Snorkeling in Kas: Private Boat to Kekova with Lunch

Eight hours on a traditional gulet: Kekova's sunken city, three bays, snorkeling gear and an on-board barbecue

A private full-day boat tour from Kas Harbour to Kekova Island and surrounding bays, with snorkeling in Aquarium Bay, kayaking, and a barbecue lunch on deck. The gulet stops at Kaleköy to visit Simena Castle if you want, then anchors off Yaglica Bay and Shipyard Bay for swimming and free time. An English-speaking skipper navigates the route; snorkeling equipment and lunch are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour to Kekova and bays

• Leave Kas harbour
• Stop at Kaleköy harbour to visit castle
• See sunken city and ancient ruins
• Anchor off Yaglica Bay
• Snorkel at Aquarium Bay
• Enjoy on-board barbecue lunch
• Swim, sunbathe, and sightsee at Shipyard Bay

The Experience

The boat leaves Kas Harbour in the morning and heads toward Kekova Island, where Byzantine ruins and Lycian ancient remains sit both on land and submerged in the water. You can stop at Kaleköy harbour to walk up to Simena Castle if the group wants to, though the main route takes you straight to the snorkeling sites. The skipper anchors in Aquarium Bay, where you enter the water with snorkeling gear provided and swim above the sunken city and its stone structures.

After snorkeling, the boat moves to Yaglica Bay and then Shipyard Bay, where lunch is served on deck — a barbecue prepared on board, with vegetarian options available if you request them when booking. You have free time to swim, sunbathe and explore the bay at your own pace. A kayak is included, so you can paddle out from the boat if you want a different angle on the water and the ruins.

The full day runs eight hours from departure to return. An English-speaking guide is on board throughout. All snorkeling equipment, lunch, coffee and tea are included in the price; alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately. Private transportation to and from the harbour can be arranged at checkout if you need it.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear and kayak.
• on-board barbecue lunch with vegetarian option available.
• coffee and tea.
• English-speaking skipper.
• all taxes and fees.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by BoatTripTurkey / Travel & Yachting

Is this one for you?The boat moves at a leisurely pace with plenty of time anchored in the bays, so it suits anyone who wants a full day on the water without rushing between stops. If you need transportation from your hotel to Kas Harbour, you can add private pickup at checkout.

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Top questions

What is the sunken city at Kekova that we'll snorkel above?

Kekova Island holds the remains of a Lycian settlement from ancient times, along with a Byzantine church. The ruins sit both on the island itself and submerged in the shallow water where you snorkel, so you see the stone structures underwater as you swim.

How much time do we actually spend snorkeling and swimming in the water?

The tour anchors at Aquarium Bay for snorkeling and then at Shipyard Bay for free swimming and sunbathing. The exact time in the water depends on the group's pace, but the full day is eight hours on the boat, with multiple stops built in for water time.

Is the boat ride rough, or is it a smooth, relaxing journey?

The boat is a traditional gulet, a wooden sailing vessel designed for leisurely cruising along the Turkish coast. The pace is relaxed — you're laze on deck between stops — though the sea conditions depend on the day and season.

Can we bring our own snorkeling gear, or do we have to use what's provided?

Snorkeling gear is included with the tour. You're welcome to bring your own if you prefer, but there's no need to arrange it in advance.

What if someone in our group doesn't want to snorkel or swim?

The boat stops at multiple bays and Kaleköy, so there's time to stay on deck, sunbathe and take in the views of Kekova Island and the surrounding coastline. Swimming and snorkeling are optional — you can enjoy the day at your own pace.

Does the tour include a stop at Kaleköy, or do we skip it?

Kaleköy harbour and Simena Castle are optional stops — the skipper will take you there if the group wants to visit, but it's not a fixed part of the route. Let the operator know your preference when you book.