Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

The turquoise coast of Turkey is the main event. This Kekova Island Sunken City day trip strings together swim breaks, clear-water ruin viewing, and a proper village stop in about 8 hours.

I especially like two things. First, you get several chances to swim and snorkel in calm bays, not just one quick stop. Second, lunch and afternoon tea are handled on board, so your day stays easy and you do not need to hunt for food.

One thing to consider: if you care a lot about where you sit, ask about deck seating early. Some departures can seat you inside, and the upper deck with loungers is the most in-demand spot.

Key highlights you should clock before you go

• Sunken City viewing that is actually clear, with ruins visible through the water at Simena
• Multiple swim bays like İnönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Shipyard (Tersane Koyu), and Camlık
• Food is part of the package with a lunch buffet plus afternoon tea on board
• Simena Castle area gets time for photos and wandering, not just a drive-by stop
• Small-to-mid group feel with a maximum of 65 travelers on board
• English guide support (and you may hear extra stories from praised captains like Ergun or Mehmet Kaptan)

Why Kaş to Kekova by boat is such a smart use of time

Kaş is one of those places where the coast looks good from the street and then gets unfair once you’re on the water. The Kekova area is a perfect example. You get the dramatic coastline, plus the real draw, the submerged ruins tied to ancient Lycian settlements.

Doing this by boat matters. If you only see Kekova from shore, you miss the way the ruins sit under the water and how the bays open into long views. On a cruise day like this, the sea does the connecting for you. You cruise between stops while you’re already wearing flip-flops and ready to jump in when the crew drops anchor.

The pace is also built for normal humans. You are on the water all day, but you get repeated breaks instead of one huge, exhausting excursion. That makes the trip feel like a day trip, not a full-on logistics project.

The day’s rhythm: 9:30 start, about 8 hours total, and how to pace yourself

The tour starts at 9:30 am and runs about 8 hours. That is a sweet length. You still have time to do dinner after. It also helps you avoid the stress of chasing daylight window after window.

What I like about this format is how it treats swimming as part of the schedule, not an optional bonus. Several stops run about 45 minutes, which is enough to rinse off, swap back into dry clothes, and still enjoy the view.

Here is how I’d pace it if you want the day to feel fun:

• Treat the morning swim as your easiest one. Plan less gear, and just get comfortable with the water and reboarding stairs.
• Use one stop to snorkel properly. Keep your eyes on the water for fish activity, then look back at the cliffs and ruins for the scenery moment.
• Save your longer village wandering for when you feel less sun-tired. Simena is where walking feels more like sightseeing than getting in and out of water.

Also, plan to bring a towel. People who went on this trip repeatedly call that out because bays and reboarding mean you need something quick and practical.

İnönü Bay first: a calm canyon feel to set the mood

Your morning begins at İnönü Bay, around 45 minutes. This stop is more about atmosphere than activity. You can stroll toward a small canyon or just sit with the bay view and let your brain stop planning.

This matters because it sets expectations. Some people assume this is only a ruins-and-snorkel day. But İnönü Bay reminds you that Kekova is not just history. It’s also small scale nature and quiet water, with cliffs and a sheltered feel.

If you like a gentle start, this is the one. If you want action right away, you still get it later, because the schedule builds toward the best swim water and ruin visibility.

Practical tip: this is a good time to put your sunscreen on before you start shifting between shade and water. Once you’re off the boat, the sun tends to win.

Aquarium Bay: where the water looks like a real aquarium

Next is Aquarium Bay, also about 45 minutes. The whole point here is the water clarity. The bay is famous for crystal-clear, turquoise water that makes fish and coral-like scenery visible near the surface.

This is the stop you care about if you want snorkeling that feels effortless. You are not fighting murky visibility. You can usually spot movement with just your eyes, then refine it with snorkel gear if it is part of what you use.

One consideration: clarity does not always mean warm water. If you’re going in shoulder season, you might find the water cooler than you expect, even if it looks inviting. So bring swimwear you do not mind getting damp in again after you climb back on.

What to do at Aquarium Bay:

• Keep your head up as you enter, then slow down once you spot fish.
• When you resurface, look back toward the cliffs. The contrast between underwater colors and the coastline is part of the magic.

