A quiet boat day beats the crowds. This Kekova trip is interesting because it blends ancient sights with real sea time—so you’re not just stuck on land. I especially like the chance to choose your pace on a private boat, and the two dedicated swimming/snorkeling breaks in the Mediterranean. One thing to consider: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point near Demre/Antalya.

What makes it feel smooth is the mix of short “see it now” stops and longer moments where you can actually hang on the water. You’ll also get afternoon tea and coffee/tea, plus the cruise style tends to be relaxed rather than rushed. The only potential downside is that some of the most famous viewpoints still cost extra once you’re on the ground, since not every site’s admission is included.

Key things to know

• Private boat for up to 6 means your day stays calm and flexible
• Swim and snorkel breaks give you real time in the water, not just photo stops
• Sunken City Ruins of Simena is a signature stop with scenic time on site
• Tea, coffee, and afternoon treats are part of the onboard comfort
• Some stops are entry-free, others aren’t so budget for a few extras

Private Kekova Boat Day From Demre Harbour

This is a private Kekova boat trip starting from Demre Harbour, designed for people who want the coastline story without the large-group chaos. The biggest advantage is that you’re not negotiating for elbow room. Your boat time is yours.

The route also fits how most people actually enjoy Kekova: you get scenic cruising, then you get breaks that feel like a vacation, like swimming and snorkeling. And because it’s private, you can usually take your day slower. If you’d rather linger at a view, you’re not trapped in a fixed cattle-car schedule.

Timing matters, too. The tour starts at 10:00 am and runs about 7 hours, which is long enough to do the major highlights while still coming back before your evening plans get squeezed.

Price and What You Actually Get for a Group of Up to 6

The price is $430.05 per group (up to 6). That pricing is how this tour makes sense: you’re paying for the boat, not for a seat. For couples or small friend groups, the cost can feel reasonable compared with paying per person on crowded cruises.

Also, several essentials are included:

• Fuel surcharge and local taxes
• Afternoon tea
• Coffee and/or tea

So you’re not hunting for drinks as you go. And based on real-world feedback, the onboard breaks often come with treats like fruits and biscuits, plus plenty of Turkish tea.

Where your wallet can shift is at paid admission stops. Some sights are listed as ticket-free, while others say admission isn’t included. That’s normal on these coastal routes, but it’s smart to keep some spending flexibility for the on-land time.

Meeting Point and Getting There at 10:00

You meet at Ayla Boat Tours | Kekova Tekne Turu Büyükkum, Çayağzı Yolu, 07570 Demre/Antalya, Türkiye. The good news: it’s near public transportation, so you’re not forced into a taxi-only plan.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point. That’s convenient because you avoid the “drop-off mystery” that can happen with day tours. You also get a mobile ticket, and you should receive confirmation at booking time.

No hotel pickup means you’ll want to build in time to reach Demre Harbour calmly. If you’re renting a car, park a bit earlier than you think you’ll need—boat days move quickly once boarding begins.

Stop-by-Stop: Sunken City Views, Castle Lookouts, and Two Proper Swimming Breaks

Here’s the rhythm of your day. You’ll be cruising the Kekova coast, stepping off for a mix of viewpoints and short exploration, then returning for another sea stretch.

Stop 1: Kekova Tekne Turlari (Demre Harbour start)

You start at Demre Harbour at the Kekova Tekne Turlari stage. This part is set up as the main cruise start, and the timing is about 7 hours overall.

This is where you get oriented—what the captain is focusing on, what side the best views tend to come from, and where you’ll want photos later. Even if you’ve seen pictures online, the scale hits differently on the water.

Stop 2: Demre Tours – short transfer time

This stop is a 30-minute segment under “Demre Tours.” Admission isn’t included here.

Think of this as a pacing beat in the schedule. It can be useful for regrouping, freshening up, or simply getting ready for the longer sightseeing blocks that follow.

Stop 3: Sunken City Ruins of Simena (about 1 hour)

This is one of the headline moments: a 1-hour stop at the Sunken City Ruins of Simena.

What makes it special is how the ruins look when viewed from the sea—broken stone lines up with the waterline in a way you don’t get from postcards. You’re also close enough that you can take in both the architectural shapes and the coastal context.

A practical consideration: this is time you’ll likely spend being outdoors near boats and viewpoints, so if you’re sensitive to sun or wind, plan accordingly with sunscreen and a light layer.

Stop 4: Tersane Koyu (about 1 hour, admission free)

Next is Tersane Koyu for 1 hour, and the admission ticket is listed as free.

This is the kind of cove stop that often feels more local than iconic. You get breathing room on the water, plus a chance to enjoy the coastline from a slightly different angle than the big-view stops.

If you’re the type who loves photos, this is also a good time to experiment with angles. Cove geometry changes how light hits the rock and water.

Stop 5: Kekova Island (about 1 hour, admission not included)

Then you go to Kekova Island for 1 hour, with admission not included.

This is usually the “wow” stop for people who came specifically for the sunken-area drama. But the key is not treating it like a museum. Even in an hour, the best payoff comes from staying present—watching where the water moves around the ruins and taking your time with views.

