Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

This eight-hour boat tour from Kas takes you through one of Turkey’s most historically rich and visually stunning stretches of Mediterranean coast. You’ll spend the day island-hopping between swimming spots, snorkeling above ancient ruins, and exploring a charming seaside village—all while eating well and staying comfortable on the water. The experience consistently earns praise from travelers, with 97 percent recommending it.

I love the way this tour balances serious history with pure relaxation. You’re not just sitting on a boat; you’re actually visiting meaningful sites like the Sunken City of Simena, a partially submerged Lycian settlement destroyed by earthquakes centuries ago. The ruins are visible right through the water, and you can snorkel directly above them. Beyond the history, the crew seems genuinely knowledgeable and friendly—particularly Captain Ergun, who appears frequently in visitor accounts as someone who goes out of his way to make the day memorable, even offering drone footage of your experience.

One thing worth knowing upfront: seating assignments aren’t always flexible. Some travelers book expecting sun loungers on the upper deck but end up assigned to the covered indoor area instead. It’s still comfortable, but if you have your heart set on soaking up sun all day, you may want to confirm your seating when booking or arrive early to claim a spot topside.

What Makes This Tour Different

Swimming in genuinely beautiful water. You’ll get four dedicated swim stops in crystal-clear bays where the water is actually warm enough to enjoy. İnönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Tersane Koyu (Shipyard Bay), and Camlik are all scenic enough that you won’t feel like you’re just checking boxes. The water transparency is remarkable—you can see straight down to the marine life below, which makes snorkeling genuinely rewarding rather than just hoping to spot something interesting.

The Sunken City actually delivers. Unlike some historical sites that require a lot of imagination, you can literally see the remains of Simena’s ancient structures through the water. Houses, walls, and even a Byzantine church are visible from the boat or while snorkeling. It’s the kind of experience that sticks with you because you’re not reading about history—you’re seeing it with your own eyes.

Food that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Most boat tours throw together something basic to keep hunger at bay. Here, you get a proper buffet lunch with real choices—fish or chicken, fresh salads, and seasonal fruit like watermelon. The crew even grills chicken in front of you on some boats. Afternoon tea is included as well, which breaks up the day nicely. Drinks beyond tea and coffee cost extra, but prices are reasonable and you can pay by card.

Captain Ergun’s local knowledge. While you’ll have different crew depending on which boat you’re assigned to, several reviews mention Captain Ergun specifically as someone who transforms the tour from good to exceptional. He shares stories about the places you’re visiting and seems genuinely invested in making sure everyone has a good day. Other captains like Mehmet also get praise for their expertise and friendliness.

Real value for the price. At $84.65 per person, you’re getting eight hours on the water, multiple swim stops, lunch, afternoon tea, and guidance. That works out to roughly $10 per hour, and when you factor in the meal, it’s solid value. You’re not paying resort prices or dealing with typical tourist markup.

How the Day Actually Flows

You’ll meet at 9:30 am in Kas town (note: some tours depart from Üçağız village instead, which is about 35 minutes away—confirm this when booking). The boat holds a maximum of 65 people, so it doesn’t feel packed, though it can get full during peak season.

The first real stop is İnönü Bay, where you’ll have 45 minutes to either swim or explore a small canyon if you prefer staying dry. This is a gentle warm-up for the day, and the bay itself is pretty enough that even if you’re not swimming, you’ll enjoy being there.

Aquarium Bay comes next, and the name actually fits. The water is so clear and full of fish that it genuinely feels like you’re looking into an aquarium. Snorkelers will see colorful fish and coral—nothing you’d call world-class diving, but definitely enough to make the snorkel worthwhile. You get 45 minutes here.

The Sunken City Ruins of Simena is the historical centerpiece. You’ll have 30 minutes to either view the ruins from the boat or get in the water for a closer look. The boat usually positions itself so you can see the submerged structures clearly. If you snorkel here, you’re literally swimming above ancient streets and buildings, which creates a genuinely unique feeling you won’t get at most historical sites.

