Kekova by boat feels like a time machine. I love the stretch of bays for real swim time and the surprise Turkish tea and biscuits at Aquarium Bay. This day is built around time on the water, plus short but meaningful looks at Kekova’s underwater ruins and the hilltop viewpoints above Simena.

One thing to plan for: the schedule depends on good weather, so you’ll want to be flexible if conditions aren’t right. Also, some stops are short, so you’ll get the best experience if you show up ready to swim and move.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Dock-to-dock swim breaks at multiple bays, including one stop where you get Turkish tea and biscuits
• Kekova’s sunken history (Dolchiste) visible from the boat, tied to a 2nd-century earthquake
• Kekova Island is protected, so there’s no swimming there, but you still cruise along for photos
• Burç Bay water can feel cooler, thanks to underwater natural springs
• Kaleköy (ancient Simena) village + castle ruins, with a separate €4 entrance fee

A Full Day on the Water That Feels Built for Swimmers

This isn’t a slow “look at the coast from one angle” kind of trip. You spend hours moving between spots around Kekova, with planned pauses for swimming. That makes the day feel active without needing to hike all day.

You’ll also get the classic Kekova feel: islands, sheltered bays, and the underwater remains that make you stop and stare for a moment. The boat ride does a lot of heavy lifting for you—especially for seeing the sunken area without dealing with complicated logistics.

Ucagiz Departure Timing: Plan to Arrive Early

Your day starts at Ucagiz Village harbour. The boat departs sometime between 10:20 and 10:40, and your check-in window is basically about being there and ready on time around 10:15.

I like this kind of timing because it gives you a late-morning start. It also means you’re not battling early crowds on the road. Still, be realistic: if you’re late to the harbour, you’ll miss the departure window, and the whole day is built around that first push out.

Aquarium Bay: Swim Break Plus Turkish Tea and Biscuits

Aquarium Bay is where the trip shifts into vacation mode. You’ll have about one hour 15 minutes total, with around one hour of swimming time in the bay near Kekova Island.

The nice touch here is the Turkish tea and biscuits service. It’s not just a snack stop—it’s a reset. After time in the water, you can warm up, take a breath, and avoid the classic “everyone is sunburnt and grumpy” pattern that happens when boat days are all sun and no pause.

Downside to consider: you’ll be tempted to spend longer in the water than the allotted time. Don’t. If you miss the next boat call, you’ll lose the rhythm for the rest of the day.

Kekova: Cruising Past the Underwater Ruins of Dolchiste

Then you hit the big storytelling moment of the day: Kekova. The ruins you’ll see connect to Dolchiste, an ancient city that was flooded due to an earthquake in the 2nd century. The underwater ruins are the reason this region is so famous.

You don’t get long on land here—this is a “see it from the boat” stop, with about 15 minutes allocated. That short time makes sense: the goal is to keep the day flowing to multiple swim zones while still giving you context.

What I like about this format is that it keeps your attention on the water itself. With the right light, the outlines and texture you see can look almost unreal, which is exactly the point of a sunken-city day.

Kekova Island: Protected Waters, No Swimming, Great Photo Time

At Kekova Island, the rules are clear: it’s a protected area, so swimming isn’t permitted. Instead, you’ll cruise alongside, with about 15 minutes to soak in the views and get photos.

This stop is a good reminder that not every “pretty spot” is designed for swimming. Still, it can be one of the best photo moments of the day because you’re close enough to appreciate what’s underwater while the boat does the work of keeping you at the right spot.

Tip: bring a phone/credit-card pouch or small dry bag if you’re the type who wants photos without worrying about splashes.

Burç Bay: Another Swim Break, and Cooler Water From Springs

Next up is Burç Bay, with another one hour 15 minutes break and time set aside to swim. There’s a fun fact attached to this bay: the sea can feel cooler here because of cold underwater natural springs.

That’s a real advantage on a hot day. If you’ve been baking in the sun elsewhere, cooler water can feel like a reset button. It also means you might feel comfortable swimming a bit longer before you get that “I’m done” feeling.

Watch your timing here, too. When there are multiple swim stops, the easy mistake is thinking you can take your time every time. The day is moving because it has to hit several bays plus the Simena area.

Gökkaya Bay Lunch and Swim Time

Gökkaya Bay is where you get both lunch and swimming time, with about one hour allocated. You can expect natural beauty here, plus the option to participate in various water sports on offer (details aren’t specified, so treat it as an optional add-on rather than a guaranteed feature).

Lunch being included matters more than it sounds. On boat days, food costs and choices can turn into a headache. Here, you get fed as part of the schedule, so you can focus on swimming and photos without hunting for meals.

