Kaş & Kekova: Small Group Boat Trip with Swim & Local Lunch

Summary

Swim in clear bays taste homemade meze and wander Simena’s castle village

You’ll glide across turquoise bays near Kekova Island with a small group—swimming over ancient ruins, tasting home-cooked mezes for lunch, exploring Simena’s castle village where cars can’t go. Expect quiet moments on deck and real conversations with your local guide as you soak up sun and salt air—it’s peaceful in a way that sticks with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to float through the Kekova region without bumping elbows with strangers? That’s how our day started—just 35 of us, not jammed in but actually able to stretch out, leaving from Kaş by minibus to Üçağız village. The morning was still a bit cool, and I could smell the sea before I even saw the boat (wooden, creaky in a comforting way). No music thumping—just gulls and the soft slap of water against the hull. Our guide, Ekin, handed out tea and grinned when someone asked about the captain’s wife’s cooking. “Wait till lunch,” he said.

The first swim stop caught me off guard—the water at Aquarium Bay is so clear you can see your toes even if you’re terrible at swimming (like me). At Tersane Bay, we floated above sunken ruins while Ekin told stories about ancient shipyards and earthquakes. I tried to imagine building boats here centuries ago. We drifted past the Sunken City itself—no swimming allowed there, but everyone got quiet anyway, just staring at those half-drowned walls under shifting blue light. There was this funny moment when someone tried to pronounce ‘Kekova’ in Turkish and our guide just burst out laughing—turns out it sounds nothing like how we’d guessed.

Lunch happened at Gökkaya Bay: five kinds of olive oil meze (the smoky eggplant one still lingers in my mind), grilled chicken, bread that tasted like it came from someone’s kitchen rather than a supermarket shelf. It felt like time slowed down for an hour or two. Later we stopped at Burç Bay where cold spring water mixes with the sea—I didn’t last long in that chill but the Turkish tea after helped. Simena village was all stone paths and sleepy cats; there are no roads here, just boats bobbing by old castle walls. Some people climbed up for views but I just wandered around, watching locals wave from their porches.

On the way back toward Üçağız, watermelon slices appeared out of nowhere (I ate three). The sun was lower now and everything felt softer somehow—maybe it was just being tired in that good way after a full day on the water. If you want loud parties or packed decks, this isn’t your tour. But if you want space to breathe and maybe a little silence between swims… well, I still think about that view over Kekova Island sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Kekova boat trip and swimming

• Drive to Üçağız village
• Board boat at Üçağız harbour
• Swim at first bay for 45 minutes
• Swim at Tersane bay over sunken ruins
• Sail slowly past sunken city with guide
• Stop 5 minutes at pirate cave
• Lunch and swim at Gökkaya Bay
• Swim at Burç bay and drink Turkish tea
• Visit Simena village and swim
• Swim at Island bay and eat fruits
• Return to Üçağız village and drive back to Kaş

Top questions

How many people are on the Kaş Kekova boat trip?

The boat takes up to 35 guests per trip for a more relaxed experience.

Is lunch included on this Kekova boat tour?

Yes, lunch is included—a buffet of local cold mezes plus grilled chicken prepared by the captain's wife.

Can you swim over sunken ruins during this day trip?

You can swim above ruins at Tersane Bay but not at the Sunken City itself due to regulations.

Does this tour include hotel pickup from Kaş?

The day trip includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from Kaş to Üçağız village.

Is there music or loud entertainment on board?

No music is played on board; it's kept peaceful for guests who prefer quiet scenery.

What language does the guide speak?

A local tourist guide accompanies the trip and provides information in English.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Turkish tea is served during morning and afternoon breaks; other drinks may be available for purchase.

Is this boat tour suitable for families or children?

The tour welcomes families; infants can ride in prams or sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Kaş by comfortable vehicle, all-day cruising between turquoise bays around Kekova Island with plenty of swim stops, homemade lunch featuring fresh local mezes and barbecue chicken prepared by the captain’s wife, Turkish tea breaks in scenic spots, guidance from a friendly local expert—and return transfer back to town when you’re happily sun-tired.