Kekova Sunken City Full Day Boat Trip

Imagine a day spent cruising along the Turkish coast, visiting ancient ruins partially submerged in crystal-clear waters, and stopping at spots renowned for their natural beauty. The Kekova Sunken City Full Day Boat Trip from Kas offers just that—a seven-hour journey that combines history, stunning scenery, and water-based fun for an accessible price of around $64 per person. The tour departs from the charming village of Üçaz, with pickup service included, making it hassle-free. Led by friendly guides, you’ll explore the legendary Sunken City of Kekova, snorkel in vibrant bays, and enjoy a delicious local lunch, all wrapped in a relaxed, small-group atmosphere.

Two things we love about this experience are the variety of stops—from marine parks to ancient castles—and the value for money. The tour includes several swimming breaks, which are perfect for cooling off and soaking in the scenery. The inclusion of lunch and snorkeling gear also adds to the overall value. One potential drawback is that some parts of the tour, like the entrance to Simena Castle, are optional and aren’t included in the price, so budget accordingly if you want to explore further.

This trip suits travelers who want a well-rounded day of adventure, history, and relaxation without breaking the bank. If you enjoy scenic boat rides, uncovering archaeological sites from the water, or simply lounging on a boat with spectacular views, this tour ticks all those boxes. Be prepared for a somewhat long day on the water, but with so many beautiful stops, it’s worth every minute.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: The trip offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast and crystal waters.
• Historical highlights: Explore the partially submerged Lycian ruins of Kekova, a rare archaeological site.
• Variety of stops: From Aquarium Bay’s vibrant marine life to the castle ruins of Simena and peaceful bays for swimming.
• Good value: Price includes lunch, snorkeling gear, and multiple swimming stops.
• Flexible options: Optional entrance to Simena Castle is extra, giving you control over how much you explore.
• Convenient logistics: Pickup and drop-off from Kas make this hassle-free for travelers.

An In-Depth Look at the Kekova Sunken City Full Day Boat Trip

The Kekova boat tour is a fantastic way to experience the Turkish Mediterranean without the hassle of planning multiple activities yourself. It’s designed to balance adventure, relaxation, and a bit of history, wrapped in a full-day package that feels just right.

Starting Point and Departure

The tour kicks off at a nearby office on the same street as the local post office in Üçaz, a small, peaceful village. The meeting process is straightforward, and transportation is usually by air-conditioned vehicle. Being picked up from your hotel (if booked with the tour provider) simplifies logistics, especially after a long day of exploring.

The Itinerary — A Closer Look

Aquarium Bay:
Our day begins with a stop at Aquarium Bay, famous for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Even from the boat, we could see vibrant fish darting around in the shallow waters, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling or just floating and enjoying the marine spectacle. As the reviews highlight, the waters here resemble an underwater aquarium, which is a real treat. The 45-minute stop includes entry fees, so it’s a good introduction to the water-based fun ahead.

Sunken City of Kekova:
The highlight of the trip is the Sunken City, where ancient Lycian ruins are partly visible above water, with far more extensive remains beneath the turquoise surface. Guides explain the history—how seismic activity caused parts of this thriving settlement to sink—and point out walls, staircases, and even some buildings still visible. Some reviews note that swimming or diving among the ruins is prohibited to preserve the site, but boat viewing offers a close-up look at this underwater archaeological wonder. With about 45 minutes here, you get a good glimpse without feeling rushed.

Burç Bay & Castle:
Next is Burç Bay, a peaceful spot with beautifully clear, cool waters. Here, you can enjoy a swim, snorkel, or just relax on the boat deck. The nearby Lycian castle ruins add a touch of history and offer impressive panoramic views of the coastline. The 45-minute stop is perfect for a quick refresh and some great photos of the rugged coastline.

Pirate Cave:
Passing by Pirate Cave (or Pirate’s Cove), the boat glides past this intriguing natural formation. According to legend, pirates once hid here, which adds a dash of adventure to the scenery. It’s not a stop for exploration, but the story and dramatic rocks make it a memorable sight. Plus, the cave is a protected habitat for the Mediterranean monk seals, so it’s best observed from the boat.

