Kaş–Kekova by boat feels like underwater archaeology. You spend the day on the clear-water coast with multiple swim stops, then you see the Sunken City of Simena ruins through remarkably bright water. One heads-up: seat location can vary, and if you want top-deck loungers, you may need to plan ahead.

The payoff is a full 8 hours that mixes sea time with real ancient places—Lycian ruins, a Byzantine church, and a coastal village built for hanging out and staring at the views. The only real consideration is that you are on a schedule all day, so if you need lots of quiet time on land, you will feel the pace.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Crystal-water swim stops: several timed water breaks, with a couple of standout bays for snorkeling in clear conditions
• Sunken City Ruins on show: partially submerged Lycian remains (including a Byzantine church) are visible through the water and via boat viewing
• Food included, not a snack plate: lunch buffet and afternoon tea are served on board
• English guide on board: the tour is offered in English, with a driver/guide traveling with you
• Relaxed group size: a maximum of 65 travelers keeps the boat feeling social, not chaotic
• You can buy drinks onboard: alcohol is available for purchase, while other non-alcoholic options may also cost extra

A Full-Day Boat Itinerary That Actually Feels Relaxed

This is an 8-hour boat day that runs from 9:30 am and loops back to the same end point. The rhythm is simple: sail, stop, swim, repeat—then add a couple of land moments at Simena/Kaleköy and quick shoreline views around Kekova.

What makes this work for most people is that the timing is built around water. Even when the day turns historical, you are still close to the sea. You get to see ancient ruins, then slide back into swimming without the back-and-forth you often get on bus-heavy tours.

Kas to Kekova: Where the Day Starts to Feel Like Vacation

From Kas, your day is all about the coastline. You do not spend hours commuting first. Instead, the boat gets moving early, and you start racking up that sea-breeze mood right away.

You also get a practical advantage: this is a mobile-ticket tour, so you are not hunting for paper. Plus, you are not stuck with hotel pickup; that keeps the schedule cleaner. If you are staying around Kas, it is usually an easy start, and the tour notes say it is near public transportation.

İnönü Bay: Small Canyon Feel, Easy Bay Time

Your first real stop is İnönü Bay, a short 45-minute pause. The area has a canyon-like section you can explore at a walk pace, or you can simply hang out and enjoy the bay.

This is a great early stop because it sets the tone. You are not swimming at the biggest spectacle right away—you are just easing into the day. If you like photos, you will find plenty of angles of the shoreline, and you get time to settle in before the busier swim spots.

Aquarium Bay: The Clear-Water Snorkel Spot That People Talk About

Next comes Aquarium Bay (also in Kekova), another 45-minute stop. The name fits: the water is clear enough that it looks like you are peering into an underwater scene.

This is the stop built for snorkeling and watching marine life near coral reefs. When the water is this clear, you do not need a complicated plan—just a mask, a calm moment, and good light. Even if you do not go in, the approach to the bay gives you that turquoise look that makes people slow down and start photographing.

Practical note: you can treat this as both a swim break and a chance to reset. After a bit in the water, you will be ready for the longer history stop that follows.

Simena Sunken City: Lycian Ruins Under Glass-Bright Water

The heart of the cultural part is the Sunken City Ruins of Simena. This is a short stop (about 30 minutes), but it is the kind of stop that lands.

You are looking at an ancient Lycian city (Dolchiste) that was submerged after earthquakes. You will see remains like houses and a Byzantine church partially underwater. The ruins are visible through the clear water, and the experience can also be viewed via glass-bottom boat viewing (and in some cases, you can go in the water yourself if you want).

What I like about this kind of ruin is how you do not feel removed from it. You are not touring a museum with barriers. You are floating close enough to understand scale—these are real streets and structures, just out of reach in a different way.

Time check: since the stop is 30 minutes, bring your curiosity early. If you wait until the end to take photos, you will feel rushed.

Kekova Island Swim Time: Part Ruins, Part Seascape

After Simena, the day continues around Kekova Island. This part is where the tour stays true to the sea: rocky coastlines, secluded coves, and water that keeps pulling you back for one more swim.

Kekova is special because the story repeats in multiple places. Some submerged ruins are visible through clear water—again tied to the Lycian past and the earthquake-era submergence. Along with history, there is the marine side: clear water, fish, and a spot-friendly coastline for snorkelers.

If you love short swims with changing scenery, this segment delivers. If you hate planning your day around boat timing, you might find yourself wishing for longer on the water. But for most people, it is a good compromise: enough time to enjoy the coast without turning the whole day into logistics.

Simena (Kaleköy) and the Castle Hill Views

You also visit Simena, also known as Kaleköy. This is where the tour shifts from floating to walking. You get about an hour for Simena Castle sights and the village area.

The castle is described as a medieval Byzantine-era fortress on a hill above the sea, so the views are the point. On top of that, you walk cobblestone lanes with whitewashed houses and flowers, and you can take a quick break by the waterfront.

One important note for planning: the castle is mentioned as not included for ticketing. So if you want to enter, budget for an extra fee. If you do not, you can still enjoy the village vibe and the scenery.

Kaleköy Harbour: The Village Walk That Complements the Ruins

After the castle stop, you also spend time around Kaleköy Harbour. This is a free admission stop, so it pairs nicely with the paid castle element.

This area is good for a slower stroll and photo time. The harbour view angle also helps you connect the dots: you are looking at the same stretch of coast that made these ancient settlements practical—ports, cliffs, and sheltered water.

