Kekova Island Sunset Cruise: Swim Twice, See Sunken City

Sip tea as you glide past Simena Castle and spot turtles in crystal bays

A 3.5-hour boat cruise from Demre Harbour circles Kekova Island, passing Simena Castle and the Sunken City while stopping twice for swimming, once at Kekova Island itself and again in Burc Bay. The boat returns at sunset, and an English-speaking guide narrates the route. Life jackets and hot drinks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kekova Island boat cruise and swimming

• Start at Demre Harbour
• Board the boat in Demre Harbour
• Pass through Simena Castle
• Pass through Kalekoy
• Pass through Sunken City
• Pass through Tersane Bay
• Pass through Kekova Island
• Swimming break in Burc Bay
• Swimming break at Kekova Island
• Enjoy sunset cruise back to Demre Harbour

The experience

The boat leaves Demre Harbour and heads toward Simena Castle, passing the ruins as you cruise along the coast. You'll see the Sunken City submerged offshore (the remains of a settlement that sank centuries ago), and pass through Tersane Bay and Kaleköy on the way. The route circles Kekova Island itself, where the first swimming break happens. The water here is clear enough to see down to the ruins below the surface.

A second swim comes later in Burc Bay before the boat turns back toward Demre. The return journey happens as the sun drops, so you watch the light change over the water and the coastline from the deck. Coffee and tea are available throughout, and life jackets are provided for anyone who wants one. The guide speaks English and points out what you're passing, though the stops themselves (the water, the ruins, the castle) do most of the talking.

What’s included

• Life jackets.
• hot coffee and tea.
• English-speaking guide narrating the route and the sites.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 16:00, 17:00 and 18:00

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Before Travel Agency

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to swim twice during the cruise rather than stay aboard. You'll spend roughly half the time in the water exploring Burc Bay and another spot, not just viewing from the boat.

Traveler reviews

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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 is the Sunken City and can you swim to it?

The Sunken City is the submerged remains of an ancient settlement visible underwater off Kekova Island. You can't walk through it, but you see it from the boat and can swim in the water above it during the Kekova Island swimming break.

How many times do you get in the water on this cruise?

You swim twice: once at Kekova Island and once in Burc Bay. Both stops are included in the 3.5-hour itinerary.

What happens on the way back to Demre?

The return cruise to Demre Harbour happens at sunset, so you watch the light change over the water and the coastline from the boat. The whole journey takes 3.5 hours from start to finish.

Is there a guide, and what language does he speak?

Yes, an English-speaking guide is included and narrates the route, pointing out Simena Castle, the Sunken City, and other sites as you pass them.

What's included in the price?

Life jackets and hot drinks (coffee and tea) are included. You bring your own swimsuit and towel.