From Kas: Day Trip to Kekova Island

Kas: Day Trip to Kekova Island – An Honest Look at the Experience

If you’re considering a day trip from Kas to Kekova Island, you’re probably after a mix of history, scenery, and relaxation. From what we’ve gathered, this tour offers a solid way to see some of the most striking sights in the region without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. It’s especially appealing if you’re someone who loves discovering underwater ruins, charming villages, and panoramic views all in one go.

What really makes this trip stand out is the chance to snorkel in clear bays and visit the submerged ruins of the Sunken City—an iconic feature of Kekova. Plus, wandering around the quaint village of Kaleköy (or ancient Simena) offers a taste of local life and some fantastic photo opportunities. The crew’s reputation for reliable service and the well-organized itinerary make it a good option for travelers who want a hassle-free day on the water.

That said, it’s worth noting that the tour costs around $69.81 per person, which is reasonable, but you’ll want to consider whether the value aligns with your expectations—especially since the entrance fee to Simena Castle isn’t included and costs about 4 euros. Also, the tour can be a bit crowded, with up to 55 travelers, and the schedule is fairly tight.

This trip is best suited for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, historical sites, and swimming in beautiful bays. If you’re looking for a relaxed, informative day that hits most of the highlights of Kekova, you’ll probably find this experience worthwhile.

Key Points

• Comfortable boat trip with reliable service ensures a smooth experience.
• Highlights include underwater ruins, panoramic views, and authentic village visits.
• Swim stops at beautiful bays like Aquarium Bay and Tersane Bay are perfect for cooling off.
• The tour’s value depends on how much you want to see and do in a single day, including optional castle visits.
• Group size can be up to 55 travelers, which can mean a lively atmosphere but might feel crowded at times.
• It’s best booked 6 days in advance, so plan ahead if you want to secure your spot.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Overall Experience

Your adventure begins with a pickup from Andifli in Kas, heading to Ucagiz/Demre harbor, where you’ll meet your boat crew. The boat departs between 10:20 and 10:40 am, giving you a good window to settle in and get comfortable before the day kicks off. The overall vibe on the boat seems to be relaxed yet organized, with mention of good service and comfort levels in reviews—something to appreciate if you’re someone who values a hassle-free outing.

The entire trip lasts about 9 hours, including stops and transfers, making it a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and exploring. This length strikes a decent balance—long enough to see a variety of highlights but not so long that you feel exhausted.

Aquarium Bay – A Refreshing Start

The first major stop is Aquarium Bay, where you’ll enjoy about an hour to swim and admire the scenery. This bay is often highlighted as a stunning spot to cool off, with clean waters and scenic surroundings. Many travelers, like the reviewer who called it a “lovely trip and snorkel experience,” appreciated these moments of relaxation and the chance to see underwater life.

Tersane Bay and the Underwater Ruins

Next, you’ll cruise to Tersane Koyu, which is the starting point of the Sunken City of Kekova. Here, you’ll spend around 45 minutes observing the intriguing underwater ruins—church remains, castle foundations, and walls—visible from the boat. Since swimming isn’t permitted in this protected area, the best way to appreciate the ruins is from the boat itself or to capture photos of the submerged structures.

This part of the tour is especially popular among history buffs and photography enthusiasts, as the submerged remains create a surreal scene. The fact that the city was flooded following an earthquake in the 2nd century adds a dramatic layer to the experience, making it more than just a boat trip.

Exploring Kekova’s Sunken City

While you can’t swim directly over the ruins, cruising alongside them offers a unique perspective you won’t find everywhere. The underwater remains are well-preserved enough to leave a lasting impression, and many visitors find the sight memorable. One reviewer commented on the “fascinating secrets of Kekova’s history” that this part of the trip reveals.

