Boat days in Turkey feel like free time. This Ucagiz to Kekova cruise turns a long, scenic coastline into a day of practical sightseeing, with built-in water breaks and onboard snacks. I especially like the way the itinerary mixes swim time with ruins you can actually see from the boat, including the Sunken City area. I also like the stop at Kalekoy (ancient Simena), where you get about an hour ashore to wander castle ruins and look out over the Kekova region.

One thing to consider: you’re on a boat for around 7 hours, and the day is built around swimming and sun. Also, the Simena Castle entrance fee (1 euro) is not included, so budget a little extra if you plan to go in.

Key things to know before you go

• One-hour swim break at Akvaryum Koyu, plus snorkel time and Turkish tea and biscuits
• Sunken City viewing tied to the flooded ancient city of Dolchiste after a 2nd-century earthquake
• Pirates Cave for a naturally formed cave with a big, curved entrance
• Kalekoy (Simena) one-hour stop, with castle ruins, a necropolis, and optional time for another swim
• Lunch plus fruits and morning snacks served during the cruise, so you’re not scrambling for food

Cruising Kekova from Ucagiz, the day that feels like a coastline highlight reel

The Kekova region is one of those places where you can spend weeks staring at the water and still find details. This is a smart way to see it in a single day, because the boat route is built around the most photogenic bays and the key historical viewpoints.

You’ll start from Ucagiz, then spend your time going from stop to stop, rather than commuting for hours on land. The result is a day that stays fun, even if you’re not a “museum person.”

And yes, the water time matters. This trip is clearly designed for people who want to cool off, snorkel, and take it easy between sights.

Finding Memedim at the harbor and getting your day on the right track

The day begins at the Ucagiz village harbor around late morning, with departures between 10:20 and 10:40. The boat name you’ll look for is Memedim, sometimes shown as Mehmedim3, captained by Mehmet.

What I like about this setup is that it keeps the morning straightforward: get to the harbor, find your boat, and you’re off. In practice, it helps to arrive a bit early, give yourself time to spot the right boat, and confirm you’re with the Memedim team.

Also, plan on a day where you’ll switch roles between tourist and swimmer. That means sunscreen and swim gear early, not after you’ve sat in the sun for 40 minutes wishing you’d thought ahead.

Akvaryum Koyu: the one-hour swim break that sets the tone

The first big water stop is Akvaryum Koyu, where you get about 1 hour for swimming and snorkeling. This is paired with welcome refreshments, including Turkish tea and biscuits, so you’re not just tossed into the sea and told good luck.

Akvaryum Koyu is also described as a picturesque bay next to Kekova Island, which is exactly what you want for a first swim stop. You get the payoff quickly: water breaks, views, and a calmer rhythm before the more “history-focused” portions of the route.

Practical tip: treat this first swim as your real chance to loosen up. If you go hard here, you’ll still have energy later for stops like Pirates Cave and the Kalekoy ruins hike.

Sunken City and Dolchiste, history you can spot from the water

After Akvaryum Koyu, the boat shifts to Kekova Island and the Sunken City area. There’s a short guided segment, plus sightseeing and scenic cruising on the way, designed to connect what you see with what happened here.

The key story is the flooded ancient city of Dolchiste, which was caused by an earthquake in the 2nd century. The result is underwater ruins that you can view as you approach the area, which makes the history feel tangible rather than abstract.

This is where the trip earns its “more than a beach day” label. You’re not just collecting photos, you’re also learning why the coastline looks the way it does today.

If you like your history with a view, this stop hits the sweet spot: you get time on the water and enough context to make it meaningful.

Burç Bay cooler water stop plus Pirates Cave, two different kinds of wow

Later you’ll hit another swim and snorkel stop at a spot known for cooler water due to underwater natural springs, often associated with Burç Bay. The set time window for this stop is about 40 minutes, so it’s long enough to enjoy it, but short enough that you still feel momentum in the schedule.

Cooler water is underrated on these trips. When the sun is strong, that temperature difference makes the whole day feel easier, and it helps you stay in the water longer without feeling wiped out.

Then comes Pirates Cave, a naturally formed cave known for its large size and curved entrance. You’ll experience it from the boat on a cruise-by, with sightseeing time to take it in.

What I’d do here is keep your expectations simple. You’re not walking into a cave complex. You’re viewing a sea feature from water level, so look for the way the cave opening frames the coastline and light, and take a couple of steady photos rather than trying to capture everything at once.

Gökka kaya Bay and Esmeralda Bay, lunch time and calm swim breaks

At Gökkaya Bay, you’ll get a lunch and swim break combined, with about 45 minutes. Lunch is served onboard, and this is one of those moments where the trip feels designed by people who know you’ve been out on the water too long to want a complicated plan.

Food details matter here. The onboard lunch includes meat grilled straight on the boat, which gives it that fresh, no-fuss feel. You’re also close enough to the action that you’re not waiting forever, then rushing back to the water.

You’ll also have the option to participate in water sports in the area. The exact activities aren’t listed, but the important part for you is the choice. If you want to do more than swim, this is where you can ask about it during the scheduled time.

