Kalkan: Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip

The best part of this Kalkan boat trip is the mix of ancient ruins and swimming stops. You sail through Kekova’s clear water, see the Sunken City from the boat, stop at pirate caves and old bays, then walk through Simena or eat its famous homemade ice cream.

I like two things in particular: the large buffet lunch is included, and the day gives you several chances to swim rather than one quick photo stop. Guide Mehmet has been praised for friendly, well-timed explanations. The main drawback is crowding. Several boats can gather at the same bays, and the boat may not have the glass-bottom viewing promised in some descriptions.

Key points to know before you book

• Nine hours from pickup to return: Allow a full day, including the road transfer between Kalkan or Kaş and Üçağız.
• Six bays and several swim stops: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a snorkel if you have one.
• The Sunken City is viewed from the boat: You may see underwater ruins clearly, but glass-bottom viewing is not guaranteed.
• Simena gives you a choice: Walk toward the castle for the bay views, or stay in the village for cafés and homemade ice cream.
• Lunch is one of the strongest parts: The open buffet includes a prepared barbecue-style meal, with plenty available.
• Value is good for a full day: At $80 per person, transport, guiding, lunch, swimming, and the boat ride are covered, while drinks and entrance fees cost extra.

From Kalkan to Üçağız, the day starts on the road

This is not a boat trip that leaves directly from Kalkan. Your pickup takes you from a hotel in Kalkan, Kaş, or Patara to Üçağız village, the departure point for the Kekova boat route.

The drive is part of the nine-hour schedule, so you should not treat the advertised eight-hour cruise as eight hours from your hotel door. Pickup is included, and the service can collect you from any hotel in the named areas. One useful detail: communication has been handled by WhatsApp for some bookings, with quick confirmation and prompt answers to questions.

The transfer is shared rather than private. That suits most people, since the ride is a practical way to reach Kekova without arranging a car. Vehicle comfort can vary. One family found the van spacious on the way out but tighter on the return, so keep that in mind if you are tall, carrying bulky beach gear, or traveling with young children.

The drive is usually straightforward, but pickup times can vary. Check the starting time when you book and keep your phone available. A prompt pickup has been a strong part of the operation, and one driver even returned a phone left behind after the ride.

Sailing into the heart of Kekova

From Üçağız, you board the boat and spend about an hour reaching the main Kekova area. The setting is the real reason to choose this trip. The water shifts through clear blue and green tones, and the route brings together Lycian, Roman, and Byzantine remains across several bays.

The boat itself may be a little dated rather than polished and modern. That is worth knowing before you pay. The useful trade-off is space: one family found enough room to spread out, and the day is built around sitting, swimming, eating, and looking rather than formal luxury.

The crew and captain have been described as friendly and attentive. Mehmet has guided some departures, offering historical context without talking continuously. That balance matters on a boat day. You want to understand what you are seeing, but you also want quiet time with the water and the wind.

The exact order of stops can change. Windy weather has caused the crew to rearrange the route, but the day can still work well when the plan shifts. This is a boat outing, not a fixed museum schedule, so expect some flexibility.

Tersane Bay and the first swim

Tersane Bay is your first major stop after the opening sail. You can swim from the boat in clear water while looking toward ancient remains around the bay. This is a good early chance to settle into the rhythm of the trip: jump in, cool off, climb back aboard, and let the boat carry you onward.

The water color is the star here, but keep your expectations realistic if you are bringing a snorkel. One family saw very little fish life, and the route is better known for clear water and ruins than for a major reef or underwater wildlife experience.

Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to look below the surface. Buoyancy aids have been available for use, which is helpful for children and anyone who enjoys swimming but is not fully confident in open water.

The ancient remains are not a chance to swim through a preserved city. You view the ruins from the boat, in line with the rules and conditions of the area. On some departures, the boat cannot stop directly beside parts of the Sunken City. Wind and changing regulations may also affect how close you get.

