Turquoise ruins feel otherworldly from a boat. I like how this trip layers Kekova Sunken City views with multiple swim stops, so your day does not feel like one long ride. I also like that lunch is included, and you still get time to stretch on several bays. One thing to watch: English support can feel uneven, and the day can run longer than the headline 7 hours once pickup and driving are added.

You meet at Aslar Turizm in Kaş, with pickup offered from the closest point to your accommodation. The outing runs with an English-speaking guide, and the group is described as capped at 45 travelers, which helps keep it manageable for a day on the water.

If you want sea time, bring swim energy, not just sightseeing patience. Also, the Sunken City is a protected archaeological area, so swimming or diving among the ruins is off-limits. Pirate Cave is a pass-by stop, not a swim stop, because the area is protected for Mediterranean monk seals.

Key highlights before you go

• Slow boat sailing past the Sunken City ruins so you actually have time to look
• Aquarium Bay swimming time in clear water with lots of visible fish
• Lunch at Gökkaya Plajı with chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads
• Optional Simena Castle access for the hilltop views, extra at 4€ per person
• Several short swim breaks instead of one rushed stop

Price and value for a full Kekova day from Kaş

At $64.88 per person, this is built like a “pay once, eat once, swim a few times” day. You get pickup service via an air-conditioned vehicle, plus lunch and admission tickets for the main stops. In other words, it is not just a boat ride where you later realize you also have to pay for everything.

The only common add-on is the Simena Castle entrance fee, listed as optional at 4€ per person. Alcohol and soda or pop are not included, so if you want drinks beyond water, plan for that.

Also, think about timing value. The tour duration is about 7 hours, but real door-to-door time can be longer due to the drive from Kaş and pickup. I treat this as a full day commitment, even if the boat portion feels shorter.

Kaş pickup, where you meet, and how the day starts

Your meeting point is Aslar Turizm in Kaş, at Bahçe Sk. No:1/I, 07580. It is described as being on the same street as the Post office (PTT), which makes it easier to find when you are navigating on foot.

Pickup is offered, and they aim for the closest meeting point to your accommodation. That matters because Kas hotels and guesthouses can vary a lot in street access, and a “pickup included” tour can still mean a short walk for some guests.

You will receive a confirmation at booking time, and you use a mobile ticket. That keeps the start smoother if you prefer not to juggle paper tickets during travel.

Aquarium Bay: short stop, clear water, real swim time

Aquarium Bay is near Demre on the Mediterranean coast, and the name comes from the underwater “aquarium” look. In practical terms, that means you get clear water and plenty of fish visible from the surface, even if you never put your face in the water.

You get about 45 minutes here, with admission included. This is the kind of stop where you benefit from being ready early. If you want a good swim, be ready the moment you are dropped at the bay, because 45 minutes passes quickly when everyone is changing, putting on goggles, and waiting for others.

One small reality check: snorkeling quality depends on conditions. Even on the same coastline, visibility can vary, and some bays are better than others for shallow viewing.

Simena Sunken City ruins: why the boat pacing matters

This is the star of the day. The Sunken City of Kekova is an ancient Lycian settlement that partially sank into the sea after seismic activity centuries ago. From the boat, you see ruins above water and additional structures below the surface, thanks to the clear turquoise water.

Important rule: this is a protected archaeological area. Swimming or diving directly among the ruins is prohibited, so you are experiencing it the right way, from the boat. The good part is that the boat sails slowly from this area, so you get enough time to look instead of just passing quickly like a transit stop.

Plan to bring your attention. This is not a “one photo and done” place. Look for the shapes: walls, stair-like lines, and the outline of older buildings that are still visible through the water.

Burç Koyu and Burç Castle: cool-water swim plus hilltop views

Burç Koyu is a scenic bay near Demre, known for clear blue water and a calmer vibe. Near it sits Burç Castle, with roots in the Lycian period and ruins that you can explore at the shoreline.

You have about 45 minutes at this stop, and you also get a short swimming break. Here is a useful detail for planning: because natural spring waters flow into the sea in this bay, the water can be a bit cooler than other swimming spots. If you get cold easily, you may want to manage your swim time accordingly.

The castle area gives you something different from the underwater ruins. You get viewpoints over the coastline and a chance to stretch your legs, which balances the boat time later.

Pirate Cave pass-by: you will see it, but not stop

Pirate Cave, also called Pirate’s Cave or Pirate Cove, is accessed by boat along the rugged coast near Demre. There is a legend that pirates used it as a hideout, which is fun background while you are cruising past.

But you should know the practical part up front: passing by without stopping is obligatory. The cave is protected because it is habitat for Mediterranean monk seals, so this stop is for viewing, not swimming.

Expect dramatic rock formations and striking blue water as the boat moves along. If you love seeing the coastline like a map in motion, this is one of those “sit back and watch” moments.

