Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

The sea does most of the talking. This full-day boat trip from Kas combines clear swimming bays, ancient ruins, and the small seaside village of Simena in one well-planned outing. I especially like the generous time in the water and the chance to view the Sunken City of Kekova from the boat without giving up a proper historical stop on shore.

I also like that lunch and afternoon tea are included, since an eight-hour cruise can otherwise become an expensive exercise in buying snacks. The main drawback is that seating may matter more than you expect: some bookings place you downstairs, while the upper deck offers the best sunbeds and open views.

The trip is highly rated, with a 4.9 score from 441 reviews and 97 percent of customers recommending it. Captain Ergun receives repeated praise for his friendly service, local explanations, and even occasional drone footage. Still, service can vary by boat and crew, so confirm your departure point and seating arrangements before setting out.

Key points to know before booking

• Four strong swimming stops: Inönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, and Çamlık give you plenty of time for a swim or snorkel.
• The Sunken City is viewed from the water: You can see submerged walls, homes, and other ruins through the clear sea, but boats do not take you ashore among the ruins.
• Simena adds real history and village life: You have about two hours around Simena Castle and Kaleköy Harbour, with time for views, narrow lanes, cafés, and ice cream.
• Lunch is part of the price: The buffet has been described as plentiful, with chicken or fish, salads, fruit, and afternoon tea.
• The boat can carry up to 65 people: That means a social, shared-cruise feel rather than a private yacht outing.
• Bring your own towel and consider water shoes: Drinks cost extra, and upper-deck sunbeds may be limited.

Why this Kas boat trip is worth a full day

Kas is one of Turkey’s best places to get on the water. The coastline near Kekova is not simply a backdrop for a cruise. It brings together Lycian ruins, small bays, rocky shores, and water so clear that submerged stonework remains visible from the boat.

This excursion lasts about eight hours and begins at 9:30 a.m. at the meeting point in Kas. You return to the same general starting point at the end of the day. The route gives you a broad taste of the area rather than focusing on one attraction, which is why I see it as a good choice for a first visit to the Kekova coast.

The price is $84.65 per person. That is fair value for a full day on the water when you count the boat, guide, fuel surcharge, landing fees, lunch, and afternoon tea. You still pay separately for drinks, and alcoholic drinks are available to buy, but the included meal prevents the usual all-day boat-trip spending creep.

This is not a private sailing charter. The boat may be full, with capacity for up to 65 people, and the atmosphere is likely to be livelier than quiet. If you want a private crew and complete control over the route, this is not the right product. If you want to see a lot of coastline without arranging several separate excursions, it makes good sense.

Inönü Bay begins the day gently

The first stop is Inönü Bay, where you have about 45 minutes. A small canyon nearby gives you the option of a short walk, while the bay itself offers an easy start to the day.

I like this opening stop because it does not force you straight into a packed sightseeing schedule. You can stretch your legs, take in the rocky setting, or simply enjoy the water. The information does not promise a long hike, so treat the canyon walk as a brief exploration rather than a major trek.

For the best experience, use this first pause to settle into the boat’s rhythm. It is also a good time to check where you want to spend the rest of the day. The upper deck has sunbeds, but one account specifically notes that you may need to book early to secure a covered lounge spot.

Aquarium Bay brings the clearest water

Aquarium Bay is another 45-minute stop, and this is one of the most appealing parts of the trip for swimmers and snorkelers. The water is famous for its clarity, with fish visible beneath the surface and rocky cliffs around the bay.

You do not need to be an expert snorkeler to enjoy this stop. The appeal is simply being able to look down into clean, transparent water and see what is below. A mask can help, and some boats may provide basic equipment, but the supplied information does not guarantee snorkeling gear, so ask before boarding or bring your own.

This is also a good place for photographs. The contrast between the pale rocks, green vegetation, and blue water gives you the classic Kekova view. The drawback is common to any popular swimming bay: you are sharing the stop with the rest of the boat, and the exact feel depends on how crowded the day is.

