Kaş: Kekova Sunken City & Simena Castle Boat Tour

Ancient Ruins Meet Turquoise Water: A Day Boat Tour in Kaş

You board a spacious boat at Kaş Harbour and spend the day moving between five bays (Inönü, Aquarium, Shipyard, Camlik, and the waters around Kekova Island) with stops for swimming and snorkeling at each. The Sunken City of Kekova, submerged Lycian ruins visible from the boat or underwater, is the main historical draw. Turkish lunch and afternoon tea are served onboard, and you anchor for several hours in the afternoon so you're not constantly moving. The whole day takes about eight hours, and you're back at the harbour by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Kekova Islandpassing by
2. Kaleköy1h

Boat tour of Kekova and surroundings

• Begin journey at Kas Harbour
• Explore Inönü Bay and canyon
• Swim and snorkel in Aquarium Bay
• View Sunken City of Kekova
• Visit Simena Castle and village
• Enjoy Turkish lunch onboard
• Relax in Shipyard Bay
• Swim in Camlik Bay
• Return to Kas Harbour

The experience

You're standing at Kaş Harbour in the early morning, and your boat captain is doing a headcount: turns out someone's phone died and they're frantically texting from the café. Five minutes later, everyone's aboard and you're pushing off into water so clear you can see straight through it. That's the moment you realize this isn't going to be a crowded tour-bus kind of day. The boat's spacious enough that you can actually stretch out on deck, and the itinerary hits five different bays before lunch, so there's a rhythm to it: swim, snorkel, move on, repeat.

The Sunken City of Kekova is the centerpiece: ancient Lycian ruins, partially submerged, that you can see from the boat or snorkel down to if you want. Houses, staircases, a Byzantine church, all underwater and visible through the clarity. Your guide points out what's what, but mostly you're just staring at the geometry of it, the way the stone walls catch the light. Before that, you stop in Inönü Bay, where there's a small canyon if you feel like wading in, or you can just float. Aquarium Bay lives up to its name: the water's so full of fish and coral that snorkeling feels like you've stepped into an actual tank. Shipyard Bay and Camlik Bay come later, quieter stops where the water's warm and the cliffs rise up around you.

Lunch arrives around midday: a buffet spread served onboard, Turkish style, with vegetarian options if you've flagged that ahead of time. Afterward, you're anchored in Inönü Bay for the afternoon, which sounds like code for "do nothing," and it kind of is. Some people nap on the deck. Others swim again. The boat stays put, and you get the sense that this is the part of the day the tour is actually built around, not the rushing between sites, but the hours where you're just there. Afternoon tea comes around later, and then you head back to Kaş Harbour as the light starts to soften. The whole thing takes about eight hours from pickup to drop-off.

If you're booking, know that the boat is wheelchair accessible, and kids under a certain age can come along. Just make sure there's an adult with them. The tour works for any fitness level because you're mostly on the boat or in the water, and if snorkeling isn't your thing, you can skip it and just swim. Vegetarian meals need to be requested when you book, not on the day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or harbour pickup, a full-day boat tour visiting Inönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Shipyard Bay, Camlik Bay, and Kekova Island with the Sunken City, a stop at Simena Castle (Kaleköy), a buffet Turkish lunch served onboard with vegetarian options available, afternoon tea, a driver and guide, all landing and facility fees, and fuel surcharge. The boat is spacious with plenty of deck space for relaxation, and snorkeling opportunities are available at multiple stops.

Before you book

Lasts 8h, runs every day at 09:30, from US$ 80 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30Last departure this season: 1 Dec

Book up toStart time

GroupUp to 65

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by BoatTripTurkey / Travel & Yachting

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Kekova's submerged ruins and explore five different swimming spots without arranging transport or managing timing yourself: the fixed itinerary and onboard lunch mean you show up and the day unfolds on its own.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is the Sunken City of Kekova?

It's an ancient Lycian city destroyed by earthquakes and partially submerged off Kekova Island. Ruins including houses, staircases, and a Byzantine church are visible through the clear water from the boat or while snorkeling.

Can I snorkel on this tour, or is it optional?

Snorkeling is available at multiple stops (Aquarium Bay and the Sunken City are the main spots), but it's optional. You can swim instead if you prefer.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet Turkish lunch is served onboard. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking.

How long is the tour?

About eight hours total, including the boat ride from Kaş Harbour, all stops, lunch, and the return journey.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. You can stay on the boat, swim in shallow areas, or skip water activities altogether.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

What's included in the price?

Buffet lunch, afternoon tea, driver/guide, landing and facility fees, and fuel surcharge are all included.