A boat day that feels like history.

This shared Kekova tour works because it has the right mix of swimming time and on-the-water ruins viewing. I like that you don’t have to hunt for lunch in Kas—the meal is taken care of on board. I also like the setup: a brand-new, 24-meter traditional wooden-style boat with live English commentary from the crew as you cruise past the submerged remains.

You’ll get a guided route through bays like Inönü Koyu and the famous underwater area near Kekova, plus a stop in Kaleköy where you can walk and snack on your own. One thing to consider: this is a shared boat (up to 100 people), so seating is limited and you may share tables unless you plan for shade seating.

Key things that make this Kekova tour click

• Lunch is included on board, so you can spend the day on the water without food math.
• A 24-meter, brand-new traditional-style boat makes the ride comfortable for a full day.
• Lots of swim-and-rest time, not just quick peeks from the deck.
• Simena’s sunken city views come from multiple passes, not one rushed photo stop.
• Kaleköy free time gives you a real village break and a chance to browse by the sea.
• Crew professionalism matters here, especially around seating and family-friendly organization.

From Kas Harbor to Kekova: the value of doing it by boat

Kas is a great base for this part of Turkey, but the sunken city of Kekova doesn’t care about your schedule. Water does. That’s why the boat tour is the main event: you’re not looking at ruins from a distant viewpoint on land. You’re seeing them from above the waterline, with the scale and shapes making more sense as you move along the coastline.

This tour runs about 8 hours, departing from the center of Kas around 9:30 (with the boat starting its main run around 10:00) and returning around 18:00. That time window is long enough to fit swimming, lunch, multiple ruin photo passes, and an hour in Kaleköy. For me, that’s the sweet spot for a day trip: it feels like a day on the water, not a half-day shuffle.

The boat you’re on: traditional look, modern comfort

The ride is on a brand-new 24 meter traditional wooden boat. That matters more than it sounds. You get the classic Kekova look—wooden boat vibes—without feeling like you’re stuck on something old and cramped.

On board, you’ll hear live English commentary and get guidance from a local guide. The captain and crew also handle the practical rhythm of the day: when you arrive at swim stops, when you return to the boat, and how you shift attention from water to ruins to village time.

A great detail from real experience: seating is reserved, and the crew helps you sort it out in advance. One family shared that the crew calls you about two days before the trip to help with seating choice. Another practical note: tables are shared if you’re not in a larger group, so if you want privacy, plan for it. If you’re flexible, the shared layout can still feel friendly, especially with families.

If you want options, use the upper deck. Beach chairs are available up there, which is ideal when the sun is strong and you want to spread out.

Cruise route in plain terms: what each stop is for

This tour is paced like a day at sea with a purpose. You’ll cruise, stop, swim, look, eat, and then have one real walk around town. Here’s how the day flows.

Inönü Koyu: the first swim break

After boarding, you set out across calm water toward Kekova. There’s a scenic cruising stretch of roughly 1.5 hours before you reach Inönü Bay. This is your first “get in the water” moment.

What I like about this early stop is that it helps you settle in. You’ve been on the move since Kas, you’ve found your seat, and then you get a straightforward first swim. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s a good way to break up the day without losing momentum.

Kekova Island / Aquarium Bay: lunch meets the swim

As you approach Kekova, the tour reaches the area often called Aquarium Bay. This is a second swim stop with clear, calm conditions where you can see more underwater detail than you’d expect from a moving boat.

Then lunch happens here. The included meal is cooked on board and served as barbequed chicken with Turkish salads and appetizers. It’s one of those details that can make or break a boat tour. Here, lunch isn’t an afterthought or a sad snack. The meal is organized and plated for you, and the flavors are a big part of why people recommend the trip so strongly.

On top of that, you’ll have coffee and/or tea, plus afternoon tea later on. If you’re trying to avoid carrying extra stuff in your day bag, this saves you hassle.

Tersane Koyu: where the ruins start telling stories

After lunch, you head to Tersane, the site of an ancient shipbuilding yard. This is where the day shifts from swim-time to “look closely” time.

From the water, you can cruise over submerged stone ruins associated with a Lycian city left underwater by earthquakes in the 2nd century CE. The point of this stop isn’t a museum-style description. It’s the visual effect: you see the remains where they sit, and the captain’s guidance turns shapes into context.

This is also a great time to take photos. The ruins can look different depending on how the light hits the water, and the boat’s movement helps you catch multiple angles.

Sunken City ruins of Simena: a second pass for better photos

You’ll cruise over the famous sunken city ruins of Simena again after Tersane. That “second pass” feeling matters. A single short stop can turn into a quick scramble. Two passes give you more chances to line up pictures and to actually look at what you’re seeing instead of just snapping and moving.

