Private Boat Tour to Kekova Including BBQ Lunch from Kas

The most unusual part of this private Kekova cruise is the way it joins ancient sites with a full day of swimming. From the water, you can see Lycian ruins, a Byzantine church, and the remains of Kekova’s sunken city, then stop for lunch cooked aboard the boat.

I like having a boat reserved only for your group of up to nine, and I like the generous mix of activities: snorkel gear, a kayak, an underwater camera, and a seascooter are included. The main consideration is price. At $919.06 per group, it makes much better value for a larger family or group of friends than for two people.

Key points to know

• The sunken city is seen from the boat: You can view ancient ruins beneath the water without treating this as a shore-based archaeological visit.
• Kalekoy and Simena Castle are optional: If your group wants history and a climb, you can spend about an hour at Kalekoy Harbour.
• Lunch is part of the day: A BBQ meal is included, with fish and meat highlighted in the food accounts, plus coffee and tea.
• Your group controls the pace: The private format allows time for swimming and sightseeing without sharing the boat with strangers.
• Water gear is supplied: Snorkels, a kayak, underwater camera, and seascooter give you more to do than simply sit on deck.
• The trip runs from 9:30 a.m. to about 5:30 p.m.: Meet at Kas Harbour and finish back at the same harbor.

Why the sunken city makes this Kas boat trip special

Kekova is best understood from the sea. The half-submerged remains sit along the shore of Kekova Island, where ancient structures from the Lycian period and a Byzantine church can be seen below the surface. The boat gives you the right viewpoint, particularly when the water is clear and the light is good.

You are not signing up for a museum visit or a land tour with long walks between ruins. This is a relaxed day on the water, with historic sights appearing between swimming stops. I like that balance. You get a sense of the ancient coast without giving up the pleasures of a Mediterranean boat day.

The underwater sights are the tour’s main draw, but they are not the whole show. The boat also carries a kayak, snorkeling equipment, an underwater camera, and a seascooter. That makes the outing useful for a mixed group where one person wants to inspect ruins, another wants to swim, and someone else is happy to stretch out on deck.

Keep expectations sensible. The sunken city is viewed from the boat, and the supplied details do not promise a guided archaeological walk or permission to enter protected ruins. Think of it as a scenic viewing stop with historical value, not a formal excavation tour.

Leaving Kas Harbour at 9:30 a.m.

The meeting point is Boat Trips by Captain Ergun at Andifli, Liman Sk. 4/A, in Kas. The tour begins at 9:30 a.m. and returns to Kas Harbour at the end of the day. Since the start and finish are at the harbor, you will need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. Private transportation is not included.

This timing gives you most of the daylight for the coast. A full day at sea can feel long if you want constant sightseeing, but this trip is built around variety. You can alternate between sitting under the sun, swimming, using the water equipment, eating, and looking at ancient sites.

The boat itself is described as spacious, modern, clean, and comfortable in the supplied accounts. One booking even resulted in an upgrade to a much larger boat, though you should not assume that will happen on your date. Boat size and configuration can vary, so ask ahead if deck space or seating matters to your group.

Captain Ergun is the name most closely associated with the operation. Accounts also refer to crew members and captains named Merve, Coskun, and Yilmaz, so the exact team may vary. The consistent picture is of a friendly crew that helps with swimming, food, and adjustments to the day.

Kalekoy Harbour and the climb to Simena Castle

Kalekoy Harbour is the clearest history stop on the route. You can choose to stop for about one hour and visit Kalekoy and Simena Castle. Admission is listed as free, but the available information does not specify every possible local cost or whether all parts of the site are accessible at every moment.

This option suits you if you want to stretch your legs and add a land visit to the boat day. Simena Castle gives the outing a stronger connection to the ancient coast than a swim-only cruise. Several accounts place real value on having enough time to climb to the castle rather than simply passing it from offshore.

The tradeoff is simple: an hour ashore means an hour less on the boat. If your group is focused on swimming, snorkeling, and sun, you may prefer to stay aboard. If you have come to Kekova mainly for its ruins, take the stop.

Bring shoes suitable for walking if you plan to go ashore. The supplied details do not describe the path, the climb, or the surface, so I would not treat this as a completely effortless stop. Children can join the tour, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Seeing Lycian ruins beneath the water

The sunken-city stop is the part that gives this cruise its sense of place. You will see remains from Lycian times and a Byzantine church along the shore of Kekova Island. The boat lets you look down into the water and take in the ruins from a respectful distance.

The supplied equipment list adds interest here. Snorkel gear is included, and an underwater camera is available. Still, the information does not say that you can snorkel directly over every section of the sunken city, so follow the captain’s instructions and treat the site carefully.

This is also where water clarity and weather matter. The tour cannot guarantee the same underwater visibility every day. A calm, clear day should offer the best look, while wind or surface chop can make the ruins harder to see. That is a normal limitation of any water-based viewing experience, not a fault unique to this boat.

I would bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry bag for phones or cameras. Those items are not listed as included, so plan to bring your own. The underwater camera may help you capture the swim stops, but do not assume a copy of the footage is guaranteed unless the operator confirms it.

Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and the seascooter

The water time is flexible, which is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private boat. The crew can give your group time to swim and explore rather than moving on according to a large shared schedule. Several accounts emphasize ample swimming time and a relaxed pace.

Snorkel equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The kayak gives you a quieter way to look around the coves, while the seascooter adds a playful option for confident swimmers. The supplied information does not describe the seascooter model, age rules, or operating limits, so ask the crew for a safety briefing.

The private setup works especially well for families and friends with different energy levels. You can swim while another person lounges on deck. A child can enjoy the boat without needing to follow a stranger’s timetable, though adult supervision remains required.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the details do not provide a full accessibility description for the boat, swimming areas, or castle climb. If you use a wheelchair or need help boarding, contact the operator before booking.

The BBQ lunch on deck

Lunch is included, along with coffee and tea. The food accounts describe fresh fish, BBQ meat, and a meal that many people considered one of the strongest parts of the day. One account specifically praised the freshness of the fish, while another called the meal a highlight of the outing.

That matters because a full day on the water works better when you are not hunting for food between stops. You can eat aboard while looking out at the islands and sea, then return to swimming or relaxing. It also keeps the day moving without making it feel rushed.

The meal is not presented as a luxury dining experience. One account described the lunch as acceptable, while most of the food comments were strongly positive. I would expect a hearty onboard BBQ rather than a restaurant-style menu with many courses.

Vegetarian food is available if requested when you book. Specific dietary requirements should also be provided at booking. Drinks are not included, and alcoholic drinks are available to buy. Since only coffee and tea are listed as included, bring up water and other drink needs before departure.

What the $919 private rate really buys you

The price is $919.06 for the whole group, up to nine people. That works out to about $102 per person if nine people join, about $115 per person for eight, and about $153 per person for six. For a couple, the price is much harder to justify.

The fare includes the boat experience, taxes, fees, snorkeling equipment, kayak, lunch, coffee, and tea. It also buys privacy and control over the pace. Those are valuable extras in Kas, where a shared boat can mean fixed stops and less room to tailor the day.

You still need to budget for drinks and any private transportation to the harbor. Alcohol is available to purchase, but it is not part of the package. The Kalekoy stop lists no admission charge, though the supplied details do not spell out every possible expense ashore.

For a family of six to nine or a group of friends, this is a solid value if you plan to use the boat for the full day. For a small party, compare it with shared Kekova cruises before committing. The key question is not simply how much the boat costs. It is how much you value privacy, flexible swim time, and having the boat to yourselves.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this tour for a group that wants a full day with several gears. You can make it active with snorkeling, kayaking, and the seascooter, or keep it easy with swimming, lunch, and deck time. The private format is especially useful when children, older adults, and strong swimmers are traveling together.

History-minded visitors should book it if they want to see Kekova from the water and add Kalekoy and Simena Castle. If your main goal is a detailed explanation of every ruin, this may feel too informal because the supplied description focuses on sightseeing rather than a formal archaeological guide.

This is also a good choice for people who dislike being hurried. Captain Ergun’s crew has a reputation for adjusting the day to group requests, and the relaxed pace is a recurring feature of the experience. Still, flexibility is not the same as an unlimited custom charter, so clarify your preferred stops before setting out.

The tour is less suitable if you dislike boats, want guaranteed calm water, or plan to spend the day entirely on land. It is also less attractive financially for one or two people unless privacy is your top priority.

Booking details worth checking before you go

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The tour is listed as mobile-ticket friendly, so keep the booking accessible on your phone.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Inside that 24-hour window, cancellations and changes are not accepted and the payment is not refunded. That deadline matters if your Kas plans depend on weather or a shifting road itinerary.

The tour is private, but the boat may be larger than your party needs. The supplied accounts describe both a spacious gulet and, on one occasion, an upgrade to a boat capable of holding up to 100 people. Ask what vessel is planned for your date if the boat itself is important to your decision.

Should you book the Kekova boat tour from Kas?

Book it if you have at least six people, want privacy, and like the idea of combining ancient ruins with long swim stops. The best features are the flexible pace, included water gear, onboard BBQ, and the chance to add Kalekoy and Simena Castle.

Think twice if you are a couple watching your budget or if you want a highly structured history lesson. For the right group, though, this is a well-rounded Kas day: see the sunken city, swim in clear Mediterranean water, eat fresh food on deck, and let the captain shape the rhythm of the outing.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Boat Trips by Captain Ergun, Andifli, Liman Sk. 4/A, 07580 Kas, Antalya, Türkiye.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the boat tour last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour finishes at Kas Harbour.

How many people can join the private tour?

The price covers one private group of up to nine people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with coffee and tea.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included. A kayak, underwater camera, and seascooter are also listed among the available equipment.

Can I visit Kalekoy and Simena Castle?

Yes. The boat can stop at Kalekoy Harbour for about one hour if your group wants to visit Kalekoy and Simena Castle.

Can I request vegetarian food?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you must request it when booking. You should also provide any other dietary requirements at that time.