REVIEW · KAS
Kekova Private Full-Day Boat Trip
Book on Viator →Operated by Tatil Sihirbazı Travel Agency · Bookable on Viator
Sunken City by boat feels unreal. This is a private, full-day cruise from the Kaş/Kalkan area that focuses on swimming time and the best coast angles for seeing Kekova’s underwater ruins. You’ll get front-door pickup and drop-off, then a day paced with the captain so you’re not stuck rushing from one thing to another.
Two things I like a lot: the swim breaks in clear bays like Aquarium Bay, and the included lunch that’s more than a sandwich—think hot meal on board with local olive oil mezes and grilled chicken or fish. One consideration: the day runs on the sea, so you’ll want to be comfortable being on a boat for about 7.5 hours and swimming when conditions allow.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you go
- From Kaş or Kalkan to Üçağız Harbour: the start is the easy part
- Aquarium Bay: swim in water that looks like glass
- Sunken City near Simena: seeing ruins without the land effort
- Tersane Koyu: a shipyard bay with ruins you can swim over
- Aşırlı Island lunch stop: where the meal becomes the moment
- Pirate Cave: a quick photo stop that still feels fun
- Kekova Island bays (Burç and the fruit break): the calmer water part of the day
- Simena (Kaleköy) old town: your 1-hour stretch on land
- Price and value: what $780.95 for up to 12 really buys you
- What to expect on board: comfort, snorkeling, and how the day actually feels
- Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)
- Should you book this Kekova private boat trip?
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the Kekova private full-day boat trip?
- Where does the trip start?
- How many people is the boat trip for?
- Is lunch included, and what does it include?
- Are drinks included?
- Are entrance fees included for the stops?
- How many swimming stops are there?
- Will the itinerary work for photos and landmarks?
- What if the weather is bad?
Key highlights to know before you go
- Door-to-door pickup from Kaş or Kalkan keeps the day easy from the start
- Handpicked pacing with the captain means the itinerary can flex around comfort and conditions
- Aquarium Bay and Tersane Koyu are built for clear-water swimming and ruins views
- Sunken City passed by boat lets you see the underwater remnants without crowds on land
- Lunch is cooked on board with five olive oil mezes plus grilled chicken or fish
- Simena old town (Kaleköy) gives you a solid 1-hour stretch on shore, plus optional swimming
From Kaş or Kalkan to Üçağız Harbour: the start is the easy part
The day begins with pickup from your hotel or villa area around Kaş or Kalkan. You send your location via WhatsApp, and the transport meets you right where you are, which matters here because getting to the water is the whole game.
Next, you drive to Üçağız village, the gateway to the Kekova region. Üçağız is about 30 km from Kaş and about 60 km from Kalkan, so this transfer is part of why the tour feels like a full, planned day instead of a rushed half-adventure. Once you arrive, your boat is ready at the harbour and you’re off.
Why I like this flow: you spend less energy figuring out meeting points and more time being in the right place at the right moment for calm water and good light. It also helps if you’re traveling with kids, older relatives, or anyone who hates the stress of transit-on-your-own.
Other boat tours we've reviewed in Kas
Aquarium Bay: swim in water that looks like glass
Your first real stop is Aquarium Bay, named for the clarity. You’ll swim in turquoise water where you can often see what’s under the surface. The tour keeps this simple: drop in, cool off, look around underwater, and get back on when you’re ready.
They also offer Turkish tea here, which is a nice touch because it makes the stop feel complete, not just “jump in the water and go.” The time is about 45 minutes, and it’s long enough to swim at least once and still feel unhurried.
A practical note: even if you don’t have snorkel gear, the visibility is the star of this stop. If you do have snorkels, bring them. One recent group mentioned they brought their own and the boat had extra snorkels available to use, which is a great backup if something goes missing or doesn’t fit well.
Sunken City near Simena: seeing ruins without the land effort
After the first swim, you’ll slowly pass the Sunken City ruins of Simena by boat. An earthquake caused parts of the city to sink, and from the water you can spot underwater structures like a sunken house, cisterns, and stair remnants.
