Kekova Sunken City Full Day Boat Trip

Kekova looks unreal from a boat. I love the chance to snorkel at Aquarium Bay and I also love how the crew sails slowly over the Sunken City ruins, so you can actually take in the submerged walls. One consideration is that door-to-door timing can run longer than the 7-hour headline, and English support can be light depending on the day and the guide.

From Kaş, you get an air-conditioned transfer to the Uçağız marina, a mobile ticket, and a full day of stops that mix sightseeing with swimming breaks. Expect a crowd on the water since the tour is capped at 45 travelers, and the boat allocation can change the feel of the day.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Aquarium Bay snorkeling time is built into the morning, with admission included
• Slow sail over the Sunken City for views of walls, staircases, and buildings below the surface
• Three swimming moments at Burç Koyu, Gökkaya Bay, and Adalar Bay, with rules that protect the ruins
• Lunch is included (chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads)
• Simena Castle in Kaleköy is optional with a small entrance fee at your own choice
• Pirate Cave is pass-by only, and it is protected due to Mediterranean monk seals

Price and what you actually get for $64.88

At $64.88 per person, this day trip works best when you treat it as a package deal, not just a boat ride. You’re paying for transport from Kaş, a long day on the water, lunch, and multiple stops where entry is included.

The big value items are the included lunch and the included admission tickets for several stops. Lunch is chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads. Alcoholic drinks and soda/pop are not included, and you’ll likely be tempted to grab something cold at some point, so plan your spending for that.

One extra cost to plan for: Simena Castle (Kaleköy Castle). It is optional, and the entrance is listed as 4€ per person. If you’re the type who enjoys a hilltop walk and ruins with a view, you’ll probably want it. If you’d rather spend every minute in the water and on the boat, skip it and stay flexible.

Kaş to Uçağız timing, and why the day can feel longer

The tour duration is advertised as about 7 hours, but real life starts when pickup begins. The drive is part of your experience here, since this is a long coast route from Kaş to the Kekova area and back.

In practice, door-to-door time can stretch beyond the headline. One guest noted roughly 8 hours 15 minutes door-to-door with a 1-hour drive both ways, while the boat portion ran about 6.5 hours. That matches what you should plan for: you’re not just hopping on a quick cruise, you’re dedicating a full day.

If you’re trying to squeeze this between other plans in Kaş, give yourself breathing room. I’d treat this as the main event, not a side quest.

Meeting point reality: Aslar Turizm in Kaş

Your start is Aslar Turizm in Kaş. The address given is Aslar Turizm | Travel Agency, Bahçe Sk. No:1/I, 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey.

It’s described as on the same street as the PTT post office, which is handy if you’re navigating on foot. Pickup is offered, and the tour says they’ll use the closest meeting point to your accommodation, so you may not have to walk far.

This matters because the day is packed with stops. When pickup is smooth, you gain time for the water.

Aquarium Bay: snorkeling that sets the tone (45 minutes)

Aquarium Bay is the first real wow moment. The bay is known for clear water and lots of visible fish, even from the surface, which is why it earned the “aquarium” nickname.

You get about 45 minutes here, with an admission ticket included. This is also where I’d focus your expectations for snorkeling. You might get great visibility at the start, and then find the later swimming spots are deeper or cloudier. Water conditions vary fast along this coast.

What to do to make the most of it:

• Wear your swimwear under your clothes so you lose less time changing
• If you have your own snorkel mask, bring it, because it’s your comfort gear
• Give yourself a quick warm-up, the Mediterranean can feel cool once you’re out there

If you want a relaxing entry into the day, Aquarium Bay is it.

Sunken City ruins of Simena: the best views come from staying on the boat

This is the centerpiece: the Sunken City of Kekova near Üçağız and Simena (Kaleköy). It’s an ancient Lycian settlement that partially sank into the sea due to seismic activity centuries ago.

Here’s the key detail: this is a protected archaeological site. Swimming or diving directly among the ruins is not allowed. That restriction changes how you experience it. You’re seeing the ruins from above the waterline and from the boat, not swimming through history like it’s an action movie.

You’ll get about 45 minutes at this stop, and the boat sails slowly from this part of the island. Slow sailing is a gift here. It gives you time to spot lines of walls, staircases, and buildings preserved underwater, without feeling rushed.

I love that the setting forces you to look carefully. The ruins aren’t just background scenery. They’re the point.

Burç Koyu and the castle viewpoint: swimming plus Lycian-era ruins

Next up is Burç Koyu with nearby Burç Castle ruins. This is a scenic bay with clear blue water and a calmer feel than some of the more tour-traffic spots.

The stop is around 45 minutes, and admission is included. You’ll have a short swimming break here, and the bay is described as cooler because natural spring waters flow into the sea.

If you’re the type who likes a mix of “look” and “do,” this is a good balance. You can swim briefly, then take in the castle area for views over the coastline.

Also note the practical tradeoff: this isn’t long beach time. It’s a quick reset, so keep your energy for the bigger swim break later.

Pirate Cave: see it, don’t stop (and don’t swim)

Pirate Cave, also known as Pirate’s Cave or Pirate Cove, is a natural wonder along the coast. Legend says pirates used it as a hideout, which is fun, even if you treat it as folklore.

