From Demre: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat

The real appeal here is simple: you spend a full day moving through Kekova’s clear bays by boat, with the chance to see ancient ruins, swim several times, and look for sea turtles. The Sunken City of Simena is the headline sight, but the sea and coast are the main event.

I like the generous mix of stops, especially Burç Bay’s cool spring-fed water and the chance to climb toward Simena Castle. I also like that lunch is included and that the boat returns to Andriake Harbour after roughly seven hours. The main drawback is that this is more of a swimming cruise than a serious history tour, and the short stop at Simena may leave you rushing uphill.

Key points at a glance

• Sunken ruins viewed from the boat: Swimming is forbidden around the protected remains of ancient Dolchiste, so you see them from the water.
• One hour at Simena Castle: You can walk uphill to the castle and necropolis, browse the small village, or swim from the port.
• Several swimming stops: Burç, Gökkaya, and Esmeralda Bay provide most of the day’s activity.
• Lunch included: The meal is served during the coastal cruise, with excellent fish reported on some departures.
• Karemlik Bay turtle search: You may see sea turtles, but the wildlife stop raises important questions about feeding and touching animals.
• Good value at $58: The price covers the boat, lunch, and a long day on the water, but not admission or water sports.

What kind of day is this?

This trip leaves Andriake Harbour in the morning, generally between 10:20 and 10:30, and finishes back at the same harbor after about seven hours. That timing gives you plenty of daylight for the coastal scenery and keeps the day focused on the water.

I would describe it as a boat-and-swimming day with historic sights, not as a traditional sightseeing tour. You will see important ancient remains, but much of the day is spent anchored in small bays for swims of roughly 40 to 45 minutes.

That distinction matters. If you want a long guided explanation of Kekova’s past, you may find the commentary brief. If you want calm water, open views, a plate of local food, and repeated chances to swim, the format makes good sense.

The language support is English and Turkish. No guide names are provided, and the tour information describes short guidance rather than a long historical lecture. Bring questions if you want more context about the ruins.

Leaving Andriake Harbour for Kekova

You need to make your way to Andriake Harbour before departure. The boat then heads toward Kekova Island, with views of the coast and open water along the route.

The first important sight is the Sunken City, the remains of ancient Dolchiste. An earthquake in the second century flooded part of the settlement, leaving walls and other ruins below the waterline. The protected area cannot be entered for swimming, so the boat cruises beside it instead.

Keep your expectations sensible. From a moving boat, and without getting into the water, the ruins can be hard to see in detail. The attraction is the unusual setting: ancient stone remains slipping below the sea, backed by the steep coast and bright water.

This is a good place for photographs, especially if you sit where you have an open view over the side. It is not the right setting for close archaeological study. The guide’s explanation may also be fairly short, so read up on Dolchiste before you go if the ancient city is your main reason for booking.

One hour at Simena Castle

The boat anchors at Kaleköy, ancient Simena, for about an hour. This is your main chance to step ashore and see more than the coast from deck level.

Simena is a small, authentic village with castle ruins and a necropolis on the slope above the port. The climb gives you broad views across the Kekova area, and the castle is the best stop for combining history with scenery.

The catch is time. An hour sounds reasonable, but that period includes getting off the boat, finding the path, walking uphill, looking around, and returning to the port. The climb is described as roughly 35 meters up and down, and the route is not suitable for people with limited mobility.

I would go directly uphill if you want the castle and tombs. Do not spend too long browsing before you start. The walk is more valuable than a leisurely village stop because it gives you the clearest views of the coast.

If swimming matters more to you, stay near the port and use the remaining time for a dip in the blue water. That is a perfectly good choice, but you cannot do both the swim and a careful visit to every ruin in one hour.

Lunch and a swim at Esmeralda Bay

Esmeralda Bay provides a quieter break for lunch and swimming. The boat pauses in the bay so you can eat, rest, and get back into the water without the pressure of an active sightseeing stop.

Lunch is included in the $58 price, which helps the value. One French booking described an excellent fish meal served in a small port, while another Spanish booking praised the generous portion and good food. The exact dish may vary, but local fish is part of the experience described for some departures.

Do not expect the meal to turn this into a food tour. Lunch is useful because it keeps you on the boat and avoids arranging a separate meal during a day with several stops. You should still bring water and any snacks you personally need, since only lunch is listed as included.

The bay is also a good place to slow down. After the castle walk and the first part of the cruise, you can simply swim or sit in the shade if the boat provides it. One practical complaint is that some departures may feel crowded, with more children and limited space to stretch out. A smaller group of about 10 to 25 people has been reported on some trips, but group size is not guaranteed in the supplied details.

Cool water at Burç Bay

Burç Bay follows lunch with about 40 minutes for swimming. The water here can feel cooler because of natural underwater springs.

That cooler water is part of the appeal on a hot summer day. It also means you may want to ease in rather than leap straight overboard. The stop is long enough for a proper swim, but not long enough to treat it as a beach afternoon.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Comfortable shoes matter for Simena Castle, while water shoes may help if you dislike rocky entries, though they are not listed as required equipment.

Snorkeling is possible at several stops, but snorkeling gear is not included. One person specifically noted that there was no equipment on board. If you want to look below the surface, ask ahead about bringing your own mask and snorkel or renting equipment separately.

