Kekova looks unreal from a boat. This full-day private cruise mixes sun-and-swim breaks with up-close views of the Sunken City ruins, plus the best sea outlooks around Simena.

I love the setup: you get your own private boat and the crew has your group as the priority, so the day feels relaxed instead of rushed. I also like the balance of stops, from built-in snorkeling breaks (with gear provided) to short land moments like Kaleköy village and the Simena Castle viewpoint.

One drawback to keep in mind: finding the boat can be confusing if directions aren’t clear, and English may be limited. So I’d plan to arrive early and use simple language (or a translation app) for the basics.

Key highlights that make this trip worth it

• Private boat for your group: you’re not sharing the experience with strangers all day.
• Kekova’s Sunken City cruise-by: flooded Dolchiste ruins on a route where swimming is off-limits.
• Aquarium Bay + Burç Bay swims: long enough breaks to actually enjoy the water.
• Snorkeling equipment included: you don’t have to hunt for gear in Kas or Demre.
• Kaleköy (ancient Simena) stop: castle ruins and a necropolis, with time for photos.
• Simena Castle hike window: short walk, big views, but the entry fee is extra.

Private boat from Demre: what you’re really paying for

This trip runs about 7 hours, and the price is $370.43 per person. On paper that sounds steep, but you’re paying for the big difference: a private vessel with your group only, plus a planned route that hits the key Kekova sights without you doing the logistics alone.

The real value is the mix of built-in time on the water and time on land. You get lunch, snorkeling gear, and multiple swim stops—so you’re not constantly transferring, waiting, and re-budgeting on the fly.

One small extra cost to plan for: the Simena Castle entry fee is 4 euro. Everything else related to the main cruise stops is listed as free admission, but that castle ticket is the main thing that can catch people off guard.

Meeting at Andriake Harbour: how to start the day without stress

Your start point is Andriake Harbour (Türkiye), and the experience ends back there. The scheduled start time is 10:30 am, and the operator notes the day can begin at a time that fits you, though around 10 am is recommended to fit all the stops.

Here’s the practical tip: don’t roll up at the last second. Even when the trip is private, you can still lose time if your boat isn’t easy to spot. Ask for clear instructions the day before, and if possible confirm exactly where to stand and what to look for.

Also plan for basic communication. On this kind of small regional trip, staff English can be limited, so it helps to have simple questions ready: where to meet, when you return, and how to handle any dietary requests.

Cruising Dolchiste: seeing the Sunken City without stepping into restricted water

Kekova’s most striking moment is the cruise-by of the Sunken City area. You’re not just looking at ruins from the shore—you’re gliding along where the old town of Dolchiste was flooded by an earthquake in the 2nd century.

Swimming is not permitted in the protected site area. That’s a bummer if you were hoping for a swim right at the ruins, but it’s also why the place stays special. The rules help keep the underwater remains intact, and they push you toward the fun part: taking photos from the boat and looking closely.

This is a day-long trip, so that “no swim” section doesn’t feel empty. You get other swimming breaks later, which means you can enjoy this part as a viewing experience instead of treating it like just another stop.

Aquarium Bay swim break: the water stop that sets the tone

Your first real swim break is Aquarium Bay, with about 1 hour on the water. Admission here is listed as free, and the key point is simple: you get time to actually relax, swim, and catch your breath before the day starts moving.

If you’re bringing snorkeling gear (included), this is where you’ll probably get the most out of it. The bay is one of those places where a short swim turns into a longer session, because you can keep switching between floating, looking down, and recharging in the sun.

Also, start thinking about your comfort early. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a towel you don’t mind getting wet. Getting those small things organized before you hit the first swim saves time and stress.

Kaleköy Harbour (ancient Simena): a quick village with real ruins

Next up is Kaleköy Harbour, anchored for about 1 hour. This is the ancient Simena area, and you’ll have time to explore a small village setting with castle ruins and a necropolis.

The beauty here is the contrast. One moment you’re on open water looking at Kekova from sea level. The next, you’re walking around a quieter place with stone details you can actually study at human pace.

For most people, this stop works best if you move with intention. You don’t need to rush, but don’t let it turn into a long wander either. Use the time for photos, a short walk toward the castle ruins, and then get back before the next swim break.

Simena Castle: the viewpoint that costs extra (but feels worth it)

If you want the classic look over the Kekova region, you’ll want Simena Castle. There’s a short hike up the hillside with a time window of about 30 minutes, and the entry fee isn’t included (4 euro).

Even without lingering, that half hour can be powerful because it changes your perspective. The whole Kekova story suddenly makes sense when you see the coast and ruins from above.

The practical consideration is energy and footwear. Thirty minutes isn’t long, but it’s still a hillside walk. Wear shoes you’re comfortable on, and don’t assume the terrain is perfectly even.

Sunken City Ruins of Simena: cruise-by viewing, plus optional extra swim time

After Kaleköy, the schedule includes another Sunken City Ruins of Simena segment. If you don’t feel done with the water yet, you can use remaining time for another dip in the surrounding blue waters, with a listed window of about 30 minutes.

