From Demre: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat

Exploring the Demre to Kekova Boat Trip: What You Need to Know

If you’re considering a day on the water near Antalya, the “From Demre: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat” offers a compelling option. We’ve looked into this tour and found it to be a well-rounded experience for those who love scenic views, interesting history, and a relaxing day on the sea. It’s a trip that balances sightseeing with plenty of opportunities to swim and unwind.

What really draws people in are a few standout features: the chance to see the Sunken City of Simena from the water, the peaceful stops at beautiful bays like Esmeralda Bay, and the chance to swim with sea turtles—an experience that’s genuinely unforgettable. The tour is tailored to give you a taste of the area’s natural beauty and historic intrigue, wrapped up in a full seven-hour adventure.

However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention the number of people onboard and the limited time at certain stops, which might impact your comfort or sightseeing depth. The tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy being on the water, don’t mind a busy schedule, and are eager for a mix of history, nature, and leisure. If that sounds like you, read on for all the details to help you decide if this trip fits your plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The cruise offers incredible sights of Kekova’s bays, ruins, and coastline.
• Historical Highlights: You’ll see the famous Sunken City of Simena and visit castle ruins.
• Swim and Relax: Plenty of opportunities to swim in clear waters, including with sea turtles.
• Good Value: At $59 per person, the trip includes a local lunch and many scenic stops.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: Some reviews note larger crowds, which may affect comfort.
• Environmental Respect: There are concerns about how turtles are treated during some encounters.
• Not for Limited Mobility: The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues.
• Duration: A full seven hours, so be prepared for a busy day with lots of activity.

A Deep Dive Into the Kekova Boat Trip

The Starting Point and Timing

The tour kicks off early in the morning at Andriake Harbour, usually around 10:20 to 10:30 a.m. This timing helps maximize daylight for the day’s best views and activities. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted and boarded onto a boat that feels appropriate for a day of cruising—large enough to accommodate a decent group but still manageable for a lively experience.

Setting Sail and First Stops

We love the way the trip begins with the excitement of leaving the harbor and heading towards Kekova. The boat cruise itself is a highlight, offering scenic views of the coastline and the chance to settle in with a drink or just enjoy the breeze.

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The Sunken City of Simena

One of the major attractions is Kekova’s Sunken City of Simena. The ruins here are underwater because of an earthquake in the 2nd century, which flooded the original city of Dolchiste. The boat doesn’t go into the water, but cruising past the submerged remains offers fantastic photo ops.

A guide provides some background, but as some reviews point out, the explanations aren’t overly detailed. Still, the ruins are impressive from the water, giving you a sense of the history beneath the waves. Since swimming isn’t permitted here, viewing from the boat is your option—so those eager to explore underwater will need to look elsewhere.

Visiting Simena Castle and Village

The boat drops anchor in Kaleköy (ancient Simena) for about an hour. This is a charming little village with narrow streets, castle ruins, and a necropolis. You can hike up to the castle for panoramic views, which many find rewarding, or take in the scenery from the bottom.

Some travelers mention that the limited time makes it tricky to explore everything thoroughly. Jérôme from Turkey, for example, wanted more time to visit the castle and tombs, which tells us that if you love history and want a deep dive, this might feel a bit rushed.

Lunch and Bay Breaks

A highlight is lunch at Esmeralda Bay, where fresh local fish and other dishes are served. The bay’s calm waters make it an ideal spot to relax and soak up the sunshine. Afterward, you get a swim break in Burç Bay, with its cooler waters caused by natural springs. The water here is refreshing, especially after a hearty meal, and the scenery is simply lovely.

Multiple Swimming Stops

The itinerary includes stops at Gökkaya Bay and Karemlik Bay. These are prime spots for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating lazily in the water. Gökaya Bay is noted for its natural beauty and water sports options—perfect if you’re up for some active fun. Karemlik Bay is famous for the chance to see sea turtles, with some reviews mentioning close encounters with these gentle creatures.

One point to note: some reviews warn about how turtles are treated during these encounters. For instance, a traveler from Spain expressed concern about how turtles are fed to attract travelers, which can lead to disturbing their natural behavior. If you’re eco-conscious, it’s something worth keeping in mind.

