Sunken ruins and crystal swims await in Kekova. This private full-day boat trip is built for a relaxed day on the water, with front-door pickup and a route timed around calm bays. I like the way the captain helps shape your stops, so you’re not stuck to a rigid script.

A second big win for me is the on-board lunch, with multiple Turkish mezes plus fruit, hot coffee or tea, and a real sense of family care—often led by Captain Ali and his daughter Elif on some departures. The one drawback to factor in is weather: you need good conditions for a smooth day at sea and all those swimming breaks.

If you’re traveling with a group, the format is also smart. You’re paying for a private boat for up to 12, not a big crowd, which makes it easier to enjoy the quiet coves and swim when the water is at its best. Still, it’s a long day (about 7.5 hours), so bring sun protection and plan to be in swim mode more than walking mode.

Key things I’d circle before booking

• Front-door pickup from Kaş or Kalkan to Üçağız, the gate to the Kekova region
• Aquarium Bay swimming in extremely clear water, plus Turkish tea
• Sunken City of Simena by boat with views of a sunken house, cistern, and stairs
• Tersane Koyu shipyard bay for another swimming stop over sunken ruins
• Aşırlı Island lunch with olive-oil mezes made by the captain’s wife and BBQ chicken or fish
• Simena (Kaleköy) shore time for about an hour in the old castle village

Why this private Kekova boat day feels worth it

Kekova’s coastline is famous for two things: water clarity and visible history under the surface. Doing it by private boat matters because you get more freedom with the timing of swims, and you can often choose quieter moments compared with large-group schedules. The route is also designed around repeated stops—so you’re not waiting hours between chances to cool off.

This is a full-day experience that stays practical. You’ll be picked up from your hotel or villa near Kaş or Kalkan, driven to Üçağız (about 30 km from Kaş and about 60 km from Kalkan), then out on the water for roughly 7 hours 30 minutes. With up to 12 people, it’s the sweet spot for friends, families, and small groups who want togetherness without feeling packed.

Price-wise, $780.95 per group is the headline, but what matters is what’s included: private transportation, lunch, snacks and fruit, and hot drinks on key bays. If you’re splitting between 10 to 12 people, it can work out to a reasonable per-person cost for a day that also includes meals and a custom-feeling itinerary.

Getting to Üçağız: the short drive that sets the tone

Your day starts with pickup from your accommodation in the Kaş or Kalkan area. You send your location via WhatsApp, and the team picks you up around Kaş or Kalkan. Then you drive to Üçağız village, where the boat is ready at the harbor.

Üçağız is the gateway to the Kekova region, so this transfer feels less like a chore and more like the warm-up before the water. You’ll see how close the region is to the action: Üçağız is relatively near both Kaş and Kalkan, which helps keep the schedule smooth.

One small, underrated benefit of pickup: you don’t waste energy coordinating taxis, parking, or finding the harbor on your own. For families with kids, that matters more than you think.

Aquarium Bay: the clear-water swim that makes you understand Kekova

Your first major stop is Aquarium Bay. This is the kind of place where the water is described as so clear it feels like an aquarium. You can see the bottom, which changes the whole swimming experience. Even if you don’t snorkel, you still get that underwater view.

You also get Turkish tea here, which is a nice touch early in the day. The time at the bay is about 45 minutes, so you’ll have enough room for a relaxed swim and a slow reset—without the pressure to rush.

A practical note: clear water usually means sun glare. Bring sunglasses and a cap if you’re sensitive. And if you plan to snorkel, consider packing your own gear, because some boats can provide snorkels too—but having your own set is always the safest bet for comfort.

Simena’s Sunken City: what you see from the boat

After Aquarium Bay, you head toward the Sunken City ruins of Simena (caused by an earthquake). The boat passes slowly along the coast so you can spot remnants along the shoreline and underwater structures.

The highlights here are the sunken house and cistern, plus stairs you can recognize as parts of an older city layout. You don’t need to be a geology expert to enjoy it; the visuals are the point. The stop duration for this section is around 40 minutes, and you stay on the water rather than switching to a long land walk.

If you like photos, this is one of the best stretches of the day. The light often works well over the water, and the ruins have an odd, haunting feel when you see them from the moving boat.

Tersane Koyu shipyard bay: swim over sunken ruins

Next up is Tersane Koyu, also known as the Shipyard Bay. This is another swimming break, again with sunken ruins nearby. The idea is simple: you swim in a beautiful bay while remnants sit just under the surface.

The time here is about 45 minutes. That’s a comfortable window—long enough to swim a couple of laps or drift and float, short enough that you’re not cooked by the heat.

If you’re the type who likes to combine swimming with sightseeing, this is a good match. If you’re not, the benefit is still there: it’s a refreshing break, and the water is clean and clear enough to make it feel special even without a “history” lens.

Aşırlı Island lunch: olive-oil mezes and BBQ on the water

This is the meal stop, and it’s a big reason people remember the day. At Aşırlı Island, you’ll stop for about 1 hour 30 minutes for lunch and another swimming break.

Lunch is served as an open-buffet on the boat. You can taste five different Turkish local olive oil mezes made by the captain’s wife—fresh and cooked with real care. Then you choose between BBQ chicken or BBQ fish, depending on your preference.

For many travelers, “lunch on a boat” sounds like a compromise. Here it’s the opposite: you’re eating local mezes and a hot main right where you’re spending your day anyway. You also get fruit as part of the overall snack setup.

Food practicalities: if you have dietary needs, you’ll want to message ahead through the operator to understand what can be adjusted. The menu is described clearly, but the data doesn’t mention specialized options.

