Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

The Lycian coast is best seen from the water. This full-day cruise links Kas with Kekova’s clear bays, the half-submerged ruins of the Sunken City, and the little village of Simena. I like the four generous swim stops and the fact that lunch, afternoon tea, and basic boat fees are included. The main caution is that seating may matter: some bookings place you downstairs, while upper-deck loungers can fill early.

You’ll spend about eight hours aboard a boat carrying up to 65 people, leaving at 9:30 a.m. The crew usually keeps the day relaxed, with time for swimming, food, and short visits ashore. Captain Ergun receives especially warm praise for his friendly service, local stories, and occasional drone videos, though the quality of the day can depend on the individual captain and boat.

Key things to know before booking

• Four swimming stops: Inönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, and Camlik give you plenty of time in clear Mediterranean water.
• Sunken ruins from the boat: You pass the submerged remains of ancient Dolchiste, including visible walls, steps, and buildings.
• Simena visit included: You get time around Kaleköy Harbour and the hilltop castle, though one hour may feel short if you want to climb fully to the top.
• Lunch is more than a snack: The buffet commonly includes chicken or fish, salads, and fruit, with afternoon tea served later.
• Drinks cost extra: Water, soda, tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks are not included, though onboard prices are described as reasonable.
• Reserve ahead for better seating: This cruise is often booked around 15 days in advance, and the upper deck may be limited.

Why this Kas boat trip is worth your day

Kas has a handsome waterfront, but the best part of the coast lies beyond town. The Kekova area gives you a day of blue water, rocky coves, ancient ruins, and a small seaside settlement that cannot be reached by ordinary road access.

At $84.65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Kas. Still, the price includes an eight-hour cruise, lunch, afternoon tea, a guide or captain, fuel, landing charges, and facility fees. Once you add the cost of a separate meal and transport to several coastal sites, the package looks fair.

I see this as a strong choice if you want one easy day that combines swimming and sightseeing. It is less suitable if you dislike group boats, need a quiet private experience, or want long, detailed time inside each historic site.

The boat can carry a maximum of 65 people. That gives you room to move around on a good day, but it is not a small yacht charter. On a full departure, the upper deck and sun loungers can be in demand, while the lower indoor area may feel more crowded.

Leaving Kas at 9:30 a.m.

The published departure time is 9:30 a.m., and the tour returns to its original meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the start.

One practical point deserves attention. At least one departure was shifted to Üçağız, about a 35-minute drive from Kas, with passengers informed on the morning of the trip. That shorter route can make the boat ride more pleasant, since you spend less time traveling from Kas by sea, but it also changes your morning plans. Confirm the meeting point before setting out.

The cruise is offered in English. A guide or captain provides explanations about the coast and its ancient sites. On the upper deck, sound can be harder to hear, so move closer when the historical commentary begins.

There is no clear indication that every boat offers a formal safety briefing. Use ordinary boat sense: listen for instructions, stay seated when the vessel is moving, and ask the crew before entering or leaving the water.

Inönü Bay and its small canyon

The first stop is Inönü Bay, where you have about 45 minutes. A small canyon provides the main point of interest, and you can walk toward it or simply stay near the bay.

This is a gentle opening stop. You are not rushed into a major historical site before you have settled into the rhythm of the boat. The cove gives you a chance to stretch your legs, take photographs, and enjoy the calm water.

The drawback is that the description leaves the walking portion vague. If you are expecting a substantial hike, this will probably feel modest. Think of it as a short shore break rather than a serious canyon walk.

Aquarium Bay and the first swim

Aquarium Bay earns its name from remarkably clear water. The bay is known for bright turquoise shallows, fish beneath the surface, and rocky slopes around the water.

You get roughly 45 minutes here, which is enough time for a proper swim rather than a quick dip. Snorkeling is part of the appeal, and the tour may have masks or similar equipment available, though you should bring your own if you want a dependable fit.

The water is a major reason to book this cruise. Several stops offer the same basic pleasure, but each cove changes the view and gives you another chance to swim. Bring a towel, swimsuit, and water shoes if your feet are sensitive around rocky entries. Water shoes are useful but not essential.

