Kekova Sunken City Full Day Boat Trip

Imagine drifting along Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast, with waves whispering stories of ancient civilizations and breathtaking scenery all around. That’s essentially what you get with the Kekova Sunken City Full Day Boat Trip. This tour has earned a solid reputation among travelers, and with a perfect rating of 5.0 from 24 reviews, it’s clear many find it worth the time and money.

What I particularly like about this experience is how it combines natural beauty with a splash of history—plus, the included stops for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing are thoughtfully chosen. The value for the price (around $64 per person) seems quite fair, considering the length of the trip and the variety of sights.

However, one thing to consider is that the tour duration can be lengthy—around 7 hours—so it’s best for those comfortable with full days on the water. Also, some reviews mention that the tour language can occasionally lean towards Turkish, which might be a small hiccup for English-only speakers.

This trip works well for anyone looking to see multiple highlights of the Turkish coastline in one day—whether you’re into exploring ancient ruins, enjoying turquoise waters, or just soaking up the scenery. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural sights.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary with stops at underwater ruins, bays, and castles.
• Good value for a full-day experience—seven hours packed with diverse activities.
• Beautiful scenery and historical sites make it visually and culturally engaging.
• Includes lunch and swimming breaks, providing a relaxing day on the water.
• Group size is moderate, but some reviews mention boat capacity considerations.
• Potential language barrier during the tour, depending on the guide.

What’s Included and What You Should Know

This tour offers quite a lot for the price. For around $64, you get air-conditioned transportation, lunch, and multiple stops along the coast to swim, explore, and enjoy the scenery. The fact that admission tickets for Aquarium Bay, the Sunken City, Burç Bay, and Gokkaya Beach are all included adds to the value, as these are key highlights.

Be aware that the optional entrance fee for Simena Castle isn’t included, so if you want to explore that medieval fortress, you’ll need a small extra budget (about $4). The tour also excludes alcoholic beverages and soda, so plan accordingly if you want drinks beyond water.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at a clearly marked meeting point in Kas, at Aslar Turizm, on the same street as the Post Office. You can expect a pickup service, which makes logistics easier, especially after a long travel day or if you’re staying nearby. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making it straightforward to plan your day.

The group size can be up to 95 travelers, but reviews suggest that boat capacity varies, and some travelers have been transferred to smaller vessels for comfort. It’s wise to confirm your boat size if you have specific preferences.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Experience

Meeting Point and Departure

The journey kicks off from Kas, a charming coastal town. Once everyone boards, the boat heads out along Turkey’s beautiful coastline, providing panoramic views that alone make the trip worthwhile.

Aquarium Bay

Your first stop is Aquarium Bay, famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. The name hints at what you’ll find—colorful fish visible even from the surface, rocky cliffs framing the bay, and plenty of opportunities to swim or snorkel. With admission included, you’ll have around 45 minutes here to enjoy the water. Expect stunning scenery and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for snapping photos or just relaxing in the sun.

The Sunken City of Kekova

Next up, the star of the tour—the Sunken City of Kekova. This Lycian settlement partially sank centuries ago after seismic activity, leaving behind ruins just beneath the water’s surface and extensive remnants underwater. The boat slowly sails past the ruins, giving you a fantastic view of ancient walls, staircases, and structures that seem frozen in time.

One reviewer noted, “the destination is amazing and worth the visit,” though they mentioned that the tour is conducted primarily in Turkish, with minimal English translation. So, if language is a concern, it’s worth asking beforehand or preparing with some background info. Importantly, swimming or diving among the ruins isn’t permitted to protect the site, but the boat’s vantage point offers an excellent perspective.

Burç Bay and Castle

The next stop is Burç Bay, a peaceful spot with clear waters and a historic Lycian castle—Burç Castle—overlooking the bay. It’s a place to cool off with a swim and enjoy the panoramic views from the castle ruins. The natural spring waters make the water slightly cooler, which many find refreshing on hotter days. The 45-minute stop allows enough time to swim and explore the ruins, with the added bonus of soaking in the scenic landscape.

