A boat day can feel like time travel. This private Kekova cruise connects Demre and the Kekova coast with big scenery, easy swim breaks, and history you can see from the water.

I really like the private setup, because you do not feel rushed. You also get the practical extras that make it a smooth day, like snorkeling equipment, coffee or tea, and snacks.

One thing to think about: parts of the route are view-only, and the protected Kekova island area means you cruise through rather than stop or swim there.

Quick hits before you go

• Private boat, up to 6 people: your group has the boat, not a shared scramble.
• Sunken city from the sea: dramatic views without dealing with crowds on land.
• Turtle time at Karemlik: you may get a chance to swim with or feed Caretta Carettas.
• Swimming breaks are built in: Aquarium Bay or Tersane Bay plus other swim stops.
• Simena Castle adds a climb: you get about an hour, with museum card entry mentioned.
• Peak-season strategy: the crew aims for less crowded swim spots when lots of boats are out.

Demre to Kekova by private boat, 10:00 to a late return

This is a full water day, starting at 10:00 am in Demre and returning to the same meeting point. The tour runs about 7 to 8 hours, so you get time to actually enjoy the bays, not just pass by them. It is also offered in English, and you get a mobile ticket.

For the price, it works out best when your group fills the boat to capacity. The tour costs $361.12 per group (up to 6), so if you book with friends or family, it can land in a very reasonable per-person range compared with many single-seat tours. For solo travelers, it is still a splurge, but the private format can be worth it for the control of timing and the calmer vibe.

Andriake Ancient City: your warm-up along Cayagzi Harbour

Your cruise begins in Cayagzi Harbour, the older name connection to what is called Andriake Ancient City. This is described as a natural harbor that saw use in Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times. It is a nice opener because it gives you context fast, without turning the day into a museum visit.

The stop time here is about 10 minutes, and the admission is noted as free. I like this kind of short start, because you are not stuck early on waiting for other boats or worrying about timing. It also sets the mood, you are already on the water, and you are moving.

Cruise-by Kekova: shipwreck vibes and no landing on the island

Kekova is an island off the coast near Kaleköy and Üçağız, and one key detail shapes the whole experience: you cannot stop at Kekova island itself. Because it is a protected area, the day is structured around cruising past the most important viewpoints rather than docking and exploring.

From the water, you may catch occasional shipwreck remnants tied to the ancient city mentioned as Dolkisthe, destroyed by earthquakes in the second century. The route also references Byzantine development and later interruption by Arab invasions, which helps you understand why the ruins you see feel scattered and layered.

On the north side near those shipwreck areas, the effect is subtle but cool. You are not landing, but you are still seeing the way the sea holds onto the past. And just to be clear for swimmers, the info states there is no swimming at Kekova island. You will get your water time later in dedicated bays.

Sunken City: turquoise views with a historical punch

One of the main attractions is the sunken city area, famous for the way the water looks and for the remains of an ancient settlement now underwater. Even when you already know the story, seeing it from the boat hits differently, because you watch the coastline and the sea line up into something you can almost read.

The day is set up for observation. Your schedule emphasizes cruising viewpoints rather than a land walk. That matters because it lets you enjoy the scenery without losing half your day to transit or ticket lines.

Aquarium Bay or Tersane Bay: pick your swim window

At this point, the tour starts giving you what most people actually want, time to get in the water. The plan includes a swimming break at either Aquarium Bay or Tersane Bay, with about 30 minutes of water time.

In peak season, there can be a lot of boats running similar routes. The crew says they try to find the best spot for guests and to choose less crowded locations when possible. That is a small line in the schedule, but it is a big deal. If you want a calmer swim, your best chance is to arrive when the crew positions the boat smartly.

You can also expect snorkeling. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so if you bring swimwear and you like short, refreshing water breaks, this section is where your photos and your enjoyment really stack up.

Simena Castle: one hour, real walking, and big views from above

After your mid-day water time, the tour includes Castle of Simena with a stop of about 1 hour. Approaching Kaleköy by boat, you see the castle walls above the shoreline, and then there is a steep path from the beach up toward the structure.

There is even a practical detail noted: if you want to rest your legs on the climb, you can try a famous ice cream (mentioned as part of the experience). That sounds small, but in a half-steps-up kind of place, it can help you enjoy the climb rather than just endure it.

Once you get inside, you come across the royal tombs. The info also points to a concentrated grave area called the Necropolis on the right. Entry to the castle is described as not included, and it mentions you can enter with a museum card. So if you have one already, it can save time and hassle. If not, plan for the possibility of paying for admission.

This is the part of the day that breaks up the pure boat-and-swim rhythm. If you like mixing viewpoints with short historical context, this stop is a highlight.

Tersane Koyu again, then Esmeralda Bay for a longer swim reset

The route includes another option-focused stop at Tersane Koyu, again offering either a swim break in Tersane Bay or Aquarium Bay, with about 30 minutes available. The goal stays the same: less crowded water when boats are multiplying in high season.

Then there is Esmeralda Bay, scheduled for about 1 hour. This is described as a nice little bay where you can swim and fresh up. I like that the schedule includes a longer bay block here, because it gives you flexibility. If you want a second snorkeling try, or you just want time to float and recharge your legs after the castle climb, this slot makes it easier.

