Antalya to Kekova: Private Boat Tour with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Private boat trip from antalya to kekova island with local guide

You’ll float above Kekova’s sunken ruins, swim in clear turquoise bays, and taste homemade peach ice cream in Kalekoy village. With hotel pickup from Antalya or Kemer, lunch on board, and a friendly local guide sharing stories along the way, this private boat tour lets you slow down and soak up moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I’d been curious about the stories behind Kekova’s sunken city for ages, but nothing really prepares you for that first glimpse — the water is this unreal blue-green, and you can actually spot old stone walls just under the surface. Our guide, Mehmet, pointed out where the ancient harbor used to be as we drifted by. He had this way of weaving in little facts with jokes — at one point he tried to teach us how to say “Theimussa” properly (I still can’t). The air smelled faintly salty and sweet, like wild thyme mixed with sea spray.

We stopped in a couple of coves along the way. I’m not much of a swimmer but couldn’t resist jumping in — it was cold at first, then perfect. There were tiny fish darting around my toes. Lunch was simple but good: grilled chicken, fresh bread, tomatoes that actually tasted like tomatoes. Tea came in those little curved glasses; I burned my tongue because I got impatient. Mehmet laughed and said everyone does that their first time.

Kalekoy village is only reachable by boat — which makes it feel like a secret even though there were other travelers around. We wandered up narrow stone paths past old ladies selling peach ice cream (it’s famous here; I had two scoops). The fortress at the top isn’t huge but the view over Kekova Island is something I still think about when I need a mental break from city life. On the way back, there was this lazy silence except for seagulls and someone playing music softly on their phone — not exactly traditional but somehow it fit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Boat Tour and Visits

• Pickup from Kemer
• Pickup from Antalya Marina
• Tour start
• Swimming in bays
• Pass near Sunken City
• Visit town and Crusader castle
• Tour starts at Antalya Old Town

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Antalya to Kekova boat tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Antalya or Kemer.

Can I visit Kalekoy fortress during the tour?

Yes, you can visit Kalekoy village and its Crusader-era fortress.

Are meals provided on the private boat tour?

Lunch is served onboard along with tea, coffee, and fruit.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included for guests who want to swim.

How long does it take to reach Kekova from Antalya?

The drive takes about 2-3 hours each way depending on traffic.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams/strollers are welcome.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible according to provided info.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Antalya or Kemer in an air-conditioned vehicle, all boat travel between coves and villages around Kekova Island with a local guide leading the way, lunch served onboard with tea, coffee and fruit throughout the day, plus use of snorkeling equipment if you want to swim or just float above ancient ruins before heading back home.