If you like history plus swimming, this day works.

This private yacht itinerary strings together Kekova’s best-known water stops with onboard explanations, plus real shore time at Simena Castle. You get a skipper and chef looking after the details, and the whole day runs from Kas Marina starting at 9:30.

I especially like two parts. First, the snorkeling equipment is included, so you can just gear up and go at the swimming breaks. Second, the rhythm is built around anchoring, so your lunch happens while the boat is settled and you’re not rushing through the day like a checklist.

One thing to consider: the overall price is high, because it is private and includes staff and meals. Also, Simena Castle admission is not included, so you may pay a separate entry fee once you’re ashore.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Private yacht day with skipper and chef on board so the route and pacing can stay comfortable for your group.
• Snorkeling equipment included for the swim stops in Inönü Bay and beyond.
• Kekova Sunken City Ruins of Simena viewed slowly from the water, with explanations during sailing.
• Simena Castle has 1 hour of free time, letting you wander the village area and take breaks for snacks.
• Multiple swimming bays across the day, with short, practical swim windows.
• Lunch plus afternoon tea and coffee or tea included so you’re fueled without hunting for food onshore.

Kas Marina to Kekova: why this route feels right

Kas is one of those places where the sea is the main event. You leave from the marina right in town, rather than doing a long bus transfer first. That matters because a sailing day already eats up your time, and the easiest win is getting on the water quickly.

What I like about this specific day is the mix. You’re not just doing bays. You also get a historic viewing moment at the Sunken City Ruins of Simena, then a land stop at Simena Castle. Even if you don’t care about ruins in the abstract, seeing them from the water gives the whole thing context, and it turns the afternoon into more than just swimming.

The other advantage is group size. The tour is private for up to 6, which keeps the boat experience from turning into a crowded scramble. For families and friend groups, that can be the difference between a relaxing day and a day that feels like work.

Meeting at Setur Kaş Marina at 9:30, then straight into the good stuff

Your day starts at 09:30 am at Setur Kaş Marina (Andifli, Uğur Mumcu Cd., 07580 Kaş/Antalya). The tour ends back at the same meeting point at 18:00, so you’re not piecing together transportation at the end of a long sea day.

The tour runs about 8 hours (approx.), which is just long enough to feel like a full day without dragging into the next day. You’ll have a mix of sailing time and anchored time, and that balance is practical. If you’ve ever been on a too-long boat where every stop is rushed, this pacing is the opposite. It’s built around stopping often enough to keep energy up.

Also, it’s worth knowing the tour is a mobile ticket experience. That usually means fewer printed items to manage, and it can make check-in smoother if you’re traveling light.

Inönü Bay swim stop: the first anchor and a quick land-on-the-water reset

The first stop is İnönü Koyu (Inönü Bay). You anchor for about 30 minutes, with a small sandy beach mentioned at the left corner of the bay. That matters because sandy shore is friendlier for people who don’t want to step straight into rock or ladder-only entry.

This is also your first real chance to settle into the day. You’re arriving fresh, and after the morning sailing segment, a swim break acts like a reset button. If you’re going with kids, shorter swim windows like this are often easier than “swim for an hour and hope for the best.”

Admission ticket is free for this stop, so you’re only paying attention to your own comfort, not to side fees.

Aquarium Bay lunch: food prepared while you’re at anchor

About 1 hour sailing from İnönü Bay, you reach Aquarium Bay. This stop is longer, around 1 hour, and it’s where lunch happens. While you swim, the crew prepares the meal, so you get a day that feels organized without feeling rigid.

Aboard-boat lunch is one of those details that can either make the day smooth or turn it into a waiting game. Here, the timing is smart: you’re already doing the swimming break, and lunch is handled without you needing to leave the boat, find a restaurant, and then come back.

From a practical standpoint, this is also the point where you’ll want to think about your energy. Bring sun protection and consider a quick towel dry if you plan to explore later. If you’re snorkeling, this is often a good time to do it, since you’ll have time to warm up afterward.

No admission fee is listed for Aquarium Bay, and the overall day includes lunch along with coffee and/or tea plus afternoon tea somewhere during the day.

Seeing the Sunken City of Simena from the water, at a slow enough pace

After Aquarium Bay lunch, the day shifts into the signature moment: the Sunken City Ruins of Simena (Kekova). Instead of rushing you to a museum, the boat moves slowly and you’re given explanations as you cruise past.

The stop time listed here is about 15 minutes, which sounds short until you realize what makes it valuable. The ruins are meant to be viewed in context, and moving too fast would undercut that. A slow approach gives you time to look, then look again with the explanation in your head.

This is also why I like this kind of sailing tour. You get a “zoomed-out” view of the coastline and a “zoomed-in” view of the ruins, all without changing locations every hour.

Simena Castle: 1 hour to wander, snack, and take photos

After the sunken city viewing, you go to Simena Castle. You get 1 hour free time, and the tour description highlights a few ways to use it: exploring the village area, tasting handmade ice creams, and visiting the historical castle.

Here’s the practical consideration: Simena Castle admission is not included. So budget extra for the site entry fee, especially if you’re aiming to include both wandering time and the actual castle visit.