If you enjoy wandering without rushing, this is the most “human” part of the day.

Üçağız and Shipyard (Tersane) Bay: More Quiet Corners

The tour also includes time that frames the coast around Üçağız—a tranquil shoreline village in Kekova Bay with fishing boats and a laid-back waterfront feel.

Then you go to Tersane Koyu (Shipyard Bay), about 45 minutes. This spot matters because of its history: it is named for shipyard activity where ancient ships were once constructed. You get the mix of nature and story—rocky cliffs, clear turquoise water, and good photo opportunities.

You may also find a scenic walk nearby for views. Even if you keep it short, the bay gives you a different angle on the coast than the big swim stops.

Camlık: The Last Swim Break with Pine Shade

Your final swim stop is Camlık Bay (45 minutes). The description is simple—tranquil water and pine trees—so it is a good wind-down after the earlier stops.

This last water break is often what makes the day feel complete. You swim once more, you cool down, and then you start the return mindset without the pressure of another major sightseeing block.

Food Afloat: Lunch Buffet and Afternoon Tea You Can Count On

This tour is not stingy about food. You get a lunch buffet on board and afternoon tea as part of the included package.

From what people highlight, the lunch is more than a minimal meal. There are mentions of fish and salads (and also chicken as an option), plus sides like melon. One review even notes chicken being cooked on the spot by the crew, which is exactly the kind of touch that turns lunch into an event.

You can also buy drinks onboard. Alcohol is listed as available for purchase, and non-alcoholic options like water, soda, tea, or coffee may cost extra depending on what you order.

Simple tip: since you are on the sea all day, hydrate early. The sun can creep up while you are busy looking at ruins underwater.

Price and Value: Is $84.65 a Fair Deal?

At $84.65 per person, the price can feel very reasonable because the day is packed and the basics are covered.

Included items add up:

• lunch buffet
• afternoon tea
• driver/guide
• fuel surcharge
• landing and facility fees

What is not included (but easy to plan for):

• alcoholic drinks (and some other drinks may be extra)
• hotel pickup/drop-off

So what do you actually get for the money? Multiple swim stops in clear water, the Sunken City ruins experience, and a village + castle-view segment. For a full day on the water with meals, it is priced like a value tour rather than a stripped-down cruise.

If you care about minimizing add-ons, keep an eye on drinks. If you are okay with water and tea included and alcohol optional, this is a very solid deal.

Space, Seats, and Deck Time: How to Get the Best Vantage

Boat comfort is one of the practical make-or-break details on sailing days. The reviews point to a boat with plenty of seating and sunbeds, especially up top on the deck.

One caution: seat choice may not be guaranteed, and some people were told they would need to sit indoors instead of on the loungers upstairs. If you want the best views from the top deck, book early and aim for the position that matches your preferences.

If you end up inside, do not panic. You can still enjoy the water stops from the boat, and you will get plenty of time outside when the boat approaches the bays.

Crew Style: History Talks, Friendly Service, and Small Extras

What makes this kind of tour enjoyable is how the crew handles the day: clear guidance, relaxed pacing, and real explanations at the stops.

Some sailing days are associated with captains who share history in a way that sticks. Captains like Ergun and Mehmet Kaptan show up in the stories: they explain sites and keep the mood friendly. One highlight included a drone video or photos offered by Captain Ergun, and the note says it can be tied to helping pick up trash from the ocean. That kind of small action turns the day into more than sightseeing.

On board, you can expect a generally welcoming vibe and organized timing, with lunch served and the day moving smoothly.

That said, one sour story does exist about rude behavior and late departures on a specific sailing. You cannot control which boat or captain you get, but you can control your expectations: if you want zero stress, arrive calm and ready, and be prepared for the sea day schedule to run by the crew’s rules.

What to Bring for a Comfortable Day on the Water

You will save yourself time and fuss if you come prepared for swim stops.

Bring:

• a towel (one review calls it out)
• swimwear and a quick-dry layer for shade
• water shoes if you like extra comfort (nice but not required)
• anything you need for snorkeling if you plan to go in

Also think about sun protection. Even on a “swim and sail” day, you can get hit with sun while you are busy taking photos and looking at ruins.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• multiple swim stops with clear water
• the Sunken City ruins experience without booking separate tours
• a mix of history and sea time with food included
• an English-speaking guide on a day trip format

You might want to consider another style of day if you:

• hate being on a schedule with timed stops
• strongly prefer indoor seating control or guaranteed top-deck loungers
• need long, unhurried time inside one specific village or castle

Should You Book This Kaş to Kekova Boat Tour?

Yes, I would book it if your main goal is an easy, food-included sea day that also delivers real ruins and real scenery. The value is strong for what is included—especially lunch, afternoon tea, and the chance to see the Sunken City in clear water.

Book this tour if you are comfortable with a full day on the boat, a few swim breaks, and short land stops at Simena/Kaleköy. If you are particular about seating and want the deck view most of the time, plan ahead and aim to secure the better spot early.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

How long is the boat tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes lunch buffet, afternoon tea, a driver/guide, fuel surcharge, and landing and facility fees.

Is lunch provided on board?

Yes, there is a lunch buffet included.

Are there swim stops during the day?

Yes. The day includes multiple swimming stops, including Aquarium Bay and Camlık Bay, plus other bay time.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at booking.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase, but they are not included.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance do people usually book?

On average, it is booked 15 days in advance.

FAQ

Is there a maximum group size?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 65 travelers.