Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

Crystal water and ancient ruins make a fine pair. This full-day boat trip from Kaş combines several beautiful swimming stops with the Kekova Sunken City and a walk through Kaleköy to Simena Castle. I like the generous amount of time in the water, and the clean, spacious boat makes the eight-hour day easy to enjoy. The lunch is another strong point, with generous portions and later treats such as watermelon and tea. The main drawback is that the historical commentary can feel light, especially around the Sunken City, so you should choose this for the mix of swimming and scenery more than for a detailed archaeology lesson.

The boat is operated by Captain Ergun and his crew, whose careful service receives high praise. You can also find thoughtful extras, including free drone footage at some departures and, on some trips, Polaroid photographs. Bring your own snorkel and mask, though, since they are not included. The castle entrance fee is extra, and the hour at Kaleköy is enough for a quick climb and wander, but not for a slow visit to every corner.

Key points before you book

• Five or more water stops: You get repeated chances to swim in clear water rather than spending the whole day on the boat.
• Sunken City viewed from the boat: The vessel passes close to submerged ruins, where swimming and landing are restricted.
• One hour at Kaleköy: Use it for Simena Castle, village lanes, ice cream, or the waterfront, but plan your time.
• Lunch is included: The onboard meal has been praised for generous portions, with fish, chicken, or köfte mentioned on some departures.
• Bring snorkel gear: Pool noodles and life jackets are available, but masks and snorkels are not supplied.
• Large shared boat atmosphere: The vessel is comfortable and well maintained, though this is not a quiet private cruise.

Leaving Kaş for the Kekova coast

Your morning begins at the Larsoy Travel & Tourism office near the harbor, opposite the mosque. This is a ticket and meeting point, not necessarily the boat itself, so do not walk down the quay expecting to board immediately. The office is close to the center, but parking in Kaş can be awkward. If you have a car, one direct tip is to use the marina parking area early in the day.

The boat ride toward Kekova takes about 45 minutes before the first main stop. That opening stretch gives you time to settle in, find your place, and choose between the shaded lower areas and the more open upper deck. Several people particularly liked the top deck loungers, but the sun can be strong in summer, so keep a hat and cover-up within reach.

The vessel used for this trip has earned praise for its cleanliness, comfortable seating, bathrooms, and general upkeep. One important qualification: the exact boat may change if last-minute arrangements are needed, and that has happened without clear advance notice. The experience remains focused on the same route, but do not assume the promotional boat photograph is guaranteed.

İnönü Bay begins the swimming day

İnönü Bay is the first major pause, lasting around 50 minutes. The stop combines a swim, possible snorkeling, views from the boat, and the first meal service listed in the schedule. The water is clear enough to make this a good place to get comfortable with the sea before the day’s longer stops.

If you are not a confident swimmer, you are not left out. Life jackets and pool noodles are available, and one non-swimmer described being able to enter the water comfortably with a life jacket. You should still follow the crew’s swimming instructions and avoid the water if you have heart problems, epilepsy, or another pre-existing medical condition.

The boat may serve lunch around this part of the route or at the nearby Karakol Islands stop, depending on the day’s timing. The meal is included, while drinks are extra. Food descriptions vary by departure, but fish, chicken, köfte, salads, and other side dishes have all been mentioned. Portions tend to be generous rather than delicate, which is exactly what you want after several swims.

Karakol Islands adds scenery and a proper meal

The Karakol Islands stop lasts about an hour and is used for a mixture of scenery, food, and time around the water. The setting is peaceful, with attractive coastal views on the way in and a good chance to watch marine life from the boat or water.

This is a shared excursion, not a private yacht outing. One account described a boat carrying about 94 people, while other departures were quiet enough for people to move around and choose seats. That means the atmosphere can change with the date and season. If you like a social day with a crew constantly checking on people, this works well. If you want silence and a private swim cove, this is not the right format.

The crew’s service is one of the tour’s strongest features. Captain Ergun is often named directly, and the staff are described as punctual, attentive, and quick to keep the boat tidy between stops. Lunch may be delivered to your lounger or served buffet-style, depending on the arrangement. Watermelon later in the day and tea near the end are welcome touches, especially after repeated time in the water.

Seeing the Kekova Sunken City from the deck

The Sunken City is the route’s signature sight. The boat passes along Kekova Island for about 30 minutes, allowing you to see submerged walls, stairways, and other remains beneath the surface. The boat’s position gives you a broad view without requiring a strenuous walk.

The ruins are linked to earthquakes and other upheavals that affected the island over time. Because Kekova is protected, boats pass through the area rather than allowing people to swim over or climb on the remains. That rule protects the site, but it also means the experience depends heavily on the guide’s explanation and your ability to see through reflections on the water.

This is where the tour could do more. Some guides provide useful context, but English explanations may be brief or difficult to hear from certain seats. If ancient sites are your main reason for booking, consider reading about Kekova before you go or choosing a specialist archaeology tour. If you see the Sunken City as one part of a beautiful day at sea, the boat passage works very well.

One precious hour at Kaleköy and Simena Castle

The stop at Simena Castle, also known as Kaleköy, lasts about an hour. This is the only substantial time ashore, so make a quick plan before you leave the boat.

You can walk up the stone steps to the castle ruins for wide views across the coves and islands. The climb is manageable for many people but is not effortless, particularly in hot weather or after swimming. Wear shoes with a firm sole rather than loose sandals. The reward is the view, which brings the coast, village, sea, and scattered ruins together in one frame.

