Ucagiz: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat

There are days on the water that feel like a cheat code. I love the multiple swim breaks built into the day, and I love seeing the Sunken City ruins from the boat with real context. The one drawback to plan around is that peak season means more boats around the stops, which can affect water clarity and overall chill.

This day tour runs out of the Ucagiz harbour area, and you’ll board the Memedim boat with Captain Mehmet. You get a mix of on-water cruising, short guided storytelling, and stretches where you can float, snorkel, and just reset, especially during the longer bay stops. There’s an English and Turkish audio guide too, so you are not left guessing what you’re looking at.

At $58 per person for about 7 hours, it’s priced more like an all-day experience than a quick hop. Lunch, fruits, and a morning snack are included, but the Simena Castle entrance fee is not (1 euro), so budget a little extra if you plan to go inside.

Key things to know before you go

• One-hour swim and snorkel at Aquarium Bay with welcome refreshments to kick off the day
• Sunken City viewing with guided explanations tied to the Dolchiste story from the 2nd century
• Pirates Cave and other rock features you see from the water, not just from photos
• Longer bay breaks where you can lie back on provided float mattresses and spend time in the sea
• Kaleköy (ancient Simena) stop with a 1-hour break for castle ruins, necropolis area, and views

Leaving Ucagiz Harbour: Meeting Memedim Boat and Captain Mehmet

Your day starts with an on-time mindset. The boat departure window is between 10:20 and 10:40 am, so I’d aim to be at the Ucagiz village harbour early, not right on the minute. You’ll board the Memedim boat (meeting name appears as Kekova tekne turu Mehmedim3 Boat) with Captain Mehmet.

This is one of those trips where the schedule matters because the best parts are time-in-water parts. If you show up late, you might lose time at Aquarium Bay, and that first swim stop is the one that sets the tone for the whole day.

One practical tip: bring your towel and have your swimwear ready to go. You don’t want to spend precious bay-break time changing while everyone else is already out by the water.

Aquarium Bay Swim Break: Turkish tea, snorkeling, and actual time to cool off

Aquarium Bay (Akvaryum Koyu) is where the tour wakes up. You get a full hour for swimming and snorkeling, plus welcome refreshments. Even if you are not a confident snorkeler, I like having that much time, because you can ease in, float, and still feel like you used the sea properly.

The boat adds a small comfort layer here. The breaks are long enough that you are not constantly reboarding, and there are places on the boat to relax while you wait your turn for the next swim. If you enjoy simply chilling, this stop is a big reason to book.

The reviews I saw consistently point to good onboard comfort and solid food, and this first segment matches that vibe: snack, tea, swim, repeat. If you are picky about water visibility, keep in mind this is a popular stretch, especially in high season.

Kekova Island and the Sunken City: Dolchiste ruins, explained in plain terms

This tour’s main hook is the Sunken City area near Kekova Island. You cruise past the underwater ruins and get a guided explanation as you go, including a key detail: the ancient city of Dolchiste was flooded after an earthquake in the 2nd century. That’s not just trivia. It helps you understand why you’re seeing broken, submerged remnants in the water.

You’ll get a short guided segment while cruising around the Sunken City, roughly 20 minutes. It’s not a museum experience, but it’s enough time to connect the story to the shapes you see. From the boat, the underwater ruins can look like scattered stone lines, depending on the day and the water conditions.

Here’s the honest practical note: on busy days with lots of boats nearby, water clarity can take a hit. If you care a lot about seeing the ruins with maximum crispness, try to go in a less packed time of day when possible, and don’t expect perfect visibility every minute.

Burç Bay and the cooling effect of natural springs

After the Sunken City segment, you’re back into the rhythm of stop, swim, and cruise. You’ll spend time at Burç Bay, where the sea feels a bit cooler thanks to cold underwater natural springs.

I like this stop because it gives you variety. Instead of only chasing warm, clear water, you get that refreshing cool dip. It can also make snorkeling feel easier if the air is hot, because the water is not just warm haze.

The timing here is built for actual rest. You’re not doing a quick, 10-minute splash. You get enough time to get comfortable, swim at your own pace, and dry off a bit before the next move.

Pirates Cave: A natural rock feature worth seeing from the water

Pirates Cave is one of those places that sounds like a theme park, but it’s actually a naturally formed cave. It’s known for its large size and a curved entrance, and you see it from the boat as you cruise through the area.

This is a good stop if you like visual variety. You’re not just looking at ruins and beaches. You’re seeing coastal geology up close, with the curve of the entrance shaping how it looks from the water.

One thing to remember: because it’s a cave feature, you are not meant to treat it like a swim-through attraction unless the captain and conditions allow it. Your main win here is the sight and the story, then moving on before the day gets too long.

Gökkaya Bay lunch and swim time: the sweet spot in the middle of the day

Gökkaya Bay is where you get lunch and another swim break. The stop time is about 45 minutes, so it’s long enough to eat without rushing and still get into the water before you have to head out again.

This is a popular part of the trip, and the food is one of the reasons. Lunch has been described as very good, and the overall meal setup is practical for boat touring. You also get fruit service during the day, which helps keep energy up between swims.

If you like to be active, this is also the part of the day where you might see options for water activities, depending on what’s offered at the time. If you just want to float and watch the coastline, you’ll still have plenty of room to do that.

