Private Boat Tour to Kekova and Sunken City From Antalya Incl.Transfer

The best part of this full-day outing is the chance to reach Kekova’s Sunken City by private boat, rather than trying to piece together buses, taxis, and a local cruise. You glide past ancient Lycian ruins, stop in clear coves for swimming, and have the freedom of a boat reserved for your own group.

I like the small private setting, especially for families or friends who want to set their own pace. I also like the practical extras: lunch, fruit, tea, coffee, and snorkeling equipment are included, and the boat has been praised for its cleanliness and comfort.

The catch is the long day. The tour lasts about eight to eleven hours, and the drive from Antalya to the Kekova area takes time before you even reach the water. The castle entrance is extra, and drinks beyond tea and coffee cost more.

Key details before you book

• The Sunken City is viewed from the water: You pass near the ancient Lycian ruins by boat rather than walking through them.
• Your group has the yacht privately: Up to 12 people can travel together without sharing the boat with unrelated parties.
• Swimming is built into the day: The boat stops in several bays, with snorkeling equipment available.
• Captain Ergun leads the boat operation: His crew is frequently praised for friendly service, careful handling, cleanliness, and help with children.
• Lunch and simple refreshments are included: Expect food, fruit, tea, and coffee, while alcoholic drinks are extra.
• Simena Castle is optional: You can visit the small settlement and Crusader-era castle, but the entrance fee is not included.

Why Kekova works so well as a day trip

Kekova is one of those Turkish coastal places that makes more sense from the water. The coast is broken into small bays and rocky inlets, while the island itself is reached by boat. That makes a private cruise a sensible choice if your main goal is to see the ruins and swim without spending several days arranging local transport.

The area is known for the remains of an ancient settlement associated with the Lycian period. Much of the so-called Sunken City lies below or close to the waterline, so the correct way to see it is from a boat moving slowly along the coast. You should not expect a walk through submerged streets. This is a viewing stop, with the captain and guide pointing out what can be seen from the sea.

The setting is also more than an archaeology visit. You get stretches of open water, small coves, swimming time, and a slower rhythm than a standard sightseeing bus tour. I think that mix is the main reason to choose this excursion. You are not spending the whole day looking at ruins, but you are not treating the coast as just a backdrop either.

The long road from Antalya to the marina

The listed start time is 10:00 a.m., with pickup offered from Antalya and Kemer. The transport is by air-conditioned vehicle, which matters because Kekova is not next door to Antalya. The day includes both road travel and time on the boat, so you should plan for a full outing rather than a quick afternoon cruise.

The pickup information is described in two ways: one option refers to collection from Kemer accommodations, while another refers to pickup from Antalya and the Kaleici Marina area. Confirm your exact hotel pickup point and timing after booking. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The road portion is useful because it removes the hardest part of the visit. Reaching the Kekova coast independently can involve several separate arrangements, while this service connects your accommodation, the marina, and the boat. The downside is simple: some of your day is spent in the vehicle. If you are staying in Antalya and dislike long road transfers, this may feel tiring. If you want Kekova without renting a car or changing transport, the convenience is worth more.

Boarding at Kaleici Marina

The boat portion begins at or near Kaleici Marina, depending on your pickup arrangement. From there, the experience shifts from road logistics to the sea. The yacht is described as clean, comfortable, and large enough for a group of up to 11 people in one of the available experiences, while the booking capacity is up to 12.

That capacity is important when you compare prices. The listed cost is $830.08 per group, not per person. For two people, that is a costly private excursion. For six people, it works out to roughly $138 per person, and for 12, about $69 per person before any extra drinks or castle admission. The value improves sharply as your group gets larger.

A private boat also gives you more control than a shared cruise. You are traveling only with your own party, which can make a difference if you have children, older relatives, or friends with different swimming habits. The available information does not promise a custom route for every group, so do not assume every stop can be changed. Still, a private setting normally makes the day feel less rigid.

The boat has upper and forward areas, but one practical point deserves attention: the upper deck and front section may have limited shade. Bring sun protection and be ready to move to a shaded area when needed. The heat can be strong on the Turkish coast, especially during the middle of the day.