This is a great stop for people who want variety. Swimming is fun, but it’s also repetitive if you’re doing it for hours. A land hour gives your body a break from saltwater and helps everyone switch gears, from kids burning energy to adults wanting a bit of history and a few good photos.

If you’re sensitive to sun, plan to use that first half-hour to walk slower and get your photos done before you overheat.

Üçağız Lycian Tombs: a short history stop on the way back to the sea

After Simena Castle, you head to Lycian Tombs at Üçağız Village. The provided schedule doesn’t list a specific time block here, so think of it as an included stop rather than a major standalone activity.

Still, this is a meaningful add-on. You’re already in the region for ancient ruins and castle remains, and the Lycian tombs connect the dots to the broader story of who lived along this coast and why the landscape mattered.

If you’re traveling with mixed interests, this kind of “small extra” stop often works well, because it adds context without dominating the whole afternoon.

Tersane Koyu and Çamlık Bay: the day finishes with more water time

Your third swimming break is Tersane Koyu, where you anchor for 30 minutes. The swim window is short on purpose, which keeps the day moving and helps everyone stay comfortable. Admission ticket is free for this stop.

After that, you sail about 1 hour toward Çamlık Bay near Kas and then get another 30 minutes swimming time there (with 30 minutes listed and admission ticket free). This late-day swim is a smart move. By then, you’ve already had lunch and history moments, so the final stretch becomes the reward part of the day.

If you’re bringing a camera, this is often where you’ll want to slow down. Light can look different later in the day, and the coast feels calmer when you’re not constantly switching activities.

Finally, you’re back in Kas at 18:00. Ending at the marina keeps logistics simple, and it means you can plan dinner in town without needing to reorganize transport after you’ve been out on the water all day.

What you actually pay for: value breakdown of a private sailing day

The price is $1,375.67 per group (up to 6). That’s the big number, so let’s translate what you’re getting.

Included:

• Skipper and chef as part of the private service
• Lunch
• Afternoon tea
• Coffee and/or tea
• Snorkeling equipment
• Taxes, fees, and handling charges
• Private tour for your group only

Not included:

• Drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Simena Castle admission

Here’s how I judge the value. You’re not paying only for a boat ride. You’re paying for a full on-water day of labor and food service. That typically makes this kind of private tour worth it if you’re traveling with a group that would otherwise need to buy multiple tickets and still end up spending time coordinating.

If you’re a solo traveler or a couple, you’ll feel the price more. If you’re a family of four or a small group, the math improves fast, and the private aspect matters because the day is built around your schedule, not a fixed shared-timetable scramble.

One more practical point: drinks are not included. So even though lunch is handled, you might want to plan for water, soft drinks, or alcohol purchases separately if you drink during the day.

Crew, comfort, and how to get the best experience

The sailing day lives and dies on the crew’s ability to keep things smooth. Past experiences with this operator have highlighted strong communication, with one common detail being WhatsApp contact to finalize plans quickly. I like that, because it reduces uncertainty before you ever step onto the boat.

On board, the service style comes through in how food and timing are handled. Many people emphasize that the lunch is a major point, not an afterthought. There are also mentions of extra photo support from the crew, including drone footage in some day-sailing experiences, plus waterproof action-photo gear like a GoPro in certain cases.

Even if you don’t care about drone videos, those details signal professionalism and attention to comfort. In a private tour setting, small things like clean setup, clear instructions for snorkeling, and a calm approach to driving the boat can make the day feel effortless.

For families, the best sign is this: the itinerary includes multiple anchors for swimming, plus a land stop with an easy-to-use “wandering hour.” That gives kids movement without forcing a long, boring stretch where everyone sits and waits.

Booking checklist: who this tour fits best

This is a smart choice if you:

• Want private sailing instead of shared group crowds
• Like a balanced day, with swimming, snorkeling, and historical stops
• Are traveling with a group of up to 6, where private pricing feels reasonable
• Want included food and gear, so you can show up and enjoy the day

It may be less ideal if you:

• Are trying to minimize costs and you’d rather do a shared boat with fewer inclusions
• Don’t want to pay extra for Simena Castle admission
• Prefer hotel pickup, since this tour starts at Setur Kaş Marina and doesn’t include transfers

If you’re already in Kas and you value time on the water, this tour format is the kind that feels like it respects your day.

Should you book this Kekova private sailing day tour?

If you’re the type who wants a day that mixes real coastal swimming with iconic Kekova sights, I’d book it. The schedule is set up so you’re not constantly traveling over land, and the inclusions are strong for what you’re paying: lunch, tea, snorkeling equipment, and a full staff team in a private group.

My main decision hinge is budget plus the castle fee. If your group is comfortable with the private-group price and you’re okay paying separate entry for Simena Castle, this is a top-tier way to experience Kekova without turning your day into logistics.

Go for it if your ideal day includes saltwater time, sun protection, and a history moment you can actually see from the water.

FAQ

What time does the tour start from Kas Marina?

The tour meets at 09:30 am at Setur Kaş Marina (Andifli, Uğur Mumcu Cd., 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Türkiye).

How long is the private Kekova sailing day tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and it’s prepared while you’re anchored at Aquarium Bay.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included.

Is Simena Castle admission included?

No. The tour notes that Simena Castle admission is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.