Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

Kas has a rare combo of ruins and swim time. On this 8-hour Kekova Island boat tour, I really like the way you get multiple crystal-clear swimming stops without rushing, and you’re taken through the Kekova Sunken City and Simena Castle area with a live guide plus onboard lunch. It is a relaxed day on a spacious deck, not a sweaty, nonstop sightseeing slog.

One key thing to plan for: snorkeling gear is not provided, so if you want to snorkel comfortably, bring your own (or be ready to buy on the boat).

Key highlights worth planning around

• Crystal-clear swim bays with enough time to actually enjoy them, not just dip your feet.
• Kekova Sunken City ruins you can spot from the water during the main stop.
• Simena Castle and Kaleköy area time, with a walk and panoramic views.
• Onboard lunch that most people rate as a big reason the tour feels like good value.
• Captain and crew service that runs like clockwork, plus clean facilities on board.
• Free drone video shots for those who want them, shared afterward.

Why this Kaş to Kekova cruise feels like a full-day water break

Kekova is the kind of place where the scenery does most of the talking. From Kaş, you spend a day cruising past coves and bays, then you get permission to actually use the water. That matters, because Kekova’s best feature is the turquoise visibility. A calm boat day turns into real downtime when you’re hopping in, swimming for a while, and rinsing off on the return legs.

What I like about this particular tour style is the pacing. You get several swim opportunities throughout the day, plus a proper lunch, instead of one long stop that leaves you burned out or bored. It feels like the tour is built around your comfort, not around squeezing in another photo stop.

You also get the history component without turning the day into a lecture. A live guide in English and Turkish gives context as you go, then you’re dropped into the views and ruins themselves. It is a practical way to see Kekova if your time in Kaş is limited.

Price and what $94 gets you in real value

At about $94 per person for an 8-hour day, this tour lands in the mid-to-upper range for Kaş boat trips. The reason it can feel like good value is what’s included versus what’s extra.

Included:

• Lunch onboard

Not included:

• Drinks
• Castle fee (at Simena)

So you should treat it as a day with lunch included, but a budget for your own drink purchases. In practice, many people end up buying something on board because there is a bar setup and snacks can be available. The important part is that the tour price is not just for transportation, it is for the full day of swim time plus the major Kekova sights.

Also, the tour runs with multiple stops, meaning you are not spending the whole day staring at the horizon waiting for one big moment. You’re paying for time in the water and for a structured route that hits the famous spots.

Meet at Larsoy, then choose your seat like a pro

Your meeting point is close to the harbor, opposite the mosque, near the Larsoy Travel & Tourism Office. The best strategy is simple: arrive early enough to get oriented and claim a good spot before the boat fills up.

On board, people consistently mention the boat feels clean and comfortable, and you can move around. Many guests prefer the top deck loungers for views and sun. If you get seasick easily, sit where the motion feels manageable and keep water nearby.

Since this tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, it is worth knowing the crew will help where needed. If you have any medical considerations like heart issues or epilepsy, the tour data says it is not suitable, so do check your own limits before booking.

Stop-by-stop: what each swim and sight stop actually feels like

This route is built around alternating travel time and reset time. That is great if you want a relaxed day with clear expectations.

1) Cruising out and settling into İnönü Bay

After boarding, you cruise for about 45 minutes, then you reach İnönü Bay for roughly 50 minutes. This is one of your lunch and activity stops. Expect swimming, and it is set up for snorkeling and watching marine life if you’re geared up for it.

The lunch timing here is smart. It breaks up the day early enough that you don’t hit the late afternoon hungry. Many guests highlight the lunch quality here, so this is not just a rushed plate.

2) Karakol Islands for a longer break and BBQ-style lunch

You sail again for about 45 minutes, then you head to Karakol Islands for around 1 hour. This stop includes break time plus sightseeing, and there’s mention of BBQ and regional food.

Think of this as the second big water-and-food moment. If you snorkel, this is another good chance to use the clearest conditions. If you don’t, it still works because the main point is swimming and relaxing at a scenic spot.

3) Kekova Island Sunken City: the main ruins moment

The next big sight is Kekova Island Sunken City, with about 30 minutes for the stop. From what you’re likely to see, you will mainly be looking at submerged ruins and formations from the boat, guided by stories from your guide.

This stop is shorter than Simena castle time. That’s normal for boat routes in this region, because the day needs to cover several bays and still include actual time for walking.

4) Simena Castle (Kaleköy area): walk, views, and a swim option

Then it is time for Simena Castle (often connected to Kaleköy). You get about 1 hour, including break time, sightseeing, and free time to walk around. There is also an option for swimming and snorkeling depending on the conditions.

This is the stop that feels more like land travel. You’re not just hanging over water with a view, you’re moving through the town lanes and dealing with stairs and viewpoints. Bring swimwear anyway, but also bring the right shoes for uneven steps.

One practical note: the castle fee is not included, and it is smart to carry cash just in case. You do not want your day to come down to a payment issue when you’re standing in front of the castle area.

5) Tersane Koyu: another swim-and-rinse chapter

Back on the boat, you cruise for about 20 minutes, then you reach Tersane Koyu with about 45 minutes. This stop is built for a water break: swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing.

