Kalkan: Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip

Kekova’s sunken city is the star here, but you see it from the boat, not by swimming among the ruins. The day also gives you six different bays, Roman, Byzantine, and Lycian remains, and a generous barbecue lunch. I especially like the frequent swimming stops and the hour at Simena, where you can choose between a castle climb and homemade ice cream.

I also like that the $80 price includes transport from Kalkan or Kaş, the boat, lunch, and a guide. The main catch is that the boat may be older, and several boats can gather at the same coves in high season. Also, do not expect a glass-bottom boat on every departure, despite older descriptions of the trip.

Key points at a glance

• Sunken city views from the boat: See the partially submerged ruins of Kekova without stepping into the protected area.
• Six bays and repeated swim stops: Tersane Bay, Gökkaya Bay, Burç Bay, and other coves provide plenty of time in the water.
• Simena gives you a real choice: Walk to the castle for broad views or stay in the village for homemade goat-milk ice cream.
• Lunch is a major strength: The open buffet barbecue is included and has been praised for generous portions and good flavor.
• Transport is included: Pickup and return are provided from hotels in Kalkan, Kaş, or Patara.
• Plan for a busy summer sea: Other boats may stop at the same bays, especially in July and August.

From Kalkan to Üçağız: an early start to a long sea day

Your day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Kalkan, Kaş, or Patara. The drive to Üçağız Village takes about an hour, and the transfer is shared rather than private on many departures. The vans are generally comfortable, though the return vehicle may feel tighter than the morning one.

That road transfer matters because Kalkan is not the boat departure point. Üçağız is the gateway to Kekova, and once you arrive, you trade the van for a full day on the water. The total activity lasts about nine hours, with roughly eight hours devoted to the boat cruise and the remaining time used for transfers.

Communication is one of the practical strengths. Confirmation and questions are handled through WhatsApp, and pickup has been reported as prompt. Still, I would keep your phone nearby on the morning of the trip so you can catch any pickup message or timing update.

The boat itself may be a little dated, but it should give you room to spread out. This is not a private yacht outing. You are booking a social day on a traditional excursion boat, with a crew, guide, and other people sharing the deck and swim stops.

Tersane Bay: your first swim beside ancient ruins

The boat heads into the Kekova area for about an hour before reaching Tersane Bay. This is your first chance to swim, and it sets the tone for the day: warm sun, clear water, a long pause, and no need to rush back aboard after a quick photo.

Tersane is also tied to the ancient Lycian and Byzantine remains scattered around the coast. You can look toward the ruins from the boat while swimming or relaxing on deck. Bring a snorkel if you have one, but keep your expectations sensible. The water is wonderfully clear, yet the trip is not primarily a reef or fish-viewing excursion. The main appeal is the color of the water, the rocky coves, and the old stone remains along the shore.

Buoyancy aids are available, which is useful for children and anyone who likes extra support in open water. Families with young children have enjoyed the day, but you should still be comfortable supervising them around boat ladders and deep water. The information provided does not promise a shallow beach at every stop.

The Kekova sunken city: what you really see

Kekova’s sunken city is the most unusual part of the route. Sections of an ancient settlement slipped below the water after earthquakes, leaving submerged walls, stone foundations, and other traces visible beneath the surface and along the shoreline.

Your boat passes the ruins slowly enough for you to look from the deck and take photographs. You do not get to swim through the remains or walk among them. The area is protected, and stopping directly beside the ruins may not be allowed.

This distinction is important when you compare boat trips. Some descriptions have referred to a glass-bottom boat, but departures have not always included one. Several recent trips used ordinary boats, so you should expect to view the sunken city from above the water rather than through a glass floor.

Wind can also change the order of the day. On a windy outing, the captain and guide may rearrange the stops. That is not necessarily a problem, but it means the exact sequence is less fixed than the printed schedule suggests.

Gökkaya Bay: lunch, swimming, and a useful midday pause

Gökkaya Bay is the main food stop. You receive an open buffet lunch with barbecue dishes and a selection of sides. The meal has been one of the most praised parts of the experience, with enough food for generous portions and, on some departures, enough for a second plate.

Lunch is included in the $80 price, which helps the trip’s value. Drinks are not included, but water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and other refreshments can be bought on the boat. Prices have been described as reasonable, though you should still bring some Turkish lira or a payment method accepted by the crew.

You also get another swim at Gökkaya. This is a good rhythm for a full-day cruise: swim, eat, rest, then swim again. If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain on deck and enjoy the bay from the shade or open seating, depending on the boat.

The shared lunch is part of the social feel. You are not dining at a quiet waterfront restaurant. You are eating aboard a busy excursion boat, often with people moving between the buffet, tables, and swimming ladder. That works well if you enjoy an easygoing group atmosphere.

Pirate Cave and Burç Bay: short scenic stops between swims

After lunch, the route continues toward the pirate cave and Burç Bay. The cave adds a small sense of adventure to the middle of the day, while Burç Bay provides another chance to swim and enjoy the clear water.

These stops are less about long archaeological visits and more about seeing the coast from the sea. You should not expect a guided cave expedition or a lengthy walk ashore. The boat takes you close enough to appreciate the formations, then the day continues through the coves.

The schedule includes several swimming breaks, with five swims reported on some departures. That is excellent if you want a relaxed day on the water, but less ideal if your main goal is to spend hours walking through ruins. Pack for both conditions: swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a dry layer for the ride back.