Pirate Cave (and why 10 minutes can still be fun)

After lunch, you head to Aşırlı Island again for a shorter stop—about 10 minutes. This is the natural cave area known as Pirate Cave, and it’s mostly about photos and quick looks.

Ten minutes is fast, but that’s the point. The boat keeps the day moving and doesn’t swallow time with a long walk or a long explanation. If you’re quick with a camera (or you’re okay with a couple of strong shots), you’ll get what you came for.

Tip: bring your phone on a lanyard or inside a small pouch if there’s any spray. You don’t want to spend your best angles worrying about your gear.

Kekova Island and the Burç bay fruit break

Once you move across the Kekova region, the day shifts toward more swimming and small refresh moments. Opposite Kekova Island, you stop at another bay called Burç for about 45 minutes. It’s another chance to cool down and enjoy the clear water again.

From there, you continue to an island bay opposite Kekova island for about 30 minutes. This segment includes fruits on the boat. It’s a simple, satisfying way to reset—especially if you’ve been swimming on and off all day.

These shorter breaks are part of the charm. Instead of one long land-based tour, you’re living the rhythm of the coastline: swim, look, snack, repeat.

Simena (Kaleköy) old town: castle village time on shore

The final shift is back on land. After returning toward Üçağız by boat and then driving, you also get a stop at Simena old town, known as Kaleköy (Castle village). You’ll have about 1 hour here.

This is where you can stretch your legs and see village life. The time is enough to walk around, and you can choose whether to go up toward the castle area or stay closer to the lower streets. There’s also the option to swim here, depending on conditions.

This land hour is valuable because it breaks the “only boat” feel. It also adds context—what you saw under the water and along the shore has a human scale when you stand in the village.

What the day is really like on board: shade, snacks, and drinks

The best days on a boat are the ones where you’re comfortable when you want to be, and protected when you need it. Based on what’s been described, the boat has lots of shade if the sun gets intense. That matters during a full-day coast outing.

You’ll also get Turkish tea at the first bay and last bay, plus coffee and/or tea included, along with fruit snacks. Lunch is the main meal, but the snack rhythm helps you keep energy up between swimming stops.

About drinks: alcohol isn’t included, but you can bring your own drinks if you want. That’s a helpful detail if you prefer wine, beer, or something specific.

What I’d bring for comfort:

• Swimwear plus a change of clothes (you’ll likely get wet at multiple stops)
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• A small dry bag for your phone and camera
• A snorkel if you have one; some boats can provide snorkels, too

Price and logistics: $780.95 for up to 12 people

Let’s make the math feel real. The price is $780.95 per group up to 12 people. That works out to about $65 per person if you fill all 12 spots.

That’s why this tour can feel like a smart value rather than a luxury splurge. You’re paying for:

• Private boat time rather than a big shared schedule
• Front-door pickup and drop-off from hotels or villas around Kaş or Kalkan
• Lunch with multiple mezes plus BBQ chicken or fish
• Fruit snacks and hot drinks at bays

Where the value changes: if your group is smaller, the per-person cost rises fast. So this is best when you can travel as a group of friends, family, or a couple plus a few willing “vacation coworkers.”

For couples, it can still be worth it—especially if you want the freedom to linger at swims—but it’s more expensive per person than a group tour.

Who this private boat trip suits best

This is ideal for people who want a day that’s:

• Centered on swimming and short, high-impact sightseeing moments
• More relaxing than exhausting
• Built for small groups (up to 12)

Families tend to like it because it’s one big shared activity, with plenty of water time for kids old enough to enjoy it. One family described a fantastic day with two daughters aged 10 and 13, which matches the overall “activity level” of the itinerary.

It also works well for a honeymoon or splurge day because it combines great scenery with a meal that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. And since Captain Ali is mentioned as speaking English on some departures, communication can be easy when you want background on what you’re seeing.

If you’re someone who dislikes boats, or you hate the idea of swimming in open water, you’ll want to consider alternatives. This is a water-first day.

Weather and timing: plan for calm seas

The experience requires good weather. That means if conditions are poor, the operator will offer a different date or a full refund. In practice, this is a boat route that’s best when the sea is calm and visibility is good.

Timing-wise, you’re on the water for the bulk of the day, with multiple swim stops and only short breaks for caves and photos. That structure is great when the water cooperates—less great when you’re stuck waiting for weather to improve.

If you’re booking during peak summer heat, consider using sunscreen early and taking advantage of the shade. The day is designed so you’re constantly rewarded with another bay, but the sun can still sneak up on you.

Should you book the Kekova Private Full-Day Boat Trip?

I’d book this if you want a private, swim-focused day in Kekova and you care about eating well without leaving the boat. The combination of sunken-city views from the water, multiple clear-water swimming stops, and a real Turkish lunch is a strong match for travelers who value time and comfort.

I’d skip it (or at least rethink it) if you:

• Don’t want to swim in the sea
• Get motion sickness easily
• Prefer a longer, land-based sightseeing schedule over time on the water

If you’re traveling as a group that can get near the 12-person limit, the price becomes easier to swallow. If you’re on a smaller trip, it’s still a great day—but you’ll be paying more per person for that private feel.

FAQ

What is the price for the Kekova private full-day boat trip?

It costs $780.95 per group, up to 12 people.

How long is the trip?

The duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is offered from your hotel accommodation or villa around Kaş or Kalkan. You send your location via WhatsApp.

What’s included in the tour?

Lunch, coffee and/or tea on the first bay and last bay, and fruit snacks are included, along with private transportation.

Is alcohol included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but you can bring your own drinks if you wish.

Are the stops admission tickets free?

Yes, the listed stops show admission tickets as free.