Swimming in Kekova’s clear coves

Swimming stops are a major part of the experience. The boat pauses in several bays where you can enter the water, relax, and use the supplied snorkeling equipment. The sea has been described as exceptionally clear, and marine life spotted near the boat has included jellyfish and loggerhead turtles, known locally as caretta-caretta.

That does not mean sightings are guaranteed. Wildlife is unpredictable, and jellyfish can make some swimmers cautious. Still, the possibility of seeing turtles adds a memorable natural element to a day that already combines history and scenery.

The snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing a full kit. You should still bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and any personal swimming gear you prefer. The tour information confirms swimming and snorkeling equipment, but it does not specify details such as water shoes, flotation devices, or changing facilities.

For families, the swimming breaks may be the most successful part of the day. Children can get restless during a long history-focused tour, but time in the water gives the outing a good balance. Parents should keep in mind that this is a boat day, not a supervised water-park activity. Stay attentive around the water and follow the crew’s instructions.

The boat may also offer canoeing and a paddleboard, according to the supplied experiences. These activities were especially memorable for one family, but availability should be confirmed before you count on them. Snorkeling equipment is specifically included; the other water toys are not clearly promised in the tour details.

Passing the Lycian Sunken City

The Sunken City is the central sight, but expectations matter. You pass near the ruins by boat, viewing the remains from the water. The settlement dates to Lycian times, and the partially submerged remains give the coast its unusual character.

This is not a conventional archaeological site with a museum, marked walking route, and long explanations at each monument. The boat’s movement and the water conditions determine what you can see. A guide is included, so you should receive context during the passage, but the supplied information does not give a precise script, language list, or length of the commentary.

Bring a camera, but do not focus only on getting the perfect photograph. The scene changes as the boat moves, and reflections can make details hard to capture. One especially appealing extra is the possibility of aerial photos and video from Captain Ergun’s drone. This is mentioned in the supplied feedback, but it is best treated as an occasional service rather than a guaranteed inclusion. Ask before departure if drone footage matters to you.

The Sunken City stop is strongest for curious people who enjoy seeing history in its setting. If you want to walk among extensive ruins, this tour may leave you wanting more. If you like the idea of ancient remains appearing along a beautiful coast, it is a fine fit.

Simena Castle and the small village

The route continues to the Castle of Simena, where you can choose to visit the small settlement and the historic castle associated with the Crusader period. The stop is listed at about one hour, and the castle entrance fee is not included.

This optional visit gives the day a land-based history stop after the water-level view of the Sunken City. You may appreciate the chance to stretch your legs and see the coast from another angle. The details provided do not specify how challenging the walk is, how far the boat docks from the castle, or how long the climb takes, so ask the guide before setting off if mobility is a concern.

You also should not assume the group must visit the castle. The wording makes it optional, which is useful if some people want more swimming time or a quiet hour on the boat. Entrance costs are extra, and the tour price does not state the amount. Bring some local currency or confirm accepted payment methods before the day begins.

The village itself is part of the appeal. Simena is small, and the stop is less about checking off a major monument than seeing a compact coastal community tied closely to the ruins and sea. You may also have a chance to try peach ice cream, a local favorite mentioned as an optional pleasure during the day.

Lunch, fruit, tea, and the bar

Food is included, with lunch, fruit, tea, and coffee listed as part of the package. The meal is described as simple but good in one account, while other comments praise the food as filling and especially enjoyable. You may be able to choose the main food you want, with side dishes and meze offered alongside it.

Do not book this as a gourmet food tour. The practical value is that you do not need to organize lunch while moving between bays and historical sites. A meal served on the boat also keeps the day flowing, rather than sending you back to shore in search of a restaurant.

The bar area has also received positive attention, but alcoholic beverages are explicitly excluded. All drinks beyond the included tea and coffee cost extra on board. Ask about prices before ordering, particularly if your group plans to spend the day buying soft drinks or alcoholic beverages.

Food preferences and allergies are not addressed in the information provided. If you have dietary restrictions, tell the operator when booking and confirm what can be prepared. Do not assume the standard lunch will meet a special diet.

Cleanliness and crew service

The strongest pattern in the available feedback is the crew’s service and the condition of the boat. Captain Ergun is repeatedly singled out for warm hospitality, careful driving, humor, and helpful attention. The crew is described as polite and attentive, with several comments praising the yacht’s hygiene, including an unusually clean bathroom.

