Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

Kekova is at its best from the water, where submerged ruins, quiet coves, and bright turquoise sea unfold at an easy pace. This 8-hour cruise from Kas gives you plenty of time to swim, eat lunch on board, and visit Simena Castle without packing the day with rushed stops.

I like the clean, spacious boat and the care taken by Captain Ergun and his crew. I also like the generous lunch, followed by watermelon and tea on some departures, plus the fun bonus of free drone footage when conditions allow. The main drawback is that the historical commentary can be light, and the one-hour stop at Simena may feel short if you want both the castle and the village.

At a glance: what makes this Kekova cruise worthwhile

• Four or more clear-water swim stops: You get repeated chances to swim and snorkel instead of spending the whole day on a seat.
• Kekova’s Sunken City from the boat: The ruins are protected, so you view them from the deck rather than walking through the water.
• Simena Castle with panoramic views: The climb takes effort, but the view over the coast and village is the reward.
• A generous lunch on board: Fish, chicken, or köfte may be served with several side dishes, depending on the meal prepared that day.
• A well-kept boat with useful facilities: The boat has comfortable seating, bathrooms, showers, life jackets, and pool noodles.
• Captain Ergun’s personal touches: Free drone clips and occasional Polaroid photos add a cheerful extra to the day.

Why Kekova works so well by boat

Kekova sits along one of Turkey’s most attractive stretches of coast, where small bays meet layers of ancient and medieval remains. From Kas, the boat ride takes you away from town quickly and replaces road traffic with open water, rocky islands, and coves reached only by sea.

The great strength of this trip is variety. You are not asked to choose between a swimming day and a history day. You can spend part of the morning in clear water, look across the submerged remains of Kekova Island, climb toward a medieval fortress, then return to the boat for a filling meal.

This is not a small, private sailing trip. One account described roughly 95 people on board, though the boat was still considered comfortable and well arranged. Expect a sociable day with other passengers, shared swim stops, and a little competition for the best lounging spot.

From Kas harbor to the first swim

The meeting point is at the Larsoy Travel and Tourism office near the harbor, opposite the mosque. You collect your arrangements there before heading to the boat, so do not walk straight to a random vessel at the quay.

The first long cruise lasts about 45 minutes. This is a good time to settle in, find your place, and decide if you want the upper deck or a lower shaded area. Several people specifically liked the top deck loungers, but bring a warm layer or extra towel for the ride back. Wind can make the open deck feel cool after you have been swimming.

The crew provides life jackets and pool noodles. That matters if you are not a confident swimmer. Snorkeling equipment is not normally included, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to look below the surface. You may be able to buy equipment on board, but bringing familiar gear is simpler.

İnönü Bay: an early chance to swim

İnönü Bay is scheduled for about 50 minutes and combines a swim, boat sightseeing, and lunch service. The bay is valued less for a single famous monument than for the chance to settle into the day in calm water.

The timing is useful. You can swim, sit in the sun, and return to the boat without feeling hurried. If you prefer not to swim, the deck gives you a fine view while the crew handles the meal.

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The exact menu can vary, but the food may include fish, chicken, or köfte with salads and other side dishes. Portions are generous, and the meal is served on board rather than requiring you to lose sightseeing time at a restaurant.

Drinks are not included. Outside drinks are not permitted, while onboard drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Bring cash or a payment method you can use on the boat, and remember that the ticket price covers lunch, not refreshments.

Karakol Islands and the rhythm of the day

The cruise continues toward Karakol Islands for about an hour. This stop includes scenic views, food, a break, and time to watch the water and coast pass by.

The itinerary has a pleasant rhythm: cruise, stop, swim or eat, then cruise again. That structure suits me better than a tour that parks in one bay for half a day. You get several different settings, though the tradeoff is that no single swim stop lasts long enough to feel like a full beach afternoon.

If you want a quiet day with no schedule at all, this may feel organized rather than spontaneous. If you like knowing that another cove is coming soon, the plan works well.

Seeing the Sunken City from the deck

The boat reaches Kekova Island’s Sunken City for roughly 30 minutes. This is the most famous historical sight on the route, but it is important to set your expectations correctly.

You view the remains from the boat. The ruins lie partly below the water and along the shore, and boats pass slowly so you can take in the stone walls, steps, and other traces of the old settlement. Swimming around the ruins is not the point here, and the protected status of the area means you should not expect to walk through it.

The view is powerful because the ruins are mixed with the sea. It is not a conventional archaeological site with signs, paths, and rooms to enter. You will get the most from it if your guide explains what you are looking at.

That is one area where this trip can be uneven. Captain Ergun has been praised for giving useful information, but some English-speaking passengers found the historical explanations too brief or hard to hear from certain seats. If the past of Kekova is your main reason for booking, sit where you can hear the guide and ask questions when the boat slows down.

Simena Castle and Kaleköy in one hour

The stop at Simena Castle, also called Kaleköy, lasts about an hour. This is the only major chance to get off the boat and walk through the settlement, so plan your time before you step ashore.

The path up to the castle includes stairs and a climb. It is manageable for many active visitors, but it is not a flat stroll. At the top, you get broad views over the water, Kekova Island, and the scattered shore. The setting is the real prize, especially if you have spent the morning at sea.