Esmeralda Bay: quieter waters and another chance to cool off

Esmeralda Bay is another swimming stop, with time set aside for a calm, relaxing dip. The sea break here is around 40 minutes.

I like this segment because it feels like the tour gives you one more stretch of freedom. You can go for a swim, snorkel if you brought gear, or just enjoy the pause before the final landing.

If you’re traveling with people who get tired of constant movement, this is the portion where you can slow down. You’re still on the water, but the plan isn’t pushing you into something new every few minutes.

Simena Castle at Kaleköy: ruins, a necropolis area, and a hike for views

The boat anchors at Kaleköy port for about an hour, giving you time to explore ancient Simena. This stop includes castle ruins and a necropolis area, and you can either hike uphill for sweeping views of the Kekova region or admire Simena Castle from below if you’d rather spend more time in the water.

I’d call this the best “land moment” of the day. Everything else is mostly sea-based. Here, you get a chance to walk around, stretch your legs, and get a different angle on the region.

Two practical notes:

• The Simena Castle entrance fee is 1 euro and is not included.
• You may use a separate entrance to skip the line, which helps if it’s busy.

If you’re sensitive to hot stairs, consider going half the hike, enjoying the view, and returning before you feel cooked. You only have an hour, and you want it to feel relaxed, not like a mad dash.

When you’re ready, you rejoin the boat and head back toward Ucagiz, finishing the day with the kind of tired happiness that comes from sun plus salt plus history you can actually see.

Price and value: Is $58 a fair deal for a 7-hour boat day?

For $58 per person, the value here is mostly about time and included food. This is about 7 hours on the water, with lunch, morning snack, and fruits service included. That’s a real savings compared to piecing together a boat ride plus meals plus snacks on your own.

Where you might add a little extra:

• Simena Castle entrance fee is 1 euro.
• If you want anything beyond swim essentials, you’ll pay those extras separately.

For me, the best value signal is the way the day is structured around water time. You aren’t paying for only cruising. You’re paying for real swim breaks like the one-hour Aquarium Bay stop and multiple additional dips. That’s the part you remember, and it’s the part that makes the day feel worth the money.

The main cost-related consideration is seasonality and crowds. In high season, the stops can be fuller, and that can reduce water clarity. You may still have a great time swimming, but you may not get the same crystal-clear viewing conditions all the way through.

Comfort, guides, and the little issues worth knowing

The tour experience depends a lot on the crew and how smoothly they run the day. Captains and guides can make or break it when you’re moving between stops, and the positive feedback here is strong. People specifically highlight good organization and sympathetic crew behavior.

Language-wise, you get an audio guide in English and Turkish. Live guidance can vary by day. In one English-focused review, a guide named Mustafa explained things in English and answered lots of questions, which is the kind of attention you want if you care about the history behind the ruins.

There are also realistic tradeoffs:

• Peak season means more boats, and that can affect water transparency.
• One person expected more direct swimming among submerged ruins linked to Simena, but the plan focused on multiple swim stops instead. If that’s your top priority, consider setting your expectations to enjoying the stop variety rather than swimming directly through the densest ruin field.

There’s also a small reminder from off-season experiences: if you’re booking early in the season, confirm it will run as expected. In one case, a mismatch happened, and the provider worked to fix it, but it was still a stressful start.

Who should book this Kekova boat trip?

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want history you can see from the water, not just read about
• Enjoy swimming and like having real time at several bays
• Prefer boat touring with food included, rather than managing snacks and transfers
• Are okay with some crowds if you travel in high season

It might be less ideal if you:

• Want a long, structured on-land museum-style experience
• Are chasing maximum underwater visibility at every stop
• Need a very detailed, long guided walk through Simena Castle and surrounding ruins

If you’re flexible and you’re happy to spend your day splitting time between cruising and swimming, this works beautifully.

Should you book Ucagiz: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat?

I’d book it if you want an all-day mix of sea time and the Dolchiste Sunken City story, with practical included meals and multiple swim opportunities. It’s also a good choice for couples and friends who want the day to feel like freedom, not a rigid checklist.

Skip it or choose a different style of tour if your priority is spending the majority of time on land, or if you want the kind of underwater experience where you are guaranteed the clearest possible viewing conditions and the most direct ruin swimming route.

If you do book, pack the basics (swimwear and towel), plan for a busy day in summer, and decide in advance how much hiking you want to do at Kaleköy. Then you can enjoy the rest of the day for what it is, a well-paced boat day around Kekova.

FAQ

What time does the boat depart from Ucagiz?

Departure is scheduled between 10:20 and 10:40 am. Aim to arrive early at the harbour to avoid stress.

How long is the boat trip to Kekova?

The total duration is about 7 hours.

What is included in the price?

The trip includes a morning snack, lunch, and fruits service. An audio guide is also included, in English and Turkish.

Do I need to pay extra for Simena Castle?

Yes. The Simena Castle entrance fee is 1 euro and is not included.

Are there swim stops during the day?

Yes. There are multiple swimming breaks, including a full hour at Aquarium Bay and additional time at other bays.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Are there refreshments during the cruise?

Yes. You get welcome refreshments during the Aquarium Bay stop, plus food such as lunch and fruits service.

What languages are available for guidance?

The audio guide is available in English and Turkish, and there is also host or greeter support in English and Turkish.

Is the tour refundable if my plans change?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now and pay later option listed.