Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

Clear water and old stone make a fine day. This eight-hour cruise from Kaş combines several beautiful swim stops with the Kekova Sunken City and Simena Castle, making it a strong choice if you want sea time and sightseeing in one outing. I especially like the spacious boat, generous lunch, and the crew’s thoughtful extras, including watermelon, tea, and occasional free drone footage. The main drawback is that the historical commentary can feel light, and one hour in Kaleköy is a tight window for both the castle and village.

Captain Ergun and his crew receive especially high praise for keeping the boat clean, comfortable, and well run. I also like that the tour works for mixed groups: strong swimmers can snorkel, while less confident swimmers can use life jackets and pool noodles. Bring your own snorkel gear, though, since it is not included, and remember that the castle entry fee and drinks cost extra.

Six things to know before booking

• Four or more swim stops: You get repeated chances to swim in clear water rather than spending the whole day on the boat.
• The Sunken City is viewed from the water: Boats pass slowly beside the ruins, but you cannot swim over or land at the protected site.
• One hour at Simena Castle: This is enough for a brisk climb and a look around Kaleköy, but not a leisurely visit to every corner.
• Lunch is a real strength: Expect a generous onboard meal, with fish, chicken, or köfte mentioned on different departures, plus salads and sides.
• The boat is unusually well maintained: Clean bathrooms, showers, loungers, pool noodles, and a broad deck make the long day easier.
• Snorkeling equipment is not included: Pack your own mask and snorkel or plan to buy equipment onboard.

A full day from Kaş to Kekova

The tour begins near the harbor at the Larsoy Travel & Tourism office, opposite the mosque. You collect your ticket there rather than directly from the boat, so allow enough time to find the office before departure.

From the harbor, the boat spends about 45 minutes reaching the first swimming area. That opening ride gives you time to settle in, choose a place on the deck, and take in the coast. The boat is described as spacious, with loungers on the upper deck and clean bathroom facilities. For a long outing, those details matter more than fancy decoration.

The group can be fairly large, with one account describing around 95 people onboard, but the boat’s layout helps prevent the day from feeling cramped. Some departures have been less full, and seating may be assigned or organized by the crew. If you want a top-deck lounger or a forward seat, arrive prepared and ask politely when boarding.

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal. The crew checks on people throughout the day, and the captain gives information about the route and stops. English and Turkish are available, though the quality of English explanation may depend on where you are sitting and how clearly the speaker can be heard.

İnönü Bay begins the swimming

The first major stop is İnönü Bay, where the boat remains for about 50 minutes. This is a good introduction to the rhythm of the trip: stop, swim, dry off, enjoy the view, then cruise to the next cove.

The water is clear enough for a refreshing swim and some casual snorkeling. Life jackets and pool noodles are available, which is helpful if you are not a confident swimmer. You can stay close to the boat without feeling pressured to swim far.

This stop also shows the tour’s main appeal. You are not simply being ferried to Kekova. Much of the day is spent in quiet coves where the sea is the main attraction. If you prefer several shorter swims to one long beach stop, the schedule works well.

Snorkeling gear is the catch. It is not supplied as part of the tour, so bring a mask and snorkel from Kaş if you have them. Equipment may be available to purchase onboard, but packing your own is the cheaper and safer plan.

Karakol Islands brings lunch and open views

After another cruise of about 45 minutes, the boat reaches the Karakol Islands area for roughly an hour. This stop combines a break, scenery, marine life viewing, and the main meal.

Lunch is one of the most praised parts of the day. The exact main dish can vary, with fish, chicken, and köfte all mentioned, alongside several side dishes. Portions are generous enough that you are unlikely to finish the meal still hungry, especially after swimming.

The meal is served onboard, so you do not lose time walking to a restaurant or waiting for a table. That is valuable on an eight-hour trip. You can eat with the coast around you, then return to your lounger or take a short swim when the boat is ready.

The food is not a gourmet restaurant experience, and one older account found it simply acceptable rather than special. Still, the overall pattern is clear: the lunch is fresh, filling, and better than many people expect from a standard boat excursion.

Small touches improve the meal period. Watermelon is often served later in the day, and tea is offered near the end. These extras do not transform the tour, but they show that the crew pays attention to how a long day at sea feels.

The Kekova Sunken City is seen from the boat

The boat then reaches Kekova Island and passes the Sunken City for about 30 minutes. This is the most famous historical sight on the route, but it is important to understand what you are getting.

You see the remains from the boat, including submerged stone structures and traces of ancient settlement along the shoreline. The vessel moves slowly enough for sightseeing and photographs, and the guide points out the visible features.

The site was affected by earthquakes and later attacks, and parts of the old settlement now lie beneath the water. Kekova is protected, so swimming among the ruins or landing at the site is not part of the experience. The appeal is seeing the old stonework in an unusual setting, with the sea covering part of the past.

The commentary is the weakest part for some people. If you want a detailed archaeological explanation, this tour may leave you wanting more. The guide shares information, but the narration can be brief, and some passengers have found it difficult to hear or understand from certain seats.

I suggest sitting where you can hear the guide during this section, then asking questions if the opportunity comes. You will get more from the stop if you treat it as a scenic historical viewing rather than a full guided museum visit.

Simena Castle and Kaleköy require a quick climb

The boat reaches Simena Castle, above the village of Kaleköy, for about an hour. This is the only substantial time on land, and it is the most active part of the route.

You can walk through the narrow village streets, climb toward the castle, and look back over the water. The views from above are the reward. The ruins occupy a high position, so the climb involves stairs and uneven ground. It is not a difficult expedition for most reasonably mobile people, but the heat and stone steps can make it tiring.

