Snorkeling Kekova Island from Demre: Private boat, sunken city

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/8

Duration7h–8h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Swim above a sunken city, then anchor in the clearest bays

A private boat tour from Demre to Kekova Island lasting seven to eight hours, with snorkeling equipment, swimming breaks in multiple bays, and a guided stop at Simena Castle overlooking the underwater remains of an ancient city. The tour includes snacks and hot drinks; lunch and bottled water are not included. An English-speaking guide leads the route.

7h–8h

Step-by-step itinerary

Private Kekova Island Boat Tour

Start tour at Andriake harbour
Cruise past Kekova Island
View sunken city ruins from boat
Swim break in Aquarium or Tersane Bay
Visit Simena Castle and royal tombs
Swim break in Esmeralda Bay
Swim break in Burc Bay
Swim break and visit Pirates Cave at Gokkaya Bay
Swim with Caretta Carettas at Karemlik Bay
Return to starting harbour

The Experience

The boat leaves Demre's Cayagzi Harbour—the same natural anchorage used in Roman and Byzantine times—and heads straight for Kekova Island. You cruise past the north shore where shipwrecks from the ancient city of Dolkisthe sit underwater, destroyed by earthquakes in the second century. The sunken city of Simena is the centerpiece: you'll see the remains from the water, a once-thriving settlement now submerged except for a few structures still visible on land. The boat passes through protected waters where swimming is not permitted near the ruins themselves, but the guide will point out what lies beneath.

The day splits between two kinds of stops. At Simena Castle, you climb a steep path from the beach to explore the fortress walls and the royal tombs scattered across the Necropolis area—a full hour on land with the option to buy ice cream at the base. The castle requires a museum card for entry. Then the boat moves to the swimming bays: Tersane Bay or Aquarium Bay (the guide picks the less crowded one in peak season), Esmeralda Bay for a quick refresh, Burc Bay with its fine white shells, and Gokkaya, where you'll have time to snorkel and explore Pirates Cave. The final stop is Karemlik Bay, opposite where you started, known for Caretta sea turtles—you can swim near them or feed them if they're present.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you'll have multiple chances to use it in the clear water. Snacks and coffee or tea come with the tour; bring your own lunch and water or plan to purchase them. The boat is private, so you're not sharing the route with other groups, and the guide speaks English throughout the day.

What’s included

Snorkeling equipment.
snacks.
coffee and tea.
English-speaking guide.
private boat.
one-hour stop at Simena Castle with access to the royal tombs and Necropolis area.
swimming breaks in Tersane Bay or Aquarium Bay (guide selects the less crowded option), Esmeralda Bay, Buuc Bay and Gokkaya.
Pirates Cave visit.
and a final stop at Karemlik Bay where sea turtles may be present.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Kekova Tekne Turu - Kekova Boat Trip

Is this one for you?The seven to eight hour commitment means you'll spend the full morning and early afternoon on the water, leaving the rest of your day free for a late lunch in Demre or a return to your hotel. If you need a shorter outing or have evening plans, a full-day private boat tour is not the fit; if you want to snorkel multiple bays without the logistics of arranging transport and stops yourself, this one holds the day together.