Private Boat Tour to Kekova and Sunken City from Kalkan

The sunken city stays submerged, and you swim directly above the ancient ruins.

A private boat tour departing from Kas Harbor (with hotel pickup from Kalkan) that sails to Kekova Island, the sunken city, and three swimming bays over a full day. You swim in İnönü Bay, Akvaryum Bay and Yaglica Bay, use snorkeling goggles at each stop, and cruise past the submerged ruins while the guide explains their history. The boat includes lunch, afternoon tea, snacks, bottled water and an English-speaking guide. You return to Kalkan around 18:00.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour to Kekova and Sunken City

• Pick up guests from Kalkan
• Travel to Kas Harbor
• Board boat and enjoy tea and coffee
• Relax and sunbathe on boat
• Swim in Mediterranean Sea
• Swim break at İnönü Bay
• Sail to Akvaryum Bay
• Use goggles for swimming breaks
• Visit Simena Castle and have ice cream
• Cruise around Sunken City and learn history
• Swim in Yaglica Bay
• Return to Kas Harbor
• Drop off guests to Kalkan

The experience

Hotel pickup from Kalkan happens in the morning, and the drive takes you to Kas Harbor where the boat departs at 09:30. Once on board, tea and coffee wait on deck while the turquoise water comes into view. The route unfolds over roughly nine hours, moving between named bays and the ruins themselves rather than staying in one place.

The first swimming break lands at İnönü Bay after about an hour of sailing. Goggles are on the boat for each stop, so you can see the seafloor as you float. From there, the boat heads to Akvaryum Bay, which opens into Kekova. The name comes from the water's depth and clarity, which makes it look like an aquarium. If you want to step ashore, Simena sits nearby with a historical castle and ice cream vendors. The boat then circles the sunken city itself, where the guide walks through the history of the ruins while they remain visible beneath the surface. A final swim happens at Yaglica Bay before the return to Kas around 18:00 and the drive back to Kalkan.

Lunch, afternoon tea and snacks come with the tour, along with bottled water throughout the day. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and vegetarian meals can be arranged if you mention dietary needs at booking.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Kalkan and return transport.
• private boat with English-speaking guide.
• tea, coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and snacks.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• snorkeling goggles at each swimming break.
• all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Lasts 8h–9h, from US$ 1,483 per group, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearby

Operated by BoatTripTurkey / Travel & Yachting

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Kalkan and want a full day of sailing and swimming from Kas Harbor: hotel pickup is included, so you only need to show up in the morning.

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Top questions

What exactly is the sunken city at Kekova, and can I see it from the boat?

The sunken city is ancient ruins submerged in the water around Kekova Island. The boat cruises directly over the site so you can see the ruins underwater, and the guide explains their history as you float above them. Snorkeling goggles let you get a closer look during the swimming breaks.

How much time do I spend swimming versus sitting on the boat?

The tour includes three separate swimming breaks (at İnönü Bay, Akvaryum Bay and Yaglica Bay) spread across the day. The boat sails between stops, so you're both moving and swimming, rather than anchored in one place for hours.

What's included in the lunch, and are there vegetarian options?

Lunch, afternoon tea and snacks are included in the tour price. Vegetarian meals are available. Let the operator know your dietary needs when you book.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling goggles are provided on the boat at each swimming break, so you don't need to bring your own. Bring a swimsuit and a towel.

What time does the tour end, and how do I get back to my hotel?

The boat returns to Kas Harbor around 18:00, and the driver takes you back to your hotel or villa in Kalkan by car. The same way you arrived in the morning.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The swimming breaks happen in calm bays, and you can use the goggles to explore at your own pace. You're never forced to swim. You can stay on the boat if you prefer.