From Demre: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat

Kekova is at its best on a boat. You get a full day on the Mediterranean with repeated swim breaks and big-picture views of Kekova’s famous coast. I especially like how the schedule mixes classic sights with real water time, not just a sightseeing crawl.

Two things I like a lot: first, the Sunken City (Dolchiste) cruise lets you see the flooded ruins while staying respectful of the protected zone. Second, the day is built around water, from calm bays for floating to spots with natural refreshment and room to swim for real.

One consideration: there’s no swimming at the protected Sunken City ruins area, so your water time comes at the other bays instead. Also, your shore time at Simena is limited to about an hour, so if you want a long hike, plan to keep expectations realistic.

Key things to know before you go

• A true swim schedule, with multiple bays and a long stretch at Gökkaya Bay
• Sunken City views from the boat, including Dolchiste underwater ruins from 2nd-century earthquake fallout
• Simena Castle time at Kaleköy port, with an uphill walk for views and a small entrance fee
• Turtle-spotting chance at Karemlik Bay, where you can look for turtles in their natural habitat
• Lunch included, with staff support for food and snacks during the cruise

Demre to Kekova by boat: why this day trip feels made for summer

This is the kind of outing that matches the coastline perfectly. The whole idea is simple: you leave Demre, spend about 7 hours on the water, and use that time for both sightseeing and swimming. In summer, that balance is the difference between a trip that feels like a checklist and one that feels like a day.

You also get the practical advantage of a boat route. You do not have to coordinate multiple local transfers to reach the best parts of Kekova’s bays. Instead, the water moves you along a stretch of shoreline that would take much longer any other way.

And yes, the timing matters. The cruise window starts in the morning, with departure between 10:00 and 10:30, so you get daylight for photos and enough time for several swim stops without the day feeling rushed.

Getting started at Andriake Harbour and leaving by Demre Harbour

Your tour starts at Andriake Harbour, and the boat leaves for the main trip from Demre Harbour between 10:00 and 10:30. Your start time is listed as 10:30 am, so arrive a bit early and give yourself a cushion. This is especially helpful in warm weather, when small delays can feel bigger.

The ticketing is straightforward. You get a mobile ticket, and the tour runs in English. Group size tops out at 55 travelers, which is large enough to feel lively but still compact compared with bigger coach tours.

One more planning note I like: this experience is commonly booked in advance (on average about a month out). If you’re traveling in peak summer, it’s smart to lock it in early so you’re not playing date roulette.

Cruising past Dolchiste’s Sunken City ruins, with photos and no swimming

The big “wow” moment here is the cruise alongside the Sunken City of Dolchiste. The flooded ruins came after an earthquake in the 2nd century, and the result is exactly what you came for: visible remnants underwater, right along the coast.

The protected-area rule is important. In the Sunken City ruins zone, swimming is not permitted. That might sound like a buzzkill, but it actually works out for you, because the boat gives you a stable viewpoint for photos and you avoid the crowded, scramble-style stops.

What I think makes this section worthwhile is the way it’s built into the route. You are not driving past with a quick glance. You’re cruising alongside the area long enough to really see it from multiple angles, while staying in the safe, permitted viewing zone.

Kaleköy (ancient Simena): Simena Castle ruins and a short uphill hike

Next, the boat drops anchor at Kaleköy port, which corresponds to ancient Simena. You get about one hour there. That hour is split in a sensible way: you can wander the small village and then choose whether to tackle the hillside walk toward the castle ruins and necropolis.

If you like viewpoints, this part is for you. The instructions are clear that there is a hike up the hillside, and the payoff is magnificent views over the Kekova region. It is not a full-day trek, but it is enough time to stretch your legs and get photos from above.

There is an entrance fee for Simena Castle. The materials show conflicting amounts: the non-included note lists €4.00 per person, while the visit blocks mention 1 euro. Either way, you should expect a small charge at the site and have a few euros ready.

Also keep in mind the time limit. With only an hour, do the walk if it’s calling you, but do not get trapped in exploring every corner. This is a boat day, and the water stops come next.

Esmeralda Bay and lunch: where the day turns from ship to soak

Lunch is included, and it happens during the sequence of bay stops. You’ll get a break at Esmeralda Bay for lunch and swimming time. This is the “settle in” portion of the day, where you can slow down and enjoy the fact that you are actually on the water.

I like that they build in both food and water in the same stretch. You are not forced to decide between eating and swimming. You can eat, cool off, and then reset before the next swim block.

After lunch, you head toward Burç Bay, where the plan includes a 40-minute swim break. The sea is described as cooler there because of cold underwater natural springs. That detail matters if you get warm quickly. It’s also a nice change if the earlier bay has been sun-baked.

Burç Bay to Gökkaya Bay: how the swim stops differ

The itinerary keeps you moving, but the water stops are not all identical. That variety is what keeps the day feeling fresh.

At Burç Bay, you get a shorter swim window focused on a refreshing break. Then you shift to Gökkaya Bay, which is one of the highlights of the day.

