Sunken ruins under crystal water is a rare kind of sightseeing. This Kaş to Kekova Island day trip strings together turquoise bays, the Sunken City ruins, and a relaxed village stop, all with food included on board.

What I really like is that you get lots of time in the water, not just photo stops. I also love that you see the Lycian and Byzantine story in layers, with ruins that feel easy to understand because you can actually see them from the boat.

One thing to consider: seating and timing can vary by departure, and a past guest noted they were assigned inside seating after booking online. If you care most about top-deck lounging, aim to book early and bring a towel so you can make the most of your swim breaks.

Key Highlights Worth Knowing

• Crystal-clear swim bays with multiple stops, so you can repeat the best water twice
• Sunken City of Simena (Dolchiste ruins) visible through the water, plus optional glass-bottom viewing
• Lunch buffet and afternoon tea served on board, so you can stay on schedule
• Simena (Kaleköy) village time for castle views and easy strolling around whitewashed streets
• No admission surprises for most stops since several parts are listed as free entry

Why This Kekova Boat Day Feels Like a Best-Of

This trip works because it keeps your day moving in a smart way. You spend the morning and early afternoon cruising between Kaş and Kekova Island, with frequent chances to swim. Then you shift gears to history, with the Sunken City ruins of Simena placed right where the water makes the sights unforgettable.

The day also has a good rhythm for real life. You do not rush through everything at warp speed. Instead, you get short, focused time windows at each spot, enough to explore, take photos, and then get back to the boat for the next bay. That mix is what makes the day feel full without feeling chaotic.

Price and Value: What $84.65 Buys You

At $84.65 per person, the main value is that the ticket covers more than just transport. You get a driver/guide, fuel surcharge, and landing and facility fees, plus lunch buffet and afternoon tea on board. That matters in Turkey, where a day at sea can turn expensive fast once you add meals and drinks.

You also get a lot of listed stops with admission tickets marked free for the bays and the Sunken City viewing portion. The only clear exception in the plan is Simena Castle, where admission is not included. So the structure is mostly “included experiences,” not “pay extra at every turn.”

On top of that, the boat format often means you spend less energy on logistics. You are not hopping between separate attractions with transport hassles. You just show up, step aboard, and let the route do the work.

Boat Comfort, Deck Space, and Seating Reality

This is a full day, so you want your boat experience to be comfortable. One big theme from feedback is that the boat is in good condition and holds a lot of people, which helps with comfort and deck access during cruising. Many guests highlight that there is space to relax on the upper deck with sunbeds.

One practical caution: a past guest complained they ended up seated inside after booking online, and they wished they had had a choice earlier. So if you care about being outside for the best views, treat it as a priority at booking time. Even if you end up inside, you still have frequent water stops where you can step out and reset your day.

Also pack for a wet day. Bring a towel. A few guests also noted water shoes can help, though they were not required. The simplest plan is to go light: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a bag that can handle salt spray.

The 9:30 Route: From İnönü Bay to Camlık Swims

The day starts at 9:30 am, and it runs about 8 hours. It returns you back to the meeting point at the end. The schedule is structured around quick transitions and swim windows, so you will be moving often, but not in a stressful way.

You also need to know that your departure point can sometimes differ depending on the day’s boat and route. One guest specifically mentioned leaving from Üçağız/Kekova harbor rather than Kaş, with a short drive involved. If you are staying outside Kaş, it is worth confirming the exact departure point when you receive confirmation.

Finally, English is available, and the tour uses a mobile ticket. For most people, participation is described as open, and there is a vegetarian option you can request when booking.

Stop 1: İnönü Bay and the Easy Canyon Walk

The first stop is İnönü Bay, where the water and scenery set the tone. The plan includes about 45 minutes, and there is an option to stroll toward a small canyon area. If you want an easy landing after boarding, this is a good moment.

The reason this stop works well is simple: it is calm and scenic, so you can treat it like a warm-up. You get time to look around, stretch your legs, and then you are ready for the next bay where the water is the main event.

Stop 2: Aquarium Bay, Why People Come for the Water

Next is Aquarium Bay in Kekova, a stop designed around the way the water looks and feels. It is described as crystal-clear turquoise, with marine life visible in the shallows. This is the kind of place where snorkeling or swimming turns into the attraction, not just a break between landmarks.

Expect a short visit, around 45 minutes, and use that time on the water rather than sightseeing. The bay earns its name because you can see fish and coral-like texture close to the surface, depending on conditions.

If you are sensitive to cold, plan accordingly. One guest noted April weather can be cool and the water can feel cold, even with a long, sunny day. The fix is basic: come prepared for a swim you might not love instantly, then you will still get the payoff once you are in.

Stop 3: Simena Sunken City Ruins, Seen Through Clear Water

The best “wow” moment in the plan is the Sunken City of Simena, also tied to the idea of submerged Lycian ruins. You are given about 30 minutes here, and the key is that the ruins are partially visible beneath clear water.

What you should picture: old houses and a Byzantine church area you can sometimes see, with the whole place shaped by earthquakes and the coastline’s long history. The tour description also notes you can view ruins via glass-bottom boat access, or you can snorkel or swim depending on how the crew runs the stop that day.

This is a rare type of archaeology. You are not just hearing about the past. You are watching it through the water’s transparency, which makes the story feel more concrete. It is also why this part is often what people remember most after the trip ends.