Burc Bay: clearest water and the white sand illusion

Next is Burc Bay, listed at about 1 hour. The description focuses on clarity: it is called one of the clearest bays in the Kekova region, and the explanation is that sea shells break down into fine material, giving the water a white-sand look.

This is one of those stops where you do not need a long story to enjoy it. When visibility is that good, the bay itself becomes the attraction. Snorkel if you feel like it, or just let your eyes do the work.

The schedule notes admission is not included here. There is no further detail about what admission is needed, so treat it as a possible paid site and plan accordingly. If you want to avoid surprises, it is worth checking whether this stop requires any separate fee on the day.

Gokkaya: natural swimming break and Pirates Cave

You then move to Gokkaya PlajI ve Koyu, a natural bay where all boats stop for a swimming break. The time here is about 1 hour, and after swimming you will visit Pirates Cave.

Pirates Cave is not described in detail in the provided info, so the best way to think of it is as a short add-on tied to the scenic coastline experience. What matters is that this stop gives you both water time and a bit of variety before the last stretch of the day.

Karemlik Bay and the Caretta Carettas: swim or feed time

The final major stop is Karemlik Bay and Beach, located opposite the start point. The key detail is that Karemlik is famous for Caretta Carettas (loggerhead sea turtles).

You are told you have a chance to swim with them or feed them. In practice, feeding wildlife can involve strict rules in places like this, so you will want to follow the crew’s lead on what is allowed and how close you should get.

This is where the private format can really pay off. If there is a turtle sighting and you have a calm captain who positions the boat well, the experience feels more personal. If not, you still get a last bay with a strong chance of wildlife viewing because this area is specifically known for them in the tour info.

After this, the remaining time is allocated to travel back to the start area.

What you get, what you pay for, and what to bring

This tour includes:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Coffee and/or tea
• Snacks

It does not list:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Lunch
• Soda or pop
• Bottled water

Now, here is the practical part. Even though lunch is not listed as included, multiple write-ups mention the captain cooking a lunch on the boat. So the best move is simple: ask whether lunch is served for your date. That way you do not end up hungry or assuming something that is not guaranteed in the booking details.

Because bottled water is not included, plan ahead. Bring a reusable bottle if you can, or buy water near the meeting area. Also, pack sunscreen and a hat, since much of the day is out on the water, and it is a long time to reapply later if you only have what you brought.

For swimming days, also bring:

• A quick-dry towel
• Swimwear you can stand wearing in waves
• Water shoes or sandals with grip, if you like extra footing on boat steps

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking something ahead of time. You are on the sea for much of the day.

Price and value: is $361.12 per group worth it?

At $361.12 per group up to 6, value depends on how you plan to travel. If you book with friends, the per-person cost shrinks quickly, and you are basically paying for a private day with snorkeling gear and multiple swim breaks. You are also paying for time, because 7 to 8 hours lets you enjoy bays like Burc and Gokkaya instead of rushing between them.

What you are not paying for in the baseline price is lunch, drinks, and some admissions. Simena Castle is marked as not included, and some other stops also note admission not included. That is not a dealbreaker, but it matters for budgeting so you do not get surprised mid-day.

In my eyes, the best value here is the combination of:

• Private boat control
• Multiple swimming and snorkeling windows
• Signature Kekova viewpoints plus the Simena Castle add-on

If that matches your idea of a perfect day, it is a strong choice.

Who should book this private Kekova boat tour?

I think it suits you best if you want:

• A calmer day on the water, not a shared group sprint
• Real swim time in multiple bays
• A mix of boat viewpoints and one real walking stop at Simena Castle
• The chance to see turtles at Karemlik

It might be less ideal if you want to spend lots of time on land exploring lots of stops. Kekova island itself is view-only, and the day is structured around cruising and bay breaks rather than extended walking tours.

Also, if you travel as a couple or family, the private setup usually feels easier than squeezing into a crowded boat. This is listed as allowing service animals, and most travelers can participate, but there is no deeper accessibility detail provided.

Should you book this Demre to Kekova private boat tour?

If your goal is a one-day “greatest hits” route, with snorkeling, multiple swim bays, and the chance to see sunken city views and Caretta Carettas, then I would book it. The private format helps keep the day relaxing, and the itinerary includes enough variety to stay interesting for a full 7 to 8 hours.

If you are trying to minimize costs, you should budget for possible Simena Castle admission and any other optional fees that may apply at certain stops. Also, confirm what happens with lunch for your date, since the booking info lists it as not included, while the boat crew has been described as serving lunch in some cases.

FAQ

How big is the group on this private Kekova boat tour?

This is a private tour for your group only, up to 6 people.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Where do we get time to swim?

Swimming breaks are offered in Aquarium Bay or Tersane Bay (you choose based on what the crew selects), and there are additional swim times at Esmeralda Bay, Gokkaya, and for turtle time at Karemlik Bay. There is no swimming at Kekova island, since the tour only cruises through.

Do I need to pay for Simena Castle entry?

Simena Castle admission is listed as not included. The info also says you can enter with a museum card.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.