Kekova boat tour from Demre: Small group, Sunken City and Üçağız

Swim among loggerhead turtles at Andriake Harbor after a day tracing Lycian ruins from the water

A full-day boat tour of the Kekova Region departing from Andriake Harbor in Demre, with a maximum of 25 guests aboard, visiting the submerged ruins of the Sunken City, the clifftop village of Simena, and Üçağız Village for a traditional meal. The tour includes a live guide in English or Turkish, Turkish tea served while cruising the Sunken City, lunch with a choice of chicken or fish, and multiple swimming stops, ending with the chance to swim near loggerhead turtles at Andriake before returning at 6:00 PM.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat trip exploring Kekova region

• Travel to Andriake Harbor
• Depart from Andriake Harbor at 10:30 AM
• Boat trip to Esmaralda Bay
• Swim at Esmaralda Bay for 40 minutes
• Explore Simena (Kaleköy) village
• Optional climb to Simena Castle
• Cruise alongside Sunken City ruins
• Enjoy Turkish tea on board
• Relax and swim in crystal-clear bay
• Pass by Lycian sarcophagi en route to Üçağız Village
• Visit Üçağız Village and have lunch
• Swim at bay with Byzantine watchtower
• Pass by cave bay for photography
• Swim with loggerhead turtles at Andriake Harbor
• Return to Andriake Harbor by 6:00 PM

The Experience

The boat departs Andriake Harbor at 10:30 AM and heads into the Kekova Region, a stretch of the Turkish coast where Lycian civilization left its mark both on land and underwater. The first stop is Esmaralda Bay, where you'll have about 40 minutes to swim in calm, clear water. From there the boat moves to Simena, a village built into the cliffs of Kekova Island and reachable only by sea. You can spend an hour exploring the Byzantine-era castle ruins and theater remains, or climbing 15 minutes up to the castle itself (a 3-euro museum entrance fee applies if you enter). The castle sits above ancient structures, some of which are visible underwater off the coast.

The Sunken City of Dolchiste comes next: an ancient settlement submerged by earthquake in the 2nd century. Swimming is not allowed in this protected area, but the boat cruises close enough to the underwater ruins for photographs and a clear view of what remains. While you're there, the crew serves Turkish tea. Two more swimming bays follow: one with a Byzantine watchtower and a small beach fed by a mountain spring, and another with a cave the boat passes close to so you can see it clearly. Between these stops, you'll pass Lycian sarcophagi standing by the shore.

Lunch happens at Üçağız Village, a small settlement where you eat at a waiting restaurant and can browse for souvenirs and local goods. The menu offers chicken or fish as main dishes, served with traditional Turkish mezze. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you let the crew know. After lunch, the boat returns to swimming bays before the final stop at Andriake Harbor, where loggerhead turtles are common in the water. The tour ends at 6:00 PM at the same harbor where it began.

What’s included

• A live guide speaking English or Turkish.
• Turkish tea served at the Sunken City.
• lunch at Üçağız Village with a choice of chicken or fish and traditional mezze, plus vegetarian and vegan options on request.
• snacks throughout the day.
• and multiple swimming stops at Esmaralda Bay, a spring-fed beach near a Byzantine watchtower, and Andriake Harbor.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by YourTourKey

Is this one for you?A maximum of 25 guests means this tour stays small and unhurried, so if you want to avoid the crowded shared boats that carry 50 or more, this boat gives everyone room to move. The fixed itinerary visits Üçağız Village and its local atmosphere (a stop most other Demre and Kaş departures skip), and times the Sunken City visit to catch it at the right hour for calm water and clear views.

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Top questions

What is the Sunken City of Kekova and why can't you swim there?

The Sunken City is the submerged ruins of the ancient city of Dolchiste, which sank into the sea after an earthquake in the 2nd century. It is a protected archaeological area, so swimming is prohibited. Instead, you view the underwater remains from the boat while the crew serves Turkish tea and explains the history.

Can I climb to Simena Castle, and is there an extra cost?

Yes, Simena Castle is open to visitors with a 15-minute climb from the village. Entry to the castle costs 3 euros, which you pay directly at the site and is not included in the tour price. The castle is protected by the Directorate of Museums.

How many people will be on the boat with me?

The boat has a capacity of 50 but carries a maximum of 25 guests on this tour, ensuring everyone has their own space rather than a crowded experience.

What meals and drinks are included during the day?

Turkish tea is served while cruising the Sunken City. Lunch at Üçağız Village includes a choice of chicken or fish with traditional Turkish mezze. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available if you inform the crew. Snacks are provided, but alcoholic beverages and soda are not included.

Will I see loggerhead turtles at Andriake Harbor?

Loggerhead turtles inhabit the waters at Andriake Harbor, the final swimming stop before the tour ends at 6:00 PM. Many different types of loggerhead turtles live in this area, though sightings are not guaranteed.

How long does the boat ride from Andriake Harbor to the first stop take?

The journey from Andriake Harbor to Esmaralda Bay takes between 20 to 30 minutes by boat.