If you’ve been spoiled by your first swim bay, this is the moment where you realize Kekova’s water really stays good across stops. The best part is the option to do a calmer swim on your own pace.

6) Üzüm İskelesi: final water break plus tea ceremony

Next is Üzüm İskelesi, with about 50 minutes, plus a tea ceremony. You’ll have break time and sightseeing, and there is again swimming and snorkeling time.

This last stop is a nice way to close the day because tea and a final scenic pause helps you cool down and reset before the return trip.

Kekova Sunken City and Simena Castle: how to make the most of the time

Most people come to Kekova for the water, but the ruins are the reason the whole region is famous. The trick is understanding what to expect at each site.

What you should expect at the Sunken City

At Kekova Island Sunken City, you are not doing a long land tour inside a museum. Instead, you are seeing submerged ruins from the water, guided by your route and narration from the live guide. The value here is that you get the scale and context without hiking.

If you want to get more out of it, do a little reading before you go so the names and periods mean something. That is how you turn a short stop into a big payoff.

What you should expect at Simena Castle and Kaleköy

Simena Castle is the more active part of the history. You get time to walk, explore, and enjoy panoramic views. It is also where you’ll feel the day turning from boat relaxation into land exploring.

Because you have limited time, I’d focus on the viewpoint walk first, then wander. Don’t get stuck in the wrong alley for an hour, because the boat schedule is your boss.

Lunch onboard: where the tour earns its reputation

Onboard lunch is repeatedly called out as a major win. The tour includes lunch, and guests say it is generous and flavorful, often with options like fish, chicken, and köfteh, plus sides.

A lot of the feel-good factor comes from how lunch is delivered and how it fits the day. People talk about eating while sitting on deck chairs, then getting extra snacks later, including watermelon and tea breaks. That little rhythm makes the cruise feel complete.

Drinks are a separate cost. You cannot bring alcohol or drugs onboard, and outside drinks are not allowed. If you want a soda, beer, or a cocktail, plan to buy it on the boat. Prices are usually in line with what you might pay around Kaş, based on what guests observed.

Boat comfort, bathrooms, and crew service

For a day on the water, comfort matters. Guests often mention the boat is clean, spacious, and well maintained. There are bathrooms on board, and some people specifically note showers to rinse off after swims.

Crew service comes up again and again. The captain and team are described as organized and attentive, and the tour timing is handled in a way that keeps you from feeling stranded during transfers. Safety guidance is also part of the experience, especially around where to swim.

If you care about service level, this is one reason the tour scores so high. It is not just the scenery, it is the fact that the day flows.

Snorkeling and swim logistics: what you must bring

Here is the practical part, and it is the one thing I don’t want you to overlook.

Snorkeling gear is not provided. That means you should bring:

• snorkel mask or goggles
• snorkel tube if you use one
• water-friendly footwear if you prefer it

A lot of people feel comfortable with swimming because life jackets and pool noodles are available. That is a big help for non-swimmers too, since you can still join the water fun.

If you want the easiest setup, bring your own snorkel gear and a small towel. You can always buy something on board if you forgot, but that is a gamble you do not need on a day already packed with water time.

Bring cash and pack like it is a water day

Even though the route is simple, you should pack for a day that mixes boats and land.

What to bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Beachwear

Practical add-ons that make a difference:

• Your own snorkel gear
• Cash for the Simena castle fee if you end up paying onsite
• A small towel and a light layer for the ride back if you get chilly

Also note the tour rules: pets are not allowed, and you cannot bring alcohol or drugs.

Who this tour is best for, and who might want another plan

This tour is a great match if you want:

• multiple swim stops
• a mix of boat relaxation and a land walk at Simena Castle
• lunch included
• a well-run day with good facilities and an active crew

It also works well if you are not a hard-core snorkeler. The water access is frequent, and you can keep it simple with swims and drifting.

If you want a long, deep, archaeology-style museum tour, the short Sunken City and castle timing might feel too brief. In that case, I would pair this with a bit of pre-reading about the sites so you recognize what you are seeing.

For people with heart problems, epilepsy, or other pre-existing medical conditions, the tour data says it is not suitable, so take that seriously.

The drone and the little extras that make it fun

One of the more fun modern touches: the captain can make drone videos and share them for free if you want. People also mention Polaroid-style photos happening onboard.

Even if you do not care about photos, these extras are usually a nice mood boost. The day already has plenty of beauty, so it helps to have a few unexpected keepsakes.

Should you book this Kaş to Kekova Island boat tour?

If you want one clear answer: book it if your priority is water time plus the main Kekova sights, and you value a smooth, organized crew.

I’d especially recommend it if:

• you like the idea of several swim bays instead of one long stop
• you care about onboard lunch quality
• you want a relaxing day with clean facilities and good service
• you’re happy to handle castle fees and drinks separately

Skip it or choose another option if:

• you were counting on snorkeling gear being included
• you want a long, in-depth history session with lots of walking and detailed stops

If you do book, set yourself up for success by bringing snorkel gear, some cash, and good walking shoes. Then let the turquoise water and ruins do what they do best.