Sunken ruins and sea-breeze air in one day. This deluxe guided boat trip from Kas takes you past Kekova’s coast and into the world of the Sunken City Ruins of Simena, with Captain Mustafa and his wife running the day on a small-group boat. I especially like the time set aside for snorkeling, and the way the schedule balances swimming, sightseeing from the water, and a real sit-down lunch.

Two things I also think you’ll appreciate: you’ll be on a boat built for changing between sun and shade, and you get an easy, guided look at what makes Kekova and Simena special without needing to plan separate stops on your own. One consideration: drinks are extra (coffee/tea, soda, bottled water, and alcohol), so plan to budget for that once you’re out on the water.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group on the boat (max 8): easier movement, less crowding, and quicker help if you need it.
• Snorkeling gear included: you don’t have to pack or rent equipment.
• Kekova Island has real water time: swimming plus a close look at the submerged city area.
• You also see ruins from the boat: not only one viewpoint, so you get options for photos and looking.
• Simena Castle stop is flexible: climb up if you want views, or grab homemade ice cream on the island.
• Lunch is included, drinks aren’t: you’ll eat, but you’ll pay extra for most beverages.

Deluxe Sunken City Boat Guided Tour From Kas: why it feels worth the day

This is an 8-hour Mediterranean outing that’s mostly about being on the water—breezy deck time, anchored swim stops, and looking at an ancient submerged city from more than one angle. If you’re the type who wants to do one big day and not spend the rest of your trip juggling tickets, this one is built for that. You’ll start in Kas and spend the day around Kekova and Simena, with a guide in English to keep things clear.

I like how the day is paced. It’s not just cruising past sights; you get time to get wet and actually experience the underwater ruins area. And because the group is capped at 8 travelers, you’re more likely to feel like you’re on a tour with attention, not on a fast conveyor belt.

Still, you need to respect the basic reality of sea days: the experience requires good weather. If the sea isn’t cooperating, the schedule changes. If you’re traveling in a season with unstable weather, build in extra flexibility.

From Kas to Kekova: the first views and how the day starts

Early in the route, the boat passes near a small pebble beach. It’s not a long stop, but it sets the vibe: this is a coastline made for glimpses and quick snapshots, where the best moments often happen when you’re moving slowly along the water.

Then the focus turns toward Kekova Island. Expect the day to shift from “traveling” to “hanging out on a boat with things to do.” That matters because people often underestimate how much they’ll want shade, how often they’ll want to reset their camera, and how much time they’ll spend just watching the coastline slide by.

If you want the best experience, treat the boat like your base. Keep your essentials easy to reach, because once you’re anchored and swimming starts, you won’t want to be rummaging.

Kekova Island swim and sunken city time: the main event

This stop is the heart of the day: 2 hours on Kekova Island with swimming time and access to view the submerged city area. It’s long enough to do a proper swim session, not just a quick splash. And because snorkeling equipment is included, you can switch from floating and looking to a closer underwater view without spending extra.

Here’s what you should plan for during that 2-hour window:

• You’ll want a moment to get your bearings first—where the boat sits, where you’re swimming, and how the entry feels underfoot.
• Spend some time simply looking before you commit to snorkeling. When you see where the water clears up, you can decide whether it’s a “quick look” or a “take your time” kind of swim.
• Keep your expectations tied to the reality of an underwater ruins site: you’re seeing an ancient submerged city, but visibility and the feel of the water can vary.

One more practical note: the route includes a pebble beach sight early on, so if you’re picky about comfort, you might want water shoes that can handle uneven entry. That’s not required information from the operator, but it’s smart for a day where the coast is rocky and you’re switching between boat steps and swim zones.

If you’re a confident swimmer, great. If you’re less comfortable, stick close to the boat and treat snorkeling as a gradual step. The day is designed so most people can participate, but your comfort level should set the pace.

Seeing the Sunken City and ruins from the boat

Between the anchor stops, you’ll also see the Sunken City from the boat, plus views of the ancient ruins. This is one of those details that sounds minor until you’re actually there. Underwater ruins can be hard to take in from only one spot, and boat viewing gives you a different scale—more context, more angles, and often calmer “scan the area” looking rather than just close-up snorkeling.

This part of the trip matters if:

• You want photos from above or from different sides.
• You’re traveling with someone who prefers to stay on the surface.
• You want a breather after your swimming time.

It also helps you understand what you’re looking at. Even without going deep into museum-style explanations, seeing the ruins from multiple viewpoints makes the site feel more real.

Castle of Simena stop: climb, ice cream, and a quick cultural break

After Kekova, you’ll head toward Castle of Simena, with a 1-hour stop. This is not a long land excursion. It’s a short break from the water that gives you two choices: you can climb to the castle for views, or you can have homemade ice cream on the island.

That choice is genuinely useful. If you’re sun-tired or just don’t want to deal with a climb right after swimming, the ice cream option gives you a no-stress way to enjoy the island stop. If you do want the castle view, you’ll have to move efficiently—an hour goes fast when you’re factoring in time to walk, climb, take pictures, and still get back to the boat.

Also note: the admission ticket for the castle is not included. So if you plan to climb and pay, budget time and money for that separate cost.

Lunch on the water: what’s included and how to plan drinks

Lunch is included, but it’s worth understanding what that means for your day. The tour includes lunch only—drinks are extra. Bottled water is listed as not included too, along with coffee/tea, soda/pop, and alcoholic beverages.