An hour is enough to reach the castle, look around, and return to the boat if you keep moving. It is not enough for a slow visit, extended shopping, a long ice cream stop, and a relaxed castle tour all at once. Plan your priority before leaving the boat.

If you want the best view, head uphill first. Kaleköy is known for peach ice cream, and you may want to try it, but do not let a leisurely snack make you late. The boat cannot wait for individual passengers.

The castle entry fee is not included. Carry cash for this expense, since at least one passenger had trouble paying by card. The amount is not provided here and can change, so check locally before setting out.

This stop gives the tour more substance than a basic swim cruise. You get a real village, old stone ruins, and a chance to walk through a settlement that can only be reached by boat or on foot. Still, anyone wanting a slow, detailed archaeological visit should consider a separate land excursion.

Tersane Bay mixes ruins with another swim

After leaving Kaleköy, the boat cruises for around 20 minutes to Tersane Koyu. The stop lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing.

Tersane Bay has Byzantine remains, including the remains of a church. The name and location also connect to the area’s older use as a shipbuilding harbor. The ruins are part of the coastal view rather than a formal archaeological visit, so you will get a short look while enjoying the water.

This is a good example of the tour’s balance. Historical points are placed between swimming breaks, so the day never becomes a long lecture. If your priority is relaxing in the sea, that pacing is excellent. If your priority is detailed history, the stops may feel too brief.

Üzüm İskelesi closes the route gently

The final major stop is Üzüm İskelesi, reached after about 45 minutes of cruising. The boat remains here for roughly 50 minutes, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and a final break.

By this point, you may prefer a quiet swim or a place in the shade rather than another climb. The schedule gives you that choice. Tea is also served around this part of the day, a welcome treat after repeated swims.

The boat then takes about 45 minutes to return to Kaş. Bring a dry layer or spare towel for the ride back. Even in warm weather, wind across wet swimwear can make the return trip feel cool.

What makes the boat worth the $94 price

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day on the Turkish coast. The value comes from combining transport, several swimming stops, lunch, historical sightseeing, and an eight-hour schedule in one package.

You would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to the Kekova area, find a boat, pay for food, and organize time at Kaleköy. Here, the route is planned and the meal is included. The crew also provides life jackets, pool noodles, access to onboard showers, and clean bathroom facilities.

Drinks are extra. Outside drinks are listed as not allowed, while accounts from the boat describe bottled water, beer, cocktails, and other drinks available for purchase onboard. Prices can change, so bring a payment method and ask about current costs. Do not assume that your own drinks can be brought aboard.

The free drone footage is a pleasant bonus when offered by Captain Ergun. People have received short clips of themselves swimming or standing at the front of the boat, sometimes sent directly to a phone. It is not the reason to book the trip, but it is a memorable extra, especially for families and couples.

A small Polaroid photo service has also been offered on some departures. Extras can vary, so enjoy them if available, but judge the tour on the boat, food, swimming, and route.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This outing suits you if you want a relaxed day with variety. You can swim several times, eat without leaving the boat, see the Sunken City, walk through Kaleköy, and return to Kaş the same day.

It is especially good for:

• Couples who want scenery, swimming, and a little history
• Families with older children who can manage boat time and castle steps
• Mixed swimming groups, since life jackets and noodles are available
• People who want a full-day activity without planning several separate bookings
• Visitors staying in Kaş who want to see Kekova by water

It is less suitable if you have heart problems, epilepsy, or another pre-existing medical condition listed in the safety information. It may also frustrate you if you want a specialist history tour, long time at the castle, or a completely quiet small-boat outing.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, but the castle climb and uneven village paths are separate concerns. If mobility is important for your group, confirm which parts of the route will be practical before booking.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm top for the return ride. You also need a passport or ID card and should carry cash for the castle fee.

Bring your own snorkel and mask. The boat provides pool noodles and life jackets, but not standard snorkeling equipment.

The meeting point is close to the harbor, opposite the mosque, at the Larsoy Travel & Tourism office. Do not walk straight to the boat and assume you can board there. Ticket collection takes place at the office.

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking.

The overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 274 ratings, with the strongest praise focused on the crew, clean boat, lunch, beautiful water, and careful organization. The two repeated cautions are limited historical detail and the need to bring snorkeling equipment.

Should you book the Kekova boat tour?

I would book this tour if you want the easiest way to combine Kekova’s clear coves with its main historical sights. The repeated swim stops, generous lunch, clean boat, and friendly service give the day strong value at $94, particularly if you would otherwise need several separate arrangements.

I would skip it only if your main goal is serious archaeology or a quiet private cruise. For most people staying in Kaş, this is a well-balanced day: enough history to give the route meaning, enough swimming to keep it fun, and enough food and comfort to make eight hours at sea feel manageable.

FAQ

How long does the Kekova boat tour last?

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

Where is the meeting point in Kaş?

The meeting point is at the Larsoy Travel & Tourism office near the harbor, opposite the mosque. Ticket collection takes place at the office rather than directly on the boat.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and served onboard. Fish, chicken, or köfte may be offered, along with side dishes. Drinks are not included.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. Swimming is planned at several stops, including İnönü Bay, Tersane Bay, Üzüm İskelesi, and other coves along the route. Life jackets and pool noodles are available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel, or ask about buying equipment onboard.

Is the Simena Castle entry fee included?

No. The castle fee is not included in the tour price. Carry cash because card payment may not always be practical.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The live tour is offered in English and Turkish. The tour is also listed as wheelchair accessible.