If you like sea views, this day delivers. The Kekova Sunken City boat trip is all about gliding along the turquoise coast and spotting ancient Lycian ruins partly submerged off Demre’s shoreline. You’ll get ticketed time at the main swim/snorkel bays, plus slow cruising where you can actually see the ruined buildings from the water.

What I like most is the mix of swimming stops and the one-of-a-kind sunken ruins viewing that you can’t recreate from the land. I also appreciate that lunch is included (chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads), so you’re not hunting for food between water breaks. One thing to consider: the day can run longer door-to-door than the advertised 7 hours, and English narration may vary depending on the group.

Key Highlights Before You Go

• Slow boat cruising past the sunken ruins so you can read what you’re looking at from the water
• Aquarium Bay swimming/snorkeling time with clear water and lots of visible marine life
• Lunch stop at Gökkaya Bay while the crew prepares your meal
• Pirate Cave pass-by only (it’s protected, and you don’t get a stop there)
• Optional Simena Castle entry (4€) gives you control over how much walking you want
• Pickup and air-conditioned transport from the Kaş area via Aslar Travel Agency

Kekova Sunken City by Boat: what you’re really seeing

This trip’s main event is the ancient Lycian settlement near Üçağız that sank into the sea after seismic activity centuries ago. From the boat, you don’t just see a vague ruin line—you can pick out walls, stairways, and building remains that are visible above the water. And then there’s the rest you’re able to notice only because the water is clear enough to make the underwater remnants easier to spot.

One helpful way to frame it: the sunken city isn’t a sunken city in the movie sense. It’s more like a real coastline where history was cut down by the sea, leaving pieces at different depths. That actually makes the boat view more interesting, because you’ll keep noticing different sections as the boat sails slowly along.

The other big “why this works” point is pacing. You get multiple swim/snorkel breaks around the Kekova coast, not just one rushed stop. That matters because conditions can change by bay—so you’re more likely to find at least one spot with clear water and comfortable swimming.

Getting to the water from Kaş: pickup, drive time, and meeting point

You start at Aslar Turizm, a travel agency office in Kaş (Andifli, Bahçe Sk. No:1/I, 07580 Kaş/Antalya). The meeting spot is on the same street as the Post office (PTT), which makes it easier to orient yourself when you arrive early.

The tour offers closest meeting points to your accommodation, and you ride in an air-conditioned vehicle. That’s a comfort win, especially on hot Mediterranean days.

Timing is the part you should plan for realistically. The trip duration is listed as about 7 hours, but door-to-door time can be longer once you count the transfer from Kaş and back. A useful rule of thumb: treat the “on-paper” duration as the core experience time, and expect the whole day to stretch when pickups are included.

Aquarium Bay and Burç Koyu: first swims and snorkeling reality

Your first ticketed stop is Aquarium Bay, near Demre. This bay is known for crystal-clear water and visible sea life—enough that it earned its name for looking like an underwater aquarium from the surface. You’ll have about 45 minutes here, which is long enough to get into the water, snorkel, and still have time to warm up.

Then you move to Burç Koyu (Burç Bay) for another 45 minutes. This is one of the more relaxing bays on the route—clear blue water, a calm feel, and the added bonus of Burç Castle nearby (you can explore the ruins and take in the views). There’s also a practical comfort note: natural spring water flows into the sea in this bay, so it tends to be a bit cooler than other stops. If you like refreshing water that isn’t bath-warm, this is good news.

The main drawback with any multi-bay itinerary is that water conditions can vary. Some stops may feel deeper or cloudier than others depending on the day. The good news is you’re not betting the whole experience on just one swim.

The Sunken City ruins from the boat: views, rules, and what to look for

This is the moment everyone came for: Sunken City ruins of Simena (Kekova area) near Üçağız. You’ll get about 45 minutes in this section, and the boats sail slowly so you can actually see what’s going on along the coastline.

What to know before you go:

• You won’t be swimming or diving among the ruins. The area is protected, and getting in the water near the ruins is prohibited to preserve the archaeological site.
• Your “access” here is visual—watching walls and building remnants from the boat and using the clear water to spot features that would otherwise be hard to interpret.

As you cruise, keep your eyes moving. The submerged area includes ruins at different levels, so you’ll often notice something new as the boat shifts position. If you’re the type who likes understanding what you’re seeing, this is one of the few places where a slow boat really helps you connect the shapes to a real settlement pattern.

And yes, the sunken city can look different than people expect. Some folks imagine something dramatically collapsed. In reality, it’s more subtle: part-island, part-ruins, part-coastline—history cut into the sea.

Pirate Cave pass-by: interesting story, no stop

Pirate Cave (also called Pirate’s Cave or Pirate Cove) is a natural feature along the rugged coast near Demre. It’s famous for the legend of pirates using it as a hideout, sheltered by a hidden entrance and rocky setting.

Here’s the practical part: you must pass by without stopping. The cave is protected because it’s a habitat for Mediterranean monk seals. So don’t plan on a swim or a close-up visit inside the cave. Instead, enjoy it as a “look out the side” moment while the boat keeps moving.

This is actually a good design choice for the day. It keeps the schedule smooth and ensures the protected habitat isn’t disturbed.

Gökkaya Bay lunch stop: where the day slows down

Gökkaya Bay is where your schedule gets a breather. You’ll spend about 1 hour here, and it’s also your lunch stop. While the crew prepares your meal, you can reset with a swim in the clear water.

