A private boat day in Kekova hits different.

You’re out on the water for views you just cannot get from shore, with short stops that balance Roman-era ruins, Byzantine-era coastlines, and swim time in the best bays. I like that this is a small private group (up to 6), and that the route mixes history with water time, including the sunken city look-outs in Kekova’s protected coastline.

Two things I really like: you get snorkeling equipment, plus coffee/tea and snacks included, so you aren’t piecing together comfort mid-day. And the crew tends to make the day feel warm and human—captain Musa and Sevda are specifically praised for friendly hosting and keeping the pace relaxed.

One consideration: swimming isn’t possible everywhere. Kekova Island itself is mainly a slow cruise-past (no stopping), so if your top priority is nonstop swimming, you’ll need to love the idea of timed breaks in the designated bays instead.

Key highlights that matter on this Kekova private boat tour

• Private group up to 6 means less crowding and more flexibility during swim breaks.
• Snorkeling gear included so you can actually use the clear water time.
• Sunken city views from the boat: you see the underwater remains without having to do anything technical.
• Simena Castle stop for 1 hour with royal tombs and a Necropolis area on the right.
• Swim options in multiple bays (Aquarium Bay or Tersane Bay, plus more) and the chance for turtle encounters near Karemlik.

A private boat day from Demre’s Cayagzi Harbour to Kekova and Simena

This is built for people who want a full day at sea without the stress of big-group logistics. You start at Ayla Boat Tours / Kekova Tekne Turu near Demre, and you’re back at the same spot. The day runs about 7 to 8 hours, starting at 10:00 am, which is long enough to feel like a true outing, not a quick sightseeing hop.

Because it’s private, you’re not trapped in a rigid pattern of constant boarding and offloading. Even though the itinerary has set areas, the crew can still nudge the day—especially around swim-time choices. That matters in Kekova in peak season, when the water can get busy with other boats.

I also like that the tour is offered in English, and you’re using a mobile ticket. Small details, but they reduce the little frictions that can eat into a long day out on the water.

First stop: Andriake Ancient City and Cayagzi Harbour’s Roman-to-Ottoman story

Your first stop is Andriake Ancient City, tied to the older name of Cayagzi Harbour. This harbor has real layering: it was used in Roman and Byzantine times, and later in the Ottoman period as well. If you like seeing how locations keep being useful across centuries, this opening landfall makes the rest of the cruise feel more grounded.

You’ll have about 10 minutes here, and the admission ticket is listed as free, so it’s not a big museum stop. Instead, it’s a quick grounding moment: you’re starting in a natural harbor used for centuries, then you head out to the island-and-ruins scenery Kekova is famous for.

Practical tip: expect this to be more about getting your bearings than getting a deep lecture. Use it to switch from travel mode to sea mode.

Cruising Kekova’s protected coastline: shipwreck traces and the sunken-city look

Kekova is an island off the coast near Kaleköy and Üçağız, near Demre. Here’s the key point for your expectations: despite the drama of the underwater ruins, you generally won’t stop at Kekova Island. You’ll cruise through and look from the water.

On the north side, the route can bring you past the area where shipwrecks from Dolkisthe are occasionally encountered. The story connected to those ruins is tied to earthquakes in the second century, and then later rebuilding efforts in the Byzantine period. Development is described as getting interrupted by Arab invasions, and the whole area is treated as protected—so your best moments are often viewing time rather than getting out and exploring every corner.

Then comes the main showpiece: the sunken city view. You’ll spend time looking over turquoise water and remnants that suggest a once-flourishing place now underwater. The important part is that this is a boat experience, not a trail hike or a museum. You’re letting distance, angles, and moving water do the storytelling.

If you’re the type who hates “drive-by photos,” this one helps because you’re not just passing scenery—you’re getting a structured look-out stop.

Swimming breaks in Aquarium Bay, Tersane Koyu, Esmeralda Bay, and Burc Bay

This is where your day becomes a beach vacation, not just a sightseeing cruise.

Aquarium Bay or Tersane Bay

You get a swim break of about 30 minutes at either Aquarium Bay or Tersane Bay. Which one you get depends on timing and conditions, and in peak season you’ll share the water with many boats. The crew will try to find a best spot for your group, which is a big deal if you hate crowded ladder-moments and fin-clutter.

Another short swim option: Tersane Koyu

Later, there’s another 30-minute swim break option again tied to Tersane or Aquarium Bay. This double chance is useful. Some days you’ll want one calmer water window. Other days you’ll want a second go at snorkeling before you tire out.

Esmeralda Bay

Next you’ll have about 1 hour at Esmeralda Bay with a swim and a quick reset. This slot is long enough to do more than a frantic dip, which helps if you’re traveling with people who want “actual time to be in the water,” not just the 10-minute splash.

Burc Bay’s clear water vibe

Burc Bay is described as one of the clearest bays in the region, with shells breaking down so finely that the sea can look almost like white sand beneath. That’s exactly the kind of setting where snorkeling gear makes sense, because visibility can turn a casual swim into something more memorable.

One caution: some admission notes list certain stops as not included (for example Burc Bay is noted as not included). Your crew handles the timing, but it’s worth understanding that only specific areas are automatically free in the day plan.

Simena Castle: royal tombs, Necropolis area, and that steep path reality

Approaching Simena Castle is part of the visual payoff. You’ll see the castle above while sailing toward Kaleköy. Then you’ll deal with the reality of old places: a steep path from the beach leads up to the walls.

The route gives you about 1 hour at the castle area. A couple of practical notes matter here:

• You’ll pass by royal tombs on the way up.
• The graves are described as most concentrated in the Necropolis area on the right.
• Castle entry is linked to a museum card, and admission is listed as not included.