Seeing the Sunken City from the boat

The Sunken City is the headline attraction, but the viewing experience needs a clear explanation. Parts of the ancient settlement slipped into the sea after an earthquake, leaving stone remains visible beneath the surface and along the shore.

Your boat passes the area so you can view the underwater ruins from above. The sea is clear enough to make this interesting, especially when the light is good and the water is calm. It is a visual history lesson rather than a hands-on archaeological visit.

Do not book this trip expecting a guaranteed glass-bottom boat. Some descriptions have suggested one, but several departures used ordinary boats, and the glass-bottom feature was not available. You can still see the Sunken City from the boat, but the view may be less detailed than promotional wording suggests.

This is also one of the places where the boat may not stop. The crew may need to keep moving, and you should follow their instructions. I would treat the ruins as one important part of a wider day, not the only reason to book.

Gökkaya Bay brings the best meal of the day

At Gökkaya Bay, you have another chance to swim and a full open buffet lunch. The meal is included in the $80 price, and it has received especially strong praise. Expect a prepared barbecue-style spread rather than a small snack packed in a box.

The portions have been generous, with enough food for repeat helpings. That matters on a nine-hour outing with several swims. You can eat properly, then return to the water without needing to hunt for a restaurant during the route.

Drinks are not included. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and other drinks have been available to buy on board at prices described as reasonable. Bring some cash or another accepted payment method if you want drinks beyond what is provided. The exact onboard selection and payment options are not specified, so do not assume every drink will be free.

The lunch is also a useful value check. A boat ride at this length can become expensive once you add food and transfers. Here, the meal and two-way transport are included, which makes the price easier to justify.

Pirate Cave and Burç Bay

After lunch, the route continues to the pirate cave and Burç Bay. These are short scenic stops that add variety to the day. You will have more time to look at the coast, take photographs, and swim when conditions allow.

The pirate cave is a natural stop rather than a large attraction with a long visit. It is best approached as part of the boat route, not as a standalone cave tour. The charm comes from reaching it by water and seeing how it fits into the chain of coves.

Burç Bay continues the same pattern of clear water, rocky shore, and time aboard. If you prefer a busy sightseeing schedule, you may find the repeated swim stops too similar. If you want a relaxed summer day, this is exactly the point. You get several chances to choose your pace.

The boat can become busy when other boats stop at the same places. In the main season, you may share the bay with many other groups. That does not remove the beauty of the water, but it does reduce the sense of having a private escape.

Simena, castle views, and homemade ice cream

Simena is the most flexible stop. You usually have about an hour to choose between walking up toward the castle or staying in the village.

The climb to Simena Castle gives you broad views over the bay and the surrounding ruins. It is the best option if you want a little exercise and a higher viewpoint. The castle is an ancient site, so uneven paths and steps may be part of the walk. The tour does not include entrance fees, so carry extra money if you plan to enter a site that charges separately.

The other choice is slower and easier. Explore the village, sit in a café, and try the homemade ice cream for which Simena is known. Goat’s milk ice cream has been singled out as a memorable local treat. It is a smart choice if the heat makes a castle walk less appealing, or if you simply want to sit by the water with something cold.

You may not have time to do both in a leisurely way. The stop is limited, and a long castle walk followed by a café visit can feel rushed. Decide before you arrive: views and ruins, or village time and ice cream.

The final swim near Üçağız

Before the return drive, the boat makes a final swim stop near Üçağız village. By this point, you will have had several chances to get in the water, so this last stop works well as a final cool-off rather than a major new sight.

You can also use this time to dry off, collect your belongings, and prepare for the transfer back to Kalkan or Kaş. Keep your phone and valuables in a secure place throughout the day. The boat environment is casual, and people move between the deck, swimming area, and lunch space.

The return transfer is included, but comfort may be different from the morning ride. If you have children, you may want to keep a small snack and water accessible for the road. Drinks bought on the boat are separate from the tour price.

What $80 covers, and what it does not

At $80 per person, this is a mid-priced full-day excursion rather than a budget half-day cruise. The value is strongest if you need hotel pickup, want lunch handled, and plan to swim several times.