The Sunken City is best seen slowly from the boat

The Sunken City Ruins of Simena receive about 30 minutes of attention. The remains belong to the ancient Lycian settlement of Dolchiste, which was damaged and partly submerged by earthquakes.

From the boat, you can see stone walls, former homes, stairways, and traces of a Byzantine church beneath the water. The sea is clear enough to make the ruins visible, but this is a sightseeing pass rather than an underwater archaeology session. Swimming and snorkelling directly around the ruins are not presented as part of the stop.

This distinction matters. Some people picture a sunken city as a place where you walk through submerged streets or swim over intact buildings. Here, you view the remains from the water as the boat moves along the shoreline. I find that approach fitting because it protects a fragile historic site, but you should not expect a long, close-up archaeological tour.

Listen carefully if the guide explains the ruins. One English-speaking guide is provided, though an account noted that commentary can be hard to hear from the upper deck. If history is a major reason for booking, sit where you can hear the guide or ask the crew to repeat key points.

Simena Castle rewards the climb

The visit to Simena, also called Kaleköy, is the historical heart of the day. You have roughly one hour at the castle and another hour around the harbour, though the exact flow can depend on boat timing.

Simena Castle sits above the coast and gives you wide views across Kekova Island and the surrounding sea. The setting is more important than the fortress itself. You get a sense of how the settlement used its high position to watch the water, and the climb turns the visit into a proper viewpoint rather than a quick photo stop.

The castle admission fee is not included. Keep that in mind when judging the total cost. You may choose to explore the village and harbour without paying for the castle, but the elevated views are one of the strongest reasons to make the effort.

The walk through Kaleköy is a pleasant change from the boat. Whitewashed houses, flowers, narrow lanes, waterfront cafés, and local food give the village a lived-in feel. You can also see ancient Lycian tombs and sarcophagi in the area. Ice cream is a popular way to cool off after the castle walk, and the harbour makes a good place to pause before returning to the boat.

One practical warning: keep a close eye on the return time. One bad experience on a similar boat involved passengers being left behind briefly when the captain departed before everyone had reboarded. The group was eventually collected, but you should return to the boat early rather than cutting the schedule fine.

Üçağız connects the coast to village life

The route also takes in the area around Üçağız, a quiet coastal village beside Kekova Bay. Traditional boats and waterfront homes give the place a more local feel than a large resort town.

Üçağız is associated with the ancient Lycian settlement of Teimiussa, including a necropolis with tombs and sarcophagi among olive groves and vineyards. The supplied schedule does not give a separate walking duration here, so think of Üçağız as part of the wider coastal setting rather than a guaranteed long land excursion.

This portion of the route helps explain why the region feels different from a standard beach cruise. You are not only looking for a swimming stop. You are passing through an area shaped by ancient settlements, fishing, small-scale tourism, and sheltered bays.

Tersane Bay is made for a long swim

Tersane Bay, also called Shipyard Bay, provides another 45-minute break. Its name points to an old shipbuilding connection, while the present-day appeal is simple: clear water, rocky shores, and a quiet place to swim or snorkel.

The bay is surrounded by cliffs and plants, with views toward Simena Castle in the distance. If you prefer to stay dry, the setting is still rewarding. If you like active stops, this is one of the better places to use a mask and explore near the shore.

The tour includes several swimming opportunities, but the boat does not promise a particular water temperature. A spring review noted that the water was cold despite pleasant weather, so pack your swimsuit even if you are visiting outside the height of summer, but do not feel obliged to get in.

Çamlık closes the swimming program

Çamlık Bay is the final swim stop and lasts about 45 minutes. Pine trees and calm water give it a quieter finish before the boat heads back.

By this point, you may be happy to do nothing more than sit in the sun and watch the coast pass. That is one of the strengths of this itinerary. It mixes active sightseeing with enough downtime that the day does not feel like a race between ruins.