Sunken City Ruins of Simena: history you can see without doing anything extreme

Then comes the highlight most people are chasing: the Sunken City Ruins of Simena. You’re there for about 30 minutes, and the ruins are partially visible beneath the water because earthquakes destroyed the ancient city over time.

What’s valuable for your experience is that you can see the ruins clearly through the water. The area is tied to ancient Lycian settlements, and there’s also mention of a Byzantine church structure that is visible in the submerged remains.

You do not have to make this complicated. You can experience it from the boat setting where the water acts like a window, and you might also have options like glass-bottom viewing or snorkeling depending on how the crew runs it. The core point is simple: the visibility turns history into something you can actually read instead of a distant rumor.

A heads-up for your expectations: 30 minutes is not a lot. If ruins are your main goal, keep your phone ready but also take a moment just to look. The best photos come after you’ve had a minute to understand what you’re seeing.

Kekova Island swimming: the underwater Dolchiste layer you feel with your eyes

After the Simena ruin stop, the cruise shifts to Kekova Island time for swimming. This is where the day turns into pure water pleasure. The coastline is rocky with cliffs and vegetation dropping toward the sea, which makes the coves feel tucked in even when the scenery is dramatic.

Kekova is also where the submerged ruins are part of the underwater ecosystem. The ancient structures, tied to Dolchiste, are partially submerged. You may see houses, stair-like elements, and the Byzantine church area from the surface when the water is clear enough.

This is not just about seeing ruins. It’s also about the way snorkeling and swimming happen in the same place as history. Your brain gets two jobs done at once: picture the old city, then watch the marine life moving through it.

Time is your only limitation here. If you are the kind of person who can float forever, you might wish for more than the allotted swim window. Still, the repeated swim stops throughout the day help you feel like you’re not rushing the water experience.

Simena Castle and Kaleköy streets: where the day becomes a real village walk

The tour then shifts from sea time to land time with Simena Castle and the Kaleköy area. You get about 1 hour at this stop, and the castle entrance is not included.

This is the part of the day that balances the submerged ruins with a medieval fortress view. Simena Castle sits above the town, and you get panoramic sightlines over the sea and toward the broader Kekova coastline. It’s a photo magnet, but it is also just a good place to feel how high this village clings to the shore.

After castle time, there’s walking space in the Kaleköy Harbour and village areas. Think whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and that Mediterranean village rhythm where cafes are part of the scenery. You can also find references to ancient Lycian tomb areas nearby, so even on foot you’re still in history mode.

One consideration: you’re on land, but it is not a museum sprint. It’s more like a pleasant walk with viewpoints. If you want heavy archaeology time, this stop might feel short. If you want views plus atmosphere, it works well.

Simple move: wear shoes you trust. Stone and steps can be slippery when you’ve been on and off boats and bays all morning.

Üçağız and Tersane Koyu (Shipyard Bay): quieter stops with real shoreline character

After the village segment, the cruise continues to Üçağız. This is a smaller coastal village feel with a serene waterfront. You get a break from the busyness of the main sightseeing loop and a chance to see fishing boats and houses lined along the shore.

Üçağız also ties into nearby ancient Lycian traces, including the name Teimiussa for tombs and sarcophagi scattered around olive groves and vineyards. The tour data does not spell out a dedicated timed walk here for ruins, but it does frame the area as historically layered.

Next is Tersane Koyu, the Shipyard (Tersane) Bay stop for about 45 minutes. This one is interesting because it adds a different kind of history. The bay name connects to ancient ship construction.

The water here is again a strong reason to be on the boat. Rocky cliffs and clear turquoise water make this a scenic swim. You also get views that include the nearby Simena Castle perched above the bay.

If you like photos, Tersane Koyu is a good bet because the angle keeps changing as the boat positions. You’ll get the water in frame, then cliffs, then castle height in the background.

Camlık Bay finish: your last swim, pine trees, and time to breathe

Your final swim stop is Camlık Bay, about 45 minutes. It’s described as tranquil, with pine trees nearby and calm water that works as a clean ending to the sea day.

