Kekova Sunken City Sailing Tour from Kas Marina

Summary

Private Day Trip: Sailing, Swimming & Ruins near Kas

Set off from Kas Marina with your own skipper and chef for a private sailing tour to Kekova’s sunken city ruins. Swim in quiet bays, taste homemade Turkish lunch on deck, wander Simena Castle village streets, and listen to local stories as you drift along ancient coastlines—moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the quiet — just the soft clink of ropes and the smell of salt at Kas Marina. Our skipper, Cem, waved us over with this easy smile and before I knew it, we were gliding out past fishing boats. The yacht felt bigger than I expected (Beneteau Oceanis 48, if you’re into that), and honestly, I didn’t have a clue about sailing but Cem made it all feel simple. There was coffee brewing below deck and the air tasted kind of sweet, like early summer.

We stopped first at İnönü Bay — there’s this little sandy patch tucked away where the water goes glassy green. My daughter squealed when she touched the cold water; I just floated for a bit, staring up at the cliffs. Then Aquarium Bay — which is exactly what it sounds like — so clear you can see every pebble. While we swam around pretending to be fish (badly), our chef Ayşe was chopping tomatoes for lunch. She let me try her salad dressing; it had pomegranate molasses and something else I still can’t name.

The main reason we booked this Kekova sailing tour was to see the sunken city ruins. Cem slowed down as we drifted past — he pointed out old walls under the waterline and told stories about earthquakes and pirates (I’m pretty sure he added some drama for my son’s sake). We docked at Simena Castle after that. The village is tiny but alive: old women selling ice cream from their doorways, kids waving from stone steps. I tried to order in Turkish — Li laughed when I tried to say “dondurma” right — but they understood anyway.

I lost track of time after that; there were Lycian tombs at Üçağız Village, more swimming at Tersane Koyu where the water smelled faintly of pine needles, then one last dip near Çamlık Bay before heading back toward Kas. The sun was lower by then and everything felt slower somehow. It’s strange how a day can stretch out like that on the water — you think you’ll remember every detail but some things just blur together in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kekova Sailing and Swimming Tour

• Meet at Kas Setur Marina
• Swim at İnönü Bay
• Swim and lunch at Aquarium Bay
• View Sunken City ruins
• Explore Simena Castle and village
• Pass Lycian Tombs at Üçağız Village
• Swim at Tersane Koyu
• Swim at Çamlık Bay
• Return to Kas Marina

Top questions

How long does the private Kekova sailing tour last?

The tour starts at 09:30 am from Kas Marina and returns around 18:00.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, a homemade lunch is prepared on board by your chef during the tour.

Do I need sailing experience to join?

No sailing experience is necessary; your skipper handles everything.

What are the main stops during the tour?

You’ll visit İnönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Kekova Sunken City ruins, Simena Castle village, Üçağız Village with Lycian tombs, Tersane Koyu, and Çamlık Bay.

Can children join this private yacht tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is available for use during swimming stops.

Does the tour include pickup or transportation?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet directly at Kas Setur Marina.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

The menu is homemade Turkish food; let them know dietary needs when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes private use of a Beneteau Oceanis 48 yacht with your own skipper and chef, all taxes and fees covered, homemade Turkish lunch served onboard (with vegetarian options if needed), afternoon tea or coffee whenever you want it, plus use of snorkeling equipment at each swimming stop before returning to Kas in the evening.