A private boat day over Kekova is unbeatable. From Kaş you glide out on a private gulet, pause at Kaleköy, and spend real time around the sunken city area with swimming and classic Mediterranean scenery from the water. It’s the kind of day where you can be active (snorkel, kayak) or quietly enjoy the ride on deck.

I love how this tour feels un-rushed for its length. I also like the BBQ lunch on board with coffee/tea (and a vegetarian option if you request it), which keeps the whole day from turning into a frantic food hunt. The main drawback is price: it’s $919.06 per group up to 9, so it’s best value when you fill the boat size enough to spread the cost.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Private charter for up to 9: only your group is on the boat, which usually means more control over pacing and swim time.
• Swimming-focused day: snorkeling gear is included, plus kayak and other water gear so you’re not stuck watching from the rails.
• Kaleköy + Simena Castle option: a 1-hour stop at Kaleköy Harbour if you want to walk around and see Simena Castle.
• Sunken city sights from the water: you’ll see the sunken ruins, plus ancient Lycian remains and a Byzantine church.
• BBQ lunch plus coffee/tea: food is handled onboard, and dietary needs (including vegetarian) can be arranged.
• Value improves with the right group size: per-person cost gets much easier to justify as you approach the maximum group size.

Private Kaş-to-Kekova Gulet: the vibe you’re paying for

This is a private full-day boat cruise out of Kaş aimed at one thing: letting you experience Kekova from the water without the squeeze of a big shared trip. You’re not just passing by sights; you’re stopping, floating, swimming, and spending time in the exact spots people come here for.

For me, the best part of a private boat day is the flexibility. Your captain and crew can keep the mood calm, and you’re not dealing with the usual time-pressure of a larger group trying to keep everyone moving.

The day starts in Kaş, runs about 8 hours

The tour begins at 9:30 am with pickup at Boat Trips by Captain Ergun (Andifli, Liman Sk. 4/A, 07580 Kaş). You’ll return to Kas harbour at the end of the day.

Plan to treat this like a full “sea day,” not a quick excursion. With an 8-hour schedule, you’ll have time for multiple water moments plus sightseeing stops, and you won’t need to rush from place to place on land.

Kaleköy Harbour and Simena Castle: a one-hour walking break

Your first major stop is at Kaleköy Harbour, where you can choose to visit Kaleköy and the area around Simena Castle. The scheduled time here is about 1 hour, so think short stroll and photos rather than a long hike.

The practical advantage is that this stop lets you mix land and sea. If you’ve spent the morning watching the coastline from the water, the walk in Kaleköy Harbour gives you a different angle on the same story—Lycian-era settlement patterns, then later layers of history in the region.

A small tip: decide early whether you want to do Kaleköy and Simena Castle. With only one hour, it’s worth choosing focus over wandering without a plan.

Where the sunken city comes into view

The highlight of the boat day is the stop around the island area where you can see the sunken city—including ancient ruins from Lycian Time and a Byzantine-era church. This is one of those places where the setting does half the explaining: from the boat, the scale and location of the ruins become easier to grasp.

This stop also works well even if you’re not a hardcore swimmer. You can watch from the boat, go in for a snorkel session, or simply spend time floating and looking around. The day is built so you don’t feel like you have to sprint between activities.

If you want great photos, I’d bring patience rather than just gear. Light changes quickly on the water, and time in the water tends to produce better shots than a single “grab-and-go” moment.

Snorkel and kayak gear plus seascooter: make the most of swim time

One reason people rave about this style of cruise is that it doesn’t just offer one quick swim. Snorkeling gears are included, and the tour also highlights extra water fun like kayak, an underwater camera, and a seascooter.

Here’s the practical way to use all that without wearing yourself out:

• Do one confident snorkeling session first, then switch to kayaking or a second swim when your energy matches the day.
• If you’re new to snorkeling, take a few minutes to get comfortable before you chase sights.
• Keep an eye on where you’re entering and exiting the water so you’re not scrambling when the boat starts moving.

Also, wear sun protection like you mean it. On a boat, you’re in the sun longer than you think, and you’re also more likely to stay out than you would on land.

BBQ lunch on deck with coffee/tea and vegetarian option

Food is included, and that matters more than it sounds. Instead of budgeting time to find lunch in town, you’re eating onboard with the sea views still going.

The lunch is described as BBQ, and coffee/tea is included. There’s also a vegetarian option available if you request it at booking. From the overall tone of the experience, the meal is treated like a real part of the day—not a sad afterthought.

One thing to keep in mind: drinks aren’t included (alcoholic drinks can be purchased). If you like having soda, water, or anything stronger during long swims, plan to pay separately.

If you care about the timing, let the crew know you’d like your lunch early or late. A private setup makes those small adjustments easier.

Price, group size, and how to judge value

At $919.06 per group (up to 9 people), the real question is what your group size looks like. If you book with 2 or 3 people, you’re basically paying a premium for privacy. If you book with 7 to 9, the per-person cost becomes much more reasonable for a full day, multiple stops, and onboard meals.

A helpful way to think about it: you’re paying for three things together—private access, boat-time, and included food + water gear. Many day trips make you pay extra for gear, lunch, or the best swim locations. Here, those pieces are bundled.

It’s also a popular option, with bookings often happening around 30 days in advance, so if your dates are set, I’d lock it in sooner rather than later.

What to bring for a day on the water

This is a boat day, so pack like you’re going to be wet, sunburn-prone, and slightly salty by the afternoon.

• Sunscreen and a hat (you’ll be outside for hours).
• Swimwear under clothes so you can jump in when the boat stops.
• Quick-dry towel or at least a light change of clothes.
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch, especially if you want to use your phone for photos between swim moments.

If you have dietary requirements, mention them at booking. They explicitly note that you should advise specifics ahead of time so the onboard meal works for you.

Also note the tour allows service animals, and children must be accompanied by an adult, which is useful if you’re planning a family day.

FAQ

What’s the group size for this private Kekova boat tour?

It’s a private tour/activity, and the group size is up to 9 people.

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The start time is 9:30 am, and the duration is about 8 hours. The tour finishes at Kas harbour.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling gears, kayak, lunch, and coffee and/or tea, plus taxes and fees.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks aren’t included, and alcoholic drinks are available to purchase.

Is there a vegetarian lunch option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a private Kaş-to-Kekova day with real swimming time and an onboard BBQ lunch, and you’re comfortable sharing the boat cost across your group. It’s a strong fit for couples, families, and small groups who want flexibility and don’t want to think about lunch or gear logistics.

Skip it (or rethink it) if you’re booking as just one or two people and price is tight, because the total cost won’t feel “cheap” no matter how perfect the day is. If your dates are firm, book early and get your food needs sorted at the time of reservation.