Water temperature depends on the season. A spring departure can bring cool air and cold water, even when the sun is bright. If swimming matters most to you, check the forecast and choose the warmest part of the season you can manage.

Seeing the Sunken City of Kekova

The Sunken City is the historical centerpiece. The remains belong to the ancient Lycian settlement of Dolchiste, which was damaged by earthquakes and partly slipped beneath the sea.

From the boat, you can see submerged walls, house remains, stairways, and parts of later structures through the clear water. The boat passes slowly enough for you to look down and take photographs, but this is a viewing stop, not an opportunity to walk through the ruins.

That distinction matters. The ancient city is protected, and the experience is about observing it from the water. You will not get a long archaeological tour on land, nor should you expect to swim directly over the ruins.

The official stop lasts about 30 minutes. I would have liked more time here, especially because the ruins are the part that makes this more than a standard swimming cruise. Sit where you have a clear view of the water and keep your camera ready. Sun glare can make the remains harder to see at certain angles.

The ruins are also a good reason to listen to the captain’s commentary. Captain Ergun is praised for explaining the places along the route and adding local stories. Other captains have also been described as experienced and clear, but the quality of the narration may vary by boat.

Kekova Island from the water

Kekova Island combines the main pleasures of the day: clear water, rocky shore, old ruins, and secluded bays. Much of the island is viewed from the boat, so the cruise itself is the sightseeing platform.

There is no need to pack a long list of separate attractions. The pleasure comes from the changing coast and the contrast between ancient stonework and bright sea. You can spend part of the journey on a sunbed, then move to the rail when the boat approaches a ruin or cove.

This rhythm works well for mixed groups. One person can swim, another can photograph the coast, and someone else can stay shaded with a book. It also means the day does not feel like a chain of formal guided tours.

The boat’s condition receives strong praise, as do its clean facilities. One especially useful detail is that the onboard toilet has been described as very clean. That matters on an eight-hour outing.

Simena Castle and Kaleköy Harbour

The stop at Simena, also called Kaleköy, gives the day its best land-based history. The village sits beside the water, with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, flowers, waterfront cafes, and views across Kekova.

Above it, Simena Castle rises on a hill. The fortress dates from the Byzantine period and provides broad views over the coast. Nearby, you may also see Lycian tombs and the remains of the ancient settlement.

You have about an hour around the castle and harbour. That is enough for a quick walk, an ice cream, photographs, and a look at the waterfront. It may not be enough for a leisurely meal, a full climb, and careful exploration of every ruin.

Plan your hour before stepping ashore. If the castle view matters most, head uphill first. If you prefer a slower visit, stay near the harbour and enjoy the setting. The climb can be more demanding than the rest of the day, particularly in strong sun, and the castle admission is not included in the tour price.

This is the stop where the cruise feels most connected to daily life. You are not only looking at old stones from a boat. You are walking through a small coastal village where cafes, boats, and ancient remains share the same narrow space.

Üçağız and the quieter side of Kekova

Üçağız is described as a peaceful coastal village beside Kekova Bay. It has a waterfront lined with fishing boats and colorful houses, along with traces of the ancient Lycian settlement of Teimiussa.

The tour information presents Üçağız as part of the wider setting rather than a timed stop with a separate admission ticket. If your boat begins there instead of Kas, you may see more of the village before departure, but do not assume that every departure includes a long walking visit.

Üçağız is useful context for the day. It shows that Kekova is not only a collection of ruins and swimming coves. It is also a working coastal area with small communities, boats, and old sites woven into everyday surroundings.

Tersane Bay, the old shipyard

Tersane Bay is a 45-minute swimming stop with a historical name. Tersane means shipyard, and the bay is associated with the construction of ancient ships.

The cove is surrounded by rocky slopes and green growth, with calm water suited to swimming and snorkeling. Simena Castle can be seen from parts of the bay, adding a striking viewpoint to the stop.

This is one of the better places to slow down. You can swim, sit on deck, or look back toward the castle and coast. The tour does not promise a formal visit to an ancient shipyard, so treat the history as a layer of context rather than a separate ruin site.

