Private Kekova Boat Tour from Demre

Kekova hits differently from the deck. This private boat tour from Demre is a great way to see the Kekova sunken city area at a relaxed pace, with crew service that keeps the day feeling personal, not rushed. My favorite parts are the mix of big sightseeing (including Simena Castle) and the time you can actually get in the water with snorkeling gear. One important consideration: you cannot swim or stop on Kekova Island itself, so your water time happens at other bays.

The route starts at Cayagzi Harbour (the old Andriake), then cruises past shipwreck country and underwater ruins you can spot from above the waves. You also get a full day built around multiple swimming options, but the exact stops depend on timing and how crowded it is that day.

Key things to know before you go

• Private for up to 6: you share the boat only with your group, ideal if you want control over breaks and photos.
• Snorkeling gear included: you bring your own vibe, the tour supplies the snorkeling equipment.
• Kekova Island is a pass-by only: no landing, and no swimming there, so plan your swim time for the bays instead.
• Swimming options are flexible: you can choose breaks at places like Aquarium Bay or Tersane Bay, depending on conditions and crowding.
• Simena Castle stop is time-boxed: you get about an hour on the hillside ruins and museum areas, with admission not included.

Starting in Demre, sailing from Cayagzi Harbour

The day begins at Ayla Boat Tours in Demre, starting at 10:00 am. You are picked up at the meeting point and you end back there, so you do not need to think about transfers or how to get back on your own. Since this is a private tour, you are not squeezed into a cattle-call schedule. Your group goes, your group stays, and your group decides how often you switch from camera mode to swim mode.

Cayagzi Harbour is the key first clue that this is a working coastline, not just a postcard stop. Andriake, the old name for the area, was used as a natural harbor in Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times. That matters because it explains why the water here has always been part of how people moved, traded, and built life along this coast. You start your cruise in the same river area, so the whole day feels like it follows the shoreline’s older logic.

One small planning detail: the itinerary runs about 7 to 8 hours. That is plenty of time for multiple bays and a castle walk, but it also means you should bring a good baseline of water-ready supplies for yourself, since bottled water is not listed as included.

A realistic look at the price and value

The price is $361.12 per group, up to 6 people. That is the part people usually focus on first, but the value comes from how the day is built.

If you book with 6 people, you are effectively around $60 per person. If you book as 2 people, it is more like $180 per person. So the smartest use of the private setup is grouping up with friends or family. If you are traveling solo or as a couple, you still can book privately, but you may want to compare it against shared group tours and be honest about what you care about most: fewer crowds, more control, and a crew that adjusts to your pace.

Also, the boat day is not only about looking. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you get coffee or tea plus snacks. Those are small comforts, but in the heat along this coast, they help you keep the day enjoyable without constantly buying extras.

One thing to verify when you book: lunch is listed as not included. At the same time, multiple people praised a meal prepared on the boat by the captain. That does not mean it is guaranteed for every departure, so if lunch matters to you, I would ask your operator whether food is provided for your specific date.

What the boat day includes, and what it does not

Here is what you can count on:

• Snorkeling equipment is provided.
• Coffee and tea are included.
• Snacks are included.

And here is what you should plan for:

• Alcoholic beverages are not included.
• Lunch is not listed as included.
• Soda/pop and bottled water are not included.

If you tend to snack-light, bring a little extra for yourself so you do not feel stuck waiting for the snack moments. If you want lunch taken care of, message ahead to confirm what is happening for your day. That is especially important since the crew cooking gets mentioned positively in feedback.

Stop 1: Andriake Ancient City, then into Kekova waters

Your first stop is Andriake Ancient City. You get about 10 minutes there, and the admission ticket is free. In practical terms, this is more about setting the scene than expecting a long museum-style visit. Cayagzi Harbour is the context you need before you start spotting underwater remains in the next stages of the cruise.

Then the day turns into cruise mode. Kekova is an island off the coast near Kaleköy and Üçağız. Despite its size, no one lives on it now. That is part of what makes the ruins feel so exposed and dramatic, especially when you see how the geography supports shipwrecks and underwater structures.

