Eight hours over Kekova is hard to beat. This day trip runs between Kas and Kekova Island, pairing long swim breaks with clear-water ruins and a laid-back village stop in Simena/Kaleköy. You also get lunch and afternoon tea on board, so the schedule stays easy instead of turning into a food hunt.

I especially like how the Sunken City of Simena is meant to be seen right from the water, with ruins visible through the glassy Mediterranean. The one drawback to keep in mind: seat choice may not be guaranteed, and some people end up inside rather than on the deck, depending on how things fall when you arrive.

Quick Reasons This Kekova Tour Gets Such Strong Marks

• Swim-first timing: multiple stops with time to get in the water, not just quick dips
• Sunken City visibility: ruins you can view from the boat in clear conditions
• Included meals: lunch buffet and afternoon tea keep you fueled all day
• Simena/Kaleköy time: castle views plus an easy village wander
• Comfort for the ride: lots of deck space to relax as the coastline slides by
• English available: offered on the tour, useful for the history stops

Kas to Kekova in One 8-Hour Cruise

This is a straightforward “full day on the water” outing. The tour starts at 9:30 am and runs about 8 hours, ending back at the meeting point. The vibe is practical: you’re out on the boat early, you get your best views while it’s still bright, and you’re back before dinner plans get complicated.

Cost is $84.65 per person, which is not “cheap,” but it’s also not just you paying for transportation. You’re paying for a whole package: multiple sightseeing stops along the Kekova coast, swim time, and meals included (lunch buffet and afternoon tea). The crowd size is also capped at 65, which helps the boat feel organized rather than chaotic.

Also, this tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s a good thing here, since the magic is tied to visibility in the water and comfortable time outside.

Why the Sunken City Ruins Feel So Immediate

The main historical draw is the Sunken City Ruins of Simena. The Lycian city below the surface was damaged by earthquakes, and parts of it remain visible through the clear water off the coast. What you’re looking at isn’t a museum reproduction. It’s actual houses and structures that went underwater, plus remnants including a Byzantine church.

On this kind of boat day, you don’t need to be a scuba expert to understand the story. You get a short, focused stop where you can view the ruins from the boat (glass-bottom-style viewing is described) and you can choose to go in the water if you want to see more closely. Just keep expectations realistic: visibility depends on weather and water conditions, and the stop is time-limited.

What makes this stop special for your day is the pacing. Instead of one dramatic stop and then boredom, the tour builds the day around “see it, swim in it, move on,” so the Sunken City doesn’t feel rushed at the expense of everything else.

Your Swim Stops: İnönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Tersane Koyu, and Camlı

If you’re going for the water, this itinerary is built for you. The day includes several swim-friendly bays, each with a different feel.

İnönü Bay (45 minutes)

This is where the tour starts watering the itinerary down with pure relaxation. You’re given time to stroll toward a small canyon or just hang out and enjoy the bay. It’s calmer than some of the more “photo-focused” stops, and it works well as an early reset while the boat trip is still fresh.

Aquarium Bay (45 minutes)

This is named for the way the water looks—clear enough to feel like an underwater viewing experience. Expect fish and coral-like scenery beneath the surface, and this is one of the best places to bring your snorkeling mindset (even if you only do a little). The water clarity here is the whole point.

Tersane Koyu, also called Shipyard Bay (45 minutes)

Shipyard Bay adds a history layer to the swim. It’s connected to the idea of ancient shipbuilding, and the bay sits along rugged cliffs and greenery. It’s also a good spot for photos because the coastline frames the water from different angles. Time here is useful if you want a breather between the heavier history stops.

Camlı Bay (45 minutes)

This is your last swimming stop, positioned as a “wrap-up swim.” Camlı is described as peaceful with pine trees and quiet water, which makes it a nice way to end the day without feeling like you’re rushing to fit everything in.

One practical note: the water temps can catch you off guard depending on the month. April can mean cool water, even if the sun feels warm—so plan for a short acclimation moment.

Simena Castle and Kaleköy Harbour: Hilltop Views and a Walkable Village

After the water stops, the day shifts to a shore break that feels more like exploring than touring.

Simena Castle (1 hour, ticket not included)

Simena Castle sits on a hill, described as a medieval fortress with Byzantine-era roots. The big payoff is the view. You climb a bit, wander, and get that wide coastline perspective where Kekova Island and the surrounding seascape make sense as a whole. Because the castle ticket isn’t included, factor that into your total cost if you plan to go inside.

Kaleköy Harbour (1 hour, free entry)

Kaleköy (also called Simena) is where the day turns scenic and slow. You get a chance to wander narrow streets with whitewashed houses and colorful flowers, plus the kind of waterfront stops where you can pause for photos and take in the sea.

If you like historical details beyond the Sunken City, this is a good complement. The area is also described as having nearby Lycian remnants, including a necropolis connection, which helps the overall theme feel cohesive.

A watch-out: the castle time is short. If you want lingering photo stops and long views, move steadily and prioritize what you care about most: castle interiors vs. best viewpoints.