Next is the village of Simena (also called Kaleköy), where you’ll spend an hour exploring. The village is small and charming, with narrow whitewashed streets, colorful flowers, and a medieval castle perched on the hillside. There’s a Lycian necropolis scattered through the area, and you can wander the streets, grab ice cream, or climb up to the castle for views. The castle entrance fee isn’t included, so factor that in if you want to go inside. Many people just explore the village streets and enjoy the atmosphere, which costs nothing.

Tersane Koyu (Shipyard Bay) is another 45-minute swim stop with rocky cliffs and views back toward Simena Castle. It’s quieter than some of the earlier stops and good for a final snorkel or just floating around.

The last swim stop is Camlik Bay, characterized by pine trees and calm water—a relaxed way to end the swimming portion of the day.

You’ll head back to Kas by late afternoon, arriving around 5:30 pm or so.

Practical Details That Actually Matter

The tour operates rain or shine, but if weather gets bad enough, you’ll be rescheduled or refunded. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before departure, which gives you flexibility if plans change.

Bring a towel and water shoes. Several travelers mention this specifically. Water shoes aren’t essential, but they’re useful for rocky entry points. A towel is obviously important unless you plan to air dry all day in the sun.

Hotel pickup isn’t included. You’re meeting at the Kas harbor, so you’ll need to get yourself there. Kas is a small town and the harbor is central, so it’s walkable from most accommodations or a short taxi ride.

Seating can be a source of disappointment. If upper-deck loungers matter to you, book early and specifically request that seating, or ask about it when you arrive. The covered lower deck is comfortable but doesn’t offer the same sun-bathing experience.

The tour is accessible for most people. There’s no strenuous hiking required. Swimming is optional, and you can enjoy the historical sites and views without getting in the water.

Who Should Book This, and Who Might Skip It

This tour is genuinely good for families, couples, history buffs, and anyone who wants a full day out without the stress of planning multiple activities. You’re getting a mix of swimming, history, food, and scenery—it’s hard to feel shortchanged.

You might reconsider if you’re a serious diver looking for challenging underwater exploration. The snorkeling is pleasant but not technical. Similarly, if you’re exhausted by the idea of spending eight hours with 60 other people, this won’t appeal to you.

If you’re visiting Kas and have a full day available, this is one of those rare tours that actually lives up to its reputation. The crew seems to genuinely care about the experience, the food is better than expected, and you’ll see something—the sunken city—that you literally cannot see anywhere else.

FAQ

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy this tour?

Swimming is entirely optional on this tour. You can spend the day on the boat, viewing the scenery and historical sites without getting in the water. The crew will make sure you’re comfortable with whatever you choose to do.

What’s included in the lunch, and are there dietary options?

Lunch is a buffet with choices like grilled fish or chicken, fresh salads, and seasonal fruit. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking. Afternoon tea with coffee and other beverages is also included. Alcoholic drinks and additional beverages beyond tea and coffee are available for purchase at reasonable prices.

How much time do you actually spend at Simena Castle?

You’ll have about an hour in the Simena village area, which gives you time to explore the narrow streets, visit cafes, and enjoy the views. The castle itself requires an additional entrance fee (not included), so you’ll need to decide whether to pay to go inside or just enjoy the village and views from below.

Can I see the sunken ruins clearly from the boat, or do I need to snorkel?

You can see the submerged ruins clearly from the boat through the water. Snorkeling gives you a closer, more immersive view, but it’s not necessary to appreciate what you’re looking at. The water is clear enough that viewing from the boat is genuinely worthwhile.

What’s the group size typically like?

The boat holds a maximum of 65 people. Most tours run fairly full, especially during peak season, but the boat is large enough that it doesn’t feel cramped. You’ll be sharing the experience with other travelers but won’t feel like you’re in a crowded tourist mob.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. There are no strenuous activities required, and the mix of swimming, exploring, and eating appeals to most age groups. Just make sure your child is comfortable spending eight hours on a boat.

What should I bring, and what shouldn’t I waste space packing?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, water shoes or sandals for rocky areas, and a light cover-up. Sunglasses and a hat are smart. Skip heavy luggage—there’s limited storage, and you won’t need much. The boat provides snorkeling gear, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer your own equipment.