A day on the water in Kekova is pure Turkey. This private gulet cruise from Kaş mixes sunken-city sights with real swim time, plus a BBQ lunch you can eat while staring at the coast. If you want variety without feeling rushed, this one fits.

I especially like the private, family-friendly setup (your group only, up to 9), and the way the crew builds in time for water activities like snorkeling and kayaking.

One heads-up: drinks are not included, so if your group plans to have alcohol or lots of soda, budget extra on the boat.

Key Things I’d Plan Around

• Sunken city viewing from the water, plus chances to swim where you can see the ruins
• Kaleköy Harbour stop with an optional trip to Kaleköy and Simena Castle (admission free for the stop)
• Snorkel gear, kayak, seascooter, and an underwater camera listed as included in the experience features
• BBQ lunch on board, with coffee and tea included
• Small private group (up to 9), which makes it easier to get the schedule you want

A Private Gulet Day from Kaş That Feels Flexible

This is a full-day boat experience out of Kaş, timed to start at 9:30 am and run for about 8 hours. The big advantage is privacy: it’s a private charter, so you’re not sharing your schedule with strangers.

The feel of the day is relaxed. Reviews repeatedly mention a patient, helpful captain and crew, with plenty of time in the water and no pressure to hurry through stops. That matters in Kekova, because the best moments happen when you slow down, float, and look back at the coastline.

You’re also covered on the basics: a mobile ticket and a crew that handles the day end-to-end. Add in that the boat tour is family-friendly, and children must be with an adult, and you get a setup that works for mixed groups.

Kekova and the Sunken City: What You Really Get

The core of the day is seeing Kekova’s world-famous underwater ruins. One of the scheduled stops is centered on an island area where you’ll be able to spot the sunken city, along with Lycian-era ruins and a Byzantine church. Even if you don’t snorkel, watching the coastline from the boat gives you that wow factor.

The smart part is that you’re not just doing sightseeing from a single viewpoint. The experience includes snorkeling gear and is built around multiple time blocks on the water. You’ll get breaks to swim, not just one quick dip.

In the reviews, this is one of the most praised parts: people talk about clean water, stunning views, and enough swim time that it doesn’t feel like a checkbox. One review even notes that swimming was still possible in winter, which hints the tour is designed for real water time year-round, not only peak summer weather.

How to make the most of the sunken-city time

I’d treat the sunken-city segment as your “slow looking” block. If your group likes photos, use the time to position yourselves on the boat and choose the side that gives the clearest view for your angles. If your group wants snorkeling, go in when you feel ready for it, because the whole point is combining ruins plus water time.

Also, ask the crew about timing if you have a must-see spot. The vibe from reviews is that the captain adjusts the day based on requests, like adding time to climb at the castle stop or keeping swim time generous.

Kaleköy Harbour and the Simena Castle Option

Right near the start, there’s a stop at Kaleköy Harbour for about 1 hour. There’s an optional plan here: you can visit Kaleköy and Simena Castle if your group wants to. The included info says the admission ticket for this stop is free.

This is the one part of the day that shifts from water to land. It’s a nice contrast, and it also gives your group a chance to stretch legs, get out of the sun a bit, and do a short historic walk.

One practical note: because the visit is optional, you can tailor it. If your group is all about swimming and snorkeling, keep it simple. If half your party wants to climb a bit and see the castle views, use the hour well and plan for it to be the land highlight.

Snorkel, Kayak, Seascooter, and Underwater Video Moments

This tour isn’t just a ride. It’s an activity day that includes water gear and extras, including snorkel gear, a kayak, an underwater camera, and a seascooter listed in the tour highlights.

What this means for you is straightforward: you can do the version of Kekova that fits your energy. If snorkeling is your thing, you’ll have the gear and time. If you’d rather glide along the surface with a calmer pace, the seascooter and kayak help you stay comfortable while still seeing the coastline up close.

The reviews also add a fun detail. One highlight mentioned is that the captain filmed a guest in 4K drone video. I can’t promise that’s offered every day, but it tells you something about the crew’s approach. They pay attention to memorable moments, and they’re willing to make it feel special without turning the day into a hard sell.

A simple practical strategy

If you’re booking for a group, agree on a loose plan before you board:

• Decide who wants snorkeling first and who prefers later
• Pick one person to be in charge of timing so you don’t lose the group during gear changes
• Leave room for “just one more swim” because the best boat days usually include them

BBQ Lunch, Coffee, and the Real Value of the Private Charter

The lunch onboard is a big deal here. The experience includes BBQ lunch plus coffee and/or tea. Multiple reviews call the food fresh and very good, including praise for fish freshness and the BBQ meat.

That’s not a small thing. On boat tours, food can be the weak link, sometimes delivered like it’s an afterthought. Here, the repeated theme is that lunch is one of the best parts of the day.

Vegetarian guests also have an option. The provided info says a vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking. So if your group has mixed diets, you’ll want to handle that during reservation rather than trying to solve it on the boat.

Price check: $919.06 per group up to 9

At $919.06 per group (up to 9), the value depends on how full you are. If you max out at 9 people, you’re looking at roughly $102 per person for the private boat day with snorkeling gear and lunch. If you book with fewer people, your per-person cost climbs quickly.

So I’d think of this as best value for:

• Families who can fill a group
• Friend groups traveling together
• Anyone who wants a truly private schedule without sharing stops

And don’t forget the one drawback tied to cost: drinks are not included. Alcohol and other drinks are available to purchase, but if your group wants wine or cocktails, that will add to the final bill.

Who This Kekova Charter Is Best For

This is a smart pick if you want the Kekova highlights without the shuffle of a shared group. The private format gives you breathing room for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and optional land time at Kaleköy and Simena Castle.

It’s also a good fit for families, since it’s described as family-friendly and children must be with an adult. If you’ve got mixed ages, the activity list helps: not everyone has to snorkel at the same time, and the boat gives you a comfortable base when you need a break.

If you’re the type who loves water time, this is particularly rewarding. Reviews mention ample swim time, clean water, and stunning underwater views, which is exactly what you’re paying for.

Should You Book This Private Kekova Boat Tour from Kaş?

I think you should book if your priority is a private day on the water with real swim time, snorkeling gear, and lunch that actually gets praised. The itinerary makes sense too: you get sunken-city viewing, you get water activities, and you have an optional land hour at Kaleköy and Simena Castle.

Skip it or be more selective if your group plans to spend the day mostly on land, because the main magic here is the water. Also, if your group wants lots of drinks, factor that into your budget since drinks are not included.

If you want to play it smart: book early enough to lock in your preferred date, then communicate dietary needs (like vegetarian) during booking so lunch goes smoothly.

FAQ

What is the duration of the private tour?

The tour is about 8 hours.

How many people are included in a private group booking?

The price is for a group of up to 9 people.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?

You start at Boat Trips by Captain Ergun | Kekova Tekne Turu | Kaş Tekne Turu at Tekne Kiralama, Andifli, Liman Sk. 4/A, Kaş/Antalya. The tour finishes at Kas harbour.

What’s included with snorkeling and on-water activities?

Snorkeling gear is included, and you also get a kayak. The experience features also list an underwater camera and seascooter.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and coffee and/or tea are included as well. Vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking.

Are drinks included, or do I pay extra?

Drinks are not included. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.