The Pirates Cave and Scenic Cruising

Another interesting spot is Pirates Cave—a large, curved natural cave that’s fun to look at from the boat. The cruise also includes scenic views of the coastline and marine life, making it a relaxing yet engaging journey.

Return to Demre

After a busy day of stops, swimming, and sightseeing, the boat heads back to Demre Harbour. Most travelers find the trip ends with a sense of having seen some of Turkey’s most beautiful and intriguing coastal sights, combined with a day of leisure.

What Travelers Are Saying

From the reviews, it’s clear that this tour hits different notes depending on your expectations. Several love the value for money and the beautiful scenery, with one traveler from Spain stating, “The trip is for those who like to swim in sea bays,” emphasizing the relaxing, water-centric nature.

Others point out that the guide’s explanations are sometimes brief, which can be a downside if you’re eager for more historical context. One reviewer, Tommaso from Italy, found the large crowds and limited space to relax to be less ideal. This suggests that if you prefer quiet, more exclusive experiences, this might not be your best bet.

On the positive side, many rave about the sea turtles in Karemlik Bay and the delicious local lunch, describing the trip as “amazing” and “highly recommended.” The opportunity to swim with turtles, in particular, seems to stand out as a memorable moment.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: At $59 per person, this trip offers a reasonable cost for a full day of scenic cruising and multiple stops. The price includes lunch but not additional expenses like water sports or personal souvenirs.
• Duration: About 7 hours, so it’s a full day out—you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection.
• What to Bring: Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, comfortable shoes for exploring the village or castle, and whatever you need for swimming.
• Restrictions: Not recommended for people with limited mobility, as some stops involve walking uphill or steep terrain.
• Environmental consideration: Be mindful to respect sea turtles and marine life during your stops.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat trip is best suited for travelers who love sea days, scenic views, and light adventure. It’s ideal if you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and taking photos of nature and ruins. If you’re someone who enjoys a laid-back pace but doesn’t mind a busy schedule, this trip could be perfect.

However, if you’re after in-depth historical tours or prefer quiet, less crowded experiences, you might find this trip a bit rushed or crowded. It’s also not suitable for those with mobility issues, given the walking involved at some stops.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the “Demre: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat” strikes a good balance between scenic beauty, history, and relaxation. For around $60, you get to enjoy multiple swimming spots, see fascinating ruins from the water, and indulge in a tasty local meal. The natural scenery alone makes it worth considering, especially if you enjoy time spent on the water.

This tour shines brightest for those who love being active in the sea, appreciate picturesque landscapes, and are happy to go with the flow. The possibility of encounters with turtles adds a special touch, though it’s worth being environmentally conscious about how they are treated.

If you’re looking for an accessible, well-priced day of exploring Turkey’s stunning coast with friendly guides and a good mix of sightseeing and swimming, this trip could very well be your next favorite adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the tour isn’t specifically aimed at children, it can be enjoyed by families with older kids who like swimming and exploring nature. Be aware that it’s a full day with some walking involved, and not all stops are designed for small children.

What is included in the price?
The main inclusion is the boat cruise, guided sightseeing, and a local lunch. Additional expenses like water sports or souvenirs are not covered.

Can I swim at the Sunken City?
No, swimming isn’t allowed at the Sunken City of Simena because it’s a protected area. You’ll view the ruins from the boat.

How long do we stay at each stop?
Most stops last around 40 minutes to an hour, with some flexibility based on group size and conditions. The village of Simena is about an hour, giving you time to explore or relax.

Is the tour good for non-swimmers?
Yes, as long as you’re comfortable on a boat and want to enjoy sightseeing from the water. Swimming is optional at the bays.

What about the group size?
Reviews mention that the boat can get crowded, which may impact comfort if you prefer quiet or more private experiences.

Are there any environmental concerns?
Some reviews highlight concerns about how turtles are treated during encounters, so be respectful and environmentally conscious during your swim stops.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, and sunscreen are recommended. Don’t forget a camera and some cash for optional extras.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for travelers with limited mobility because of walking involved at some stops and boat boarding.

This comprehensive rundown should help you decide whether this Kekova boat trip fits your travel style. It’s a fantastic way to see some of Turkey’s most intriguing coastal sights and enjoy a day of leisure on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: