Deluxe Sunken City Boat Guided Tour From Kas

Sunken ruins and snorkel time, all in one day. This deluxe guided boat tour from Kas is built around Kekova Island and the submerged city of Simena, plus a land stop at the Castle of Simena. You’ll cruise the coast, pause for swimming, then head up to viewpoints where the whole area makes sense.

I love the combination of snorkeling with included gear and the chance to see the sunken ruins from both the water and the boat deck. I also like how Captain Mustafa and his wife run a small-group day with an actually comfortable boat, places to sit in shade or soak up sun, and a food setup that goes beyond basic lunch.

The main thing to think about is that not everything is included: drinks cost extra, and bottled water or coffee are on your tab. It’s still good value, just plan your spending ahead.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group size (up to 8 people) helps the captain manage swimming time and move you around easily.
• Snorkeling gear is included, so you can focus on enjoying the water instead of shopping for equipment.
• Kekova Island stop is 2 hours, which gives you time to swim, snorkel, and look around.
• The sunken city is experienced two ways: close-up while you’re in the water, and from the boat while cruising.
• Simena Castle stop is 1 hour, with an easy choice between climbing for views or grabbing homemade ice cream.
• Lunch is included, drinks are not, so set expectations for what you’ll pay for onboard.

Why this Kas to Kekova route feels like the real deal

Kas is the kind of Turkish coast town where you can chase the classic sights, or you can just spend the day moving along the water like locals do. This tour does the second one. You get on a boat, feel the sea breeze, and spend long enough at the water stops that the day does not feel rushed.

The draw is Kekova and the Sunken City ruins. From land, you can only understand so much. From a boat and in the water, you see how the coastline and the submerged remains relate. The tour is built around that contrast.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $241.36 per person for an around-8-hour day, the math works best if you want a one-stop, guided boat experience with snorkeling and lunch included. You’re paying for a few specific things that are hard to recreate on your own without extra planning:

• Boat time and fuel support (fuel surcharge is included)
• Included snorkeling equipment
• Lunch provided on board
• A guided, timed route that gets you to Kekova and then to Simena

What’s not included matters too. Drinks are extra, and bottled water, coffee or tea, soda, and alcohol are all separate. If you keep that in mind and treat lunch as your main food moment for the day, the price feels fair for a deluxe full-day setup.

Captain Mustafa’s boat setup: comfort for shade lovers and sun chasers

One of the strongest signals from the experience is how personal the day feels, even though it’s a full-day outing. The group is capped at 8 people, which usually translates into less waiting and more flexibility when you hit each bay.

From what you can expect, Captain Mustafa runs a boat that’s described as gorgeous and built for comfort. The layout gives you options: places to enjoy sun and places to slip into shade when the Mediterranean sun gets serious. That might sound small, but on an eight-hour trip it makes a difference.

Also, this is an English-offered tour, and the small scale means you’re more likely to get clear guidance on what to do during the stops, especially around swimming and snorkeling.

The day’s route, stop by stop (and what each one is good for)

This tour is designed around smooth movement between views and water time. You’ll start by passing near a small pebble beach, then settle into the main Kekova stop, and finally finish with the Castle of Simena.

Cruising past the pebble beach

Right away, you’re not stuck waiting for the day to begin. Passing the small pebble beach gives you a first taste of the shoreline, and it sets expectations for how the area looks from the water. It’s a quick moment, not a full stop, but it helps you orient yourself for what comes next.

Kekova Island: swimming plus a long look at the submerged city

This is the heart of the day. You’ll stop at Kekova Island for about 2 hours, with time to swim and time to see the sunken city area.

What I like about a longer stop here is that you’re not forced into one single activity. You can float and snorkel, then take a slower look and get your bearings. The tour also gives you enough time to recover a bit after being in the water, because Kekova is the kind of place where you’ll want multiple short sessions rather than one frantic one.

One more useful detail: the admission ticket for this stop is free, so you don’t have to worry about an extra entrance charge for your main swim portion.

Seeing the sunken city ruins from the boat

After the Kekova Island stop, the tour continues with viewing the submerged city from the boat. This is valuable because you get perspective from above water. When you’re snorkeling, you’re close and focused. When you’re on deck, you can spot the layout and understand where the ruins sit relative to the shoreline.

This is also where the experience shifts from active water time to scenic cruising, so it feels balanced rather than one long sprint.

Simena ruins views while you cruise

You’ll also see the ancient ruins from the boat. Even if you spend a lot of your time snorkeling, this part helps connect the dots, turning scattered shapes into a real picture of how the area has been layered over time.