Kaleköy (Castle of Simena): the one hour you’ll remember

The last major element is the hour of free time in Kaleköy, the village built on top of and among the ruins of Simena. This area is only accessible by boat or on foot, so you’re doing something many visitors can’t do easily from shore.

During this hour, you can explore narrow streets and shops, walk up toward the top of the castle area, photograph Lycian sarcophagi, or just enjoy ice cream by the sea. If you want a souvenir hunt, this is the moment. If you want a calmer break, it works for that too.

One consideration: it’s only about one hour. That’s plenty to wander and cool down, but it’s not enough for a long hike.

Lunch and tea on board: why it feels like part of the tour

I love it when a boat tour includes food, but I really pay attention to how it’s included. On this one, the meal is served in a way that keeps the day from feeling chaotic.

Lunch is barbequed chicken with salads and appetizers, cooked for you as you float near Kekova. People also mention afternoon tea, and coffee and/or tea earlier in the day. That helps if you plan to spend most of your time on deck with sun and salt air.

Practical tip: eat lunch, then plan your swim schedule around it. After you’ve had food, give yourself a little time to feel settled before you jump in again. The boat moves on a schedule, so you’ll appreciate not feeling rushed.

Getting the most out of the swimming stops

You’ll have multiple chances to swim—Inönü Koyu first, then Aquarium Bay near Kekova, and there’s more water time built into the cruise rhythm. The conditions can feel inviting because the coastline waters are often clear and bright.

To make it comfortable:

• Bring swimwear you can dry somewhat easily.
• Pack sunscreen and a hat you’ll actually wear.
• Consider water shoes if you’re sensitive to rocky entries (this isn’t guaranteed, so you’ll want to judge based on your own comfort).

If you want shade, go where people are choosing tables in the shade. Since seating is reserved, it pays to coordinate early so you don’t end up in the sun when you’d rather rest.

Price and value: how $78.02 makes sense here

At $78.02 per person, this doesn’t look like a budget bargain. But it does look like good value when you count what’s included:

• Local guide and live commentary on board
• Lunch on board (and afternoon tea)
• Coffee and/or tea
• Local taxes
• A modern, 24-meter traditional-style boat ride for a full day, plus multiple coastal stops

A lot of Kekova tours either charge extra for the meal or make lunch feel like a checkbox. Here, lunch is a central part of the schedule. That alone changes the whole experience: you spend your time sightseeing and swimming rather than deciding where to eat.

Also, the tour is capped at a maximum of 100 travelers. Shared boat doesn’t mean a quiet private charter, but the cap keeps it from turning into a total crowd situation.

Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)

This experience is a strong fit if you want an organized day on the water with real context for the ruins. Families do well here because the day has a rhythm: swim breaks, food, and short periods of walking in Kaleköy. One family shared that their six-year-old loved the boat and the stops, which tracks with the way this is structured.

You’ll like it if:

• You want Kekova from the water, not from shore
• You prefer guidance and commentary instead of guessing what you’re looking at
• You’d rather have lunch handled than plan it yourself

You might want to think twice if:

• You hate shared seating or don’t want table sharing under any circumstances
• You’re very sensitive to sun and heat and can’t manage a day outside
• You’re hoping for a long land tour (Kaleköy time is about one hour)

Quick planning tips for Kas on this day

If you can, plan to arrive early to the meeting point so you can settle down before boarding. The meeting point is at the Larsoy Travel & Tourism Office area in Kas (Andifli, Liman Sk. 4 B, 07580 Kaş/Antalya). The start time is 9:30, and the tour runs until about 18:00 back at the same place.

Also remember the obvious: you’re on the Mediterranean all day. That means sun protection, water-friendly shoes if you want them, and a dry layer in your day bag.

Finally, the experience depends on good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded.

Should you book this shared Kekova boat tour?

I think this is an easy yes if you want a classic Kekova day that’s easy to manage. The biggest strength is the included lunch paired with a well-paced route of swim stops and multiple passes over the sunken ruins. Add professional crew service and the kind of historical explanations that help ruins make sense, and it’s a strong deal for $78.02.

Book it if you’re okay with shared boat life and you want your day to feel organized from start to finish. Consider another option if you want lots of time on land or you prefer a private boat where seating and pacing can be tailored.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the Kekova boat tour start and end?

The tour starts at 9:30 am and ends back at the meeting point at 6:00 pm.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 8 hours (approximately).

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included on board.

What is included besides lunch?

Coffee and/or tea are included, as well as afternoon tea and local taxes. There is also a local guide and live commentary on board.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase, but they are not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour includes live commentary in English.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience has a maximum of 100 travelers.

Are there swimming stops?

Yes. The itinerary includes swimming opportunities, including Inönü Koyu and the Kekova area (Aquarium Bay).

How much free time do you get in Kaleköy?

You get about 1 hour of free time in Kaleköy.

Is the tour weather-dependent?

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

Is there a minimum age for children or a drinking age rule?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18 years.

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