A snorkel is worth bringing if you own one. The water is clear, but the available information suggests limited fish life rather than a major snorkeling scene. Think of snorkeling as an optional extra, not the central purpose of the cruise.

Simena: castle views or goat-milk ice cream

Simena, also called Kaleköy, is the most rewarding land stop. You have about an hour to choose how to use it, and this is where the day feels less like a standard swim cruise.

The castle sits above the village and gives you broad views across Kekova. The walk up is worth considering if you can manage uneven ground and an uphill route. You will need to spend much of the available hour on your feet, but the high viewpoint helps explain the shape of the coast and the scattered ruins below.

If you would rather keep the stop easy, stay in the village. Small cafes serve homemade ice cream, including a distinctive goat-milk version. It is a local treat and one of the most memorable details of the day. The ice cream stop is especially useful for anyone who does not want another climb after hours on a boat.

You probably cannot do everything at Simena in one short visit. A castle walk, village stroll, cafe stop, and unhurried ice cream all compete for the same hour. Decide before you arrive. If the view matters most, head uphill first. If you have children or want a gentler break, stay near the village cafes.

The final swim near Üçağız and the ride home

Before returning to Üçağız, the boat makes one last swim stop. By this point, you will have had plenty of water time, so the final pause works well as a last chance to cool off or simply sit on deck.

The boat then returns to the village, where your shared vehicle takes you back to Kalkan or Kaş. The return drive completes a long day, so do not schedule a demanding evening activity afterward. The tour begins with a transfer, includes a full boat cruise, and ends with another drive.

The crew has generally been warm and helpful, and guides provide historical information without turning the day into a lecture. Mehmet has guided some departures and has been praised for giving useful background in clear English. Guide quality can vary by departure, but Turkish and English are the listed languages.

Is the $80 price good value?

At $80 per person, this is a strong package if you want a full day rather than a short coastal outing. You receive round-trip transport, the boat trip, lunch, and guidance. The route includes several swim stops, the sunken city, Simena, the pirate cave, and views of ancient remains across the Kekova area.

The value is strongest for visitors staying in Kalkan or Kaş who would otherwise need to arrange their own transport to Üçağız. It is also a good fit for families, since the day combines history with swimming and does not require constant walking.

The price does not cover drinks or entrance fees. Bring money for refreshments and check the castle arrangements before you go if entering the site is important to you. The activity information confirms that entrance fees are separate but does not state a fixed amount.

The weaker points are comfort and crowding. The boat may look older than you expect, and popular bays can feel busy when several boats arrive together. If you want silence, privacy, or a luxury vessel, this is not the right product. If you want a friendly, active day with a generous lunch and plenty of time in the sea, the price makes sense.

What to pack for the Kekova boat day

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. A snorkel is worth packing if you have one, though the clear water is a bigger attraction than abundant marine life.

You should also carry a small amount of money for drinks and ice cream. Keep valuables in a dry bag if you bring them, especially during swim stops. The boat trip includes time in the water, and phone protection matters if you want photos of the coast.

Wear shoes that are secure enough for the Simena walk. The castle route is uphill and may not suit everyone. If you plan to remain in the village, comfortable sandals should be enough, but avoid assuming the whole day is spent on a flat deck.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want a mix of history, swimming, food, and scenery in one day. Families have found the format manageable, particularly because the stops break up the long cruise and buoyancy aids are available.

It also suits couples and small groups who want to see Kekova without arranging transport, boat hire, lunch, and a guide separately. The social setting makes it easy to chat with other people, but you can still find quiet moments while the boat is underway.

I would hesitate if you need a private boat, guaranteed glass-bottom viewing, serious snorkeling, or a slow archaeological tour. The sunken city is viewed from the boat, and the day puts equal weight on swimming and relaxing.

Should you book the Kalkan Kekova boat trip?

Book it if you want an active but easy full-day outing from Kalkan or Kaş. The combination of clear water, repeated swim breaks, a very well-liked buffet lunch, and an hour at Simena gives you more variety than a simple beach cruise.

Before booking, accept three facts: the transfer is shared, the boat may be older, and summer bays can be crowded. Also confirm that you understand the sunken city is viewed from the boat, not through a guaranteed glass bottom.

For most people seeking good value, this is a sound choice. Pack a snorkel, save room for the goat-milk ice cream, and decide in advance if you want the Simena castle walk or a relaxed village stop.

FAQ

Where does the tour pick me up?

Pickup is available from hotels in Kalkan, Kaş, or Patara. The included transfer takes you to Üçağız Village, where the boat trip begins.

How long does the whole experience last?

The activity lasts about nine hours. The boat cruise itself is listed as about eight hours, with the remaining time used for transport between your accommodation and Üçağız.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An open buffet lunch is included, with barbecue food and accompanying dishes.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included in the listed price. You can buy refreshments on the boat.

Can I swim near the sunken city?

The sunken city is viewed from the boat. You should not expect to swim among the protected ruins.

Is the boat glass-bottomed?

A glass-bottom boat is not guaranteed. Some descriptions have referred to one, but departures have used ordinary boats, so plan to view the ruins from above the water.

Can I visit Simena Castle?

Yes. At Simena, you can choose to walk up to the castle for views over the bay or remain in the village and visit a cafe for homemade ice cream. Any entrance fee is separate.

What languages are available?

Guidance is available in Turkish and English. Mehmet has guided some departures, but the specific guide may vary.