Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

Kaş to Kekova is one long, feel-the-sea day. You get crystal-clear swim stops plus on-the-water views of the Sunken City ruins, with lunch and afternoon tea included. It is the kind of trip where time goes fast because every hour has something to look at.

I also love how the day mixes nature and history without turning it into a rush job. You see submerged Lycian ruins and a Byzantine church area through the water itself, then you slow down in Simena for castle views and strolling. One possible drawback: on busy departures, you may not get a choice of where you sit, and some seats are down inside rather than on top deck.

If you like a relaxed pace, good organization, and spending real time in the water, this works well. The day runs about 8 hours and starts at 9:30 am, so plan for a full day at sea and bring what you need for swimming comfort.

Key Things You Should Know Before You Go

• Swim time is built in: multiple stops with time to swim, plus snorkeling options where conditions are right
• Sunken City viewing is easy: you can see the ruins from the boat via glass-bottom viewing
• Food is part of the schedule: lunch buffet and afternoon tea are included, so you do not have to hunt for meals
• Simena is more than a stop sign: you get time to explore the village atmosphere and the castle area
• This is a group day, not a private cruise: maximum is 65 travelers, so expect some crowding at popular moments

Cruising Kaş and Kekova in One Big Day

This is a classic Mediterranean boat format, the kind that makes the coast the star. From Kaş, you spend your day cruising the Kekova coastline between several bays, with swim stops that break up the ride. The water visibility is the point, because the whole reason people come is to see how the coastline looks when it is clear enough to make underwater ruins feel close.

The tour is scheduled for about 8 hours, and you will want to treat it as a full-day outing. That matters because you are not just “passing by” sights, you are living in them. The boat time also helps if you want an easy day without dealing with multiple transport segments on land.

The group size is capped at 65, which tends to keep the experience manageable. You still get a social vibe, but it is not the kind of mega-boat where you spend the day trying to find your own space.

Inönü Bay: A Short Canyon and Easy Water Views

Inönü Bay is the first real flavor of the day, and it is all about ease. You get around 45 minutes to enjoy the bay, with options to stroll toward a canyon area or just take in the views from the water’s edge.

Why I like this stop: it is a calm opener before the bigger wow moments. If you need a breather, this is where you can settle in, stretch your legs, and get comfortable with the boat rhythm. Also, it is a good moment to take photos before everyone is fully in swim mode.

The practical consideration: this stop is not framed as a long beach hang. It is more about the scenery and a light walk, so if you are hoping for a major swimming session immediately, keep expectations flexible.

Aquarium Bay: Why People Love the Water Here

Aquarium Bay is where the coast starts feeling magical, because it is known for crystal-clear water. The scenery plays in layers: bright turquoise at the surface, then fish and coral-like textures below, depending on visibility and what the sea is doing that day.

You typically get about 45 minutes, which is enough time to either:

• snorkel if you bring the basics (mask and snorkel are often used here)
• or just float and watch from the surface if you prefer staying low effort

A key reality check: snorkeling comfort depends on water temperature and conditions. One review noted that in cooler months, the water can feel cold even if the day looks sunny. So if you are traveling in spring or shoulder season, plan for cooler water and consider how long you want to stay in.

The Sunken City Ruins of Simena, Seen Through the Water

This is the heart of the trip. The Sunken City ruins off Kekova are ancient Lycian structures that ended up partially submerged after earthquakes. You can see houses and the outlines of streets and walls when visibility is good. There is also a Byzantine church component visible in this submerged zone, which is a big part of what makes it feel like you are looking at two eras at once.

What makes this stop valuable is the way it changes scale. From the boat, the ruins can feel like part of the coastline rather than a distant “must-see.” You are not forced to be on land at all times, and the glass-bottom viewing option keeps it accessible if you do not want to put on snorkel gear.

Time on this stop is shorter, about 30 minutes, so you will want to do the classic two-pass approach:

• first, look without rushing to orient yourself
• then, look again more deliberately for houses, stair shapes, and the church area

Practical note: this is a weather-and-visibility dependent sight. If the sea is rough or visibility drops, your view may not look as crisp as you hoped. That is also why this experience is described as requiring good weather.

Simena (Kaleköy) Castle Views and Village Stroll Time

After the underwater wow, the day shifts to land for a more human-paced stop. Simena, also known as Kaleköy, gives you around 1 hour to explore the seaside village vibe and get to the castle area.

The castle itself is a medieval fortress dating to the Byzantine era, perched above the water. Even if you do not stay long at the viewpoint, the payoff is big. The coastline and Kekova Island area spread out below you, so it is a good place for photos that actually show geography, not just close-up ruins.

Then there are the streets and the simple charm of the village. Think narrow lanes, whitewashed buildings, and small spots to pause for coffee or a quick snack if you want something beyond what is provided on the boat.

A consideration here: 1 hour goes fast once you start taking photos. If castle views are your priority, plan to move earlier rather than later so you do not end up spending most of your hour just wandering the harbor edge.

Kaleköy Harbour: The Easy Second Look at the Same Area

Right after the castle time, you also get a stop at Kaleköy Harbour for about 1 hour. This is the “soak it in” segment. It is described as a place with ancient Lycian sites nearby, and you can also enjoy the harbor setting and waterfront cafes.