Camlik Bay and the final swim

Camlik Bay is the last swimming stop and lasts about 45 minutes. Pine trees and quiet water give it a more restful feel, which is welcome after several hours in the sun.

A final swim stop is a thoughtful touch. You are not forced to finish the day with a rushed return to port. You can take one more swim, dry off, and settle in for the ride back.

If you have already had enough swimming, this is a good time to stay on deck with a drink. Basic drinks are extra, and onboard water, soda, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

Lunch, afternoon tea, and onboard comfort

Lunch is included and is one of the tour’s strongest practical features. The meal is generally described as plentiful, with chicken or fish, salads, and fruit such as watermelon. Some departures prepare or grill the chicken onboard, adding a pleasant touch to the midday meal.

The food is served on proper plates and with cutlery, rather than as a hurried snack. That makes a difference when you are spending a full day at sea. Vegetarian food is available, but you need to request it when booking.

Afternoon tea is also included. The exact selection is not specified, but it is served later in the day, often with fruit. Drinks beyond the included service cost extra, although prices are described as reasonable and payment by card may be possible.

Bring a towel. Pack sunscreen, a swimsuit, sunglasses, and a dry bag for phones or cameras. Water shoes can help at rocky swim entries, and a light cover-up is useful after swimming.

Seating, crew, and the group atmosphere

The biggest practical complaint concerns seating. Some people have been assigned downstairs indoors without realizing that upper-deck seating would not be guaranteed. Others have enjoyed plenty of room and sunbeds on the top deck.

If you care about sitting outside, ask exactly how seating works before paying. Book early, arrive in good time, and do not assume that a large boat means every seat has the same view. A covered top-deck lounger is especially desirable in hot weather.

Most of the crew praise centers on friendliness and effort. Captain Ergun is singled out for his warm manner, explanations, and creative drone footage. On some departures, he has offered a short aerial video when passengers help collect litter from the sea, a fun extra rather than a guaranteed part of the tour.

The experience is not perfectly uniform. One serious complaint describes a late departure, weak communication, and a captain who handled a few safety and timing problems poorly. That account appears to concern a specific boat and crew, but it is a reminder to pay attention to instructions and speak up clearly if you need help.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly for you if you want:

• A full day of swimming without arranging several separate trips
• A simple way to see the Sunken City from the water
• A visit to Simena and its castle
• Lunch included in the day’s price
• A social group-boat atmosphere with room to sunbathe

Families can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is near public transport, and most people can take part. The day involves boarding a boat, walking around a village, and possibly climbing toward the castle, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator for current details.

It is less ideal for you if you want a private boat, a long archaeological explanation at every stop, guaranteed upper-deck seating, or drinks included in the price. The castle visit is brief, and the Sunken City is viewed from the boat rather than explored underwater.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 441 reviews, with 97 percent recommending it. Those figures fit the main pattern: excellent swimming, good food, clean boats, and friendly crews are the usual strengths, while seating and occasional crew issues are the main risks.

Should you book the Kas to Kekova tour?

Yes, if you have one full day in Kas and want the coast, swimming, and history in one package. The four swim stops provide real value, while lunch and afternoon tea keep extra costs under control.

Before booking, confirm the exact departure point, ask about upper-deck seating, and request a vegetarian meal if needed. If you do those three things, this is a well-priced introduction to Kekova, Simena, and the Sunken City, with enough free time to make the day feel like a holiday rather than a checklist.

FAQ

How long is the Kas Kekova boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours and begins at 9:30 a.m. It ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included on the boat tour?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included, with chicken or fish and salads commonly served. A vegetarian option is available if requested when booking.

Are drinks included in the tour price?

No. Water, soda, tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks are available to buy onboard. Afternoon tea is included.

How many swimming stops are included?

The route includes swimming time at Inönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, and Camlik Bay. Each listed swimming stop lasts about 45 minutes.

Can I visit Simena Castle?

Yes. The tour includes time at Simena, also called Kaleköy, where you can visit the castle area and harbour. Castle admission is not included in the tour price.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to the meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded or accepted. Weather or minimum-booking cancellations may result in a different date or a full refund.