Kaleköy itself has narrow lanes, small shops, and places selling the area’s famous peach ice cream. You may also see waterfront spots offering refreshments. The practical problem is time. An hour is enough to climb to the castle and wander a little, but not to explore slowly, browse every lane, eat ice cream, and visit every point of interest.

The castle entrance fee is not included. Bring Turkish lira or cash, since one visitor had trouble using a card. If you prefer not to pay the fee, you can still enjoy the village and views from lower down, but the best panorama comes from the castle area.

Tersane Koyu and the Byzantine remains

After leaving Kaleköy, the boat continues to Tersane Bay for roughly 45 minutes. This stop combines another swim with a look at an old harbor area. The bay once had a role in shipbuilding, and Byzantine remains include the ruins of a church in the wider area.

Tersane is a good example of how this excursion balances nature and history. You can look toward the shore, notice the old stonework, then get back into the water. The historical side is mostly visual and brief, rather than a long guided walk. Snorkeling can add interest if you bring your own equipment.

The water is the star here. After the walk at Simena, a swim gives you a pleasant reset before the return route. The boat has showers for rinsing off salt water, according to direct trip details, which makes the repeated swimming far more comfortable.

Üzüm İskelesi closes the day with tea

The final named stop is Üzüm İskelesi, with about 50 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, views, and a tea service. By this point, the day has a steady rhythm: cruise, stop, swim, eat, and repeat. That rhythm is a benefit if you want variety, though it can feel busy if you prefer to spend a long, unhurried afternoon in one bay.

Tea near the end is a small but welcome Turkish touch. The crew also brings watermelon on some departures, and these simple refreshments help the final ride back to Kaş feel less tiring. The return cruise lasts about 45 minutes, giving you time to dry off and watch the coast recede.

Bring a warm layer or an extra towel for this ride. Even on a warm day, wind across wet swimwear can make the trip back surprisingly cool. This is especially useful in spring, autumn, and later in the afternoon.

Lunch, drinks, and what to bring

Lunch is included in the $94 price, and it is one of the best reasons the tour offers solid value. Several direct accounts describe the food as delicious, filling, and better than expected. Fish is available on some trips, while chicken and köfte have also been served, with salads and side dishes.

Drinks are not included. Outside drinks are not allowed under the stated rules, although onboard drinks and snacks can be purchased. Prices have been described as similar to those in Kaş, but bring Turkish lira or a payment method that works on the boat. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited.

Pack lightly, but include:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimsuit and a cover-up
• Towel
• Sun protection
• A warm top for the return
• Your own mask and snorkel
• Cash for the castle fee and small purchases

The boat has life jackets and pool noodles. Snorkeling equipment is not part of the package, and you may need to buy it onboard if you arrive without your own.

Free drone footage and the human touch

Captain Ergun sometimes records guests swimming or standing at the front of the boat with a drone. The footage may be sent to your phone for free, and some departures have also offered Polaroid photographs. This is not the core reason to book, but it is a memorable extra and a nice change from trying to take photographs while holding onto a swim ladder.

The crew also receives unusually consistent praise for friendliness and care. They keep checking that people are comfortable, explain where it is safe to swim, and maintain the boat during the day. That service matters on a long shared cruise, especially when the boat is busy.

The guide commentary is less consistent. Captain Ergun is described as informative by some people, while others found the English explanations hard to hear or too limited. Sit near the guide if the archaeological side matters to you, and ask questions when the boat is passing the ruins.

Is $94 good value for an eight-hour cruise?

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Kekova coast, but the price covers a full eight-hour outing, lunch, several swimming stops, the Sunken City passage, the Kaleköy visit, and crew service. You would need to arrange transport, food, and separate access to these places to recreate the day yourself.

The value is strongest if you want a complete, easy day with no need to plan each cove. The clean boat, onboard meal, showers, loungers, and repeated swimming time add real comfort. The free drone footage, when available, is an enjoyable bonus.

The value is weaker if your priority is serious historical interpretation or a quiet private boat. The castle fee and drinks add to the cost, and a large shared boat will never feel as personal as a small charter. Also, the hour at Kaleköy forces you to choose between the castle and a slower village visit.

With a rating of 4.7 from 274 bookings, the overall pattern is very strong. The most praised parts are the crew, boat condition, lunch, crystal-clear swimming spots, and careful timing. The most useful cautions are the missing snorkel gear, extra castle fee, variable commentary, and possibility of a different boat.

Who should book the Kaş Kekova boat trip?

I would choose this tour if you want to combine swimming, scenery, lunch, and a short historical visit in one day. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and anyone who likes a well-organized schedule with several changes of scene.

It is also a good option for nervous swimmers because life jackets and pool noodles are available. You should still check the medical restrictions carefully and speak with the operator if you have a pre-existing condition.

I would look elsewhere if you want a private experience, long hours ashore, or detailed archaeological guiding. The Sunken City is viewed from the boat, and Simena Castle gets only about an hour. For most people, though, that balance is the point: Kekova gives you ancient stone, bright water, and a very easy day on the Turkish coast.

FAQ

Where does the Kekova boat tour meet?

The meeting point is the Larsoy Travel & Tourism office near the harbor in Kaş, opposite the mosque. You collect your ticket there rather than boarding directly at the office.

How long does the tour last?

The complete experience lasts about eight hours, including the outward and return boat journeys and the stops around Kekova.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Turkish.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price. Drinks are not included.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. Swimming is offered at several bays, including İnönü Bay, Tersane Koyu, and Üzüm İskelesi. Life jackets and pool noodles are available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Masks and snorkels are not included, so bring your own or ask about purchasing equipment onboard.

Is the Simena Castle entrance fee included?

No. The castle fee is extra. Bringing cash is a practical idea.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.