The practical detail is more important: this stop is pass-by only, and you’re required to go past without stopping. It’s also protected because it’s a habitat of Mediterranean monk seals.

So what do you actually get? Boat-side views. You’ll see dramatic rock formations and that shifting blue water around the cave opening, without getting out.

I like having one protected-feature moment in the middle of a busy day. It keeps the focus on respecting the place, not just ticking a stop off.

Gökkaya Bay lunch stop: where the crew cooks and you swim (1 hour)

After the sights and sea time earlier in the morning, you’ll hit Gökkaya Bay for a longer break, about 1 hour. This is where lunch happens.

The tour plan says the crew prepares your lunch while you refresh in the water. That’s a nice flow, because it turns waiting time into usable time. You’re not stuck hungry on a deck while others get fed.

Lunch is included: chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads. It’s a straightforward meal, but it matters after hours on boats and at the waterline.

When you’re swimming here, think “reset,” not “marathon.” You’ll likely be back out there later, including a final swimming stop.

Simena (Kaleköy) and the Castle of Simena: optional but it’s a choice worth making

You’ll reach Simena, also known as Kaleköy, for about 1 hour. The village is known for its medieval castle on a hill with wide sea views, plus scattered ruins in the area including Lycian tombs and sarcophagi.

Then comes the decision: Simena Castle entrance is optional and costs about 4€ per person, not included in the tour price.

If you like views and you’re okay with a short walk on uneven ground, the castle time can add a lot to the day. If you’re focused on swimming and you’d rather spend money on a cool drink instead, you can skip the castle fee and enjoy the village atmosphere and ice cream shops.

Either way, this stop makes the whole day feel more than just sea sights. It adds a little “land memory” that you can picture later.

Adalar Bay swim and the return to Üçağız Marina

The final swim is Adalar Bay, described as the last point of swimming spots. After about 45 minutes of swimming time, the boat turns back to Üçağız Marina.

Üçağız itself is a small port village near Simena and Kekova. You get about 30 minutes there, and it’s the place where the boat tours start and end.

This portion is good for last photos, a quick stretch on land, and resetting before the ride back toward Kaş.

Boat size, English, and the small details that affect your day

This tour is generally highly rated, but there are a couple things you should check before you assume your day will feel exactly like you pictured.

First: boat size and crowding. The tour mentions a maximum of 45 travelers, but some people have been allocated onto larger boats. If you strongly prefer a smaller group on the water, treat this as something to verify when you book, especially if your booking page suggests a smaller boat.

Second: English instruction. The tour is listed as offered in English, but one caution from a past experience was that English translation was limited and the guide used mostly Turkish at times. In many cases, you’ll still understand the basics, especially with obvious scenery in front of you. Still, if you rely heavily on commentary, arrive with a flexible mindset and focus on the visual experience.

My practical advice:

• Bring sunscreen and a hat, this itinerary stays exposed
• Pack a light layer, boat rides can get breezy
• Bring a small amount of cash for optional fees like Simena Castle entrance and drinks, since alcohol and soda/pop aren’t included

Who should book this Kekova full day boat trip?

I think this tour is a great fit if you want:

• Classic Kekova views without needing to plan boat logistics yourself
• A day that blends sightseeing with real water time
• Included lunch and multiple stops with admissions handled

It’s also a good match for “history curious but not obsessive” travelers. You get the story of a Lycian settlement and then you get to watch the ruins from the water, which is the way most people can best appreciate them.

I’d think twice if:

• You hate long driving days from Kaş
• You need highly reliable English narration throughout
• You’re very sensitive to crowded boats

Should you book the Kekova Sunken City full day boat trip?

If your dream day includes snorkeling, swimming at multiple bays, and seeing submerged ruins from a boat view, this is an easy yes. The value is real when you consider what’s included: air-conditioned transport, multiple admissions, and a lunch that keeps you fueled.

Just go in prepared for two realities: door-to-door time can run longer than the headline, and boat size can vary. If you keep those in mind, you’ll enjoy the best part, the slow sail and the moment you look down and realize those are ancient walls under the surface.

Book it if you want a smooth, well-paced day on the Turkish coast, with Kekova as the main act.

FAQ

FAQ

What is the duration of the Kekova Sunken City full day boat trip?

The tour duration is listed as about 7 hours.

Is pickup offered, and where does the tour start?

Pickup is offered. The meeting point is Aslar Turizm in Kaş, and they say they will have the closest meeting point to your accommodation.

What is included in the lunch?

Lunch included on the tour is chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads.

Are tickets for all stops included?

Admission tickets are included for Aquarium Bay, the Sunken City ruins of Simena, Burç Bay, and Gökkaya Bay, and swimming time at Adalar Bay is listed as free.

Do I have to pay for Simena Castle?

Simena Castle entrance is optional and not included. It is listed as 4€ per person.

Can I swim among the Sunken City ruins?

No. Swimming or diving directly among the ruins is prohibited to protect the archaeological site.

What about Pirate Cave, do you stop there?

Pirate Cave is passed by without stopping, and it is described as obligatory to pass through.

What is included for drinks?

Alcoholic beverages and soda/pop are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor weather you will be offered another date or a full refund.