The boat does not stop at Kekova Island, so you cannot hop out and walk around. You also do not get swimming here. Instead, you cruise through the area and view it from the waterline. That might sound limiting until you see how much you can learn by watching the coastline shape and how the underwater remnants sit below you.

The sunken city views, without the crowds on land

The star visual everyone comes for is the Sunken City area. It is known for the bright turquoise water, but the real draw is the underwater ruins of a once-flourishing city. You look out over the sea and try to make sense of what used to be above the waves, now scattered beneath.

A key benefit of boat viewing is that you get perspective. From shore, it is easy to miss what you are actually looking at. From a boat, your angle changes, and you see outlines and remnants more clearly. This part of the day is more about observation than activity, so bring patience and a camera that handles bright light well.

If the sea is calm, this is one of those “stop talking and just look” moments. If it is choppier, it is still worth it, but the viewing experience changes. Weather matters here, and the operator notes that the tour depends on good weather.

Swim breaks in Aquarium Bay and Tersane Koyu

After the sunken city viewing, your plan shifts back to people time. Aquarium Bay is a typical choice for a swimming break, with about 30 minutes available. Tersane Koyu is another option, also around 30 minutes. You can request one or the other, and the crew tries to find the best spot for your group, especially in peak season when many boats follow similar routes.

This is where the tour’s value becomes practical. In high season, the coastline can feel like a repeating loop of boats. The difference with a private tour is that your crew can make small adjustments, like choosing less crowded swimming points, within reason.

Two more notes to keep you comfortable:

• Pack for a quick in-and-out swim. You have limited time, so you do not want to spend it untangling gear.
• Snorkeling equipment is included, so you only need swimwear and a towel plan for afterward.

Simena Castle: the 1-hour climb and what you’ll see

Next is the Castle of Simena stop. You get about 1 hour. The admission ticket is not included, so if you are planning around museum access, budget for that separately.

From the boat, you approach Kaleköy and see the castle walls above. Then you walk up a steep path from the beach. Yes, there is a famous ice cream stop on the way up, which is exactly the kind of simple local detail that makes a castle day feel less like a checklist.

Once you reach the site, you will see areas associated with royal tombs. The necropolis zone, where graves are more concentrated, is located to the right. The route is built so you can handle it in one hour without feeling like you are losing the rest of your day.

One practical consideration: the path up is steep. This is not listed as a hard requirement, but the reality is that you should be comfortable with walking uphill. If mobility is limited, you might still enjoy the boat views and choose to keep your on-land time shorter, depending on what you feel up to.

More bays after the castle: Esmeralda, Burc, and the swim time split

After Simena Castle, the itinerary keeps moving through beautiful coastal stops. Esmeralda Bay comes next as a fresh-up break, with about 1 hour. This is a good “reset” moment when you want a swim without a big walk attached. The bay is described as a nice spot for swimming, and the timing gives you room to change, rinse off, and move back toward the rest of the day.

Then you head to Burc Bay, also about 1 hour. This bay is highlighted for clear water and the way fine shells break down, making the water look like it has pale sand tones beneath. Admission is not included for this stop, which fits the overall pattern: some places are free-entry, others depend on the site.

Not every stop is equal for swimming. Kekova Island itself is pass-by only with no swimming, so your best odds for water time are those bays where you actually get a break. This is why I like this itinerary style. It does not pretend every scenic point is a beach day. It gives you a realistic mix.

Gokkaya Bay, Pirates Cave, and the turtle area at Karemlik

Later in the day, you get one more satisfying swimming and sightseeing block.

Gokkaya is a natural bay where boats stop for swimming. You get about 1 hour here, then you visit Pirates Cave after the swim break. This sequence works because it gives you a proper water reset before shifting back to viewing.

Finally, you finish with Karemlik Bay and beach. This stop is known for Caretta Carettas, and you have a chance to swim with them or feed them. I would treat that as an opportunity, not a guarantee, and follow the crew’s guidance about what is allowed in the moment.

