Turquoise water and ancient ruins on one cruise. This Kekova Island tour from Kas mixes long deck time with Kekova Sunken City views, plus shoreline stops like Simena Castle that feel a lot more rewarding than a quick photo stop.

What I like most is how the day is built around your comfort. You get multiple breaks for swimming and snorkeling in clear bays, with life jackets and pool noodles onboard, and the crew keeps things running smoothly.

One thing to plan for: snorkeling gear is not included, and the historical narration can be more about pointing out sights than deep context. If you want extra time underwater, or a very detailed history lecture, you will want to bring your own snorkel set and set expectations.

Key things to know before you go

• Multiple swim and snorkeling stops with generous time in the water, plus an easy pace for non-swimmers
• Captain Ergün adds extra fun, including free drone videos or clips if you want them
• Kekova Sunken City by boat gives you the ruins view without needing long hikes
• Simena Castle and its stairs are worth it, but the castle fee is not included
• Lunch on board is a real meal, not a sad snack, with sides and dessert-style extras like watermelon and tea
• Bring your own snorkeling gear, since it is not provided

Why Kekova by Boat Feels Like the Best Kind of Day Off

This is the kind of day trip that works even when you do not want a packed itinerary. You start by settling into the boat routine, then the day keeps handing you new bays to swim in, plus a few historical stops you can actually enjoy instead of rush through.

Kekova is famous for its sunken ruins and protected shoreline, but the boat view is what makes it click. From the deck, you see the story of this coast in layers: sea, coves, and the remains of old settlements shaped by earthquakes and invasions.

You also get to do it from Kas, which is a practical base. It is an easy add-on to a Kaş vacation, especially if you want history but your biggest priority is time in the water.

Kaş Harbor to Your First Swim Spot

The tour meets near the harbor, close to the Larsoy Travel & Tourism Office, opposite the mosque. From there, you head out by yacht, with an initial stretch on the water that gives you time to get oriented and pick your spot.

Expect about 45 minutes of cruising before the first main stop. That matters more than it sounds, because you are not thrown into swim mode immediately. You can grab your sunscreen, get your swim stuff ready, and decide where you want to sit for the ride.

Onboard, the boat is reported to be clean and comfortable, with good facilities for rinsing off after swims. Seating varies by departure, but many people recommend the top deck area for the best mix of shade and sun.

Inönü Bay Lunch Break, With Real Time for Water Fun

Inönü Bay is your first big “get in the water” moment. The schedule builds in a long enough window for swimming and snorkeling, plus onboard lunch time, so you are not stuck eating while everyone else runs around.

You get roughly 50 minutes here. That includes time to enjoy the bay, swim, and snorkel if you brought (or bought) gear. The clear-water conditions are the point, and this stop is the one that usually sets the tone for the whole day.

Lunch happens onboard during this stop, which I love for one simple reason: you do not have to choose between food and views. The meals you get are repeatedly described as tasty and generous, and people talk about fish and other options like chicken or kofteh, with plenty of sides.

If you are a non-swimmer, look for the areas where the crew encourages everyone to use life jackets and pool noodles. That is how this tour keeps the water time friendly instead of intimidating.

Karakol Islands BBQ-Style Break and a Scenery Reset

After Inönü Bay, you cruise again, then reach Karakol Islands for a longer break that mixes lunch and relaxing. The timing is about one hour at this stop, and the vibe shifts from “swim and snack” to “hang out with a view.”

This is where you may see BBQ and more of the boat-meal setup, plus a chance to look around and enjoy the scenery on the way and at the islands themselves. If you love those travel days where nothing feels rushed, this stop is a big reason why.

One practical note: the day works best if you pace your energy. Swim earlier, then treat the middle of the tour as a recharge. Many people say the best feeling is stopping in a series of bays, rather than spending the whole day at one single location.

Kekova Sunken City From the Boat, Plus a Quick Reality Check

The Kekova Sunken City portion is one of the headline reasons to book, and the way you experience it is very “boat tour practical.” You pass the ruins and get guided info while you are still moving, which helps you understand what you are seeing.

This segment is about 30 minutes. That is not long enough for a long shore wander at a slow pace, so think of it as a focused taste: enjoy the visible ruins from the water, then use any short walk time to get your bearings and your best view angles.

What makes this part work for most people is that you can enjoy it without turning the day into a hike. You also avoid the trap of spending hours waiting on the shoreline while the boat does the real sightseeing.

If you want more historical context than you get, it is worth knowing the narration can be lighter than you might hope. I would still bring curiosity, but I would not count on a full deep lecture.

Simena Castle Stop: The Stairs, The Views, and the Extra Fee

Simena Castle is where the tour adds that “old world” feeling you cannot get from a boat window. The stop includes time on shore for walking, sightseeing, and time to swim or snorkel in nearby spots if conditions allow.

