Quiet water beats big boats.

This private Kekova day cruise is a calm, well-timed way to see the Mediterranean coast, sail past the sunken ruins of Simena, and spend multiple chances in clear water. I love the real privacy of having a boat just for your group, and I also love that snorkeling gear is included so you can go from sightseeing to swimming without hassle. The main thing to consider is simple: this is very weather-dependent, and there’s no lunch (and drinks cost extra), so you’ll want to plan your day’s food.

You start in Demre Harbor and head out at 10:00 am, with a full day that still feels relaxed. The captain’s focus is on smooth sailing and finding good spots without the chaos of larger cruise groups—so you get time to look, swim, and breathe.

One more practical note: you’ll have two blocks of time connected to Simena Castle, and the entrance fees for those stops are not included. Budget a little extra for that shore time.

Key Highlights That Make This Cruise Worth It

• A private boat for up to 6: less waiting, less crowd noise, more control of your pace
• Sunken City views from the water: you cruise through ruins, not just around them
• Multiple swim stops at Tersane Bay and Aquarium Bay with short, manageable breaks
• Snorkeling equipment included so you can gear up and go
• Simena Castle time on shore (tickets not included) for a break from the boat ride
• Captain-guided spot choices that help you avoid the busiest tourist traffic

Why a Private Kekova Boat Cruise Feels Different Than the Big-Boat Version

Kekova is one of those places that’s famous for a reason: the coast is dramatic, the water can look unreal, and the sunken ruins are the kind of sight you remember. But on a large group boat, you often spend part of the day watching other people watch the view.

On this private cruise, your day feels like it has space. Your boat is for just your group (up to 6), so you don’t get squeezed into the same swim schedule as dozens of strangers. The result is that the “best moment” stays yours longer—whether that’s the quiet stretch of cruising past the underwater ruins or the few minutes when the water turns glassy and you can actually see fish.

You also get the benefit of a captain who knows the area well enough to steer you toward good swimming conditions and away from the most crowded spots. It’s not about flashy storytelling. It’s about timing, positioning, and not rushing.

Demre Harbor Departure: Getting Started at 10:00 am

This tour launches from Ayla Boat Tours (Kekova Tekne Turu) in Demre. The start time is 10:00 am, and you return to the same meeting point when the day ends. For most people, that timing is ideal: late enough that you’re not fighting early morning logistics, but early enough to enjoy the water before the day gets too hot and crowded.

Since you’re starting from Demre, it’s a straightforward plan for a day trip—no complicated transfers required once you’re at the harbor. It’s also near public transportation, which helps if you’re not using a private car.

A small but important point: plan your morning so you can arrive with your swim basics ready. This day has several water breaks, and the boat schedule moves steadily.

Cruising Past the Sunken City Ruins: What the Views Are Really Like

A big reason people book Kekova is the Sunken City of Simena. The best part of this cruise is that you don’t just do one look and move on—you get multiple chances to see what’s underwater and what’s still visible from the surface.

You’ll first cruise through the sunken city area near Kekova Island, with a short window from the boat. Think “floating viewpoint,” not a walking museum. You’ll be able to spot the ruined shapes and how they sit beneath the waterline. Even when you’re not swimming, the water clarity can make the ruins feel much closer than you’d expect.

Later in the day, you cruise through the Sunken City Ruins of Simena again. That second pass matters because the light and water conditions can change during the day. If the visibility is strong, you’ll likely feel like you’re seeing the coastline from two different angles.

Possible drawback: the sunken ruins are underwater, so you’re going to get the best results when the water is clear. If conditions are choppy, you’ll still see ruins from the boat, but the “wow” factor depends on nature cooperating.

Kekova Island Stop: A Short Spell of Island Views and Open Water

At Kekova Island, you get a brief stop to cruise through the sunken city zone. It’s not a long hangout like a shoreline trip—this is more about the boat route and the views. In practical terms, it’s a good way to get oriented and build excitement for the swimming breaks later.

If you like taking photos, this stop is where you’ll likely want to stand where you get a clean sightline. If you’re more focused on relaxing, it’s also a nice moment to sit, sip something (though drinks aren’t included), and watch the coastline roll by.

Kaleköy Harbour and Simena Castle Time: Plan for Shore Visits and Fees

You’ll spend time at Kaleköy Harbour to visit Simena Castle. Then later, there’s another dedicated Castle of Simena visit block. On a day like this, those shore hours are a welcome break from the boat rocking—but you should know that the admission tickets for these castle stops are not included.

Why this matters: castle visits are one of the few parts of the day where you might feel “nickel-and-dime’d” if you didn’t budget entrance fees. On the upside, the castle area gives you a stronger sense of where the ruins belong on land—not just underwater shapes.

The castle time also makes the day feel more complete. Without it, Kekova can start to feel like a series of water moments. With Simena Castle on your schedule, you get a land-and-sea story: a dramatic coastline, an ancient settlement, and the lingering evidence beneath the waves.

Consideration: since this is a boat tour, you should expect some uneven surfaces and a bit of walking on shore. The tour says most people can participate, but it’s still smart to wear shoes that handle steps and rocky edges.

Tersane Bay Swim Break: When the Day Becomes About Water

One of the best feelings on this cruise is that it doesn’t treat swimming like a rare bonus. You get a dedicated break at Tersane Bay, with a stop of about 30 minutes. This is long enough to rinse off, jump in, and snorkel without turning it into a rushed scramble.