This is the heart of Kekova for most people, but the tour handles it in a smart way: you don’t try to do a long hike or tight walking route. You’re on the water, moving at a calm pace, with the captain guiding the approach as you look.
What makes it valuable for your day: you get the story plus the visuals. Seeing ruins with your eyes is one thing, but the boat setting turns it into a moment, not a photo stop. If your captain speaks English (it’s happened on past trips), you’ll likely get clearer context about what you’re seeing as you pass the area.
Tersane Koyu: a shipyard bay with ruins you can swim over
Next up is Tersane Koyu, sometimes called the shipyard bay. Here, the tour provides another swimming break, but the difference is the ruins theme. You can swim over areas with sunken remnants, which changes the feel from pure beach swim to “swim with history.”
The timing is about 45 minutes, so you can cool down without losing the day. This stop also works well if you like variety: one bay is about crystal-clear water, and this one adds that underwater structure factor.
Consideration: swimming over ruins does mean you should watch your footing and stay aware of where you’re entering the water. If you’re not a confident swimmer, ask for guidance on the easiest entry spot before jumping in.
Aşırlı Island lunch stop: where the meal becomes the moment
The most food-focused stretch happens around Aşırlı Island. You stop for lunch and another swimming break (about 1 hour 30 minutes total), which is a big chunk of the day. This is where the cruise earns its value because lunch isn’t treated like an afterthought.
The meal is an open-buffet served on the boat. You’ll taste five different Turkish local olive oil mezes made by the captain’s wife. Reviews highlight that these are fresh and genuinely flavorful, not the usual “here’s food so you don’t complain” energy. There’s also fruit, snacks, and a choice of hot protein: barbecued chicken or fish, depending on what you choose.
Why this matters to you: once you’re out on the water for hours, food that actually tastes good makes the whole day feel like it’s flowing. It also saves you from hunting for lunch on the road, which is often where “cheap tour” plans fall apart.
Shade and comfort also matter here. Past groups specifically called out that the boat has plenty of shade if you need it, which is huge in strong Mediterranean sun.
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Pirate Cave: a quick photo stop that still feels fun
Later, you stop again near Aşırlı Island for a short look at a natural cave known as Pirate Cave. The time is only about 10 minutes, so treat this as quick scenery and photos rather than an extended exploration.
This is a good “breather stop.” The sea day keeps moving, but you get a landmark moment to break up the swim rhythm. If you’re the type who likes to take a few photos from different angles, this is one of those fast stops where you can do it without feeling rushed.
Kekova Island bays (Burç and the fruit break): the calmer water part of the day
After Pirate Cave, the cruise continues with more swimming options. You’ll stop at a bay called Burç opposite Kekova Island for about 45 minutes, then later at another island bay opposite Kekova for about 30 minutes, with fruit enjoyed on the boat.
This is where the day starts feeling like a private escape instead of a structured tour. Two separate swimming stops means you don’t have just one chance to cool down, and they’re placed so you can rest between them. The fruit break also feels like a small luxury: it keeps you fueled without turning lunch into your only meal.
If you like taking time in the water, this part is where you’ll probably enjoy yourself the most. It’s also where a private group makes sense—there’s more space for your group’s pace and fewer competing schedules.
Simena (Kaleköy) old town: your 1-hour stretch on land
The last major shore stop is Castle of Simena, also known as Kaleköy (Castle village). You leave the boat and have about 1 hour to explore the village.
That hour can be used in a few ways:
- walk around the village streets
- go up toward the castle area (if you feel like it)
- take a quick look around and then return at your own pace
There’s also an option to swim here, so if you still want water time after the boat stops, you might be able to fit it in.
Why I think this stop is a good match for a boat day: you get history and views without needing a long hike. One hour is short enough that you won’t feel trapped on a schedule, but it’s long enough that you’ll actually feel like you left the boat and saw something on shore.
Price and value: what $780.95 for up to 12 really buys you
This tour costs $780.95 per group for up to 12 people, and it lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes. That sounds like a lot if you’re thinking per person. But private boat tours like this usually make more sense when you spread the cost across a small group.
