Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

Turquoise water and sunken stone right in front of you. On this Kekova Island boat tour from Kaş, you get multiple swim stops in clear bays and a guided look at the Sunken City and Simena Castle, plus lunch on board.

I especially like the pacing: you are not stuck staring at a map for hours. You spend real time in the water, then you step ashore for viewpoints and village strolls. One thing to watch is that not all parts feel equally detailed historically, and you will want to plan for extra costs like the castle fee.

Quick take: what you’ll enjoy most

• Crystal-clear swim spots in several bays, with life jackets and flotation options for non-swimmers
• Kekova Sunken City viewed from the boat, where ruins meet the coastline
• Simena Castle time for walking, photos, and sweeping views across the peninsula
• On-board lunch plus extra breaks like watermelon and tea that make the day feel complete
• Captain Ergün’s team runs a smooth day with safety checks and practical guidance

A full day on the water from Kaş that actually feels like vacation

Kaş is a small harbor town, and that matters. The tour starts close to the action, so you spend less time commuting and more time on deck. After boarding, the day settles into a comfortable rhythm: cruise, stop for swimming, cruise again, then short but meaningful sightseeing breaks.

This is the kind of trip that works because it gives you two experiences at once. You get the easy pleasure stuff, like floating in clear water and relaxing in the sun on a top deck lounger. Then you get the mind stuff, seeing how old stone ruins line up with the modern coastline at Kekova.

The boat setup: spacious deck time, clean facilities, and a real rinse-off plan

A lot of boat tours are fine, but this one aims for comfort. Many people specifically call out how clean the vessel feels and how nice the facilities are, including bathrooms. You will also appreciate that after swimming, you can rinse off before heading back to your seat.

If you like having your own space, you will probably be happy. Several recent reviews say the boat does not feel packed, which helps you move around and find a spot on the upper deck. On good days, that top deck is where you want to be for the sea views and cooler breezes.

One practical note: snorkeling time is part of the plan, but you should not assume gear is included. If you have your own snorkel mask or snorkel set, bring it. If you do not, you might find you can buy snorkel-related gear on the boat, but it is safer to arrive prepared.

Your swim strategy: life jackets for confidence, pool noodles for comfort

This is a swim-friendly day, and the staff clearly organizes it that way. Even if you are not a strong swimmer, you can still join in. Life jackets are available, and some flotation options like pool noodles are included on the boat.

What you are really signing up for is a series of swims where the water is calm enough for a first-time snorkeler to try. The tour also gives you enough time at each stop to transition from boat to water to back to deck without feeling rushed.

Tip: pack beachwear you can dry quickly, and bring a towel you do not mind getting sandy or wet.

Inönü Bay: first swim, guided orientation, and lunch on board

Inönü Bay sets the tone early. You cruise out, then the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling in tranquil water. This is the start of the day where you shake off travel fatigue. You get into the rhythm fast, jump in, snorkel a bit if you want, and then come back for food.

Lunch is built into the first stretch. People describe it as generous and flavorful, and fish and other options may be served depending on the day. The key value here is not just the meal itself. It is that lunch happens while you are already in a relaxed setting, not as an extra task you have to fit into your schedule.

A bonus detail that gets mentioned repeatedly: watermelon and tea at later breaks. Those small refreshes matter on a sun and swim day, especially if you end up with a lot of sunscreen on.

Karakol Islands: BBQ-style break and a chance to spot marine life

The Karakol Islands stop adds variety. Instead of one long sightseeing moment, you get another break with time to swim and look around at the water. Many people love this portion because it mixes scenic cruising with a practical water break.

You may also have a BBQ-style lunch moment during this stop, depending on how the day flows. The idea is that you are not stuck eating in one place while everyone else is swimming. You are moving together through the day, and the crew keeps it organized.

If you are interested in snorkeling, this is the time to pay attention. Clear coves tend to make the water look even more inviting after your first swim.

Kekova Sunken City: how to see ruins from the boat

The Sunken City is the main headline stop, and for good reason. You spend time passing the remnants where stone structures sit below the waterline. From the boat, you are not just looking at a view. You are seeing a coastline shaped by earthquakes and time, with Byzantine-era ruins still visible along the shore.

Here is how to make this stop feel satisfying even if your time ashore is limited. Stay on the boat deck long enough to scan the shoreline slowly. The ruins are easier to appreciate when you do not rush. Let the guide’s pointers help you understand what you are looking at, even if you want deeper context than the narration provides.

One more thing: some people describe opportunities to paddle out or experience the area from the water, so if you like being active, keep your energy up for this section.

Simena Castle and Kaleköy: walking time, panoramic views, and extra costs

Simena Castle, also connected to the Kaleköy area, is where the day turns into a proper viewpoint outing. You get a break to visit, walk around, and take in views over the peninsula. Even if you only have basic fitness, you should be able to do the walk since the stop includes time for free exploration.

Bring cash for the castle-related cost. The tour includes the sightseeing, but the castle fee is not included, and some people specifically recommend planning for it with cash in hand.