This last stop is where you can decide how you want to end. If you’re feeling strong, you can stay in the water and soak up the light. If you’re sun-tired, this is a good place to watch other swimmers and enjoy the simple coast feeling.

Also, this is your last chance to do a proper rinse and reset for the ride back. A towel matters here more than you think. Keep your wet items packed so you don’t spend the final hour uncomfortable.

Food and value: lunch buffet plus afternoon tea for about $84.65

At $84.65 per person, the price looks reasonable when you break it down the way your day actually works.

You are paying for:

• An all-day boat route between Kaş and Kekova sites
• Lunch buffet plus afternoon tea served on board
• A driver/guide
• Fuel and facility fees

What’s not included is also straightforward: alcoholic drinks and other drinks are extra, and you should assume you will buy what you want beyond tea and included items. On board, people report snacks and drinks are reasonably priced. Many also mention being able to pay by credit card for the onboard tab, which helps if you prefer not to carry cash all day.

Here’s how I think about value on tours like this: you save money by not spending time or energy finding lunch on shore. You also save energy because the day is structured, not improvised. You pay once, then the day flows.

What to bring so you get the most out of the included meal:

• A small bag or waterproof pouch for your phone during swim stops
• Sunscreen and a hat that won’t fly off. (One of the few complaints involved a hat situation and a crew response that was not ideal.)

Crew, comfort, and seating: the difference between a good day and a great one

The vibe on this kind of cruise is usually calm, social, and very focused on the water. Reviews mention that the boat is in good condition and that there is plenty of space to relax, especially on the upper deck with sunbeds.

One thing you should know: seating can vary. Some people ended up inside rather than on deck, even when they booked online. If a top-deck seat matters to you, book early and be ready to speak up on the day if you’re not placed where you expected.

Comfort notes that matter:

• Bring a towel and consider water shoes if you like better grip during reboarding.
• Toilets are reported as clean.
• The upper deck is where you get the best coast views while cruising.

Captain and guide personality also comes through. Several people praised captains by name, including Captain Ergun and Mehmet Kaptan, especially for history facts and friendly hosting. One story also mentions drone video, with a free drone shot tied to ocean cleanup. That may not happen on every departure, but it shows the sort of extra effort some crews bring.

Small practical reminder: if you want to snorkel or just swim, do not wait until the last second. Take a minute at each stop to get your gear sorted so you are ready when the boat allows people to enter.

Who should book this, and who might want a different style of trip

This tour is a good match if you:

• Want history plus swimming in the same day
• Like clear-water views and repeat swim breaks
• Want lunch and afternoon tea handled for you
• Prefer an English guide and a straightforward plan

It might not be the best fit if you:

• Want long, deep time inside ruins on foot. The castle stop is about 1 hour, and the Sunken City ruins viewing is about 30 minutes.
• Are extremely sensitive to sun exposure, because you’ll be outdoors most of the day.
• Need guaranteed top-deck seating, since seating assignments can vary.

If you’re traveling with kids, the tour notes that children must be accompanied by an adult. Boat days mean stairs and water moments, so plan for extra supervision and clear expectations before you step off.

Should you book the Kaş to Kekova Sunken City boat tour?

I’d book it if your travel style is part sightseeing, part being on the water. This is one of the strongest ways to combine Sunken City ruins with swimming in bays that actually look like the photos.

You should book when:

• Weather is good. The experience requires it.
• You want a full day that already includes lunch and afternoon tea.
• You care about clear-water ruin viewing at Simena, not just a quick look from shore.

You might skip or compare alternatives if:

• You’re hoping for museum-style time in ruins.
• You hate the idea of reboarding stairs and spending lots of time outdoors.
• Top-deck seating is non-negotiable for your enjoyment.

If you do book, show up ready to move. Bring a towel, secure your hat, and plan to spend less time multitasking and more time looking at the water. That’s where the day really pays you back.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The activity starts at 9:30 am.

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Is the tour in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What food is included?

Lunch buffet and afternoon tea are included.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic drinks and drinks are not included. Alcoholic drinks may be purchased onboard, and other drinks are extra.

Do I need to choose a vegetarian option in advance?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the start is near public transportation.