Kekova Island is a favorite for boat lovers thanks to its stunning coastline, clear waters, and the famous sunken city ruins of Simena. Whether you’re after a relaxing day on deck, swimming in secluded bays, or exploring ancient Lycian sites, Kekova’s boat tours deliver. I personally enjoy how each tour offers a different experience—some focus on sightseeing and history, others on swimming and leisure. A standout for me is the Kekova Sunken City trip from Kalkan, which combines historical intrigue with fun in the water.
All these tours offer a great way to see Kekova’s unique underwater ruins and rugged coastlines without the hassle of ferry schedules or navigating yourself. For those who want a full day of exploration, the Day Trip from Demre is perfect—it’s a 7-hour journey packed with highlights like the Sunken City of Simena and scenic swimming spots. If you prefer a private, tailored experience, the Kekova Private Boat offers exclusive access and a flexible itinerary. Here, we’ll go through the top three options, so you can decide which fits your trip best.
1. From Demre: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat
For around $59, this 7-hour guided tour starts at Andriake Harbour and takes you along Kekova’s coast for a comprehensive look at its most iconic sights. It’s a great choice if you want an all-in-one experience—covering the sunken city of Simena, Byzantine castle ruins, and multiple swimming spots like Burc Bay. The itinerary includes a delicious local lunch, which is often praised for its authenticity and flavor, and scenic cruising through caves and bays like Pirates Cave and Gokkaya Bay.
What makes this tour stand out is its well-rounded approach—combining historical sightseeing with plenty of time for swimming and relaxing on deck. The guide’s commentary is helpful, providing context about the Lycian and Byzantine ruins you see from the boat. The 55 reviews give it a solid 4.7 out of 5, with many visitors noting the value for money and the chance to see Kekova from a comfortable vantage point. The longer stops at sites like Simena Castle and the underwater ruins make this ideal for travelers who want a full day without rushing.
Bottom line: This tour offers a great blend of sightseeing, swimming, and local flavor at a reasonable price, perfect for those with limited time.
2. Kalkan: Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip
Priced at $68 and lasting about 9 hours, this tour from Kalkan is designed for those who want a more relaxed, immersive experience. It’s slightly longer, giving you more time in each bay and more opportunities to enjoy the scenery and underwater ruins. The trip includes stops at 6 different bays, where you can swim and snorkel among Lycian, Byzantine, and Roman ruins visible from the boat.
One of the memorable aspects of this experience is tasting the home-made ice cream at Simena Castle, which many reviews mention as a highlight. The boat itself is described as lovely, and the crew is praised for their professionalism and friendliness. The tour also offers a chance to see underwater ruins through the boat windows, adding a layer of intrigue to the voyage. Tour guide Mehmet’s warm personality is often cited as a reason why guests enjoy this trip.
With a few reviews giving it a perfect 5/5, this trip is best suited for travelers who appreciate longer cruising times and want to explore multiple bays with plenty of swimming. The fact that drinks on board are reasonably priced is a bonus, making it easier to relax without worrying about extra costs.
Bottom line: This is an excellent choice for those seeking a lengthier, leisurely day on the water with plenty of swimming and historical sights.
3. Kası: Private Kekova Boat Tour with Lunch
If privacy and personalized service matter most, this private tour for up to 8 people is hard to beat. For $1,135, you get a 7-hour trip aboard a traditional Turkish gulet, giving you exclusive access to Kekova’s best spots. Starting from Liman Sk., your own crew will take you to explore Simena Castle, the Sunken City, and several swimming and snorkeling stops—like Inönü Bay—where you can enjoy crystal-clear water away from crowds.
The highlight here is the tailored experience—your guides will customize stops based on your interests, whether that’s more swimming, exploring ruins, or simply relaxing with a Turkish lunch on board. Reviews are glowing, with one noting “Parfait,” and emphasizing the excellent food, attentive staff, and flexibility. This tour is perfect for couples, families, or small groups who want a luxury experience with total control over the day’s pace.
Since it’s a private tour, it’s best suited for travelers with a higher budget who value privacy and flexibility. Note that it costs significantly more than group tours, but for many, the exclusivity and personalized service justify the price.
Bottom line: This tour offers a luxury, customizable experience ideal for small groups or couples seeking privacy and comfort.
How to Choose the Right Kekova Boat Tour
When deciding which tour suits you, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend on the water, and whether you prefer a guided group experience or private cruise. If you’re limited on time, the Day Trip from Demre is excellent for a full overview. For those who want to explore many bays and underwater ruins at a relaxed pace, the Kekova Sunken City Trip from Kalkan is a solid choice. If privacy and a tailored itinerary are your priorities, the Private Kekova Boat Tour offers an exclusive experience.
Keep in mind, booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and tour type. Also, consider your fitness level—most tours involve swimming and some walking at sites like Simena Castle.
Final Thoughts
Kekova’s boat tours provide a memorable way to experience a blend of underwater exploration, ancient ruins, and scenic cruising. If you want a quick but rundown, the Demre day trip hits the mark. For a longer, leisurely adventure with multiple stops, the Kalkan tour is perfect. Or, if privacy and customization top your list, the private cruise makes for a special experience.
Whatever option you choose, Kekova’s waters and ruins promise a memorable outing—just remember to book early and bring your sense of adventure.