If you are the type who likes to linger, this is a good match. If you prefer a faster pace, you can keep it simple: walk the immediate harbor area, grab a view, and then focus on getting back to the boat on time.

One thing to watch: you may feel a bit “double dipped” if you are expecting entirely different experiences between castle and harbour. In reality, the energy shifts. The castle is for height and broad views, while the harbor is for atmosphere and sea-level angles.

Tersane Koyu Shipyard Bay: Quiet Water and Coastal History Clues

Shipyard Bay, also called Tersane Koyu, is a scenic stop near Kaleköy. It is named for shipbuilding history, which adds a layer of storytelling to the scenery even if you are mostly here to swim and relax.

You get about 45 minutes, and the bay is set up for calm water viewing and snorkeling-style sightseeing. The surrounding cliffs and vegetation frame the water, and there are photo moments that point toward Simena Castle in the distance.

If you want a practical reason to like this stop: it usually feels less frantic than the most popular sight windows. It is a steady, scenic break where you can reset your brain after the historical focus.

Camlik Bay: The Last Swim Stop That Turns the Day Sweet

Camlik is the final swimming stop and is described as tranquil, with pine trees nearby. You get about 45 minutes, which is a helpful length because it lets you enjoy the late-day water without leaving you with nothing left to do.

Late swim time can be a big deal for comfort. You already know how the day is paced, you have your rhythm with the boat, and you can focus on enjoying the water rather than switching from sightseeing mode to swim mode for the first time.

The only caution: because it is the last stop, you should keep an eye on time so you are back on board when they start calling it in.

Lunch Buffet and Afternoon Tea, Actually Useful on a Boat Day

One of the smartest parts of this tour is that you eat like a real plan, not like a snack scramble. Lunch buffet and afternoon tea are included, and they are timed so you are not running on empty.

From what you can expect, lunch is typically served on board, and you may have a choice such as chicken or fish along with salads and watermelon later on. One review even mentioned chicken being BBQed in front of the group, which adds a fun, almost beach-party feel.

Also, the way food is served matters on a long boat day. Some reviews specifically called out proper plates and cutlery and toilets that were clean, which may sound basic, but it really affects comfort when you are out for hours.

Afternoon tea is not just a gesture. It gives you a moment to sit down and cool off from the sun, and it pairs nicely with the final swim or the cruise back.

Price Value at About $84.65, Plus What Costs Extra

At $84.65 per person, this tour is priced like a full, structured day: boat cruising, guide services, multiple bays, and included meals. What helps the value is that the big attractions are built into the schedule. You are paying for access to swim stops plus Sunken City viewing time and a land visit to Simena.

Onboard extras exist, mainly drinks and alcohol. Reviews noted that drinks, soda, teas, coffee, and water are available but cost extra, while alcoholic drinks can be purchased. If you want to budget ahead, plan on paying for at least a couple of drinks if you are thirsty in the sun.

Good to know: one review mentioned you can pay a tab by credit card, so you are not stuck with cash for the extras.

How to Get the Best Day: Packing and Timing Tips

This is a water-heavy day, so packing is not optional. A few things help a lot:

• Bring a towel, since you will get wet and you do not want to dry off with whatever you have in your bag
• Bring swim essentials like goggles or a snorkel mask if you plan to use them
• Water shoes can be helpful, but they are not mandatory for everyone

Also, take the top deck seriously. Multiple reviews praised the relaxing deck setup with sunbeds, and it is where you get the most “watch the coast go by” moments during cruising.

Seat choice can matter. One review mentioned that online booking did not clearly indicate seat allocation, and the person ended up inside rather than outside. If you care a lot about sitting up on deck, arrive ready to request the best available option when you board.

Finally, manage expectations about weather. The experience is said to require good weather, and you may feel water temperature differences in cooler months. If you are sensitive to cold water, plan for it.

Who This Boat Tour Fits Best

This tour fits best if you want:

• a single-day way to see Kaş, Kekova waters, and Simena without piecing together transportation
• meaningful swimming time at multiple bays
• Sunken City ruins viewing that does not require you to be an expert snorkeler
• included meals so your day stays simple

It is also a strong match for couples and friends who like a shared day with a friendly crew. Many reviews praised the crew and captains for keeping the vibe relaxed and for sharing facts about the places you pass.

If you are traveling with kids, note that children must be accompanied by an adult. If you have mobility limits, you might want to think about stairs to get on and off the boat, since some stops involve climbing down to docks.

Should You Book This Kaş to Kekova Sunken City Tour?

Book it if you want one high-value day where the water is the main event and the history is visible in a way that feels real, not abstract. The included lunch and afternoon tea remove a big headache, and the mix of swim stops plus Simena gives you variety instead of repeating the same scenery all day.

Skip or reconsider if:

• you strongly need a specific seat location on board and do not want the possibility of being inside
• you dislike cold water surprises in shoulder season
• you only want a short sightseeing walk and would rather avoid swimming-oriented scheduling

If you do book, my advice is simple: bring swim gear, aim for the deck when you can, and treat the Sunken City stop like a quick two-step photo and look-around moment. That is how you turn a tight 30 minutes into a lasting memory.