So I treat the included lunch as the “fuel” part of the day:

• Eat enough at lunch because you may not have another full meal later.
• If you’re a coffee person or you rely on soda with heat, plan to buy it onboard or on the island.

The experience is known for good food and a generous feel. People have described it as a multi-course lunch with dessert, tea, and fruit. Even so, I’d still follow the tour’s stated rules for budgeting: assume you’ll pay for most beverages beyond what’s served with lunch.

A simple strategy: keep your water situation in mind. Since bottled water isn’t included, decide early whether you’ll purchase water there, bring your own only if the operator allows it (the tour details don’t say), or plan for limited intake and buy drinks as you go. You don’t want to get to late afternoon wishing you’d spent more earlier.

Boat comfort, English guide, and why group size matters

This tour is offered in English, and you’ll be on a boat with a maximum of 8 people. That small cap is a big deal on a full-day trip. It tends to mean:

• More room to shift positions when you want sun or shade.
• Less waiting when you’re getting ready to swim.
• A better chance the crew can handle small issues quickly, like snorkeling fit or timing.

One thing I like about the way the trip is described is that there’s space to relax either in the sun or in the shade. That’s not just comfort—it’s pacing. When you swim, you warm up and cool down. When you’re stuck in a crowded boat with nowhere to rest, the day feels longer. Here, you’re given options.

And the captain matters. The day is run by Captain Mustafa and his wife, which comes across as a hands-on, family-operated operation. If you like trips where the crew feels part of the experience, this setup is a good match.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $241.36

At $241.36 per person, this isn’t a bargain ticket. But boat tours in this area often cost more than people expect because you’re paying for several things at once:

• A full-day boat outing (about 8 hours).
• Fuel and a guided route.
• Included snorkeling equipment.
• An included lunch.

When you break it down like that, you’re paying less for “admission” and more for time on the water plus the gear and staff to make the day smooth. You’re not just getting a scenic ride; you’re getting the chance to swim and snorkel near a submerged ancient city area.

The trade-off is that extras add up. Drinks are extra, bottled water isn’t included, and the Castle of Simena admission isn’t included. If you plan to drink a lot of coffee, soda, or alcohol, your final cost could climb faster than the headline price.

My practical take: if you’ll actually use the snorkeling equipment and you want a single guided day to cover Kekova + Simena, the price starts to feel more fair. If you’re the type who hates paying for beverages and would skip snorkeling, you might decide to look for a lighter option.

Best fit: who this tour suits (and who should think twice)

This is a good match if you want:

• A full-day plan from Kas that’s focused on water time.
• To snorkel with equipment included.
• To combine swimming + ruins viewing + a short land moment at Simena Castle.
• A small-group day, max 8 people, with English guidance.

It’s also described as suitable for most travelers. That usually means the schedule doesn’t require major athletic skills for participation, but swimming is still part of the experience. So I’d say it’s best for anyone who’s comfortable being on a boat for hours and able to do a swim segment at least at their own pace.

Think twice if:

• You don’t want to pay for onboard drinks and extra snacks (because most beverages aren’t included).
• You’re prone to sea discomfort. The tour depends on good weather and you’ll be on the water for a long stretch.
• You want a long, slow museum-like land day. This is mostly sea time with short island stops.

Quick packing and timing tips for a smooth day

Because the trip is built around deck time and swimming, pack with that reality:

• Bring swim gear and anything you need to get comfortable in and out of the water.
• Wear sun protection you trust (hat/sunscreen), and plan for long exposure on deck.
• If you’re sensitive to wind or spray, a light layer can help during the cruise segments.

Also, keep your routine simple. This is an 8-hour tour with multiple segments, so you want a relaxed setup: fewer things to manage, more time to enjoy the views and the snorkeling opportunity.

Finally, since it’s near public transportation and uses a mobile ticket, you don’t need a complicated travel day to reach the starting area. Just plan to arrive with enough time to check in and settle before the boat leaves.

Should you book this Deluxe Sunken City Boat tour from Kas?

If your goal is one big, scenic, water-focused day that combines snorkeling, Kekova Island, and Simena ruins without forcing you to coordinate multiple transport legs, I’d say it’s a strong booking. The included lunch and snorkeling gear help you get more value out of your day, and the small group size (max 8) makes the experience feel calmer than the larger-boat options.

I’d hold off if you hate buying drinks onboard or you’d rather avoid swimming entirely. Also, if weather is unpredictable for your travel dates, keep your expectations flexible since good conditions are required.

FAQ

How long is the Deluxe Sunken City boat guided tour from Kas?

It lasts about 8 hours.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get lunch (only lunch), use of snorkeling equipment, and a fuel surcharge.

Are drinks and bottled water included?

No. Bottled water, coffee and/or tea, soda/pop, and alcoholic beverages are not included. Drinks are listed as extra.

What will I do at Kekova Island during the stop?

You’ll spend about 2 hours at Kekova Island for swimming and time to see the sunken city area. The admission ticket for this stop is free.

Is the admission ticket for Castle of Simena included?

No. The Castle of Simena admission ticket is listed as not included.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience also requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Is the tour offered in English, and do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes. The tour is offered in English and you receive a mobile ticket.

You Might Also Enjoy

Antalya Sightseeing City Tour with Cable Car and Boat TripAlanya: Turkish Bath Experience with Massage and Wine OptionSailing Day Tour with skipper and private chef in Kas IslandsAlanya: Luxury Turkish Bath and Spa Experience