There’s also a small local detail you might appreciate: you can try a famous ice cream on the climb. It’s not a museum experience, but it’s the kind of practical treat that makes an uphill stop feel less like a chore.

If your group includes people who dislike stairs or long uphill walks, Simena Castle might be the most physically demanding segment of the day. The good news is your time here is limited and focused.

Pirate Cave and Gokkaya Bay: another swim, then a stop with character

After Simena, the itinerary continues with Gokkaya Plajı ve Koyu. This is another natural bay where the boats stop for a swimming break—about 1 hour total in this segment—and then you’ll visit Pirates Cave after the swim.

I like this part of the day because it keeps the rhythm moving. You’re not forced to choose between water fun and photo stops. You get both, and the cave visit fits neatly after people are already warm and ready to wander a bit.

Karemlik Bay and the Caretta caretta chance

The final bay segment is Karemlik Bay & Beach, positioned opposite the tour’s starting area. It’s famous for Caretta carettas (loggerhead sea turtles). The plan says you have a chance to swim with them or feed them, depending on the situation.

A word of caution—not to kill the mood, just to help you be smart: “chance” is the right word here. Turtle sightings can vary, and you shouldn’t plan your day around guaranteed encounters. Still, the fact that this area is known for turtles is exactly why it deserves a late-day slot; if you catch them, it’s one of those memories you’ll keep.

You’ll also have travel time before you’re back near where you started.

What’s actually included on board (and what you should plan for)

This trip includes:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Coffee and/or tea
• Snacks

Based on the descriptions of the tour and the way people talk about the experience, the crew tends to keep the food mood going, with tea, snacks, and fresh items during the day. But note this carefully: lunch is listed as not included, and the tour also lists soda/pop and bottled water as not included. So you should treat the day as snack-and-break focused, not as a guaranteed full meal package—unless your operator confirms otherwise for your specific booking.

Also, alcoholic beverages are listed as not included. If your group wants beer or wine, you’ll need to check if the crew allows bringing it or offers anything beyond what’s listed.

My practical packing list for a day like this:

• Towel or quick-dry wrap (even if you’re not told one is provided)
• Swimsuit + a spare option if you hate damp clothes
• Sun protection (the itinerary is mostly outdoor)
• Dry bag for phone and camera
• Water shoes if you’re sensitive to rocky or shell-strewn steps

Crew vibe: why Musa and Sevda are more than just names

Good boat days are about people, not just scenery. The captain and host on this tour—Musa and Sevda—are praised for being welcoming and friendly. That matters because the day has multiple moments where your comfort is on the line: getting in and out of the water, timing swim breaks, and making sure everyone feels included without turning it into a classroom.

Also, there’s a theme in the feedback around food and hospitality. People specifically mention tea, snacks, and fresh fruit, and they describe the crew as treating the day as relaxing, not rushed. In a place like Kekova, where the scenery is already doing heavy lifting, that kind of hosting makes the experience feel personal.

Price and value for a group of up to 6

The price is $361.12 per group, up to 6 people. That means the cost is mainly about whether you want privacy.

If you split it among a full group, you’re effectively in the cost range of a more premium experience per person—without giving up the benefits of small-group timing. The big value isn’t just “private boat.” It’s that private time makes it easier to enjoy swim breaks without feeling like you’re part of a conveyor belt.

Also consider what’s included. You’re getting snorkeling gear plus basic refreshments. You’re paying for:

• the boat and route around Demre/Kekova/Simena
• the crew handling the timing
• the day structure that hits multiple bays

What you’re not automatically getting is lunch and bottled water. So for best value, you might plan to budget for those items, or confirm what your crew provides once you book.

Who this boat tour fits best

This tour is a strong match for:

• couples and small families who want privacy and easier pacing
• people who love swimming and snorkeling with included gear
• first-timers to Kekova who want the key sights in one day: Andriake area, sunken-city views, Simena Castle, and several bay swim stops
• anyone who wants a less stressful day than public-boat logistics

It’s less perfect if:

• you only want stops with frequent getting-out-and-walking options (Kekova Island itself is mostly a cruise-past)
• your group has limited mobility for the steep Simena Castle path
• you expect a fully included lunch package (lunch is listed as not included)

Should you book this Kekova private boat tour from Demre?

If your ideal day includes snorkeling gear, multiple swim windows, and a relaxed visit to Simena Castle, I think this is a smart booking. The sunken-city look-outs from the boat are exactly the kind of experience you can’t recreate on your own with the same convenience.

Book it if you value small-group comfort and you’re okay with the fact that some of the best Kekova spots are viewed from the water rather than explored on foot. Skip it if you want guaranteed nonstop swimming every single hour or you’re hoping lunch and drinks are automatically handled.

One quick move before you go: confirm with the operator what’s included on your specific date for meals and beverages, since the listing and the day’s hosting vibe can differ. Then you’ll be free to focus on what matters—clear water, castle views, and that under-the-surface history that makes Kekova such a draw.

FAQ

What time does the private boat tour start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am and typically runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Ayla Boat Tours / Kekova Tekne Turu in Demre and ends back at the same meeting point.

How big is the group on this private tour?

It’s a private tour with only your group participating, up to 6 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Where can you swim during the day?

Swimming breaks are listed for Aquarium Bay or Tersane Bay, and you also have other bay time such as Esmeralda Bay and Gokkaya Bay. Kekova Island itself is described as not having swimming since it’s a pass-by cruise.

Is Simena Castle admission included?

Admission for Simena Castle is not included. Entry is associated with a museum card, and the stop is listed as 1 hour.

What’s included versus not included for food and drinks?

Included: coffee and/or tea and snacks, plus snorkeling equipment. Not included: lunch, soda/pop, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.

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