The schedule includes four main swimming pauses, although exact stop counts can vary slightly by boat and conditions. Bring a towel, and consider water shoes if you dislike rough or stony entries. One account found water shoes useful but not essential.

Lunch, tea, and what you pay for on board

Lunch is served on board and is generally described as plentiful. The meal can include fish or chicken, several salads, and fruit such as watermelon. Some accounts specifically praise the food as a highlight, including a chicken lunch prepared on board.

Afternoon tea is also included. Drinks are not included, though water, soda, tea, coffee, and other refreshments are available to purchase. Prices have been described as reasonable, and card payment may be accepted, but carrying a little cash is still sensible.

The meal adds real value. On an eight-hour outing, food is not a minor extra. It means you can enjoy the swimming stops and village visit without searching for lunch in the middle of the route. Vegetarian food is available if requested at the time of booking.

The boat itself is described as clean and in good condition, with an upper deck containing sunbeds. The most important comfort issue is seating. Some people have been assigned downstairs seats and were disappointed after expecting an upper-deck spot. Ask in advance exactly how seating works, especially if sun, open views, or a covered lounge area matters to you.

Crew quality can shape the whole day

Captain Ergun is repeatedly praised for friendly service, clear explanations, and a willingness to make the day memorable. Some trips have included drone photos or video, with a playful offer of footage for helping collect rubbish from the sea.

That personal touch can make a shared boat trip feel more special. The crew has also been praised for serving a good lunch, keeping the boat clean, and creating a relaxed mood. One account describes a crew member performing impressive jumps from the boat, though that is not a promised feature and should not be part of your booking decision.

Service is not guaranteed to be identical on every boat. One poor experience involved a late departure, no clear safety briefing, and a captain who handled a few awkward moments badly. This appears to be an exception among the supplied accounts, but it is a useful reminder to pay attention to the actual vessel and crew assigned on the day.

Who will enjoy this excursion most

I would choose this tour if you want one efficient day covering Kekova’s main sights. It suits couples, families with children accompanied by an adult, and anyone who wants a mix of history, swimming, food, and coastal scenery.

It is especially good for you if:

• You enjoy swimming more than long museum visits.
• You want to see the Sunken City without arranging a separate boat.
• You like small villages and viewpoints.
• You appreciate an included lunch.
• You are comfortable sharing a boat with a large group.

It may not suit you if you dislike full-day group outings, need quiet space, or want a private itinerary. People who care strongly about upper-deck seating should ask about arrangements before paying. The tour is offered in English, but commentary may be harder to hear from the top deck.

The tour is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the meeting point in Kas yourself. If you are staying in Kalkan, do not assume a transfer is included. One person wished they had contacted the operator earlier about transport from there.

Booking advice and final verdict

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9:30 a.m. start time. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants can lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.

I would book this Kas boat tour if I wanted a broad, good-value introduction to Kekova. The combination of four swim stops, a filling lunch, the Sunken City, Simena Castle, and Kaleköy Harbour is hard to match in a single day.

Before booking, I would ask three practical questions: Where will I sit? Which boat will operate the trip? Where exactly do I meet the group? If the answers suit you, the $84.65 price is reasonable for the amount included. You get the most from it if you bring a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and patience for a full boat.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at the meeting point in Kas at 9:30 a.m. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included, with fish or chicken options and salads. Vegetarian food is available if requested when booking.

Is afternoon tea included?

Yes. Afternoon tea is included in the tour price.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks must be purchased separately on board. Alcoholic drinks are also available to buy.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. Swimming stops are scheduled at Inönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, and Çamlık Bay.

Can I swim in the Sunken City ruins?

The Sunken City is viewed from the boat. The tour description does not include swimming among the ruins.

Is admission to Simena Castle included?

No. Admission to Simena Castle is not included in the tour price.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English, although commentary may be harder to hear from the upper deck.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 65 people. This is a shared boat experience, not a private charter.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.