Here’s the value logic that matters:
- You’re not sharing the day with dozens of strangers.
- You get multiple swim stops instead of one quick dip.
- The lunch includes Turkish mezes (five olive oil mezes), fruit, and a hot main (barbecued chicken or fish).
- You get door-to-door pickup and drop-off from the Kaş or Kalkan area.
If you’re a couple or a family, I’d treat this as a splurge worth planning around. If you’re a small group of friends, it becomes a smart way to buy quality time on the water.
Also, admission tickets for the stops listed are free, so you’re not hit with extra pay-at-the-gate surprises for the core sights.
What to expect on board: comfort, snorkeling, and how the day actually feels
A private day like this is as much about the “in-between” comfort as it is about the highlights. Several reviews described the boat as spacious and comfortable, with shade when the sun gets intense. That matters because the best Kekova moments are often the quiet ones: floating, looking, and letting your eyes adjust to the underwater ruins.
Snorkeling can be a big help at the clear-water stops. If you have your own snorkels, bring them. One group noted they brought theirs and the boat also had some available to use, which is a handy detail if you want to keep things low-stress.
Hosts are part of the experience too. Past trips mentioned captains such as Ali and Ibrahim, with family help on board (including a daughter named Elif in one review). The vibe tends to be welcoming and practical, and it helps that the captain can speak English on some outings, so you’re not just guessing what you’re looking at.
One more thing: alcohol isn’t included, but you can bring your own drinks. If you like a chilled beverage during the day, plan for it. If you prefer not to, the included tea/coffee and Turkish lunch already carry the experience.
Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)
This private cruise is ideal if you want:
- a relaxed day with lots of swimming time
- Sunken City views without a long land walk
- a good lunch you don’t have to plan or pay extra for
- a schedule that fits your group, not a big-coach crowd
It may be less ideal if:
- you strongly prefer staying on land most of the day
- you get motion sickness easily (you’re on open water with multiple stops)
- you want a very structured, museum-style tour with long onshore time (this is built around water)
If you’re traveling with kids, this can be a great match because the swim breaks and shaded boat time provide variety. If you’re traveling as a couple, it’s also a classic “do it once” day that feels special.
Should you book this Kekova private boat trip?
If your main goal is the Kekova Sunken City and clear-water swimming, I’d say yes, book it. The combination of multiple swimming stops, a boat pass-by of the ruins, and an actually good included lunch makes it feel like more than just transportation to sights.
What seals the decision for me is value-per-experience. At $780.95 per group up to 12, you’re paying for a private day on the water with real food and time to enjoy the scenery at your pace. Just go into it ready for a sea day: bring swim gear, consider your sunscreen and snorkel comfort, and keep an open mind that the best moments are underwater and on the boat deck.
If you’re flexible about weather and you want an unforgettable Kekova day without stress, this one deserves your attention.
FAQ
What’s the duration of the Kekova private full-day boat trip?
It runs for about 7 hours 30 minutes, approximately, including the boat time and the shore stop in Simena.
Where does the trip start?
You’re picked up around Kaş or Kalkan from your hotel or villa area and driven to Üçağız village to board the boat. The day ends back at the meeting point.
How many people is the boat trip for?
It’s a private tour/activity, and the group size is up to 12 people per group.
Is lunch included, and what does it include?
Yes. Lunch is included on board, with an open-buffet-style meal, five olive oil mezes, fruit, and barbecued chicken or fish depending on your choice.
Are drinks included?
Coffee and/or tea are included on the first bay and last bay, but alcoholic beverages are not included. You can bring your own drinks if you want.
Are entrance fees included for the stops?
The stops listed include admission tickets that are free.
How many swimming stops are there?
There are several swimming breaks: Aquarium Bay, Tersane Koyu, the lunch/bay stop near Aşırlı Island, and additional bays around Kekova Island, plus an optional swim in Simena.
Will the itinerary work for photos and landmarks?
Yes. You’ll pass the Sunken City ruins by boat and have a short stop for Pirate Cave, plus time in Simena’s village area.
What 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.