Budget note: since admission isn’t included here, plan for potential extra costs once you’re at this part of the route.

Stop 6: Aquarium Bay swimming break (about 15 minutes, admission free)

Time for water. Aquarium Bay is a 15-minute swimming break, and admission is listed as free.

Even short swim windows are valuable on a cruise day. This is your chance to cool off, and it’s one of the places where snorkeling naturally fits the schedule. The water is the point here.

One thing to watch: one review notes a swim that felt cold but pleasant. So depending on the season, treat the first dip as a quick shock test. Bring what you need so you’re comfortable getting in and out fast.

Stop 7: Castle of Simena (about 1 hour, admission not included)

Next is Simena Castle for 1 hour. Admission isn’t included.

This stop tends to land well because the payoff is views—higher ground plus sea angles. One review highlights that the views from the castle were very nice and that there was orange juice enjoyed during the stop. That matches the general cruise-day pattern: you see a lot, then you get a simple refreshment break.

Possible drawback: castles and ruins usually mean uneven steps and outdoor walking time. If mobility is an issue for you, keep it in mind and go at a steady pace.

Stop 8: Gokkaya Plajı ve Koyu swimming break (about 15 minutes, admission free)

You finish with Gokkaya Plajı ve Koyu for another 15-minute swimming break (admission listed as free).

Two swim breaks are a real advantage. You’re not spending your whole day waiting for one short chance in the water. The second break also gives you a chance to swim again after walking time at the castle.

And yes, time is short—so make your moves early once you’re on the water. The best strategy is to treat these 15 minutes as a sprint-and-chill window: get in, enjoy it, then reset for the last part of the cruise.

Snorkeling and Swim Comfort: Make the Most of Your Water Time

This tour is built around swimming and snorkeling in the Mediterranean, and it’s why the overall day feels fun even when you’re not obsessed with ruins. The water breaks aren’t just “stand around and hope”—they’re scheduled into the route.

What you’ll want to bring is basic but important:

• A swimsuit you can get on quickly
• A towel or something you can dry off with
• Water shoes if you’re not into slippery boat landings
• A bag plan for your phone and camera

You’ll also want to think about the sun. The schedule includes multiple outdoor stops, plus you’ll be near open water. So sunscreen and a hat make the day easier, even if the morning starts breezy.

If you’re prone to seasickness, keep it simple. Even calm cruises can feel different when you’re focused on swimming. Consider bringing your usual motion-sickness remedy just in case.

Captain-Run Comfort: Tea, Snacks, and the Calm Pace

The vibe on this trip is centered on comfort. It’s private, and you’re on a boat designed for cruising rather than bouncing between dozens of stops with loud tour groups.

Included refreshments are part of that comfort: afternoon tea plus coffee and/or tea. One of the strongest points from feedback is how the captain treated the day—serving lots of Turkish tea, plus fruits and biscuits, and even meals during the cruising rhythm. That kind of onboard hospitality is exactly what turns a “sightseeing day” into an experience that feels like it belongs to the sea.

Another review praise is the calm nature of the day—suiting people who want to explore places away from big, noisy groups. On a private boat, you can hear each other. You also tend to feel less rushed while walking around the stops.

Who This Kekova Boat Trip Fits Best

This is a great match if you want:

• A private boat day with a small group (up to 6)
• A good mix of sunken city scenery and real swimming time
• A slower pace than large-group tours
• The ability to tailor the day to what you care about most (the trip highlights note itinerary personalization)

It also works well for people who value value-for-money pricing in group format. If you’re traveling solo, the per-group price might not feel as appealing as per-person tours—but for couples, families, or friends splitting the cost, it can be a smart way to get a better day.

Practical fit notes from the tour details:

• It’s offered in English
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Service animals are allowed
• “Most travelers can participate,” which suggests it’s broadly approachable, though you’ll still be dealing with outdoor walking at some stops

Should You Book This Kekova Boat Trip?

Book it if you want a day that feels like Kekova, not just a checklist. The strongest reasons are the private-group calm, the two scheduled swimming breaks, and the fact that the day includes comforts like tea and snacks while still hitting the big sights like the Sunken City Ruins of Simena and Simena Castle.

Skip it (or ask more questions first) if you want a mostly museum-style, fully structured experience where every single admission is already covered and you’ll be picked up from your hotel. This trip is more “sea day with stops” than “everything handled end-to-end.”

If you’re going with up to 6 people and you care about both views and water time, this is one of those tours where the price starts to make sense quickly.

FAQ

What time does the Kekova boat trip start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

How long is the trip?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Ayla Boat Tours | Kekova Tekne Turu Büyükkum, Çayağzı Yolu, 07570 Demre/Antalya, Türkiye.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates (up to 6 people).

Does the price include hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are admission tickets included?

Admission is not included for some stops, while others are listed as admission ticket free. The schedule includes free admission at stops like Kekova Tekne Turlari, Tersane Koyu, Aquarium Bay, and Gokkaya Plajı ve Koyu, while places such as the Sunken City Ruins of Simena, Kekova Island, and Simena Castle list admission as not included.

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