Your price includes:

• Two-way shared transfer from Kalkan, Kaş, or Patara to Üçağız
• The boat cruise
• Buffet lunch
• Turkish and English guidance

You pay separately for drinks and entrance fees. A snorkel is also your responsibility, though bringing one is worthwhile if you enjoy looking beneath the surface.

The tour works out well for families because children can swim from the boat, buoyancy aids have been available, and lunch is already arranged. A family with children aged seven and five found plenty to enjoy, though the long day and shared transport are worth considering.

It is also a good fit for couples and friends who want a social boat day rather than a private yacht. If you want silence, high-end furnishings, or a guaranteed uncrowded bay, this is not the right product.

Practical advice for a smoother boat day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a snorkel if you own one. Wear shoes suitable for walking if you plan to visit Simena Castle, and carry a little extra money for drinks, ice cream, and entrance fees.

Keep your expectations clear about the Sunken City. You will see underwater ruins from the boat, but you should not count on a glass-bottom vessel or a long stop directly above every section.

The sun can be strong, and the boat has limited shade compared with a hotel. Choose a comfortable place early, but leave room for people moving around during lunch and swim stops.

If you are sensitive to motion, the route can be affected by wind. The crew may change the order of the bays. That is normal for a day at sea and can help keep the ride comfortable.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the date carefully before committing.

Who should book this Kekova boat trip?

I would choose this trip if you want to combine history with a proper swimming day. You get ancient ruins, a boat ride, multiple bays, a substantial lunch, and a local village stop without having to arrange separate transport.

Families should find the format easy, provided everyone is comfortable with a full nine-hour day. The buffet, buoyancy aids, and repeated swims help, while the shared van and changing vehicle space are the main practical points to consider.

Couples and friends will like the relaxed pace and the chance to spend much of the day in the water. It also suits anyone staying in Kalkan or Kaş who does not want to rent a car to reach Üçağız.

I would look elsewhere if your priority is serious snorkeling, a private boat, luxury fittings, or a guaranteed glass-bottom view. The fish life may be limited, and busy summer bays can feel crowded.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want strong all-day value and a friendly, flexible excursion with a very good included lunch. The best memories are likely to come from the clear bays, Simena’s ice cream, and the easy mix of swimming and ancient sites.

Before booking, accept three limits: the transfer is shared, the boat may look dated, and the Sunken City is viewed from above rather than explored underwater. For most people, those are fair compromises at $80, especially with pickup, lunch, guiding, and several swim stops included.

FAQ

How long does the Kalkan Kekova boat trip last?

The full activity lasts about nine hours, including the transfer between your accommodation and Üçağız village. The boat cruise itself is listed as approximately eight hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat leaves from Üçağız village in the Kekova area. Transport from Kalkan, Kaş, or Patara is included.

Can I be picked up from my hotel?

Yes. Pickup is available from hotels in Kalkan, Kaş, or Patara, with return transport to Kalkan or Kaş listed as the drop-off options.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An open buffet lunch is included in the tour price. Drinks are not included and can be purchased separately on board.

Will I see the Sunken City?

Yes. You will view the ancient underwater ruins from the boat. A glass-bottom boat is not guaranteed, and some departures may not be able to stop directly beside the ruins.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. Swim stops include Tersane Bay, Gökkaya Bay, and an area near Üçağız, along with other bays on the route. Buoyancy aids have been available for use.

Should I bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes, if you have it. A snorkel is not listed as included, and bringing your own gives you the option to look beneath the clear water.

What can I do at Simena?

You can walk toward Simena Castle for views over the bay, or explore the village and visit a café. Homemade ice cream, including goat’s milk ice cream, is a popular treat there.

Is a tour guide included?

Yes. Guidance is included, with Turkish and English listed as the available languages. Mehmet has guided some departures.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are excluded from the tour price. Drinks are also excluded.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve now and pay later option.