Kekova looks different from the water. This private gulet cruise from Kaş is built for a full day of marine time and sightseeing—snorkeling, kayaking, and a relaxed pace with a BBQ lunch onboard. I especially like the swim-and-sight structure: you’re not just looking, you’re in the water where the ancient ruins sit.

I also like how this feels truly personal, since it’s only your group on the boat (up to 9). One thing to consider: drinks and alcohol aren’t included, so if you plan to have beverages all day, that budget line matters.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Private boat for up to 9 so the day stays flexible for your group
• Snorkel gear plus extra water toys like a kayak, underwater camera, and seascooter
• BBQ lunch onboard with coffee/tea included, served during the cruise
• Kekova and the sunken city views tied to both Lycian and Byzantine remains
• Optional Kaleköy + Simena Castle stop so you can balance walking and swimming

Private Gulet Cruise From Kaş: Why This Day Feels Worth It

A Kekova boat trip can be a lot like a conveyor belt: everyone lines up, the captain follows a fixed script, and you spend more time waiting than experiencing. This is different because it’s private, so the “how long do we swim?” question can actually be answered in a way that fits your group.

The value here is the mix: you’re getting a full day (about 8 hours) of water time plus major sightseeing from the sea. And because the cruise is family-friendly and private, it’s easier to plan around different comfort levels—some people snorkel longer, some prefer the deck or a slower swim.

The other value angle is practical: snorkeling gear is included, and you’re also set up with kayak and other floating fun like an underwater camera and a seascooter. When those extras are provided, you’re not stuck renting gear or choosing between options.

8 Hours on the Water: The Flow of the Day

The tour starts at 9:30 am from the Boat Trips by Captain Ergun meeting point in Kaş (Andifli, Liman Sk. 4/A). You finish back at Kaş harbour, which keeps the logistics straightforward.

In an ideal day, you’ll feel the schedule in three phases:

1) Morning sightseeing and a land option

2) Main Kekova area with the sunken-city underwater sights and multiple swim moments

3) Time to breathe and eat before heading back

What makes this pacing work is that it doesn’t force you into only one mode. You’ll have time to see from the boat, time to get in the water, and time to sit down for lunch rather than eating on the run.

Tip: if you’re the type who gets tired easily in the sun, plan for a swim rhythm. Do a first swim early, then rotate between shade/deck time and another water break.

Kaleköy Harbour and Simena Castle: The Best Optional Land Stop

The first scheduled stop is Kaleköy Harbour, with about 1 hour to visit Kaleköy and Simena Castle if you want to. Admission for that stop is listed as free, which removes one annoying cost-per-stop problem.

Why this stop matters: Kaleköy and Simena are part of the bigger Kekova story, but you only experience them properly if you can step off the boat and walk a little. Even a short visit can give you a stronger sense of place—how the ruins connect to the coastline and why this area has been a “look and linger” destination for generations.

Possible drawback: if you’re mainly here for snorkeling and swimming, an hour on land can feel like a detour. The good news is that it’s optional. If your group prefers water time, you can focus on returning to the boat quickly.

Sunken City Views and the Lycian and Byzantine Ruins

After leaving Kaş harbour, the cruise moves to the area where you’ll see the sunken city. From the water, this is where the whole trip clicks. You’re not just traveling to a famous photo spot—you’re floating above remnants tied to different eras.

Here’s what you’re looking for:

• Ancient ruins from the Lycian time
• A church from the Byzantine period

And because the boat trip is built around water activities, this isn’t a dry sightseeing moment. You’ll have chances to swim and snorkel in the region where those submerged structures can be spotted.

How to get the most out of it:

• If you snorkel, keep your eyes moving slowly. Structures are easier to notice with a relaxed pace rather than rushing.
• If you don’t snorkel, still spend time near the best viewing zones from the boat. The water clears up your ability to “read” the outlines of what’s down there.

If you’re thinking “I want a memorable underwater experience,” this is the part to plan around. The rest of the day supports it.

Snorkel Gear, Kayak, Underwater Camera, and a Seascooter

This is one of the most practical reasons to book a private charter instead of a basic sightseeing-only option. The cruise includes snorkeling gear and also provides kayak plus additional water toys such as an underwater camera and a seascooter.

What those extras change:

• Snorkeling gear means you can jump in without scrambling for rentals.
• A kayak gives you a calmer, closer way to explore when you’re not in “everyone in a line” mode.
• An underwater camera (when provided) matters because you can capture the underwater side of Kekova rather than only deck views.
• A seascooter is basically “extra play time” for people who want to cover more water comfortably.

