Kekova Boat Trip

If you’re considering a day out on the water in Kas, Turkey, the Kekova Boat Trip is often recommended as a memorable way to see some of the area’s most notable sights. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve looked into the details and reviews to give you a thorough sense of what you can expect. This is a private, flexible experience that promises a relaxing day exploring sunken cities, castles, and beautiful bays.

What really stands out about this trip are its personalized itinerary options and the opportunity to swim in the Mediterranean, which adds a nice balance of sightseeing and leisure. On the flip side, it’s fair to note that some stops are not included in the price, meaning extra costs could add up if you want to explore everything thoroughly. This tour seems ideal for travelers who enjoy a laid-back pace and want a more intimate experience away from large crowds.

If you’re someone who appreciates a blend of history, scenic views, and plenty of chances to swim and relax, this trip could be a good fit. It’s particularly suited for those who want to customize their day and value comfort on a private boat. Let’s break down what this tour looks like, so you can decide if it matches what you’re after.

Key Points

• Private boat experience: Travel comfortably and at your own pace.
• Flexible itinerary: Customize stops and enjoy swimming in multiple bays.
• Historical highlights: See the Sunken City of Kekova and Simena Castle.
• All-in-one day: Combines sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing in about 7 hours.
• Cost consideration: Price is per group, up to 6 people; extra costs for some sites.
• Customer feedback: Mostly glowing reviews praising the peaceful, scenic experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Kekova Boat Trip

What You’re Signing Up For

This tour offers a 7-hour private boat trip starting from Demre Harbour. For about $411.58 (covering your entire group of up to 6 people), you get a personalized journey exploring some of the most intriguing sights along the coast. The experience is designed to be relaxed with plenty of opportunities to swim, explore, and take in views on your own terms.

What makes this experience appealing is the ability to customize your itinerary, meaning you can spend more time at places you find most interesting. Whether you’re into history, swimming, or just soaking in the scenery, you set the pace. The boat includes considerate touches like afternoon tea, coffee, and snacks, which add to the comfort of your day.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Demre Harbour: The trip kicks off early at 10:00 am, giving you a full day in front of you. From here, your boat departs for a series of stops that can be tailored to your preferences.

Stop 1: Kekova Tekne Turlari – The journey begins with a cruise from Demre Harbour, providing a scenic introduction to the area’s coastline. This initial leg sets the tone, blending calm waters with beautiful views.

Stop 2: Demre Tours – Day Tours – A brief 30-minute stop, likely for orientation or a quick scenic break. Admission is not included, so if you want to hop off and explore, you’ll need to plan accordingly.

Stop 3: Sunken City Ruins of Simena – This is a highlight for many. The well-preserved ruins of this ancient city are visible from the water, and you get about an hour here to admire the underwater remnants and the castle above. Reviewers say the views from the castle are particularly lovely, and having a chance to walk around the ruins gives the experience a tangible sense of history.

Stop 4: Tersane Koyu – Known as Tersane Bay, this is a peaceful spot for about an hour. The name suggests a historical shipyard, and the quiet setting makes it perfect for relaxing or taking photos.

Stop 5: Kekova Island – Spending an hour on this island offers a chance to enjoy more scenery and perhaps take a swim. Some reviews mention the value of this stop as a peaceful retreat with beautiful surroundings.

Stop 6: Aquarium Bay – A quick 15-minute swim break, ideal for cooling off and enjoying the crystal-clear waters. It’s one of the free stops designed for those eager to jump in the sea.

Stop 7: Castle of Simena – Another hour to explore the castle, which offers sweeping views over the bay. Many visitors enjoy walking along the ramparts, imagining the history that once unfolded here.

Stop 8: Gokkaya Plaji ve Koyu – The final swimming stop, giving you some last moments in the water. This short break is perfect for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The included amenities are thoughtful: fuel, local taxes, afternoon tea, and drinks like coffee or tea, ensuring comfort throughout the day. However, drinks beyond tea and coffee, as well as entrance fees for certain sites, are not included, so budgeting for extras is wise.

One of the advantages of this tour is the lack of a strict schedule—you’re free to linger at stops or move on sooner, making it more tailored to your interests. The boat’s private nature means you’re not rushing with a large group, which many travelers find more enjoyable.

What We Learned from Reviews

Both reviewers highlight how calming and enjoyable this trip is. One mentions, “We had a very good time… Besides seeing the Sunken City, we also enjoyed the cold but pleasant swim at the beach,” which underscores the balance of sightseeing and leisure. Another emphasizes the peaceful aspect: “Très belle expérience pour découvrir la côte et profiter calmement des lieux à l’écart des grands groupes souvent très bruyants.”

This suggests that the quiet, personalized atmosphere is one of the trip’s biggest selling points. Plus, the fact that it’s a private tour gives you the flexibility to spend more or less time at each spot.

The Practical Side: Timing and Cost

While $411.58 might seem steep for some, it’s important to remember this covers the entire group, not per person. Considering the length of the trip and the personalized service, many would find it good value—especially if you value comfort and flexibility. Keep in mind that some of the stops are free, but others, like Kekova Island and the Sunken City, may require extra tickets if you choose to explore beyond viewing from the boat.

The timing begins at 10:00 am and runs for about 7 hours, which makes for a full yet relaxed day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who appreciate a personalized and leisurely pace, enjoy swimming and scenic views, and prefer avoiding large crowds. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with a small group or family—up to six people—who want a private day out. If you’re interested in history, stunning coastlines, and the opportunity to customize your stops, this trip ticks those boxes.

Final Thoughts

The Kekova Boat Trip offers a well-rounded, relaxing way to explore some of the most iconic sights along Turkey’s coast. The fact that it’s private, flexible, and includes stops at both historical ruins and beautiful bays makes it appealing for many travelers. The reviews emphasize the calm, peaceful nature of the experience and the enjoyment of swimming in crystal-clear waters, which adds a lot of value.

However, it’s worth noting that some attractions are not included in the price, so if you’re keen to explore every site thoroughly, additional costs could pile up. Also, the tour is best suited for those who want to avoid large crowds and prefer a more intimate day on the water.

If you’re after a scenic, leisurely day with the chance to swim, relax, and learn a bit about local history without feeling rushed, this trip could be just right. It’s a flexible choice for those who want comfort, quiet, and a tailored experience—especially if you’re traveling with a small group or family.

FAQs

Is this a private tour? Yes, only your group will participate, giving you more control over the stops and pace.

What’s included in the price? Fuel surcharge, local taxes, afternoon tea, and coffee or tea are included. Entrance fees at sites are not.

Are drinks other than tea and coffee available? Drinks beyond tea and coffee are not included, so you may want to bring your own or purchase extras separately.

Can I customize the itinerary? Yes, the tour allows you to tailor the stops according to your interests and pace.

How long does the trip last? Approximately 7 hours, starting at 10:00 am and ending back at Demre Harbour.

Is this suitable for children? The tour is generally accessible but children must be accompanied by adults. Check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

Is there a cancellation policy? Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, booking ahead ensures your private slot and helps with planning your day.

If you’re picturing a peaceful day on the water, with plenty of swimming and stunning views, the Kekova Boat Trip seems like a reliable choice. It balances history, scenery, and leisure in a way that’s manageable and enjoyable for small groups seeking a personal experience.