The key difference from the protected area is the way you experience it. You’re still focused on the ruins and the coastal scenery, but you also get a chance to cool down and reset.

If you’re the type who likes photos from multiple angles, treat this like your second “camera session.” Boat height, light, and the water surface all change your pictures, and you’ll be glad you waited for a different moment of the day.

Burç Bay and Gökkaya Bay: cooler water, longer swims, and possible water sports

Your itinerary then moves into two named swim zones: Burç Bay and Gökkaya Bay.

At Burç Bay, you get a swim break where the water feels cooler because of cold underwater natural springs. That detail matters in the real world. Summer heat can make you feel cooked by midday, and cooler water can feel like a small miracle.

Then comes Gökkaya Bay with about 1 hour for swimming. Admission is listed as free, and there’s also mention that you can opt into water sports offered there. Even if you don’t do any activities, the stop is great for snorkeling time and just drifting.

One more thing from the kind of day this route creates: you might get moments where you spot sea life close up during your swim/snorkel breaks. I’d treat it as a bonus, not a promise, but it’s the kind of payoff that makes people remember this day.

The cave stop: a big curved entrance you can see up close

After the bay swims, the itinerary includes a stop for a naturally formed cave. It’s known for its large size and a curved entrance, which is exactly the kind of feature that looks better when you can see it from the water.

You won’t spend all day here, but it breaks up the routine and gives you something different from the coastline and ruins. When the day’s already packed with history and swimming, a visual stop like this helps the whole route feel varied.

Lunch onboard: fuel for a long sea day (including food flexibility)

Lunch is included, and it’s part of why this trip feels “complete.” A full-day boat program can fall apart if food is small or late, but here lunch is built in so you can stay out on the water without hunting for a meal.

One helpful note: if you need a vegan meal, it’s worth asking ahead. The operator has been able to arrange a vegan lunch for at least one request in the past, which suggests they take dietary needs seriously when they can.

Practical tip: if you have food allergies, say it early and clearly. Limited English can be an issue, so write down your needs if you can.

Demre after the boat: why the extra town time can be worth it

The trip ends back at the harbor, and you’ll be in Demre afterward. Even though the boat day is the star, Demre is described as a small town with more to do: historical sites, beaches, and hiking along the Lycian Way.

If you have energy after a 7-hour sea day, it’s a nice way to extend the trip. If you don’t, Demre still works for a calm evening—because you’re not far from the essentials.

Price and logistics: when this private Kekova day is great value

Let’s talk value honestly.

You’re paying $370.43 per person for a private full-day boat experience with lunch and snorkeling equipment included. That combination is what makes it easier to justify than a cheaper shared boat that leaves you to handle food and gear separately.

The extra cost to remember is the Simena Castle entry fee (4 euro). It’s not a lot, but it’s still a cost, and it’s one that doesn’t show up until you decide whether to do that hike.

If you’re traveling in a group, group discounts are listed as part of the deal. That can make the price feel more reasonable, especially when you’re splitting the private-boat benefit across friends and family.

Who should book this private Demre to Kekova trip?

This one fits best if you want a friends-and-family day rather than a crowded group tour. The private format matters most when you’re traveling with kids, elders, or anyone who doesn’t love tight schedules.

It also suits you if you like a planned itinerary. You’ll get the structured stops—Aquarium Bay, Kaleköy, the castle viewpoint window, multiple swim breaks—so you’re not spending your vacation second-guessing where to go next.

Finally, it’s a good choice if you plan to swim and snorkel. Snorkeling gear is included, and the route is built around swim time at named bays.

One more consideration: the experience requires good weather. If weather turns rough, your day can be changed or refunded. So build this into your schedule with some flexibility if you can.

Should you book this private boat to Kekova?

I’d book it if you’re excited about combining Kekova’s underwater ruins with real swim time and you want that private-boat feeling. The route is well paced for a sea day, and the included lunch + snorkeling equipment help keep the experience smooth.

Skip it (or at least be extra ready) if you hate the idea of extra walking up to viewpoints or if you prefer crystal-clear meeting instructions every time. Since boat-finding can be confusing and English may be limited, you’ll feel better if you show up early, confirm where to meet, and communicate your needs with simple wording.

If your goal is the classic Kekova look—Sunken City views, Simena perspectives, and a day that feels like your own—this is a strong match.

FAQ

What time does the Demre to Kekova private boat trip start?

The experience starts at 10:30 am.

Where is the meeting point, and where do we end up?

The meeting point is Andriake Harbour (Türkiye), and the trip ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How long is the trip?

The duration is about 7 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch and the use of snorkeling equipment are included.

Is Simena Castle admission included?

No. The Simena Castle entrance fee is listed as 4 euro.

Are you allowed to swim at the Sunken City ruins?

No. Swimming is not permitted in the protected Sunken City area. You can cruise alongside the ruins and photograph them.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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