Gökkaya Bay and the Pirate’s Cave

Gökkaya Bay adds another swimming stop, listed at about 45 minutes. You can swim, take photographs, and use optional water sports if available. Water sports cost extra, so do not assume they are part of the $58 fare.

The bay is also a chance to see the coast from a different angle. The repeated stops may feel relaxing to one person and repetitive to another. The route has several pauses of roughly 40 to 60 minutes, so you should book this trip only if you enjoy settling into the water rather than checking off many sights.

The naturally formed Pirate’s Cave is known for its large size and curved entrance. The boat brings you close for a look, but the supplied details do not promise that you enter the cave. Treat it as a brief scenic stop, not a cave expedition.

The published stop order places lunch, swimming, and snorkeling around this part of the route, while the broader tour description places lunch at Esmeralda Bay. The exact sequence may change, but the useful point is clear: lunch and swimming are built into the middle of the day, and Pirate’s Cave is viewed from or near the boat.

Karemlik Bay and the turtle question

Karemlik Bay is the final wildlife-focused stop. Five of the world’s eight sea turtle types can be found in the Mediterranean, and the bay offers a chance to look for them in their natural setting.

Seeing a turtle in open water can be one of the most memorable parts of the day. A Dutch booking also described a fun mud bath in the turtle area, although that activity is not clearly listed as a standard feature, so you should not count on it.

There is an important ethical warning here. One account described turtles being fed to attract them and people entering the water to touch them. That is not respectful wildlife viewing, and feeding or handling wild turtles can alter their behavior and put them at risk.

If turtles appear, keep your distance, do not touch them, and do not throw food into the water. Also keep cigarettes and rubbish away from the sea. If the crew encourages contact or feeding, you can choose not to take part and politely ask for a more careful approach.

This is the one part of the trip where the operator’s choices matter most. The chance to see turtles is valuable only if the animals are treated properly.

How much value do you get for $58?

At $58 per person, this is a fair price for a seven-hour boat day with lunch and several swimming stops. You are paying for time on the water, fuel, crew, food, and access to a full coastal route rather than a short harbor cruise.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip and lunch. You also get the chance to see Kekova, Simena, several bays, the cave, and possible sea turtles in one day.

The price does not include admission fees, water sports, or personal expenses. The castle stop is described as a self-guided visit, so check whether any entry charge applies before you go. The claim of skipping the ticket line does not mean every admission cost is covered.

I would compare this with your priorities. For swimming, lunch, and scenery, the price is attractive. For archaeological detail, the value is weaker because the Sunken City is viewed from the boat and Simena allows only about an hour ashore.

Who will enjoy this boat trip?

You are likely to enjoy it if you:

• Want several swims in clear coastal water
• Like a relaxed day at sea more than a museum-style tour
• Enjoy short walks and scenic views
• Are happy to see ruins from a boat
• Want lunch included in the price
• Like the possibility of spotting sea turtles

Families may enjoy the water stops, but the boat can feel crowded and seating may be limited. Children should also be supervised around the water and at the castle climb.

This is not a good fit if you have limited mobility. Simena requires uphill walking, and boarding, swimming stops, and moving around a boat can be difficult. The activity is specifically not recommended for people with mobility impairments.

It may also disappoint you if you expect a long visit to the castle or a detailed lecture on ancient Kekova. The English guidance is available, but the information may be brief.

What to bring and what to expect on board

Wear a swimsuit beneath comfortable clothing and bring comfortable shoes for the village and castle. A sun hat and sunglasses are essential for a long day on open water.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment if that matters to you. It is not included, and equipment may not be available on the boat. You should also bring a towel, although towels are not listed among the included items.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and pets are not permitted. Personal expenses, entry fees, and water sports are extra.

The boat is the main base for most of the day, so seating matters. Some departures have limited places to lie down or sit, especially when many children are aboard. Arrive ready for a social boat ride rather than a quiet private charter.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Those policies are useful if your plans around Demre are still moving.

Should you book the Kekova day trip?

Book it if your ideal day means swimming through a string of beautiful bays, eating lunch on the coast, and seeing Kekova’s ancient remains along the way. The boat route covers a lot, and $58 is reasonable for seven hours with lunch included.

Think twice if Simena Castle is your main goal. You may have to choose between climbing to the ruins and swimming, and the Sunken City is best understood as a scenic view from the boat rather than a close archaeological visit.

I would also ask about the group size, snorkeling equipment, lunch location, and turtle-viewing practices before paying. Choose this experience for the water, the coast, and the chance of wildlife. Treat the historic sights as an added layer, not the whole purpose of the day.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start and finish?

The trip starts at Andriake Harbour and returns to Andriake Harbour after about seven hours.

What time does the boat leave?

Departure is scheduled in the morning, between 10:20 and 10:30 a.m. Check the available starting time when booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the activity price. Personal expenses and drinks beyond what is provided are not specified as included.

Can I swim at the Sunken City?

No. The Sunken City is a protected area, so swimming is not permitted there. You view the ruins from the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No snorkeling equipment is listed as included. Water sports also cost extra, so bring your own gear if you want to snorkel.

Is the trip suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The activity is not recommended for people with mobility impairments, partly because the Simena Castle stop involves an uphill walk and the boat includes several boarding and swimming stops.