Kekova looks best when you sail slowly. This private day tour from Kas pairs calm cruising with real swim breaks and a close-up look at the Sunken City of Kekova, plus time in the hill town of Simena. You’re not stuck on a crowded boat, and the day has a natural rhythm: anchor, swim, eat, sightsee, repeat.

I especially like two parts: the included snorkeling equipment for those bay stops, and the onboard setup where lunch is prepared while you’re still in the water at Aquarium Bay. I also like that the route keeps moving, so you see more than one coastline mood—sandy corners, ruins, and a castle-view town.

One thing to plan for: Simena Castle admission isn’t included, and like most boat days, you’ll still pay for drinks on board (they’re not listed as included). If your group is prone to motion or strong sun, bring what you need and pace your time on land.

Key things I’d plan around

• Private skipper-and-crew pacing means you can spend time where you want—especially at swim stops.
• Lunch happens between swims, not after everyone’s tired and hungry.
• Snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t have to guess what to bring.
• Simena Castle time is real, with about an hour on the ground.
• Some sights have extra costs, since castle admission isn’t included.
• Return by early evening (18:00) keeps this from turning into a full vacation-day drain.

Setting Off From Kas: Why This Route Works for a Real Day at Sea

Kas is one of those Turkish coastal bases where it’s easy to reach pretty water fast. You meet in the morning at Setur Kaş Marina, and the day quickly turns from “travel” into “being on a boat.” That matters, because the Kekova area looks very different depending on the light and how you approach the coves.

This tour is built for groups and families because it’s private and paced around breaks. You aren’t negotiating crowds for the best swim spot or rushing through ruins while other people are still boarding. With your own skipper, the day feels smoother and more personal.

The overall duration is about 8 hours, with a departure at 9:30 and a return around 18:00. That timing is good: it’s long enough for a meaningful day of swimming and sightseeing, but not so long that everyone melts down by late afternoon.

Meeting at Setur Kaş Marina at 09:30: The Logistics That Matter

You start at Setur Kaş Marina (Andifli, Uğur Mumcu Cd., 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Türkiye). The end is back at the same meeting point. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off listed, so you’ll want to plan to get yourself to the marina on time.

Two practical tips here:

• Aim to arrive a little early so you’re not rushed during check-in.
• If your group has kids, have swim gear ready at hand. Kids do best when they can jump into the day quickly rather than waiting around.

If you’re using public transportation, the meeting point is noted as being near it, which is helpful. Still, the boat day depends on you being there on schedule, so treat the 09:30 start like a real appointment.

Swim Stop 1: İnönü Bay’s Sandy Corner and Calm Start

Your first move is to İnönü Bay (İnönü Koyu). After you sail there, you anchor for a swim break. The bay description is specific: there’s a small sandy beach at the left corner of the bay.

That’s a nice detail because it changes the vibe. Some coves are pure rocky entry; here, you get the option to swim with a gentler shoreline nearby. If your group includes people who don’t love heavy-surface entry, a sandy corner is a real advantage.

Time on this first stop is about 30 minutes. That’s enough for an initial dip, a quick snorkel session, and getting everyone geared up before lunch arrives later.

Swim Stop 2 and Lunch at Aquarium Bay: The Best Time-Management Trick

After about 1 hour of sailing from İnönü Bay, you stop at Aquarium Bay for another swim break. Here’s the smart part: while you’re swimming, the crew prepares lunch.

You get roughly 1 hour at Aquarium Bay. In plain terms, it prevents the classic boat-tour pattern where lunch turns into a long delay and everyone’s cranky by the time they eat. This setup lets the day flow: swim, eat soon after, and keep the energy up.

Lunch is included, and you also have coffee and/or tea plus afternoon tea later in the day (as listed). Drinks aren’t included, so if your group likes soda, water upgrades, or wine/beer, plan for that extra cost.

Cruising the Sunken City of Simena: Slow Sailing With Explanations

After lunch, you head toward the Sunken City ruins of Simena (Kekova area). This is where you get the “this is why we came” moment.

You’ll pass by the ruins while the captain sails slowly and explains the details. The stop itself is short—about 15 minutes—but the value isn’t in time standing around. It’s in the approach: seeing ruins from the water’s angle is a different experience than viewing them from shore.

Why that works: the Kekova sites are visual. You want time to watch how the shoreline, water, and submerged structures line up. Slow sailing helps with that, and it keeps you from feeling like you’re speeding past the point of the trip.

Simena Castle Time: One Hour on Foot Without Rushing

Next comes Simena Castle. You get around 1 hour of free time to explore the village, taste handmade ice cream, and visit the historical castle.

Admission for the castle is not included. That means you should budget for it if it’s a must-do for your group. If it’s more about the views and wandering the village streets, the hour is still worthwhile because you’ll get a break from boat time.

A practical way to use this hour:

• If anyone wants photos or the best view points, do that early.
• Then switch to wandering and ice cream without feeling like you’re racing the clock.

