Kalkan & Kekova: Private boat tour with lunch from Kas

Summary

Swim, wander ancient ruins, and share tea on the turquoise coast

You’ll start your day with hotel pickup in Kalkan before joining a private boat tour from Kas to Kekova’s sunken city. Swim in crystal-clear bays, enjoy lunch on deck, and explore Simena village with a local guide sharing stories along the way. Expect laughter, quiet moments by ancient ruins, and small surprises you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The morning didn’t start as planned — I’d forgotten my sunglasses in the hotel room back in Kalkan. Our driver just grinned and said, “No problem, we have time,” so we swung by again before heading to Kas harbor. That little detour meant we arrived at the boat with everyone already sipping tea on deck, shoes off, toes wiggling against warm wood. The captain — Ergun — handed me a cup and told me not to worry about anything except relaxing. I tried, but honestly, I was still thinking about those sunglasses.

Once we left Kas behind, the sea turned that unreal shade of blue you only see on postcards. There was this salty breeze and the faint smell of sunscreen mixing with coffee grounds from breakfast. We stopped first at İnönü Bay — cold water that made my heart race when I jumped in (I yelped loud enough for someone’s grandma to laugh). The goggles on board were a nice touch; I could actually see tiny fish darting around below. After that, Akvaryum Bay really did look like an aquarium — clear all the way down. Someone pointed out a turtle but I missed it because I was busy trying to pronounce “Kekova” right (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Turkish — probably butchered it).

Lunch was simple but good — grilled fish, bread still warm, tomatoes that tasted like sunshine. We docked at Simena village where old women sold ice cream from their windows and kids waved from stone steps. Our guide explained the castle’s history while we wandered up narrow paths; I kept stopping just to take in the view over Kekova Island and its sunken city ruins. It’s strange seeing ancient walls underwater like that — kind of haunting but beautiful too.

I still think about floating quietly near those ruins, hearing nothing but water lapping against the hull and distant voices from shore. On the way back toward Kas, everyone seemed quieter — maybe tired or just full of sun and salt air. When we got dropped off back in Kalkan that evening, my hair was stiff with sea spray and my skin smelled like lemon from the afternoon tea. Not everything went perfectly (my sunglasses are probably still somewhere under a seat), but honestly? That made it feel more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Boat Tour from Kalkan to Kekova

• Pick up guests from Kalkan
• Tour starts from Kas
• Swim and explore Kekova Island ruins
• Visit Kaleköy (Simena) village
• Visit bays, sunken city, and castle

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this private boat tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or villa in Kalkan is included before joining the boat in Kas.

What meals are provided during the day trip to Kekova?

The tour includes lunch on board as well as afternoon tea and snacks.

Can I swim during the Kekova boat tour?

Yes, there are several swimming breaks at bays like İnönü Bay and Akvaryum Bay.

Will we visit Simena village on this tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Simena (Kaleköy) where you can explore for about an hour.

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you advise at booking.

Is this private boat trip suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels and is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup from Kalkan to Kas harbor, bottled water throughout the trip, afternoon tea with snacks served on deck, lunch prepared fresh onboard (with vegetarian options if needed), all taxes and fees covered by your guide Captain Ergun, plus use of goggles for swimming stops before returning you safely back to Kalkan in the evening.