Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

The best part of this Kekova boat tour is the balance: you get several long swim stops, a generous lunch on deck, and a short but worthwhile visit to Simena Castle. The Sunken City is viewed from the boat, while the clear water and quiet coves provide most of the day’s relaxation.

I especially like the clean, spacious boat and the thoughtful extras, including watermelon, tea, pool noodles, and free drone footage from Captain Ergun when conditions allow. The main drawback is that the historical commentary can be light, and the one-hour stop at Simena may feel rushed if you want both the castle and the village.

Key points to know before booking

• Several swim stops: You get time at Inönü Bay, Karakol Islands, Tersane Bay, and Üzüm İskelesi, not just one quick dip.
• Lunch is a real part of the day: Expect a filling onboard meal, often with fish, chicken, or köfte and several side dishes.
• The Sunken City is a boat viewing: You pass over the protected ruins rather than walk through them.
• Simena takes effort: The castle sits above Kaleköy, so reaching the best views means walking uphill on uneven steps.
• Bring your own snorkel gear: Life jackets and pool noodles are available, but snorkeling equipment is not normally included.
• Captain Ergun adds personal touches: Free drone clips, and sometimes Polaroid photos, have become memorable extras on this boat.

Why this full day on Kekova works so well

Kekova is one of those places where the sea is not just a way to reach the sights. It is the main event. The coast around the island is cut with small bays, pale ruins, pine-covered slopes, and water clear enough to make a swim feel like a proper stop on the sightseeing schedule.

This tour leaves from Kaş and runs for about eight hours. That sounds long, but the day is broken into short sailing periods and stops of roughly 45 minutes to an hour. You are not trapped in one place for the whole afternoon. Instead, the boat keeps changing the view, the swimming spot, and the pace.

The boat itself matters here. A well-kept vessel with broad decks, loungers, bathrooms, showers, and room to move makes a long day much easier. Several departures have been praised for clean facilities and comfortable seating, though the boat may not always be exactly the same one shown in promotional material. If that matters to you, confirm the vessel before departure.

Starting near the Kaş harbor

You meet 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 allow a few minutes to collect your ticket and follow the staff to the vessel.

Parking in central Kaş can be difficult. The marina is reported to be easier, especially early in the morning, though paid parking may apply. Bring your passport or identity card and wear swimwear under your clothes. A light sweater or spare towel is useful for the ride back, when wind across the water can make the deck feel cool even after a warm afternoon.

The tour is offered in English and Turkish. Captain Ergun is the name most closely associated with the boat, and his crew handles the meals, drinks, safety instructions, and deck service. The atmosphere is friendly and social rather than quiet and private. If you want a peaceful seat, arrive prepared to choose quickly when boarding.

Inönü Bay begins the swimming day

After about 45 minutes on the water, the boat reaches Inönü Bay. This is an early chance to swim, snorkel, look for marine life, and settle into the rhythm of the day.

The stop lasts around 50 minutes, which is long enough to swim without feeling hurried. Life jackets and pool noodles are available, so you do not need to be a confident swimmer to enjoy the water. Snorkeling gear is a different matter. It is not included, so bring your own mask and snorkel or plan to purchase equipment onboard.

Lunch may be served around this part of the route or during the broader mid-day schedule, depending on the captain and timing. The meal is often described as generous, with fish, chicken, or köfte, salads, vegetables, and other sides. Drinks are extra, and outside drinks are generally not allowed on the boat, so check the onboard prices before ordering.

Karakol Islands combines food and scenery

The next major stop is Karakol Islands, where the boat pauses for about an hour. This is a scenic section of the trip, with time for another swim and a barbecue-style meal or regional food served onboard.

The food is one of the strongest parts of this excursion. You are not getting a token sandwich between activities. The meal is designed to fill you up after swimming, and watermelon later in the day is a welcome touch. Tea is also served, often near the end of the trip.

You can eat on deck, then return to your lounger or swim again. The upper deck is a good choice if you want sun and broad views, while a lower or shaded area may suit you better in the hottest months. The boat has a convivial feel, so this is not the setting for a private, silent lunch. It works best if you enjoy a shared day with a steady flow of people moving between the water, tables, and deck chairs.

Seeing the Kekova Sunken City from the boat

The Sunken City is the historical centerpiece of the route. The ruins lie along Kekova Island, where earthquakes caused parts of ancient settlements to slide into the sea. The boat moves slowly past the protected area, allowing you to see stone walls, submerged structures, and traces of buildings beneath and beside the water.

You do not get out and walk around the Sunken City. The viewing is from the boat, and swimming directly among the ruins is not the point. That distinction matters. If you expect an underwater archaeological visit, you may be disappointed. If you see it as a scenic passage over an unusual coastal ruin, it becomes a fascinating part of the day.

The historical explanation can vary. Captain Ergun and the guides provide information, but some English-speaking passengers have found the commentary hard to hear or lighter than expected. I would treat the narration as useful background, not a full archaeology lesson. Read a little about Kekova before you go if the ancient sites are your main reason for booking.

One hour at Simena Castle and Kaleköy

The boat then reaches the small village of Kaleköy, also known as Simena, for about an hour. This is your chance to leave the boat, walk through the narrow streets, and climb toward Simena Castle.

The walk is uphill, with uneven steps and exposed sections. The reward is the view across the island, coves, and scattered ruins. The castle is not a polished museum complex. It is a weathered archaeological site, and that raw quality is part of its appeal.