This is also a good moment for families to stretch legs, not just because you can explore, but because walking in small areas is often more comfortable than trying to find space on a rolling deck.

Üçağız Village and Lycian Tombs: A Land-Look Between Big Water Moments

After Simena Castle, you move to see Lycian tombs at Üçağız Village. This is slotted as a viewing stop after your castle visit.

We don’t get a specific duration for this part in the provided details, so I treat it as a shorter land moment rather than a long hike. That can actually be a plus: you get variety without losing the flow of the day.

If your group likes history but doesn’t want the whole day to turn into walking, this kind of “look, learn, move” stop is a good balance.

Tersane Koyu: Third Swim Break With a Short and Sweet Stop

Then it’s back to the water for Tersane Koyu. This swim break is about 30 minutes again.

By this point, you’ll probably notice the pattern: shorter swim breaks at the start and end of the day, and a bigger anchor stop earlier for lunch. That pacing works for most people because it keeps the day from feeling like a single long stretch of time in the sun.

Also, with snorkeling equipment included, Tersane Koyu is a good place to get one more round of underwater time before you head back toward Kas.

Çamlık Bay Near Kas and the 18:00 Return: Finishing Strong

After a sailing segment toward the Kas area, you get another swim time at Çamlık Bay, near Kas. This is listed as 30 minutes.

Finally, at 18:00, the tour returns to Kas Marina. Ending in early evening is a big deal. You still have time for dinner plans, a relaxed walk, and you’re not stuck in “late-night transport stress” right after a long day on the water.

What’s Included (and What’s Not): Value Breakdown for Up to 6

This tour price is listed as $1,375.67 per group (up to 6). That’s the key value question: you aren’t paying per person on a boat that’s still shared with strangers. It’s a private group day.

To make the math simple:

• If you fill all 6 spots, it’s roughly $230 per person.
• If you have fewer people, the per-person cost rises, but you still get private pacing.

What’s included (based on the details):

• Private tour
• Skipper and chef service (the tour is described as staffed with both)
• Lunch
• Afternoon tea, plus coffee and/or tea
• Snorkeling equipment
• All taxes, fees and handling charges

What’s not included:

• Drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Simena Castle admission (explicitly not included)

In other words: you’re paying for the boat day experience plus the meal and gear, not for add-ons at every step. For many groups, that’s where the value is—especially if you’re comparing to shared tours where you still pay for entrance tickets and bring your own snorkeling setup.

Crew Touches: WhatsApp Planning and the Names You Might Hear

A detail I like from past experiences with this operator and similar sailing services around Kas is communication that feels fast and practical. Reviews you may find for this company mention efficient contact (including WhatsApp) and a focus on preferences, like choosing a route that fits the history-minded crowd.

You may also see skipper or chef names mentioned in experiences like Captain Erdem, Captain Ufuk, and chefs such as Ezra, with another crew member named Mohammed showing up in some accounts. The important practical takeaway: this is a crew that tends to emphasize service and clear guidance, not a hand-off where you just sit and hope.

If you’re picky about a detail—like where you want the best swimming time—this is the kind of operator where asking works. A simple note about your priorities before departure can help the day feel tailored.

Small Extras You Might Want to Ask About

Some sailing experiences in this area come with extra photo or gear touches beyond the core snorkeling and meals. In reviews you may encounter, people mention things like drone footage and the use of waterproof cameras for photos.

Since the provided tour details don’t promise these extras as part of the package, treat them as a possible bonus. If it matters to you, ask the operator directly when you confirm.

Who Should Book This Private Kekova Day Tour?

This is a strong match if:

• You want private time with a skipper who can explain what you’re seeing while you cruise.
• Your group includes kids or mixed ages and you’d rather have predictable swim breaks than a rushed sightseeing schedule.
• You care about snorkeling but don’t want to bring or rent equipment separately.
• You want history at water level (Sunken City from the sea) and also some on-foot time (Simena Castle).

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re traveling solo and expect the lowest per-person price (since it’s priced for a group up to 6).
• Your group hates boats and prefers walking tours only. This is still a sailing day, with several water stops.

Should You Book? My Simple Decision Guide

Book it if you want a day that mixes three things that don’t always go together: authentic scenery, real swim time, and included food. The route is built to keep you moving without rushing you, and the included snorkeling gear removes a common hassle.

Pass or look for alternatives if your priority is mostly walking and museum-style sightseeing. Here, the story happens on the water first, and the land stops are shorter by design.

If your group can fill at least a few spots and you’re excited about Kekova’s coastline from the sea, this is the kind of private day that feels worth planning around.

You Might Also Enjoy

Alanya Relaxing Family Boat Tour Without Foam And Loud MusicSide : Jeep Safari and Green Canyon See with LunchAlanya: Horse Riding Tour with Hotel TransfersAntalya: Pamukkale Hot Springs & Hierapolis Small Group Tour