That matters on a day of eight to eleven hours. A boat can look attractive in photos, but cleanliness, working facilities, and a helpful crew affect your comfort far more once you are onboard. The positive comments about the toilet and general upkeep are particularly useful because those are the details people often overlook when comparing boat trips.

There are also small signs of personal service. Captain Ergun helped return a lost pair of glasses after finding them at sea the next day. That does not guarantee the same outcome for every lost item, but it suggests a crew that takes responsibility seriously.

The information includes one English comment that refers to Captain Ian, while the repeated operator responses and other details identify Captain Ergun. To avoid confusion, confirm the captain and boat name with BoatTripTurkey or Travel & Yachting after booking.

Is the $830 group price good value?

At first glance, $830.08 is a serious price for one day. The price includes a private boat for up to 12 people, an air-conditioned transfer, a guide, lunch, fruit, tea, coffee, and snorkeling equipment. That is a stronger package than a basic shared boat fare, but the value depends almost entirely on group size.

For a couple, I would compare this carefully with a shared Kekova cruise or a shorter boat trip from Kas. You pay a premium for privacy, direct transfer, and a more personal pace. That premium may be worthwhile for a special occasion, but it is not the cheapest way to see the area.

For a family or group of friends, the calculation changes. At six people, the cost becomes more reasonable, and at 10 to 12 people, it can compare well with buying several individual places on a premium cruise. The private format also means you are paying for space and flexibility, not just transport.

Remember to budget for castle admission and drinks. Poor weather can also affect the schedule. The experience requires good weather, and if the operator cancels for that reason, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who should book this Kekova boat tour?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Groups of friends or families who can share the fixed group price
• People staying in Antalya or Kemer who want transport arranged
• Swimmers who want several bay stops rather than a nonstop sightseeing cruise
• Visitors interested in seeing Lycian ruins from the sea
• Families who value a private boat and crew attention
• Anyone who prefers a relaxed boat day over a tightly packed land tour

I would be more cautious if you want a short excursion, dislike long road transfers, or need a detailed archaeological tour on land. The Sunken City is viewed from the boat, and Simena Castle is optional with an extra entrance charge.

The trip is also weather-dependent, and the timetable can run from eight to eleven hours. Leave room in your day rather than booking an evening event that cannot be missed.

Booking, pickup, and cancellation advice

Pickup is offered, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. The exact pickup arrangement can vary between Antalya and Kemer, so provide your accommodation details and confirm the meeting point once the booking is accepted.

Most people can participate, and the activity is private for your group only. The supplied information does not give detailed accessibility specifications, so contact the operator in advance if you need step-free boarding, special seating, or help with the castle visit.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the 10:00 a.m. start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted. The cutoff uses local time.

Final verdict: a strong private choice for groups

I would book this tour if I had a family or friend group large enough to share the $830.08 cost. The combination of private transport, a clean and comfortable yacht, swimming coves, lunch, and the chance to see Kekova’s ancient ruins from the water makes practical sense.

For two people, I would price-shop first. For a group, the value improves quickly, and the private setting can make a long day far more pleasant. Confirm the pickup point, castle fee, available water equipment, shade, and captain’s name before paying, then bring sun protection and keep the evening free.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The boat tour visits Kekova Island, the Sunken City, and the Castle of Simena. Pickup is offered from Antalya and Kemer, with the boat portion associated with Kaleici Marina.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight to eleven hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 10:00 a.m.

Is transportation from Antalya included?

Yes. An air-conditioned vehicle is included, and pickup is offered from Antalya. Pickup arrangements should be confirmed after booking.

Can people staying in Kemer be picked up?

Yes. The tour information states that pickup is available from Kemer accommodations.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private activity is available for a group of up to 12 people.

Is the Sunken City visited on foot?

No. The route passes near the Sunken City by boat. The ruins are associated with Lycian times and are viewed from the water.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops in several bays for swimming, and snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, fruit, tea, and coffee are included. Alcoholic beverages and other drinks cost extra on board.

Is the entrance to Simena Castle included?

No. Castle admission is extra. The visit to the small town and castle is optional.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded.