From Kas: Day Trip to Kekova Island

Turquoise water and ancient ruins, all in one day. This Kaş to Kekova Island trip strings together Aquarium Bay swimming, a boat cruise past Kekova’s underwater ruins, and a stop at Simena Castle with big hillside views. I love how the day is built around water time, not museum time, with multiple chances to cool off in clear bays. One thing to consider, though, is that you will walk a bit at Simena and spend long hours in sun and salt, so bring good shoes and plan for heat.

You start with pickup in Kaş, then head to Uçagız/Demre harbour for a departure around 10:20 to 10:40 am. The trip runs about 9 hours, and lunch is included, but drinks are not, so you’ll want to budget for that or bring what you’re allowed to bring. If you need step-free access, this one is not a good fit, since it is not recommended for limited mobility.

Key things to know before you go

• One-hour swim break at Aquarium Bay in the clearest water you’ll see all day
• Sunken city viewing by boat, since swimming is not permitted in the protected ruins area
• Burç Bay’s cooler water thanks to underwater natural springs
• Pirates Cave stop for a unique look at a large, curved sea cave
• Simena Castle at Kaleköy port with castle ruins, a necropolis, and a hike option
• A full day that stays swim-friendly, with repeated breaks instead of one long stop

Kaş to Kekova by boat: how the day flows

This is a “live on the water” kind of day trip. Pickup happens in Kaş, then you’re transported to the harbour area at Uçagız/Demre. From there, you depart between 10:20 and 10:40 am, and you’re generally back by evening with drop-off in Kaş.

What I like about this format is the rhythm. You get several short to medium pauses, instead of one or two stops that eat the whole day. That matters because the region is best when you’re in and out of the water, not just staring from a distance. It is also a practical way to see a lot of coastline without dealing with parking, driving, and backtracking.

Getting to the harbour: pickup timing and what to watch

Your car is parked outside Smiley’s Restaurant in Kaş, and pickup times can shift by season. You’ll be told the exact time one day before via WhatsApp or email, so I suggest you check your messages the night before.

Once you’re at Uçagız/Demre harbour, you’ll get ready for the boat day and then set off. If you’re the type who hates rushing, arrive at pickup a few minutes early and keep your morning schedule flexible. One travel reality here is that harbour timing can get affected by day-to-day conditions, so treat the pickup window as real travel time, not an exact clock promise.

Aquarium Bay swim: your first real taste of Kekova waters

The day starts with a highlight that’s hard to fake: a one-hour swim break at Aquarium Bay. The water here is described as very clear and picturesque, right beside Kekova Island. In plain terms, this is where you’ll feel like you’re on a postcard, because the bay setup is made for swimming.

I like that this stop is long enough to actually settle in. You can swim, float, take photos, and still have time to cool down again later in the day. Bring a towel if you can, since you’ll want something to dry off with after your first long swim.

If you get seasick easily, this is still a boat day, so consider that during the planning stage. The itinerary does give you breaks, but it is not a calm, shore-only tour.

Kekova Island and the sunken city: cruise past Dolchiste ruins

Next comes the main cultural wow factor: Kekova and the sunken city. The ancient city of Dolchiste was flooded due to an earthquake in the 2nd century, and the underwater ruins are still visible. Because this is a protected area, swimming isn’t allowed there.

Instead, you explore it from the boat. That sounds simple, but it’s actually the right approach here. You get a close look at the ruins without damaging the area, and you can still capture photos from the waterline.

What you should expect is a lot of visual impact. Even if you do not know the full historical story, seeing stonework sitting under clear water grabs your attention fast. If you care about photography, this is the portion where it helps to keep your phone or camera ready, not buried in a bag.

Burç Bay and Pirates Cave: a cooler water stop and a fun natural detour

After the sunken city cruise, the tour keeps moving with swim breaks that feel like different versions of the same idea. At Burç Bay, you get another swimming stop, and the sea is described as a little cooler due to cold underwater natural springs. That detail matters. A cooler swim can feel like a relief when you’ve already baked in the sun.

Then there is Pirates Cave, a naturally formed cave known for its large size and curved entrance. This is the kind of stop that makes the coastline feel like a living map of stories. You get a new angle on the coastline, and it breaks up the day between swim points.

If you’re traveling with people who want variety, these two stops help. They add “scenery character” beyond just another beach swim.

Gökkaya Bay lunch and possible water sports

At Gökkaya Bay, the tour schedules time for lunch and another swim break. The natural beauty here is part of the appeal, and the tour also notes that you can opt into various water sports offered in the area.

A practical note: water sports can mean extra cost, extra time, and extra energy. Since your tour price includes lunch but not drinks, I’d treat any add-ons as optional extras you decide on once you’re standing there and looking at conditions.

