Kekova Sunken City Full Day Boat Trip

The best part of this trip is the slow cruise past Kekova’s half-submerged Lycian ruins, where stone walls and stairways appear just below the clear sea. You do not swim among the remains, but viewing them from the boat gives you a rare look at a town damaged by earthquakes long ago.

I like the mix of archaeology and swimming, especially the clear water at Aquarium Bay. I also like that lunch is included and that the boat stops at Simena, where you can walk through a small seaside village and choose to climb to its castle. The main caution is group size and timing: the boat may feel much larger than expected, and the drive from Kas makes this a longer day than the advertised seven hours for some people.

Key points to know before booking

• Sunken ruins viewed from the water: The boat moves slowly past the protected remains of Kekova. Swimming and snorkeling among the ruins are not allowed.
• Several swimming stops: Aquarium Bay, Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, and Adalar Bay give you repeated chances to get in the sea.
• Lunch is included: Expect chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads at Gökkaya Bay.
• Simena Castle costs extra: The optional entrance fee is about €4 per person.
• Large-boat details matter: The listed maximum is 45 people, but booking communication and past departures indicate that a larger boat may sometimes be assigned.
• Kas pickup adds road time: The boat leaves from Üçağız, roughly an hour from Kas by road, so allow more than seven hours door to door.

Why the Kekova coast is worth a full day

Kekova is not a conventional underwater archaeological site. The ancient settlement did not vanish beneath the sea in one dramatic event. Earthquakes lowered parts of the coastline, leaving some ruins tilted into the water and others visible along the shore.

That distinction matters. From the boat, you will see walls, steps, foundations, and parts of buildings beneath or beside the water. The scene is more subtle than a fully submerged city, so set your expectations correctly. The pleasure comes from joining the archaeology to the coastline: you are looking at ancient stone while cruising over bright Mediterranean water.

The protected status of the site also shapes the experience. Boats pass slowly, and you cannot swim or snorkel directly around the ruins. That rule protects the remains, but it also means this tour is best for scenic viewing rather than close underwater exploration.

The price is $64.88 per person. For that amount, you get transport from Kas, the boat trip, lunch, and several swimming breaks. I consider that fair value if you want a full day without arranging a vehicle, marina transfer, boat reservation, and meal yourself.

From Kas to Üçağız, the day starts on the road

The meeting point is Aslar Travel Agency on Bahçe Street, close to the PTT post office in central Kas. Pickup is also offered, with a meeting point arranged near your accommodation.

The boat departs from Üçağız, a small coastal village in the Kaş district. Üçağız is both the starting and ending port for the cruise, with sea views, mountain scenery, Lycian tombs, and sarcophagi around the village.

The listed tour duration is about seven hours, but the road transfer changes the total. One account puts the door-to-door day at about eight hours and 15 minutes, while another describes roughly one hour of driving each way. The boat portion itself is about 6.5 hours. Plan for a long day, not a quick outing.

That road journey is not wasted time. You get to see more of the Turkish coast inland and along the approach to the marina. Still, if you are sensitive to long days or want a short boat outing, this may feel tiring.

Aquarium Bay gives you the clearest swim

The first major stop is Aquarium Bay, near Demre. It earns its name from the clear water and the fish visible below the surface. You have about 45 minutes here, with swimming and snorkeling as the main activities.

This is likely your best stop for looking into the water. Bring a mask if you have one, though the tour details do not promise that snorkeling equipment is supplied. The bay is surrounded by rocky coastal scenery, so even people who prefer not to swim have something to watch from the boat.

Forty-five minutes is enough for a refreshing swim, but not a leisurely beach visit. You will need to get ready promptly when the boat arrives and return when the crew calls you back. That rhythm continues throughout the day: short swims, scenic cruising, lunch, and another stop.

The Sunken City passes by at a slow pace

The boat then reaches the Sunken City of Kekova. This is the historical center of the trip, and the crew sails slowly along this section so you can examine the remains from the deck.

Look for old walls, staircases, and building foundations along the shoreline and beneath the water. The ruins are not presented as a walk-through site. You remain on the boat, and the protected area prohibits swimming or snorkeling among the remains.

I would sit or stand where you have a clear view of the side of the boat, then keep your phone ready. The ruins can be easy to miss if you expect tall temples or complete buildings. Their appeal is in the fragments and the way they meet the sea.

This stop lasts about 45 minutes. It is a quiet sightseeing period, so it may feel less active than the swimming breaks. That contrast is useful: the boat is not only a transport platform for beach stops, but also a way to see a fragile archaeological area responsibly.

Burç Bay combines cool water and a short break

Burç Bay is another 45-minute stop. The water here can feel cooler because natural spring water enters the sea. That makes it a welcome change on a warm day, though the first step in may surprise you.

The bay is near Burç Castle, a historic site associated with the Lycian period. The tour includes the bay but does not describe a land visit to the castle, so you should think of this stop mainly as a swim and a view of the surrounding coast.

If Aquarium Bay is your best chance for seeing fish, Burç Bay is more about the water itself and the peaceful setting. You can swim, cool off, and enjoy the rocky shoreline before returning to the boat.

The short stop also shows the tradeoff of a multi-stop cruise. You see more of the coast, but you will not have extended time at any single bay. For many people, that variety is the point. If you prefer to settle in for several hours at one beach, choose a different kind of boat trip.