An hour is enough to climb to the castle, take in the view, and return if you keep moving. It may not be enough for a leisurely castle visit, a slow village walk, shopping, and ice cream. The famous peach ice cream in Kaleköy is worth seeking out, but you need to watch the time carefully.

Castle admission is not included. Carry cash, since at least one visitor was caught short with only a card. The narrow village streets and climb also mean that this stop is less suitable for anyone with serious mobility limits, even though the boat itself is wheelchair accessible.

Tersane Bay offers another clear-water pause

After Simena, the boat returns to the water and reaches Tersane Koyu, or Shipyard Bay, for roughly 45 minutes. The bay has ancient associations with shipbuilding and offers another chance to swim and snorkel.

This stop shows why the tour is more than a transfer to the castle. You are given time to rinse off in the sea, stretch out on the deck, and enjoy the coast without an announcement every five minutes. The water is generally the star here, with rocky edges and clear views below the surface.

The boat provides showers for rinsing off after swimming. That small facility makes a difference on an eight-hour outing, especially if you plan to sit on the upper deck afterward. Bring a towel, sun protection, and a dry layer for the later ride.

Üzüm İskelesi closes the route gently

Üzüm İskelesi is another 50-minute stop, with swimming, snorkeling, scenic views, and tea. By this point, the pace slows naturally. You have already seen the main archaeological sights, eaten lunch, and used up much of your swimming energy.

The tea service is a welcome Turkish touch rather than a major attraction. It gives the final stretch a relaxed feel before the boat begins the return journey to Kaş. If you still have energy, this is another chance to get into the water. If not, stay on deck and watch the coast pass by.

The sailing periods between stops last around 20 to 45 minutes. That gives you time to dry off, take photos, order a drink, and listen to the guide without making the day feel like a constant rush.

Food, drinks, and the real value of the $94 price

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Kekova. You are paying for a full day on a maintained boat, several swimming locations, a meal, crew service, and the convenience of combining the Sunken City and Simena in one outing.

The value improves if you would otherwise book separate transport, a meal, and a shorter boat trip. Lunch is included and has been consistently described as filling and well prepared. Watermelon and tea are also included, while drinks and cocktails cost extra. Some onboard prices have been considered reasonable compared with Kaş, but you should still bring enough money for beverages and castle admission.

Free drone footage is an unusual bonus. Captain Ergun has offered short clips of passengers swimming or standing at the front of the boat, sometimes sending them to phones before disembarkation. It is not guaranteed in every circumstance, but it adds a personal memory without an extra charge. Polaroid photos have also been available on some departures.

The boat can feel busy. One large departure carried roughly 94 people, though the layout and spacious decks helped keep it comfortable. If you want a small private cruise, this is not the right product. If you are happy with a well-run shared boat and multiple stops, the price is easier to justify.

What to bring and what to watch for

Pack lightly, but bring the right things:

• Passport or identity card
• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Dry clothes or a light warm layer
• Your own mask and snorkel
• Cash for Simena Castle and possible village purchases
• Phone protection for time on the water

Pets, alcohol, drugs, and outside drinks are not allowed. People with heart problems, epilepsy, or other pre-existing medical conditions should check with a medical professional before booking.

The boat has life jackets and pool noodles, but you remain responsible for judging your comfort in the water. Listen to the crew’s safety instructions, especially around the protected Sunken City area and when boarding from the water.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The meeting office is near the harbor, but the vessel itself may be a short walk away. These are minor details, yet knowing them prevents a rushed start.

Who should book this Kekova boat tour

I would choose this tour if you want a full day of swimming with history mixed in, rather than a short sightseeing cruise. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors who enjoy a social boat, and anyone who wants a simple way to see several bays from Kaş.

It is especially good for people who like variety. You can swim at four different areas, eat lunch without leaving the boat, visit a medieval castle, and see submerged ruins in a single day.

I would think twice if your priority is detailed archaeology. The Sunken City is viewed from above the water, and the English explanations may not satisfy someone looking for a long, specialist talk. I would also hesitate if you dislike shared boats, uphill walking, or extra charges for drinks and castle entry.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if clear water, repeated swim stops, a comfortable boat, and a generous lunch sound better than spending the day on land. The best parts are the well-spaced bays, the clean vessel, the attentive crew, and the chance to climb above Kaleköy for one of Turkey’s finest coastal views.

Go with realistic expectations about the history. You will see remarkable places, but the experience is primarily a relaxed day at sea with archaeological stops, not a formal guided study tour. Bring snorkeling gear, cash, a warm layer, and an appetite, and the $94 price offers solid value for a complete day around Kekova.

FAQ

How long does the Kekova boat tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including sailing time, swimming stops, the Sunken City passage, and the visit to Simena Castle.

Where is the meeting point in Kaş?

You meet at the Larsoy Travel & Tourism office near the harbor, opposite the mosque.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served onboard. The meal may include fish, chicken, or köfte with several side dishes.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included. Outside drinks are also not allowed, so you can purchase beverages onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel or ask about purchasing equipment on the boat.

Can I swim if I am not a strong swimmer?

Life jackets and pool noodles are available, allowing less confident swimmers to enter the water with added support. Follow the crew’s safety instructions.

Is the entrance fee for Simena Castle included?

No. The castle fee is not included, so bring cash for admission.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Simena Castle itself involves an uphill walk and uneven steps, so the castle visit may not suit every passenger.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.