The boat portion also helps if you’re not fully snorkeling for the entire stop. You still get the experience of the ruins without needing to be in the water the whole time.

Castle of Simena: 1 hour for views or ice cream

Your final major stop is the Castle of Simena for about 1 hour. Here you get a choice, and I like that. You can climb up for the viewpoint experience, or you can stay more relaxed and get homemade ice cream on the island.

Since admission is not included for this stop, it’s worth planning to cover any entrance fees if you decide to go all the way up. If you prefer photos over climbing, focus on getting a good viewpoint without overdoing it at the end of an already full day.

Lunch on board: the part people remember

Lunch is included, and the details from the experience are the reason I keep bringing it up. The food is described as phenomenal, not just a boxed meal. One highlight is a multi-course style lunch, with dessert and follow-up tea and fruit after.

That’s a big deal because it changes the feel of the day. Boat trips can turn into snack-only energy. Here, lunch is presented as a real break, so you end up with fuel for the snorkeling time and the later Simena stop.

The lunch plate is also described as big and tasty, which means you’re less likely to leave hungry after the time in the sun.

Snorkeling the sunken city: how to make it easy on yourself

Snorkeling is a core feature here, and the tour includes snorkeling equipment. That helps you travel lighter, but more importantly, it reduces friction. You can focus on your water time instead of stopping somewhere to rent gear at the last minute.

A few practical tips so you enjoy it more:

• Wear swim shoes or water-friendly footwear if you have them, especially since this area is known for pebble shorelines.
• Give yourself time to get comfortable in the water before trying to focus on spotting details.
• If you’re not a strong swimmer, stay where the boat staff guidance and water conditions make it easiest. The day is built for participation by most people, but snorkeling comfort varies.

Also, remember that the best moments often come from calm attention, not frantic searching. When you’re in the right spot, the ruins are there for you to see, and you can take it slow.

Drinks and extras: plan for the full spending reality

Lunch is included, but drinks are extra. Bottled water is not included, and coffee or tea, soda, and alcohol are also not included.

Here’s how I’d think about it: if you bring a basic water plan, you won’t feel surprised mid-day. If you want coffee or soda, decide ahead of time. And if you’re thinking about alcohol, treat it as an add-on so it doesn’t impact your budget.

What to bring for an 8-hour Mediterranean boat day

This is a full-day outing, so pack like you’re spending most of the day on the water and in the sun.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a quick-dry towel (even if you don’t need a towel, it’s useful)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A light layer for shade if you run cool
• A hat or cap
• Any personal items you like for comfort during longer stops

If you’re planning to climb at Castle of Simena, bring shoes that handle uneven surfaces. The option to skip the climb is there, and the ice cream choice makes it easier to keep the day relaxed if you want.

Group size, pace, and who this tour matches best

With a max of 8 people, this tour works well for couples, families, and small groups who want structure but not big-tour chaos. You get enough organization to see the sunken city and ruins, plus time to swim without the constant “all aboard” pressure.

I’d especially recommend this if:

• You want snorkeling but don’t want the hassle of renting gear
• You like boat days where you can switch between shade and sun
• You care about food on the trip, not just sightseeing checkboxes
• You prefer a small-group guide setup with a friendly captain team

If you know you want lots of long hikes, this is not a hike-heavy day. It’s mostly water time, with one hour at Simena that’s flexible based on how much climbing you feel like doing.

Weather and sea conditions: why this tour is tied to the day

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

This is common for boat routes in the area, and it’s not something to fight. If you’re flexible with your schedule, you’ll get a better chance of a day that feels smooth and comfortable. The calmest sea days usually make snorkeling and viewing far more enjoyable.

Should you book the Deluxe Sunken City Boat Guided Tour From Kas?

I’d book it if you want a high-value day that stacks three things together: Kekova Island water time, snorkeling equipment taken care of, and a proper included lunch. The small group size, the focus on the sunken city from multiple angles, and the strong food reputation are the big selling points.

I wouldn’t book it if you want drinks and snacks fully included, or if you dislike spending most of the day on a boat in sun and shade rhythms. The tour is built for people who are happy to plan for extras like bottled water and coffee.

If your priority is seeing the Sunken City ruins in a way that feels real, not distant, this one is a smart choice.

FAQ

How long is the Deluxe Sunken City Boat Guided Tour from Kas?

It’s about 8 hours long.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Yes. Lunch is included, but drinks are extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Where does the tour stop, and is there a fee for admissions?

You stop at Kekova Island, where the admission ticket is free. You also stop at the Castle of Simena, where the admission ticket is not included.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 8 people.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.