For most people, Gökkaya Bay is the “stay in the water longer” stop. The schedule gives you about 2 hours, and the bay is also known for exciting water sports options. Even if you do not join anything, the longer time means you can swim, float, and take photos without feeling like you’re racing the clock.

One practical upside: longer swim time also means you can pick your moment. Go early if you want clear water and fewer people, or wait a bit if you want it calmer. Either way, the schedule has the breathing room.

A large cave stop: a change of scenery between bays

Between the named bays, there is also time for a naturally formed cave stop. It’s described as being known for its large size and a curved entrance.

This part is not about swimming. It’s about scenery and the satisfaction of seeing something that feels a little different from the shoreline views. Think of it as your visual reset between bays, when you might be full of sun and ready to look around for a few minutes.

If you’re someone who likes photos, this is a good moment to capture the coast from the boat, because caves and curved openings tend to look better when the light hits at the right angle.

Karemlik Bay turtle spotting: watching nature at its own pace

The day ends with Karemlik Bay, where you’ll have a chance to look for turtles. The materials give a helpful context: there are 8 known types of turtles worldwide, and 5 can be found in the Mediterranean. Karemlik Bay is presented as a good place to look for them.

Now, here’s the real-world way to think about it. You are not guaranteed a turtle on schedule. You are given the chance to look in the right habitat at the right time. When you treat it like that, the stop is still worth it even if you only see a shadow in the water.

If turtles are your priority, slow down your scanning. Keep your eyes on the water surface and just around it, and avoid frantic movement that makes everything less observable. This is one of those moments where patience pays off.

Staff, lunch quality, and the feel of a smooth boat day

The staff support is part of why this trip works. The day is structured, and food handling is taken care of, including lunch and snacks. If you’ve had experiences where “lunch” is basically a sandwich you eat while standing, this one feels more thoughtfully handled.

There’s also a human side to it. The trip includes explanations about the places you pass, so the ruins and bays do not feel like random stops. Even a few minutes of context makes the scenery easier to remember.

One detail I appreciate for comfort: it’s considered suitable for people who suffer from seasickness. That matters if you’re nervous about boat motion. Boat days can go either way depending on conditions, but the trip is positioned as doable for many people who usually struggle.

Price and value: is US$60.01 a smart spend?

At $60.01 per person, you are paying for a full day of guided boat time, multiple stops, and lunch included. For Kekova specifically, that value comes from the fact you are seeing several major coastal highlights without needing to arrange separate transport.

The main add-on is the Simena Castle entrance fee, listed as €4.00 per person in the non-included note, with the site visit block also showing 1 euro. Either way, you should budget a few euros. If you’re planning to skip the castle walk and simply use your time for views, you might still find it hard to justify not paying, because the hillside area is the point.

So the value equation becomes simple:

• If you want swimming in several bays plus a guided cruise past the Sunken City, the price feels fair.
• If you only want one quick photo stop and almost no water time, you might feel this is more boat than you need.

Who should book this Demre to Kekova boat trip, and who should rethink it

This is a strong fit if you want a day that mixes sun and structure. It’s also ideal if you care about practical comfort, because it’s designed to include multiple swim opportunities rather than just one rushed dip.

It’s a good pick for couples and small groups who want to share an easy pace. The limited shore time also helps keep things simple. You are not stuck planning your own return route after hiking.

A couple of people may want a different plan if they dislike water or feel uneasy about boats. Even though it’s said to be suitable for those who get seasick, the itinerary is still a boat day with repeated time on deck and in the bays.

Finally, the trip depends on weather. The experience requires good weather, and if it gets canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book this Kekova boat day from Demre?

If your dream version of Kekova includes swim time, Sunken City views, and a chance to see turtles, I’d book it. The itinerary makes practical sense for a day trip: morning departure, structured sightseeing, and enough time in the water to actually cool off.

I would hesitate only if you hate boats, dislike swimming, or need long independent time on land. The castle stop is rewarding, but it’s not long. If you want hours and hours of hiking, you’ll likely feel constrained.

For most people going to Kas and Demre in summer, this hits the sweet spot, and the included lunch plus multiple swim bays makes it feel like you got your money’s worth.

FAQ

Where does this tour start and end?

The tour starts at Andriake Harbour, Turkey and ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the boat trip depart?

Departure from Demre Harbour is between 10:00 and 10:30 am, with the start time listed as 10:30 am.

How long is the day trip?

The duration is about 7 hours (approx.).

What is the price per person?

The price is $60.01 per person.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour.

Are there entrance fees for Simena Castle?

Yes. The Castle of Simena entrance fee is listed as not included, shown as €4.00 per person. The visit blocks also mention 1 euro for Simena Castle.

Can you swim near the Sunken City ruins?

No. In the protected Sunken City area, swimming is not permitted. You explore it from the boat.

What language is the tour offered in?

This tour is offered in English.

Where do you look for turtles?

You visit Karemlik Bay for a chance to look for turtles in their natural habitat.

What happens if the weather is bad or you cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.