This is also one of the best stops if you like mixing “old stone” with “cute town vibes.” You are not just walking ruins. You are getting narrow streets and scenic overlooks that make the history feel real in a present-day setting.

Swimming and snorkeling can also happen around this area, so if you want to do both, time your energy. If you plan to snorkel later, make the castle walk part of your photos and then head back to the water.

Tersane Koyu and Üzüm İskelesi: more coves, more swimming, and a tea pause

After Simena, the itinerary keeps the momentum. Tersane Koyu is another swim-and-snorkel stop where the emphasis is on relaxation plus water time. This is a good moment to slow down mentally. By now you have seen the big highlights, so the later coves feel like you are cashing in on the turquoise.

Then the day adds a more local feel at Üzüm İskelesi. The itinerary includes a tea ceremony as part of the stop, which is a nice way to take the edge off salt water and sun. People mention tea breaks as part of why the trip feels thoughtfully put together, not like a rushed checklist.

If you enjoy small pauses during a busy day, this tea stop is worth showing up for with dry clothes and a calm attitude.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks: what is included and what you should budget for

Lunch is included, and it tends to be a highlight. People describe it as filling and well-prepared, with options like fish, chicken, and kofta. You also get additional refreshment breaks such as watermelon and tea.

Drinks are not included, and the tour rules also indicate you should not bring your own drinks or alcohol. That lines up with what people report: the crew sells drinks on board, and pricing can be similar to what you would find on shore. Water bottles are available for purchase.

So, budget for drinks and plan to pay on the boat if you want soda, beer, or cocktails. If you want a true low-spend day, skip alcohol and stick to tea, water, and whatever is included in the lunch plan.

Guide style and the historical narration: what to expect, and how to get more out of it

The tour includes a live guide in English and Turkish. That is great for understanding what you are seeing at the Sunken City and the castle area.

Still, one thing to keep expectations realistic: the historical storytelling may not be super deep. Some people want more detailed context, especially around the Sunken City. If that is you, you can make the stop more meaningful by doing a bit of reading beforehand or noting a few questions before you go.

A practical approach: watch first, ask questions if you can, then let the guide’s overview give you a foundation. When you return, you can search a few key terms and fill in the gaps.

Who this trip suits, and who should think twice

This tour is a strong fit if you want a balanced day: swimming, views, and a couple of structured history moments without long drives. It is also well suited to people who might not be confident swimmers, thanks to life jackets and clear safety guidance.

It is not suitable for people with heart problems, epilepsy, or other pre-existing medical conditions, according to the activity notes. If you fall into any of those categories, check with your doctor before choosing water-based tours.

Wheelchair accessibility is listed, so the operation makes room for mobility needs. You will still want to consider the steps and deck surfaces, since boat tourism is rarely perfectly even underfoot.

Price and logistics: what $94 buys you, and how to avoid friction

At around $94 per person for an 8-hour outing, the value comes from how much is included in the flow. You get a guided boat cruise, multiple swim stops, and lunch on board. When the day also includes tea and watermelon breaks, the overall package feels more complete than many tours that charge extra for every comfort.

Logistics are simple, but there are two things you should plan for:

1) Meeting point: you meet near the harbor, opposite the mosque.

2) Cash planning: the castle fee is not included, and having cash makes it easier.

One more practical tip from real-world experience in Kas: parking can be tricky unless you choose the right spot. If you are driving in, arrive early or consider using a marina-style option so you do not start your day stressed.

Also bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Beachwear

Should you book Captain Ergun’s Kekova and Simena boat tour?

If you want a day that feels like you are on holiday, not on a lecture circuit, this is a great choice. The combination of multiple swimming coves, Sunken City views from the water, and a real castle walking stop makes the 8 hours feel worth it.

Book it if:

• you want a relaxed boat day with organized swim time
• you value included lunch and helpful crew service
• you like the idea of seeing history with your eyes, not just from photos

Skip it or ask more questions before booking if:

• you need very detailed historical narration during every stop
• you assume snorkeling gear is provided (plan to bring your own)
• you do not want to pay extra at the castle fee

If you time your day around sun, pack your essentials, and bring cash for the castle, you will likely leave with the kind of memory you can still picture weeks later: turquoise water in one hand, ancient ruins in the other.

FAQ

How long is the Kas Kekova Island Sunken City and Simena boat tour?

The tour duration is listed as 8 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included, and the tour rules indicate you should not bring outside drinks.

Do I need to pay a castle fee?

Yes. The castle fee is not included.

Do I need to bring snorkelling gear?

Snorkelling is part of the experience, and you should be prepared by bringing your own snorkelling gear if you have it. The tour info also notes what to bring, including beachwear.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet close to the harbour, opposite the mosque.

What languages will the guide speak?

The live tour guide is listed as English and Turkish.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair accessibility is listed for this activity.

Is this tour suitable if I have heart problems or epilepsy?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with heart problems, people with epilepsy, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.