Plan for about one hour here. That usually means you can do the walk up and explore the ruins at a comfortable pace, but you should not treat it like an all-day archaeology visit.

A key detail: the castle fee is not included. So bring cash if you are able, and plan a little buffer in your budget for entry. People have flagged that having enough cash makes life easier at this stop.

This is also one of the better photo-and-view moments of the day. You look out across the coastline and understand why this region was valuable in ancient times, and why the villages cling to the cliffs the way they do.

Tersane Koyu and Üzüm İskelesi: More Bays, Tea, and a Late-Day Glow

After Simena, you cruise again and land at Tersane Koyu for another swim-friendly break. This one is around 45 minutes, and it keeps the rhythm going: boat time, swim time, repeat.

Then you head to Üzüm İskelesi for a final longer stop of about 50 minutes. This is where you get more free time, more time for swimming and snorkeling, and even a tea ceremony included as part of the experience.

I like ending the day like this because it gives you a second chance to swim without feeling like you already used up all your water time earlier. It also keeps the “vacation feel” going right up to the return cruise.

If you are sensitive to wind, note that the ride back can feel cooler once the sun drops and the breeze picks up. One review even recommends packing something warmer or at least an extra towel, and that is advice that makes sense.

Onboard Comfort, Food, and the Crew Touches That Make It Feel Worth It

The boat itself is often described as spacious and well maintained, and that matters for an 8-hour day. You are not stuck in cramped seating, and the layout helps if you want to move between shade and sun.

Bathrooms are mentioned, and showers for rinsing off after swims also come up in feedback. Those details can turn a boat day from messy to genuinely pleasant.

Food is a standout. Lunch is included, and the meal is repeatedly described as delicious, filling, and far better than what some people expect on day trips. People talk about big portions, sides, and later treats like watermelon and tea.

Then there are the extra human touches. Captain Ergün and the crew get frequent praise for professionalism and organization, and the tour is known for staying punctual and checking in with guests. On some days, Captain Ergün offers free drone video or clips if you want them, and his daughter has been mentioned for Polaroid-style photos. Those touches are not why you book, but they become the kind of memory you actually keep.

One more practical heads-up: snorkeling gear is not provided. You can sometimes buy it onboard, but if you have your own snorkel and mask, bring them so you do not lose swim time.

Price and Value: What You Pay, What You Don’t

The price is listed at $94 per person for the full 8-hour experience. When you compare this to shorter tours that only hit one or two stops, the value comes from the mix: several bays, a boat you can relax on, and lunch that is included rather than extra.

But you should know what costs extra. Drinks are not included, and castle fees are not included. That means your final spending can rise a bit depending on what you order on the boat and whether you need entry fees for Simena Castle.

Still, lots of reviews point out that food and included extras like watermelon and tea add to the overall feel of the day. Also, people like that the stops have enough time so you are not constantly bouncing without actually enjoying the water.

If you want to keep costs predictable, plan to budget for drinks and at least one entry fee, and bring your cash ready for the castle stop.

Who Should Book This Kekova Tour, and Who Should Skip It

This tour makes the most sense if you want a blend of swimming time and classic coastline sightseeing. It is a strong fit for people who like the idea of Sunken City views but do not want a full day of hiking and museum-style pacing.

It is also a good match if you want a relaxed group day with a competent captain and crew. The overall schedule is designed around rest breaks, swimming windows, and meals that keep you fueled.

It may not be for you if you have specific medical concerns. The tour is not suitable for people with heart problems, epilepsy, or pre-existing medical conditions. If that applies, it is best to choose a gentler format and check with your doctor first.

If you really care about highly detailed history, this is where your expectations should be realistic. Some departures focus more on guiding you to sights and keeping the day fun and moving. You can still get a lot out of it, just do not expect a lecture.

Should You Book Boat Trips by Captain Ergun?

If your goal is Kekova Sunken City plus multiple swim stops from Kas, this is an easy yes. The included lunch, the repeated praise for organization, and the sheer number of water breaks make it a solid value choice for an 8-hour day.

I would book it if you:

• want a boat day with several swimming opportunities
• prefer relaxing on deck rather than racing around
• like the idea of Simena Castle views and a short shore walk
• are okay planning ahead for the snorkeling gear situation

I would reconsider if you:

• expect detailed historical storytelling at every stop
• rely on included snorkel equipment rather than bringing your own
• do not want any extra costs for the castle fee and drinks

FAQ

How long is the Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites boat tour from Kas?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

What is included in the price?

Lunch is included.

What costs extra during the tour?

Drinks are not included, and the castle fee is not included.

Do I need to bring beachwear?

Yes, you should bring beachwear.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Snorkeling gear is not provided, so you should plan to bring your own or purchase it onboard.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting location is close to the harbor, opposite the mosque.

What languages is the live guide speaking?

The live tour guide is available in English and Turkish.

Is the boat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is the tour refundable if plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.