Lunch is one of the strongest practical values of this day trip. You get a meal without hunting for a restaurant in a remote area. In addition to lunch, I’ve heard accounts that the food quality impressed people, with well-received chicken and fruit later mentioned in some experiences. Even if you do not plan to snack beyond the included meal, you’ll appreciate not having to manage hunger mid-boat day.

Esmeralda Bay: the calmer swim before Simena

Esmeralda Bay is your next swim stop, positioned as a quieter, more peaceful moment in the journey. This is where I’d expect you to slow down, because by this point you’ve likely had a swim already and you’re saving energy for Simena.

The value of a stop like Esmeralda Bay is simple: it gives you a chance to enjoy the water without feeling rushed into another activity. If you like swimming but hate when every stop feels like a sprint, this is the part of the day that should feel more relaxing.

Simena Castle at Kaleköy port: village ruins, necropolis, and big views

Then you arrive at Kaleköy port, the area associated with ancient Simena. You’ll have about one hour to explore. This stop is built around Simena Castle ruins and a necropolis in a small authentic village setting, plus an optional hillside hike for views.

Here’s the trade-off: you get a real land moment, but it’s not a museum shuffle. You may hike up the hillside to see panoramas of the Kekova region. That hike is the best payoff if you like viewpoints, but it’s also why you need comfortable shoes.

You also have the choice to admire Simena Castle from below and use remaining time for another dip in the blue waters. So if you’d rather keep your feet mostly off uneven ground, you can.

One more practical point I’d plan for: some people found they needed cash for the castle when they were there, even though the activity notes skipping the ticket line. To avoid a last-minute scramble, keep a small amount of local currency on hand.

Price and value: is $70 per person worth it?

At $70 per person for an about 9-hour day, this trip can be good value if you want a full water-focused itinerary with included lunch. Here’s why.

You’re paying for several things at once:

• transport from Kaş to the harbour area and back
• a boat day that includes multiple swim breaks
• lunch included
• access to the protected sunken city area by boat cruise, which is the practical way to see Dolchiste

What is not included is drinks. That’s worth keeping in mind, because the day is long and you’ll likely want water or something to sip while you’re waiting between swims. If you’re budgeting tightly, plan for beverages.

For me, the “value” question comes down to expectations. If you want an active day with water time at multiple bays and you’re comfortable spending the day in the sun, you’re the target audience. If you want mostly walking, indoor stops, and quiet guided history, you might find the day too water-heavy.

Who should book this Kekova boat trip, and who should skip it

This tour is best for people who:

• love swimming in clear coves and want multiple chances
• enjoy boat viewpoints more than shore driving
• want an included meal without planning it yourself
• are comfortable with an optional hike at Simena

It is not a good fit for people with mobility impairments or limited mobility, since the tour is not recommended for that situation. Also, pets are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

If you’re traveling as a couple, a small group, or solo, the format still works well. One review theme I noticed is that some days feel like small groups, which tends to make it easier to relax at swim stops and listen to the captain’s explanations. On any given day, group size can vary, so aim for a tour day where you expect flexibility.

Practical tips for a smoother day on the water

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for the Simena hike option
• sunglasses and a sun hat, because you’ll be exposed
• a towel for after swim breaks

Plan:

• to spend a lot of time in and out of the water
• to keep your phone protected for sun and splashes

If your priority is English commentary, check how it will be handled. The activity lists English and Turkish, but some people have reported differences in how much English they heard during their day. If you want strong English guidance, this is something to verify before you go.

Also, if you were hoping for a special glass-bottom style viewing of the sunken city, confirm what’s provided. The key thing you can count on is the boat cruise along the ruins, since swimming is not permitted in the protected area.

Should you book the Kaş to Kekova day trip?

I’d book this if you want one of the best ways to experience Kekova without stitching together a bunch of logistics. The combination of Aquarium Bay swimming, Dolchiste sunken city viewing from the boat, and the Simena Castle stop makes it feel like a complete day rather than a half-hearted “drive and point” excursion.

Skip it if you need step-free access, or if you hate sun, saltwater, and repeated swim stops. Also skip it if you only want long, in-depth land time, because the day is primarily about the water.

If you fall in the first group, this is a strong choice for a day that feels both scenic and practical.

FAQ

How long is the Kaş to Kekova Island day trip?

The duration is listed as 9 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $70 per person.

What is included in the price?

Lunch is included. Drinks are not included.

Where does the boat depart from?

After pickup in Kaş, the tour goes to the boat in Uçagız or Demre harbour area, and departs between 10:20 and 10:40 am.

Can you swim at Kekova’s sunken city ruins?

No. The sunken city area is protected, so swimming is not permitted there. You’ll view the ruins by cruising alongside them.

What are the main swimming stops?

The tour includes a one-hour swim break at Aquarium Bay, plus swimming breaks at Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, and Esmeralda Bay.

Where is the meeting point in Kaş?

Your car will be parked outside Smiley’s Restaurant.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a towel.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility and is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.