The time at Karemlik is shorter, about 30 minutes. That means the goal is to get a final round of photos and a swim if conditions and timing line up. Since you return to the starting point after the tour ends, this finish is designed so you are not stranded waiting around.

Who this private Kekova tour is best for

I like this kind of private boat day for couples, small families, and groups of friends who want the coast without the stress of sharing the boat with strangers. The private format matters most when:

• you want a calm day with fewer crowd interruptions
• you care about repeated swimming breaks rather than just photos
• you prefer flexible pacing, not a strict script

If you are the type who loves one big sightseeing day, followed by water time, you will probably enjoy how the itinerary alternates between land highlights and swim windows. It is also a solid pick if you are interested in the story of the coast, because you start in Andriake and then move into the Kekova area where earthquakes and invasions shaped what survived.

If your top priority is getting onto Kekova Island itself, you should know the boat only cruises through it. You still get the key visuals from the sea, but you do not get the same access you would on a shore stop.

The crew experience: Musa and Sevda set the tone

The best part, in my view, is how welcoming the crew feels. One standout pair mentioned in feedback is captain Musa and his wife Sevda. They come across as warm and hands-on, checking in without hovering. That shows up in simple things like tea and snacks during the day, and the way they help guests enjoy the stops without turning it into a chore.

Also, multiple people praised the captain for preparing a meal on board, which suggests the day may feel more like a catered outing than a basic sightseeing cruise. Still, since lunch is listed as not included, I would treat the on-board meal as something you should confirm for your booking.

Weather, sea conditions, and why timing affects everything

This tour requires good weather. That makes sense because you are out on the water for hours, with swim breaks and viewing time. If the sea gets too rough, you will not want a bunch of complicated plans relying on short stops.

If you are traveling in peak season, expect other boats to be around at popular bays. The crew tries to choose less crowded swimming options, but you still can end up sharing the area with multiple boats when demand is high. That is not a flaw in the tour so much as a reality of Kekova in the summer.

The upside is that the private setup still gives you more control than shared group tours. Even small changes in where you swim can make the whole experience feel calmer.

Should you book this private Kekova boat tour?

Book it if you want a classic Kekova day with a private group setup, snorkeling equipment included, and a schedule that mixes sunken city views with real swimming time. The Simena Castle stop gives you one land highlight that is more than just a quick look, and the rest of the day is built around bays where you can reset and enjoy the water.

Skip it, or ask more questions first, if you specifically want to land on Kekova Island or plan your day around a guaranteed lunch. The boat cruises through Kekova Island, and swimming there is not offered. Lunch is not listed as included, so confirm how meals are handled on your departure.

If you are deciding today, my practical suggestion is simple: message your operator and ask two things before you pay, which bay is best for swimming on your date, and whether lunch is being provided on your specific departure. Get those answers, then you will know exactly how the day will feel from start to finish.

FAQ

How many people is this private Kekova boat tour for?

It is a private tour for only your group, up to 6 people.

Where does the tour start, and what time does it begin?

The meeting point is Ayla Boat Tours in Demre (Büyükkum, Çayağzı Yolu, 07570 Demre/Antalya, Türkiye), and the start time is 10:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 7 to 8 hours.

What languages are offered?

The tour is offered in English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Where do you have swimming breaks?

You can request swimming breaks in either Aquarium Bay or Tersane Bay. There are also bay stops later in the day such as Esmeralda Bay and Gokkaya where swimming is mentioned. Kekova Island itself has no swimming and is pass-by only.

Is there a stop for Kekova Island or the sunken city?

Kekova Island is not a stop, it is only cruised through, and you view the sunken city from the water.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is listed as not included. However, some guests mention food prepared on board, so it is worth confirming for your specific date.

What is included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, coffee and/or tea, and snacks.

Are bottled water or soda included?

No. Bottled water and soda/pop are not included.

What is the cancellation policy and what happens if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.