Pirate Cave is a pass-by, not a shore visit

Pirate Cave is viewed from the boat without a stop. Local legend connects it with pirates who used the hidden cave as a shelter, but its current importance is tied to Mediterranean monk seals. Because the cave is protected habitat, passing by without landing is required.

This is a brief scenic moment rather than a full activity. The cave’s entrance, rock formations, and blue water make it worth watching for, but do not expect time to explore inside.

That restriction is sensible. The boat’s route lets you see the feature without turning a protected animal habitat into a public swimming area.

Gökkaya Bay is where lunch and swimming meet

Gökkaya Bay provides about an hour for lunch and swimming. While the crew prepares the meal, you can get into the water or relax on the boat.

Lunch consists of chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads. It is straightforward food, not a restaurant meal, but it gives you a proper midday break without adding another expense. Alcoholic drinks and soda are not included, so budget separately if you want them.

The bay’s clear water makes the wait more pleasant. I like this arrangement because lunch does not force you to sit still during the preparation time. You can refresh yourself, then eat once the meal is ready.

As with the other swimming stops, follow the crew’s timing. An hour passes quickly when it includes both getting into the sea and eating. If you want a dry change of clothes later, pack them in a small waterproof bag.

Simena and Kaleköy offer the day’s best walk

Simena, also called Kaleköy, is the most rewarding stop for people who want to leave the boat. You have about an hour to explore the small village, look at Lycian tombs and sarcophagi, browse ice cream shops, and decide if you want to climb toward the castle.

Simena Castle sits above the village and gives broad views over the sea and the Kekova area. The entrance fee is optional and costs about €4 per person. It is not included in the tour price.

You should make a quick choice when you arrive. If you want the castle, do not spend the full first part of the hour at the waterfront. If you prefer a relaxed village stop, stay below and enjoy the small shops and ancient stone remains.

The castle climb adds a physical element that the rest of the day does not. The tour details do not give a walking difficulty rating, so anyone concerned about hills should treat the castle as optional. You can still have a worthwhile stop without paying the entrance fee.

Adalar Bay closes the swimming part of the day

The final swimming stop is Adalar Bay, where the boat pauses for about 45 minutes. By this point, you have already had several chances to swim, so this stop works well as a last dip before the return to Üçağız.

The water and weather will shape how much you enjoy this part of the day. On a calm, warm day, it is a pleasant way to finish. If you are tired, you can simply stay aboard and enjoy the ride back.

After the break, the boat returns to Üçağız marina. The vehicle then takes you back to the meeting point in Kas or to the agreed pickup location.

Boat size can change the feel of the trip

The advertised maximum is 45 people, but you should clarify the boat capacity before paying. Past booking problems included a party expecting a 15-person boat and initially being placed on a boat described as holding 100 people. They were moved to a smaller boat after speaking with the agency.

Another account described a boat with more than 50 people. The provider’s own clarification says its regular capacity is 50, while the tour information gives a maximum of 45. Those numbers do not line up perfectly, so ask directly which boat is assigned on your date.

This is not a minor detail. A larger boat can mean more noise, longer lines for boarding, and less room around the rail during the sunken-city passage. It can also provide a livelier setting and more stable movement on the water. Your preference matters.

The tour is offered in English, but the quality and amount of spoken explanation may vary by departure. If historical interpretation is your main reason for booking, confirm how much English guiding is provided. The boat’s scenery and swimming stops remain the core experience.

Who will get the most from this boat trip?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want to combine several pieces of the Kekova coast in one day. It suits people who enjoy swimming, casual sightseeing, a simple included lunch, and a short historic walk at Simena.

It is also a practical choice if you are staying in Kas and do not want to arrange transport to Üçağız. Pickup helps, and the air-conditioned vehicle is useful for the road section.

You may want another option if you require a small, quiet boat, a long stop at one beach, or a detailed English history tour. Confirm the boat size and guide format before booking, especially if those points will determine your satisfaction.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the castle stop includes walking on a hill and is optional. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. Bad weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Kekova Sunken City cruise?

Book it if your ideal day includes clear water, four swim breaks, a protected archaeological site viewed from a boat, lunch, and a visit to Simena. At $64.88, the combination is good value, especially with Kas transport included.

Before booking, ask two direct questions: How many people will be on the boat, and how much of the commentary will be in English? If you are comfortable with a potentially large group and a long day including road transfers, this is an efficient and enjoyable way to see Kekova.

FAQ

Where does the Kekova boat trip start?

The meeting point is Aslar Travel Agency on Bahçe Street in Kas, near the PTT post office. The boat itself departs from Üçağız marina.

Is pickup from my accommodation available?

Yes. A nearby meeting point can be arranged close to your accommodation.

How long does the experience last?

The listed boat trip lasts about seven hours, while the boat portion is described as about 6.5 hours. Including the drive between Kas and Üçağız, the full day can take roughly eight hours or more.

What food is included?

Lunch includes chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads.

Can I swim at the Sunken City of Kekova?

No. The ruins are protected, so swimming and snorkeling directly among them are prohibited. The boat passes slowly along the area for viewing.

Is Simena Castle included in the price?

No. Entrance is optional and costs about €4 per person.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic beverages and soda are not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.