bay, and Üzüm Iskelesi. Life jackets and pool noodles are available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You should bring your own mask and snorkel. Equipment may be available to purchase on the boat.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at the Larsoy Travel and Tourism office near the harbor in Kaş, opposite the mosque. You collect your ticket there before going to the boat.

Is Simena Castle accessible during the tour?

Yes. You get about one hour at Simena Castle and Kaleköy, with time to walk through the village and climb toward the castle. The entrance fee is extra, and the climb includes steps.