Gökkaya Plajı and lunch: the comfort break you need

Gökkaya Bay is a swim-friendly stop with clear turquoise water and sandy space. It is also where lunch happens. The timing is helpful: the crew prepares food while you refresh yourself in the water.

You get about 1 hour here, and it is admission included. The lunch itself is included and fairly classic: chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads.

This is a key value point. On many boat tours, “lunch included” means something small and forgettable. Here you get a proper meal that can actually fuel the rest of the day, especially if you have been swimming on and off for hours.

Simena Castle in Kaleköy: optional 4€ hilltop add-on

Simena is also known as Kaleköy, and the village sits in the Kekova area with strong views over the sea. The main feature is a medieval castle on a hill, with panoramic lookouts and ruins around it, including Lycian tombs and sarcophagi in the area.

You get about 1 hour for this, and the castle entrance has an optional fee listed at 4€ per person. This means you can choose based on your interests and energy level.

If you like ruins plus viewpoints, this add-on is worth considering. If you prefer pure boat time and swimming, you can skip or keep your time brief. Either way, Simena’s village feel and ice cream options make it a pleasant breather between water segments.

Adalar Bay swimming at Kekova, then back to Üçağız marina

After the Simena area, the tour moves to the last swimming spot: Adalar Bay. You get about 45 minutes here before the boat turns back toward Üçağız marina.

This portion works well as a final reset. You already saw the main Sunken City views, so the last swim feels like a reward rather than another task. Because the day has multiple water breaks, you are not relying on just one chance to swim.

Then you return to Üçağız marina, where there is about 30 minutes included. Üçağız is a small coastal village in the Kaş district, and it serves as the port for these boat tours. It is a nice place to breathe, especially if you want a smooth end to a long day.

Boat size, English on board, and how to protect your expectations

This tour is described as having a maximum of 45 travelers. That is a good anchor for planning.

Still, a practical warning I would give you: boat size can matter a lot for comfort and for how the English explanation lands. Some experiences shared with this tour note that you may be on a larger boat than you expected, and that English translation can be limited at times, with more of the explanation happening in Turkish.

My advice is simple and saves hassle:

• Check the boat size details when booking, not just the group cap.
• If you care about English narration, ask what language support looks like on your exact departure.
• On board, don’t count on a long, detailed commentary at every stop. Use the printed route time plus your own eyes to get the most.

For swimming, visibility can vary from stop to stop. If you have your own snorkeling mask and you like being in the water longer, you will likely feel more comfortable than waiting for ideal conditions.

Included meals and what not to assume about drinks

Lunch is included, and it is clearly specified: chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads. That is a straightforward benefit because it removes the lunch search stress in a place where you are spending the day on the water.

What is not included: alcohol and soda or pop. So if you want beer or soft drinks, plan to purchase those separately. If you only drink water, you are probably fine, but the tour data does not list water as included, so I would expect you to bring or buy what you need.

Weather matters more than you think

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are not right, the tour may be canceled and you would be offered another date or a full refund.

With sea days, you can only do so much planning, but you can do better with mindset. Go in expecting that the day depends on the Mediterranean that day, not on your calendar.

Who this tour fits best in Kaş

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A full day on the water with several swim breaks
• Sunken City views without needing to swim among the ruins
• Included lunch that is substantial, not a snack

It is also a good choice for couples and solo travelers, since the day is structured and you get pickup and return.

If you are very sensitive to tour timing, or you absolutely need consistent English narration with detailed explanations, you should think carefully. Also, if large boats would bother you, try to confirm boat size before you book.

Should you book the Kekova Sunken City Full Day Boat Trip?

Yes, I think you should book it if you want maximum “Kekova time” for your day, and you like the idea of seeing the Sunken City from a moving view that still slows down for observation. The mix of Sunken City ruins, aquarium-like waters, and multiple swim stops, plus lunch included, makes the value feel real.

I would not book it blindly if English support is your top priority, or if you want a small, quiet boat. If that matters, ask about boat size when booking and aim for departures where you expect a smoother language setup.

If you are flexible, this trip is exactly the kind of day that makes Kekova feel close, not distant.

FAQ

How long is the Kekova Sunken City full day boat trip?

The duration is listed as approximately 7 hours.

Where does the tour meet in Kaş?

The meeting point is Aslar Turizm in Kaş, at Bahçe Sk. No:1/I, 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Türkiye.

Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered. The tour notes that the closest meeting point to your accommodation is provided.

Is lunch included, and what is it?

Lunch is included. It includes chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Alcoholic beverages and soda or pop are not included.

Are tickets for the stops included?

Admission tickets are included for the listed stops such as Aquarium Bay, Sunken City ruins of Simena, Burç Bay, and Gökkaya Plajı ve Koyu.

Can I swim or dive among the Sunken City ruins?

No. Swimming or diving directly among the ruins is prohibited to protect the archaeological site.

Is Simena Castle entrance included?

Simena Castle entrance is optional and not included. The optional fee is listed as 4€ per person.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered with English.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the experience requires good weather.