The boat provides snorkeling equipment, which is a major value point. You don’t have to carry your gear or worry about whether you’ll find decent rentals in town. You can focus on enjoying the water and watching what swims nearby.

In the clearest parts of the Mediterranean, you may see fish and rocks clearly enough to make snorkeling feel worthwhile even if you’re not an expert. And because the boat is private, you’re more likely to get a quieter feel than you would on the biggest departures.

Aquarium Bay: A Second Swim Chance With a Shorter Turn

After Tersane Bay, you’ll have another swim break at Aquarium Bay, around 15 minutes. It’s shorter, which is actually useful. It’s enough time to get back in the water, check out the underwater view, and grab a quick rinse—then return to the boat without dragging out your day.

This two-stop swimming rhythm also helps your body. If you only had one long swim window, you’d risk getting cold or tired before the boat gets to the most interesting viewpoints. Here, you get to reset and warm back up between breaks.

What to Pack (Since Lunch and Drinks Aren’t Included)

This is where I get practical: you’re on the water for about 7 hours, and the tour includes snorkeling gear, but not lunch and not drinks (bottled water and drinks are extra).

So, plan your food and hydration strategy. Even if you’re not a big eater on boats, you’ll still want something simple for energy—especially if you’ll be out in sun and doing short swims. Also pack sunscreen and a hat. Boat days can fool you: the sun bounces off the water, and you can burn faster than you expect.

For swim comfort, bring:

• a swimsuit you’re happy to rewear
• a lightweight cover-up for walking back on deck
• a towel (if you have room)
• a dry bag or zip pouch for your phone and cash

And yes, bring something for the in-between time. The boat day has calm cruising, castle stops, and multiple “sit and look” moments. Having water and a small snack keeps the mood easy.

Captain Skills: How Privacy and Spot-Finding Show Up in Real Life

The captain is a big part of the value here. One of the most consistently praised details is that the captain knows where to go and how to avoid the big tourist boats. That translates to fewer interruptions and less time spent waiting for your turn to look or swim.

When you’re on a private boat, the captain’s decisions affect your whole day:

• where you swim
• how crowded it feels
• how long you can enjoy a view without noise
• how smooth the transitions are between stops

It’s also why people describe the trip as chill and well planned. You don’t feel like you’re being rushed from one stop to the next. You get enough structure to know what’s happening, with enough flexibility to let the day breathe.

Price and Value: Is $415.57 Fair for a Private Boat for Up to 6?

Let’s talk money in a way that helps you decide. The price is $415.57 per group, for up to 6 people. If you spread it across the full group size, you’re roughly around $69 per person. That’s often competitive compared to the idea of paying for separate tour tickets plus rentals plus the extra cost of doing “private” on your own.

The real value isn’t just “private” on paper. It’s the combination:

• your own boat means fewer interruptions
• snorkeling gear is included
• you get multiple swim windows
• you cruise past the sunken ruins twice

If you’re traveling as a couple or a family of four, it can still be worth it because you’re paying for a day that feels custom, not mass produced. And if you’re the type who hates crowds and lines, this is exactly the kind of tour that turns that preference into a better day.

Weather, Season, and the One Thing You Can’t Control

This experience needs good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Because you’re out on open water, don’t plan on treating it like a guaranteed “always swim” day.

That said, there’s reassurance if you’re traveling in late season. One booking specifically noted warm-enough water even in November for swimming. You still shouldn’t count on it, but it shows the cruise can stay swimmable when conditions line up.

Bring layers for the deck. Even when the water feels good, wind and shade between stops can cool you down. A simple light jacket can save you from the classic boat-day chill.

Who Should Book This Kekova Private Cruise?

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• a small-group private day at sea
• real swim time at multiple bays
• sunken city sightseeing without big-boat crowds
• a mix of water views and Simena Castle shore time

It’s especially good for couples who want quiet time, groups of friends who want to spread the cost, and people who care more about the experience than checking box after box.

It’s less ideal if you only want a quick look and hate time on a boat. This is a full 7-hour day, and the best parts come from settling in.

Should You Book This Private Kekova Boat Cruise?

If your idea of a perfect day includes quiet water, privacy, and multiple chances to swim, I’d book it. The mix of sunken city cruising, two different swim breaks, and Simena Castle shore time is what makes the day feel balanced—sea-and-land, not just one long boat loop.

The only strong reason to hesitate is budgeting and expectations. You’ll pay extra for Simena Castle entrance and you’ll need to handle your own lunch and drinks. Also, if you’re traveling when weather might be shaky, accept that the day depends on conditions.

If you’re okay planning for those practicalities, this is the kind of Kekova experience that feels like it was designed to keep the day calm and personal—exactly what you want on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Ayla Boat Tours (Kekova Tekne Turu) in Demre.

What time does the cruise depart?

It starts at 10:00 am.

How long is the private boat cruise?

It lasts about 7 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

How many people are in the group?

The group is up to 6 people.

Is a mobile ticket used?

Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Are bottled water and drinks included?

No. Bottled water and drinks are extra.

Do you need tickets for Simena Castle?

Admission for Simena Castle is not included, so you’ll need to pay the entrance fees for the castle visits.

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