This stop is valuable because it breaks the day into two parts:

• morning: multiple shorter viewing/water moments
• midday: a longer pause with food + water time

The lunch is included: chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads. There’s no mention of vegetarian alternatives here, so if you eat a specific way, you might want to plan ahead with snacks or ask when you board about what’s available.

Also note that alcoholic beverages and soda/pop are not included. Bring a refill plan—if you like something specific to drink, you’ll need to budget for it.

Simena (Kaleköy) Castle: optional entry and easy sightseeing

After the lunch waters, you reach Simena, also known as Kaleköy. You’ll get about 1 hour here, and the village vibe is part of the experience: sea views, ruins around the area, and ice cream shops if you want a sweet break.

The big structure is the medieval castle perched above the sea. Some of the ancient remnants scattered around the area include Lycian tombs and sarcophagi. It’s the kind of stop that works even if you’re not trying to “tour” everything, because the hilltop views make it worthwhile.

Important cost note: the castle has a small entrance fee, optional for you, and it’s listed as 4€ per person (not included in the tour price). If you’re into ruins and viewpoints, it’s a solid add-on. If you prefer more swim time, you can skip it and just enjoy the village pacing.

Adalar Bay swimming and returning to Üçağız marina

Near the end of the tour, your last swimming spot is Adalar Bay, listed under the final Kekova stop. You’ll have about 45 minutes here, then the boat turns back to Üçağız marina.

Üçağız is a small coastal village and the port point where the boat tours start and turn back. You’ll have about 30 minutes there as the day winds down. This is enough time to stretch your legs, grab water if you need it, and re-check the feel of the coastline before you head back.

If you get your timing right, this late stop can feel like the best part of the day—because you’re not just chasing schedule anymore. You’re doing one last swim with the day’s rhythm already figured out.

Price and value: why this feels fair at $64.88

At $64.88 per person, this trip can feel like good value if you look at what’s included rather than just the headline price. You’re getting:

• air-conditioned transport
• lunch (with a real cooked meal, not just snacks)
• multiple ticketed stops (admission tickets included for key bays)
• a structured day with time at swim spots and views from the boat

The trade-off is you don’t get everything for free. Alcoholic drinks and soda/pop cost extra. And if you add the Simena Castle entrance, that’s another 4€ per person.

So the real question is what you want from the day. If you want a full day on the water with planned stops, swim breaks, and lunch, the total package is hard to beat. If you only care about one or two photos, you might find it pricier than a simpler half-day option—though the sunken city viewing is the part you’d struggle to replace cheaply.

Boat size and English narration: avoid the common surprises

Two practical issues show up in real-world experiences: boat size and how much English you’ll hear.

The tour description mentions a maximum group size, but the day you land on may involve a larger boat. One experience included being moved after a discussion because the boat initially felt too large for their expectations. Another mentioned English narration that was more Turkish than English. Both point to the same advice: don’t assume every booking will feel identical.

Here’s what you can do:

• When you book, check the boat size and capacity shown for your specific departure.
• If English narration matters, ask how the tour handles English support for your group (and whether translation is consistent throughout the day).
• If you feel information is missing, speak up early. The day is long enough that fixing confusion early makes a big difference.

Also consider that the boat can be busy. Expect 50+ people on some departures. That doesn’t ruin the experience, but it does change how quickly you can get to the rail, find space, and settle into a rhythm.

Who this Kekova trip fits best (and who should rethink it)

This is a great match if you:

• want a full day at the coast without organizing anything yourself
• like swimming and snorkeling in multiple bays
• are excited by seeing archaeology from the water, not just hearing about it
• appreciate meals included in the price

It’s less ideal if you:

• need very consistent English narration throughout
• strongly prefer small boats and quiet sailing
• want to stop at Pirate Cave (you pass by)
• plan to swim among the sunken ruins (you can’t; it’s protected)

If you’re the type who likes “see it, swim, eat, repeat” travel days, you’ll likely enjoy the flow.

Should you book this Kekova Sunken City full day boat trip?

I’d book it if your dream day includes sunken city views from a slow-moving boat plus more than one serious swim stop—and you’re happy with lunch being part of the deal. At $64.88, the value is strongest when you use the included bays and the included meal instead of just “watching.”

Don’t book it blindly if your priority is an intimate group and heavy English narration. Instead, confirm boat capacity before you pay and set expectations about language support on the water. If you do that, you’ll give yourself the best shot at a smooth day and a front-row view of a coast that feels like time travel.

FAQ

Is the Kekova Sunken City boat trip duration really 7 hours?

The tour is listed as about 7 hours. In practice, the full door-to-door day can be longer once pickup and return driving time are included.

Where is the meeting point in Kaş?

You meet at Aslar Turizm in Kaş (Andifli, Bahçe Sk. No:1/I, 07580 Kaş/Antalya). It’s on the same street as the Post office (PTT).

Does the trip include hotel pickup?

Pickup is offered, and they say the meeting point will be the closest to your accommodation.

What’s included in the lunch?

Lunch is included and consists of chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads.

Do I need to pay extra for Simena Castle?

Yes. The Simena Castle entrance is optional and not included. It’s listed as 4€ per person.

Is Pirate Cave part of the stops?

No. Pirate Cave is passed by without stopping because the cave is protected.

Can I swim or dive among the sunken ruins?

No. Swimming or diving among the ruins is prohibited to protect the archaeological site. You view the ruins from the boat.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Are tickets included for the bay stops?

Admission tickets are included for Aquarium Bay, the Sunken City ruins of Simena, Burç Bay, and Gökkaya Bay, and Adalar Bay is listed as free. Simena Castle is not included.

What’s the cancellation situation if the weather is bad?

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

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