Visiting Kaleköy / Simena

The boat docks in Kaleköy (also called ancient Simena) for about an hour. This small village is a highlight, with narrow streets, a castle on the hill, and a necropolis. Climbing the hillside for panoramic views is highly recommended—many travelers praise the vistas of the coast and the bay. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can instead take a dip in the inviting waters or explore the local shops and cafes.

Note that the entrance fee to the castle is not included (around 4 euros). The review mentions that the village offers an authentic slice of local life, which adds a pleasing contrast to the boat scenes.

Wrapping Up in Kas

The tour winds down with a short 30-minute transfer back to Kas, where you can reflect on the day and explore more if you wish. Many appreciate this ending, as it’s a chance to decompress and enjoy the picturesque town after a day on the water.

What Travelers Are Saying

One reviewer summed it up well, calling it a “recommended day out,” highlighting the “great snorkel experience” and the “beautiful landscape.” They appreciated the good service and comfort levels on the boat, which makes a big difference over a full day.

However, not all reviews are glowing; some mention frustrations, like an incident where another private guide joined the trip and caused some schedule changes. While this is a rare hiccup, it serves as a reminder that shared tours can sometimes face logistical hiccups.

Another traveler was pleasantly surprised to find this activity by chance and found it to be “perfectly organized,” recommending it without hesitation. Their experience underscores that, when all runs smoothly, this trip can be quite memorable.

Pricing and Value

At around $69.81 per person, this tour strikes a fair balance between cost and what you get. The price includes food (lunch), boat transport, and guided stops, which is a reasonable package considering the duration. Keep in mind, the only extra cost is the 4 euro fee for the castle, which isn’t included in the tour price.

If you’re someone who values a variety of sights—underwater ruins, scenic bays, charming villages—this trip offers good bang for your buck. The boat itself is described as comfortable, with good service, which adds to the overall value, especially if you prefer a stress-free way to see these highlights rather than piecing together separate excursions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, historical ruins, and swimming in beautiful bays. It’s suitable for those who want a well-organized, reliable tour with a knowledgeable crew. If your main goal is to relax, photograph stunning scenery, and learn some local history, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

It’s also perfect for those who are okay with a group setting, as the tour can host up to 55 travelers, creating a lively atmosphere. Keep in mind that the schedule is fairly packed, so if you prefer a more flexible, slow-paced day, you might want to consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting location and time for the tour?
The tour starts at Andifli, Liman Sk. No:20, Kas at 9:00 am, with pickup to the harbor usually happening beforehand. The boat departs from Ucagiz/Demre harbor between 10:20 and 10:40 am.

How long is the entire trip?
The full day lasts about 9 hours, including stops and transfer times, giving you time to enjoy each attraction without feeling rushed.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the tour includes a provided lunch, which is a nice touch for a full-day outing.

Are there additional costs I should be aware of?
The only extra fee mentioned is 4 euros for entry to Simena Castle, which isn’t included in the tour price.

Can I swim at the Sunken City?
No, swimming isn’t permitted here since it’s a protected area. But you can enjoy the underwater views from the boat or swim in the other bays.

How many people typically book this tour?
Up to 55 travelers can participate, which could mean a lively social experience but also a busier boat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-rounded day exploring Kekova, this boat trip from Kas offers a nice mix of scenery, history, and leisure. The stops at Aquarium Bay and Tersane Bay are highlights, especially for snorkelers and photographers. Visiting the village of Kaleköy adds a touch of local flavor and stunning panoramic views, making it a rich experience overall.

The tour’s value is reinforced by the good service, comfortable boat, and the chance to see some of the region’s most famous underwater ruins without needing to organize multiple separate excursions. While it’s not the perfect choice if you prefer a slow, personalized pace or want to avoid larger groups, it’s a reliable option that most travelers seem to enjoy.

To sum up, this trip is best suited for curious travelers who want a blend of adventure, scenery, and history with a straightforward, stress-free approach. It balances sightseeing and relaxation well, helping you make the most of a day in this enchanting corner of Turkey.