Below the castle, Kaleköy has narrow lanes and small places selling drinks, ice cream, and local treats. Peach ice cream is a popular choice. You may want to try it, but do not spend too long shopping if you also want the castle view.

Here is the practical snag: one hour goes quickly. You can climb to the castle and return, or take a slower look around the village and waterfront. Doing both is possible, but you may need to keep moving. The castle entrance fee is not included, so carry cash. Some people arrived with only a card and could not pay the entrance charge.

Tersane Bay and the return-side swim stops

After Simena, the boat returns to the water and reaches Tersane Bay for about 45 minutes. The bay has historical interest linked to ancient shipbuilding, along with clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

This is a fine spot for rinsing off after the castle climb. The boat has showers, which make the repeated swim stops more comfortable. You can swim, watch marine life, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The final named stop is Üzüm Iskelesi, scheduled for about 50 minutes. It offers another break, more swimming and snorkeling, scenic views, and a tea service. The tea is a small touch, but it gives the long day a pleasant finish.

The return cruise takes another 45 minutes. That is when the wind may pick up, so keep a dry top within reach. The boat returns to the same Larsoy office area in Kas.

The boat, crew, and extra touches

The boat is a major reason this tour earns its price. It has a broad deck, loungers, bathrooms, and room to move around. Several accounts specifically praised the cleanliness, including the bathrooms, and noted that the vessel was well maintained.

Captain Ergun and his team receive especially strong praise for punctuality, organization, and attentive service. Crew members bring food around, check on passengers, and keep the boat tidy between activities. That level of order matters on an 8-hour outing, particularly when many people are swimming, eating, and moving between decks.

The free drone footage is an unusual extra. Captain Ergun may film you near the front of the boat or in the water, then send the clip to your phone. Some departures have also offered Polaroid photos, including help from the captain’s daughter. These extras are not the reason to book the tour, but they make a pleasant souvenir.

The atmosphere is friendly and social. It is not a silent yacht charter, and you may share the day with a large group. Still, the layout appears to keep the boat from feeling cramped, and several people found it easy to move about and choose different places to sit.

Is $94 a fair price?

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Kekova coast. It is a full-day boat outing, though, with lunch, a guide, repeated swim stops, the Sunken City, Simena Castle, and the boat itself included in the price.

I consider it good value if you want one organized day that combines water time and sightseeing. The lunch is more substantial than the basic meal often served on day boats, and the vessel’s facilities reduce the small discomforts that can wear you down during a long cruise.

Budget for drinks and the Simena Castle entrance fee. Snorkeling gear may also cost extra if you do not bring your own. Those additions do not change the overall value much, but they are easy to forget when comparing ticket prices.

The tour also includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. The meeting point is close to the harbor, but parking in Kas can be difficult. If you have a car, the marina is easier for parking, though it may involve a fee.

Who should book this day on the water?

I would choose this trip if you want:

• Several swim stops rather than one long stay in a single bay
• A comfortable shared boat with a proper lunch
• A first look at Kekova’s ruins and Simena Castle
• Help from an English or Turkish-speaking guide
• A relaxed day that works for confident swimmers and people using life jackets or pool noodles
• An easy way to combine scenery, swimming, and a short historical visit

I would look elsewhere if your main goal is serious archaeological study. The Sunken City viewing is brief, and the historical explanations may not provide the depth you want. I would also avoid it if you dislike group outings, have a heart condition, epilepsy, or another pre-existing medical condition listed in the safety information.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, but Simena Castle involves a walk and stairs. Check what parts of the shore visit will work for your needs before booking.

Final verdict: book it for the balance

I recommend the Kas to Kekova boat tour for most people with a full day to spare. The swimming stops, generous lunch, and comfortable boat give it real value, while the Sunken City and Simena Castle add enough history to keep the day from becoming only a cruise.

Book it with the right expectations. You will see the Sunken City from the water, not walk through it. You will have about an hour at Simena, not an afternoon. Bring beachwear, a towel, a warm layer, your own snorkeling gear, identification, and cash for the castle.

If you want the easiest all-round introduction to Kekova from Kas, this is a strong choice. If you want private silence or detailed archaeological interpretation, choose a smaller or more specialist trip instead.

FAQ

How long does the Kekova boat tour last?

The tour lasts about 8 hours, including the cruise from Kas, swim stops, the Sunken City viewing, time at Simena Castle, lunch, and the return journey.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at the Larsoy Travel and Tourism office near the Kas harbor, opposite the mosque.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and served on board. The meal may include fish, chicken, or köfte with several side dishes.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included in the ticket price. Outside drinks are not permitted, and drinks can be purchased on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel, or ask about purchasing equipment on the boat.

Can I swim if I am not a confident swimmer?

The boat provides life jackets and pool noodles, so you can use extra support in the water. The activity is not suitable for people with heart problems, epilepsy, or other pre-existing medical conditions listed in the safety information.

Is the Simena Castle entrance fee included?

No. The castle fee is separate. Bring cash because card payment may not be available or accepted for every visitor.

What languages are available?

The tour offers live guidance in English and Turkish.