Practical angle: go easy at lunch so you still feel good in the water afterward. Boat days often come with sun + motion, and heavy food can make that combo feel rough for some people.

Esmeralda Bay: A Quieter Hour for Swimming

Esmeralda Bay gives you another swimming stop for about one hour. This is the part of the day where you can slow down mentally. The goal is simple: enjoy the calm of another bay without rushing through it.

I like that the trip doesn’t try to squeeze in endless activities. One-hour swimming breaks are a sweet spot—you get enough time to cool off and feel refreshed, but there’s enough structure to keep the day from dragging.

Kaleköy (Ancient Simena): Castle Ruins, Necropolis, and a Small Port Town

One of the most interesting land breaks is at Kaleköy port, the ancient Simena. Here, the boat anchors, and you get about one hour to visit the small authentic village.

You’ll find castle ruins and a necropolis, and this is also where the trip gives you a separate cost: the Castle of Simena entrance fee is €4.00 per person, and it’s not included in the tour price.

Even if you don’t pay for extra entry, this hour is still useful. A port village stop is where you can get off the boat, look around on foot, and reset your eyes from water and ruins to streets and stone.

Sunken City Ruins of Simena: Views From the Hill (Plus Another Chance to Swim)

After Kaleköy, you’ll get a hike up the hillside for views over the Kekova region. This is one of the few moments that turns the day into a mix of water + movement, and it’s scheduled for about 30 minutes.

If walking uphill isn’t your thing that day, you can also use your remaining time for another swim in the blue waters. That flexibility is helpful because not everyone wants to do more stairs once they’ve already spent the day in and out of the boat.

What to bring for this part: comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting a little dusty. The hill views are the reward.

The Value Question: Is $59.15 a Good Deal?

At $59.15 per person for about 7 hours, this trip can be strong value if you actually plan to use the included parts: the multiple swim breaks and lunch.

You’re paying for:

• A full day of boat time (the main way to see Kekova efficiently)
• Several swim stops (so you’re not just sitting and watching)
• Lunch included
• English offered
• A mobile ticket for convenience

The main “value adjustment” is the €4 Castle of Simena entrance, which you should factor in. It’s not a huge cost, but it is real.

If you’re the type who likes beaches and water time, the included lunch alone can make the price feel more fair. If you don’t swim much and plan to stay mostly seated, you may feel like you’re paying for time you won’t fully use.

Group Size and the Boat Day Feel

The group maximum is 55 travelers. That’s not tiny, but it’s also not a giant floating city. In practice, that usually means you won’t feel completely swallowed by crowds, especially since the day is split into stops where people spread out.

Also, one review noted that there were fewer participants toward late September, and that made the experience feel extra pleasant. If you’re visiting in shoulder season, you might get a calmer feel on the water.

Photo strategy: aim to capture shots when the boat is close to the ruins and while you’re cruising near island stops. At the protected areas, you’ll have the moment, but time is short—so be ready.

Who This Trip Fits Best (And Who Might Skip It)

This boat trip is ideal if you want:

• A time-efficient day to see Kekova’s underwater ruins and Simena area
• Multiple swim breaks rather than one quick swim
• Lunch included so you can stay in the flow
• A mix of water views plus a short hillside walk for big panorama views

I’d skip it (or think hard first) if:

• You dislike swimming and want a mostly land-based experience
• You’re sensitive to sun and boat motion and don’t plan to manage it with shade, water, and timing
• You get stressed by short stops where you need to move at the group pace

Should You Book This Boat Trip?

I’d book it if your goal is a classic Kekova day: boat views of sunken ruins, a few different bays to cool off, and an hour in Kaleköy with castle ruins and necropolis context. The lunch-in-the-schedule part is a real plus, and the stop mix keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

I’d hesitate only if you don’t care about swimming, aren’t comfortable with a short hillside hike, or your travel dates are locked and you can’t handle weather-related changes. Because when the day works, it’s a fun, action-filled way to experience Kekova’s coastline.

FAQ

How long is the Day Trip to Kekova by Boat?

It runs for about 7 hours (approx.).

What price is it, and what’s included?

The price is $59.15 per person, and lunch is included.

Do I need to pay an entrance fee anywhere?

Yes. The Castle of Simena entrance fee is €4.00 per person and is not included.

Will the tour be in English?

Yes, English is offered.

Where does the tour start and when?

It starts at the Ucagiz Village harbour area (meeting point near Demre/Antalya) with a start time of 10:15 am. The boat departs between 10:20 and 10:40.

Can you swim at all the stops?

Swimming is not permitted at Kekova Island because it’s a protected area. Other bays have swim breaks.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 55 travelers.

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.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid isn’t refunded.

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