Lunch Buffet and Afternoon Tea That Keep the Day Moving

This tour treats food as part of the schedule, not an afterthought. You’ll get a lunch buffet plus afternoon tea on board, and it’s timed to match the flow between swim and sightseeing. That matters because boat days can otherwise turn into hungry stress.

From the on-board experience described, lunch is filling and varied, with options such as fish or chicken alongside salads and fruit like melon. Some meals are prepared in a showy way (one captain reportedly BBQs chicken in front of the group), which makes food feel like part of the day rather than just a stop.

Afternoon tea also includes snacks like watermelon. You’ll still be able to buy alcoholic drinks on board, but drinks aren’t included in the base price. If you like soda, juice, or beer with your swim, budget for it.

Comfort-wise, the boat is described as clean and well set up, with toilets noted as very clean in at least one account. Deck space for relaxing is a recurring positive, too—so you’re not stuck standing every time the scenery changes.

Price and Logistics: Is $84.65 Good Value?

For $84.65, the value comes from three bundled things:

1) Multiple swim stops across Kekova’s coastline (not just one short break)

2) Major sightseeing: Sunken City viewing plus Simena/Kaleköy time

3) Included meals: lunch buffet and afternoon tea

If you’ve ever paid boat-trip prices where lunch is just a sad snack, this feels more complete. You’re also not paying extra for basic guide services (a driver/guide is included), plus fuel and facility fees are covered.

Logistics are the main place to be picky:

• No hotel pickup/drop-off is included, so you’ll need to plan your own way to the meeting point.
• Some departures may route via Ucagiz/Kekova harbour, which can mean extra driving compared to a straight-from-Kaş departure.
• Seat preference might not be honored. One issue reported was arriving to find seats inside rather than on deck, and that can change your day if you booked specifically for sun loungers.

If you want the best odds of getting the spot you picture, bring a towel, be ready to board early, and ask about deck seating options when you reserve.

Captain Style, English Guidance, and the Small Details That Matter

The tour uses English, and that helps a lot on the historical stops. What you should know is practical: sound carries differently on boats. If you’re up on deck, you might find the guide easier to hear from certain angles than others.

Crew personality also makes a difference. Captains like Ergun and Mehmet are mentioned by name in accounts, with descriptions of them being friendly and giving clear explanations of locations. One account credits Captain Ergun with a drone video addition tied to an ocean clean-up effort. That’s not something you can count on, but it’s an example of how this tour can feel more personal than a generic cruise.

Safety and timing are the other reality checks. One account noted a delayed departure and issues that caused lost time during a stop. Most days likely run smoothly, but boat tours are still boats: delays can happen. If you’re catching a later connection flight or bus, don’t build your plans around the boat returning exactly on the minute.

Who This Kekova Boat Tour Suits Best

This is a great fit if you want:

• A swim-heavy day with several bays and time to actually get in the water
• A history-and-sea combo: Sunken City viewing plus a village/castle wander
• Meal included convenience so you don’t lose hours searching for food

It’s also good for couples and small groups because the pace is relaxed and the coastline does most of the storytelling. A maximum of 65 helps the day stay organized.

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re picky about seating location (deck vs. inside), since choice may not be guaranteed
• You dislike boat schedules that depend on weather and water conditions
• You need strict timing for other travel that same day

Children can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Before You Go: Packing for Water Stops and Castle Shoes

This trip rewards simple preparation. Based on what’s commonly helpful on this type of boat day, I’d plan for:

• A towel (you’ll want it for the last swim and after snorkeling)
• Water shoes if you prefer grip on rocky entry points, though they’re described as nice-to-have rather than required
• Sunscreen and a hat for deck time
• A light layer for breezes, especially if you’re traveling in cooler months

Also, think about camera logistics. The best views are at sea and from higher points near the castle. If you like photos, charge devices before you leave Kas and keep a phone bag or dry pocket handy.

Should You Book This Kekova Sunken City Tour?

If you want one day in Kas that hits Kekova Island, the Sunken City ruins, and multiple swim breaks with lunch and afternoon tea included, then yes, this is a strong booking. The price is reasonable for the amount of water time and the number of major stops, and the overall setup is designed for a smooth, low-stress day.

I’d book with two cautions in mind: (1) don’t assume you’ll automatically get the deck seat you want, and (2) keep your overall schedule flexible because weather and sea conditions can affect timing.

If you like clear water, historical ruins you can actually see, and a relaxed boat day that doesn’t starve you, this one belongs on your shortlist.

FAQ

How long is the Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Is lunch included on board?

Yes. A lunch buffet is included, along with afternoon tea.

Are drinks included in the price?

Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase, and drinks are not listed as included. Water/tea/afternoon tea are included, but additional drinks are an extra cost.

Do I need a ticket for Simena Castle?

Simena Castle admission is not included (so you may need to pay separately if you visit the castle).

Does the tour offer vegetarian options?

Yes, a vegetarian option is available. You should advise at booking if you need it.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the listed meeting point and ends back at the same meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What if the weather is bad?

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

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