Pirate Cave

Passing by Pirate Cave, it’s more of a photo opportunity than a stop. The cave’s legend as a hideout for pirates adds intrigue, and the protected habitat of Mediterranean monk seals makes it a sensitive area. The tour notes that passing by is obligatory, so don’t expect a lengthy exploration here, but it’s a fun visual highlight.

GökKaya Beach and Lunch

Gökkaya Bay offers a perfect break with its sandy beach and crystal waters—ideal for swimming or relaxing while the crew prepares lunch. The included meal typically features grilled chicken, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads, making it a solid, homemade-style offering that fuels your day of swimming and sightseeing. With about an hour here, you’ll have plenty of time to dip in the water, unwind, and enjoy the scenery.

Simena (Kaleköy)

The charming village of Simena (also called Kaleköy) is a hilltop town with a medieval castle and Lycian tombs. While you can explore the ruins and enjoy the views, the tour doesn’t include the castle entrance fee (around $4). Many travelers find the village’s atmosphere delightful—sitting in ice-cream shops, wandering narrow streets, and soaking up the views. It’s a highlight for those interested in combining history with local culture.

Final Swimming Spot at Adalar Bay

The last swimming stop is at Adalar Bay, where you can relax, swim, and refresh before heading back to Üçaz marina. With around 45 minutes here, this is your final chance to enjoy the water and soak in the scenery before the boat starts its return journey.

Returning to Üçaz

The trip concludes back at the original meeting point in Üçaz, completing your full-day adventure.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Based on reviews, many travelers praise the stunning scenery and value for money. One noted, “the destination is amazing and worth the visit,” emphasizing how memorable the ruins and bays are. Others appreciated the well-organized stops and good food, making the long day feel worthwhile.

A couple of downsides include the potential language barrier and the boat size—some travelers had to be transferred to smaller vessels for comfort. Also, the duration might be long for some, especially if you’re not used to full days on the water.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love beautiful coastal scenery, exciting swimming spots, and a hint of history, this trip could be perfect. It’s also good for travelers who want a full-day, all-in-one experience without the hassle of organizing multiple trips. Those who value good food and scenic stops will find it worthwhile.

That said, if you’re sensitive to long days or prefer smaller groups, it’s worth confirming details beforehand. Also, it’s best suited for those comfortable with boat trips and open-water swimming.

Final Thoughts

The Kekova Sunken City Full Day Boat Trip offers a satisfying mix of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and relaxation. The included stops at Aquarium Bay, the Sunken City, and GökKaya Beach keep things interesting, while the optional extras like the castle make it flexible depending on your interests.

At its price point, it provides good value, especially considering the variety of sights and the quality of the scenery. Travelers who appreciate a balance of adventure and chill-out time on the water will likely find this to be a memorable day. It’s especially suited for those who want to explore multiple highlights of the Turkish coast in one well-organized trip.

If you’re keen to see ancient ruins submerged beneath the sea, enjoy swimming in clear waters, and want a hassle-free day out, this tour deserves serious consideration.

FAQs

What is the duration of the tour?
It’s approximately 7 hours long, including transportation and all stops, making it a full-day experience.

Are meals included?
Yes, a homemade-style lunch with grilled chicken, pasta, and salads is included in the tour.

Can I swim at all the stops?
Most stops—like Aquarium Bay, GökKaya Beach, and Adalar Bay—offer swimming and snorkeling opportunities, though swimming among the ruins of the Sunken City isn’t allowed.

Is the tour suitable for non-Turkish speakers?
While the tour is primarily conducted in Turkish, some reviews mention minimal English translation, which could be a consideration for international visitors.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
Most major sites such as Aquarium Bay, the Sunken City, and GökKaya Beach have their admission fees included. The optional entrance to Simena Castle isn’t included and costs about $4.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a waterproof camera or phone case. It’s also handy to have some cash for optional entrance fees or extras.

This trip balances breathtaking views, historical sights, and relaxing swim stops — perfect for travelers wanting to make the most of Turkey’s stunning coast. Just be prepared for a day on the water and enjoy all the memorable moments it offers.