Kekova Island Time: Swimming Coves With Submerged Dolchiste Ruins

After the Simena stop, the route includes time around Kekova Island itself, where you can see submerged ruins connected to the ancient Lycian city of Dolchiste, often referred to as the Sunken City of Kekova. The dramatic part is that you can look down and recognize structures like stair-like shapes and building remains.

This is also where the tour balances history with your actual day. Kekova Island is described as rugged coastline plus lush vegetation falling into clear water. Translation: secluded coves where swimming becomes the default plan.

Use this portion for swimming and for taking your time with photos. When the water is calm, the ruins can look extra sharp. If the water gets choppy, you will still have the coastline views, but you might rely more on the stop focused on the Sunken City viewing.

Stop 4: Simena Castle Views and What You’ll Notice on the Hill

Then you shift from water to land at Simena (Kaleköy). The castle stop is about 1 hour, and Simena Castle admission is not included.

This is a sightseeing stop in the classic sense: you go up to the hill and you see the coast unfold below. The big attraction here is the panoramic view. Even if you are not a “castle person,” it gives you a strong sense of where Kekova Island sits in relation to the mainland and the sea.

Because the time is limited, move efficiently. Do not get stuck reading every sign. Walk far enough for a solid view, take photos, then return to enjoy the village stroll you have after this.

Stop 5: Kaleköy Harbour Stroll, White Streets, and Quiet Sea Views

Right after the castle, the plan includes Kaleköy harbour time, also around 1 hour. This part is more about vibe: narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and views toward the harbor and sea.

If you like small-town travel, this is the right place in the day for it. The village time also gives you a chance to recharge between swims, grab a snack if you want, and slow down without feeling guilty about the schedule.

One practical note: this is where you might want to plan around your energy. If you swim hard in the morning, this land time can feel like a breather, not a grind.

Stop 6: Tersane Koyu Shipyard Bay for Swimming and Coast Views

The next water-focused stop is Tersane Koyu (Shipyard Bay), about 45 minutes. The area is named for its shipyard history, adding an extra layer to the scenery.

What makes it appealing is the combination of rocky cliffs, clear turquoise water, and a sense of being off to the side of the main route. Some visitors also mention scenic trails in the area, along with views of Simena Castle above the bay.

Even if you only do a quick walk, the trail idea helps you understand why people describe the setting as calm. It is not just a swimming dot. The coastline feels like the main feature.

Stop 7: Camlık Final Swim Stop

Your last swimming stop is Camlık, again about 45 minutes. The description keeps it simple: tranquil waters and pine trees nearby. In other words, it is designed as a relaxing closer to the day.

By now you may be tempted to conserve energy, but this is still your chance to get one more swim before you head back. If you want to treat this as your best water session, do it here. You can also use it to cool off if the sun has been strong during cruising.

Food on Board: Lunch Buffet, Afternoon Tea, and Vegetarian Choice

Food is one of the strongest parts of this day. You get lunch buffet and afternoon tea included, and it is served on the boat. Several guests described the lunch as delicious and plentiful, with both fish and chicken options reported, plus salads and melon.

A small but real detail is how the day is paced around meals. You do not leave the boat to find food, and you do not lose hours to restaurant logistics. That is a big part of why boat tours feel “easy mode” when you travel with a limited time window.

Vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking. If you eat vegetarian, do not assume it will happen automatically. Send your request when you reserve.

Alcoholic drinks and drinks are not included, though non-alcoholic drinks and even water may be available for purchase, with pricing described as reasonable by guests. If you want soft drinks or coffee, plan to buy them onboard.

Practical Tips That Make This Day Easier

• Bring a towel, even if you think you do not need one. You will.
• Pack swim essentials before you leave the hotel, not after you arrive at the harbor. You want to be ready for the first water stop.
• If you can, choose a seat preference early. One guest reported being assigned inside seating after booking online, so do not rely on casual deck access.
• If you are doing this in shoulder season, remember water can feel cold even on a bright day. Prepare for it.
• Expect that the route may start from Kaş or from a nearby harbor like Üçağız, depending on the day’s setup. Confirm your exact departure point once you have confirmation.

Who This Trip Fits Best

This is a great choice if you want a single day that mixes:

• swim time in standout water
• real history you can see with your eyes
• a village with views, not a checklist of museums

It is especially good for couples and friends who want a relaxed pace. The maximum group size is 65, so you are not on a tiny boat with zero room. It also suits people who like being outdoors for most of the day.

If you hate boats, this might not be for you. And if you want very deep museum-style history, the castle visit and the ruins stop are short. But if you like history presented through scenery, this day makes sense.

Should You Book This Kekova Island Sunken City Boat Tour?

I think you should book this tour if your priority is water views plus iconic Sunken City ruins, with lunch and afternoon tea included. The price feels fair because the day covers multiple bays, gives you village time, and keeps meals handled.

Skip it only if you know you will be unhappy about seating variation and you cannot handle a day that is mostly outdoors and in and out of the boat. Also, check your plan if you are staying far from Kaş, since departure can sometimes involve a nearby harbor and a short drive.

If your travel style matches “see the best parts in one day,” this is one of the most efficient ways to experience Kekova without turning your trip into logistics homework.