Later you’ll move to Esmeralda Bay, where there’s another boat cruise stop with swimming and snorkeling for about 40 minutes. This leg tends to feel more relaxed, since you’re repeating a familiar rhythm: gear up, get in the water, and enjoy the quiet gaps between the boat’s travel time.

Kaleköy (ancient Simena) and the hillside walk with castle ruins

The standout land stop is at Kaleköy, the ancient Simena area. Your boat drops anchor for about 1 hour, giving you time to visit a small village with castle ruins and a necropolis.

You can spend that hour in two ways. First, you can do the short hike up the hillside for big views of the Kekova region. Second, if you’d rather keep it lower key, you can stay closer to the water and spend some of your time taking another dip.

This is also where the trip can be a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure moment. If you like easy walking with great payoff, go uphill. If you’re more interested in a swim and a wander around the village area, that works too.

Plan for the Simena Castle entrance fee of 1 euro, since it’s not included. You may also get a skip-the-line advantage via a separate entrance, which can save time when you arrive during peak hours.

On-board comfort, guides, and how to make the day easier

This is the kind of cruise where comfort affects your enjoyment, and in this case the boat setup seems geared for real chilling. One highlight from firsthand experiences is that the boat is big, with room both inside and on top, including mattresses to lie down and relax.

That matters. A day that includes multiple swim stops can leave you tired if you’re stuck standing around on deck in the sun. The “find a comfortable spot and cool down between stops” approach is exactly what keeps the day fun.

Guiding is another plus. The tour includes an audio guide in English and Turkish, and there are also live explanations through the guide team. Some moments can be more Turkish-led, but help in English can show up depending on the guide. Names you might hear include Mustafa, who is described as explaining well in English and answering lots of questions.

If you care about learning a bit as you go, bring your curiosity and use the guide time. That short guided viewing around the Sunken City is where you’ll get the best payoff for your attention.

What to pack for Kekova: your simple checklist

Since the schedule is built around swimming and snorkeling, pack like you mean it. Here’s what you actually need based on the trip info.

• Swimwear
• Towel

I’d also add practical extras, even if they’re not listed: water shoes if you prefer them, sunscreen, and a dry bag for your phone and camera. Your goal is to enjoy the swim stops without spending your day worrying about soaked electronics.

Also, keep an eye on shade. You will have a lot of sun exposure, and the swim stops are not constant. Having sunscreen and sunglasses will turn “hot day” into “great day.”

Price and value: is around $45 good for a 7-hour day?

At about $45 per person, this trip is priced like a straightforward day cruise, and the value comes from what’s included.

You’re getting morning snacks, lunch, fruits, and multiple swim and snorkeling windows, plus tea and biscuits during the first major swim stop. You’re also getting guided components tied to key sights like the Sunken City area, and audio guidance in English and Turkish.

If you compare it to the cost of paying for food plus trying to arrange a water-based day on your own, it usually works out well. You’re not just buying a ride, you’re buying time on the water with planned stops and meals that keep your day moving.

The only real extra cost mentioned is the 1 euro Simena Castle entrance fee. Add that to your mental budget and you’re set.

Who this trip fits best, and who should think twice

This day trip is a great fit if you want an active, scenic day without planning your own boat route. It’s ideal for couples, friends, and solo travelers who like snorkeling and want a guided history layer without sitting in a classroom.

It can be less ideal for people who don’t swim or don’t handle heat well, because the schedule repeatedly centers on swim breaks. If you’re comfortable getting in the water a few times and don’t mind sun time, you’re in the right place.

One more practical note: if you’re traveling outside the thickest season, double-check that your specific tour is running as listed. There have been situations where early-season changes led to different starting logistics, and the key is to confirm directly so you do not lose time.

Should you book this Ucagiz to Kekova boat trip?

Yes, I think you should book it if you want a single-day plan that mixes swim breaks, famous Kekova viewpoints, and a real village stop at Kaleköy. The combination of lunch onboard, snack service, and multiple water stops is what makes this feel like good value, not just a ride around a bay.

Before you hit the book button, decide if you’re comfortable with a day built around swimming and being in the sun. If you are, this is one of those trips where the “details” are actually the point, from Pirates Cave views to the Dolchiste story to the hour on the hillside at Simena.

And if your travel timing is in shoulder season or early season, do a quick confirmation. It can save you stress and keeps the day focused on the fun parts.

FAQ

How long is the Ucagiz day trip to Kekova by boat?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

How much does the boat trip cost?

The price is $45 per person.

When does the tour depart from Ucagiz?

Departure is between 10:20 and 10:40 am. Starting times can vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the exact slot.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a morning snack, lunch, fruits service, audio guide (English and Turkish), and snack or refreshments during the day such as Turkish tea and biscuits at Aquarium Bay.

Do I need to pay for the Simena Castle entrance?

Yes. The Simena Castle entrance fee is 1 euro and it is not included.

Where do we swim during the day?

You’ll have multiple swim and snorkeling opportunities, including about 1 hour at Akvaryum Koyu and additional swim stops such as the cooler-water Bay stop (around 40 minutes) plus Esmeralda Bay (around 40 minutes).

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

What languages are available for the host and audio guide?

The host or greeter is listed in English and Turkish, and the audio guide is also included in English and Turkish.