A quick sanity check: if you get anxious in open water, do the easiest version first. Start with snorkeling in the clearest, calmest sections, then decide later if you want to switch to kayak or other gear.

BBQ Lunch Onboard: Where the Day Turns Comfortable

The BBQ lunch is included, and it’s served as part of the cruise rather than forcing you to grab a meal at a timetable. That alone helps the day feel like a real trip and not a stitched-together itinerary.

This lunch setup also tends to score well for one big reason: it’s not an afterthought. The onboard food experience is frequently described as delicious, with fish and BBQ options showing up depending on the day and preferences.

Also included:

• Lunch
• Coffee and/or tea

Dietary note: there’s a vegetarian option available if you request it at booking. If you have dietary requirements, tell them in advance so they can plan properly.

What I’d do if I were you: request vegetarian (if needed) early, and if you avoid certain foods (pork, shellfish, etc.), mention it when booking. The more specific you are, the smoother lunch will be.

Crew Style and Boat Comfort: The Small Things That Make It Better

A private charter lives or dies on the crew. The consistent theme around this operator is that the team is patient and careful, with a relaxed approach. People like that the experience isn’t rushed and that swim time feels ample, especially at the sunken-city area.

On the boat side, the common compliments point to a boat that’s:

• Clean and comfortable
• Spacious enough to feel relaxed
• Well run day-to-day

One nice extra that shows up in stories from past trips: captains may sometimes help with special photo/video moments. For example, there’s mention of a captain filming in 4K drone video on at least some departures. That’s not guaranteed as a standard add-on in the info you have, so if you care about it, it’s smart to ask the crew on the day.

Family-friendly detail: children must be accompanied by an adult, but the overall setup is designed for mixed-age groups. If you’re traveling with kids, this matters. You want a schedule that supports stops and swim breaks instead of constant hard transitions.

Practical Tips for Your Kekova Day From Kaş

You’ll enjoy this more if you prepare for a day that’s part cruise, part water playground.

Bring or plan:

• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen). The day is long and you’re on open water.
• Swim readiness: quick-dry things help you shift from water to lunch and back without fuss.
• A light layer for after swimming if you run cool.
• Water shoes if you like extra grip when stepping in and out (not listed, but it’s often helpful on boats where surfaces can be slippery).

Time-wise, start with a calm mindset. Even when the route is set, your group’s swim rhythm affects how the day feels. The best days are the ones where you don’t treat every stop like a checklist.

And don’t underestimate the mental shift: Kekova isn’t only something you look at—it’s something you experience through water. If you can go with that flow, you’ll feel more connected to what you’re seeing.

Who Should Book This Private Kekova Tour?

I think this private charter is a strong fit if you:

• Want more water time than typical group tours offer
• Care about snorkeling quality and want gear included
• Are traveling as a family or small group (up to 9) and want a day that adjusts to your pace
• Want a single-day plan that pairs major sights with a real onboard meal

It may be less ideal if you:

• Only want quick photo stops and minimal time in the water
• Want alcohol included (it isn’t) and don’t want to think about onboard beverage costs
• Prefer a tightly scripted schedule where the itinerary never changes at all

If you’re unsure, consider what matters more to your group: walking around Kaleköy/Simena or staying in the water for the sunken-city area. The nice thing about private is that you can usually steer that balance.

Should You Book This Private Boat Tour to Kekova From Kaş?

Yes, if your goal is a full-day Kekova experience with real marine time and you value flexibility. The combination of snorkeling gear, kayak, plus extra water toys, along with a BBQ lunch and coffee/tea, is a practical bundle that saves you from piecing together rentals, meals, and “where do we go next” uncertainty.

Book it especially if:

• you’re a small group that wants to stay together on the water
• you’d rather swim and snorkel than rush between viewpoints
• you want a day in which the crew can handle your pace without pushing you

Skip it if your ideal day is more about land wandering or you’re not planning to get in the water at all. In that case, you might feel like you paid for a water-focused day you didn’t fully use.

FAQ

How many people is this private tour for?

The tour is private for your group, with pricing listed per group up to 9 people.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at Boat Trips by Captain Ergun (Andifli, Liman Sk. 4/A, Kaş/Antalya). The tour finishes at Kas harbour.

What’s included for snorkeling and water activities?

Snorkeling gear is included. The tour also includes a kayak, and the highlights mention an underwater camera and a seascooter.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and coffee and/or tea are included as well. Drinks and alcohol are not included.

Can I request a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking.

Is there an admission fee for the Kaleköy and Simena Castle stop?

The admission ticket for the Kaleköy Harbour stop is listed as free.

Are children allowed?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the refund if I cancel?

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, it’s not refunded.

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