Gökkaya Bay:
Lunchtime arrives at Gokkaya Bay, a pristine spot for swimming and unwinding. While the crew prepares a simple but tasty lunch of grilled chicken, pasta, and salads, you can cool off in the inviting waters. Especially in the heat of summer, this peaceful bay provides a well-earned rest.

Simena (Kaleköy):
The charming village of Simena is the next stop. Its medieval castle overlooks the bay, and the streets are lined with small cafes and ice cream shops—ideal for a leisurely stroll. The castle entrance is optional and costs a small fee, but the real draw is the scenic setting and the Lycian tombs scattered around the village. One review notes that the village’s atmosphere is a delightful blend of history and local life.

Final Swimming at Adalar Bay:
The last swimming stop, Adalar Bay, allows another chance to cool off before heading back. With about 45 minutes here, you’ll have time for a final dip or to simply relax on the boat, soaking in the last views of this beautiful coastline.

Return to Üçaz:
After a full day of swimming, exploring, and sightseeing, the boat heads back to Üçaz marina, where the trip concludes. The drive back usually takes about 1 hour, giving you time to reflect on the day’s highlights.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price of $64.16 covers transportation, lunch, snorkeling gear, and all the stops listed. Notably, the optional entrance to Simena Castle is extra, at around $4 per person, which gives visitors flexibility depending on their interest in exploring further. Drinks, especially alcoholic beverages and sodas, are not included but can be purchased separately.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Reflections

Travelers have been quite pleased with this tour. Rob, for example, appreciated the attention to boat size, noting, “we booked for 15 people but were initially put onto a 100-person boat,” though he was swiftly transferred to a smaller vessel. Such flexibility ensures a more intimate experience, which many travelers prefer.

Daniel, on the other hand, mentioned that the English commentary was minimal and mostly in Turkish, which could be a consideration if language is important to you. Despite that, the overall experience was highly rated, with many guests finding the views and stops to be worth the price.

Who Will Love This Tour

This trip is best suited for travelers seeking a relaxed yet adventurous day on the water, with an interest in history, stunning scenery, and swimming. It’s ideal if you want to see multiple highlights without the hassle of organizing transfers or multiple separate trips. Also, those who appreciate good value—since the tour includes lunch, gear, and several stops—will find it a worthwhile investment.

The Sum Up

The Kekova Sunken City Full Day Boat Trip offers an engaging blend of natural beauty, ancient ruins, and water fun at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for travelers who want to experience the Turkish coast’s most iconic sights with ease and comfort. The stops at Aquarium Bay, the submerged ruins, and picturesque villages make it a well-rounded day.

While the journey is long, the opportunity to see underwater archaeological sites, swim in crystal waters, and explore charming villages makes it worth every minute. The inclusion of lunch and snorkeling gear adds extra convenience and value. This tour will particularly appeal to those who appreciate scenic boat rides, historical sights, and relaxed days with plenty of swimming breaks.

If you’re looking to combine adventure with ease, and you’re happy to focus on scenery and history rather than in-depth guided commentary, this trip is a solid choice. It’s a fantastic way to add a memorable chapter to your Turkish holiday, especially if you love being on the water and discovering hidden gems along the coast.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel in Kas and transportation to the meeting point, making the start of your day smooth and convenient.

How long is the boat trip?
The total boat journey lasts about 6.5 hours, with stops and swimming breaks, leaving plenty of time for exploration and relaxation.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs approximately $64.16 per person, including stops, lunch, snorkeling gear, and transfers.

Can I visit the castle at Simena?
Yes, entrance to Simena Castle costs about $4 per person and is optional. The village itself is free to explore.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and perhaps a waterproof camera. Snorkeling gear is provided, but you might prefer your own mask and fins if you have them.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best to check if traveling with very young children or those with mobility issues, given the water-based activities.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

This boat trip balances scenic beauty with cultural interest, making it a memorable addition to any Turkish coast holiday. As long as you’re prepared for a day on the water and eager to explore some of the Mediterranean’s most captivating sights, it’s hard to go wrong.