Kekova looks unreal from the water. This shared day trip from Kas pairs an easy schedule with included meals, so you can focus on the sights, not the hunt for food. I like that the tour runs on a recently built boat in a traditional wooden style, and I also love the way the captain and crew bring the area to life, including friendly, professional guidance from Captain Ergun. A possible drawback to consider: seating is reserved, and if you’re not in a full group you may end up sharing a table.

What makes this tour especially fun is how it mixes sun, swimming, and photo time with underwater ruins you can only really appreciate from a boat. You’ll cruise toward Kekova and Simena, stop at multiple bays for time in the water, and get a solid chunk of free time in Kaleköy to wander and eat ice cream. It’s offered in English with live commentary, and the boat trip is capped at a maximum of 100 travelers, which helps keep things organized.

Key Points at a Glance

• Lunch on board is included, so you’re not rationing your day to find a meal.
• A 24-meter traditional wooden-style boat (newly built) makes for a classic, comfortable ride.
• Stops are built around swimming and scenery, not just cruising past ruins.
• You’ll see the sunken Lycian city of Simena, plus underwater ruins near Tersane.
• Reserved seating keeps things controlled, and you can request shade when booking seating.
• Free time in Kaleköy lets you combine ruins views with real village life (shops, narrow streets).

Why This Kekova Boat Day from Kas Feels Like Good Value

For $78.02 per person, you’re not just paying for transportation. You’re paying for a full day on the water with a local guide, live commentary, and meals that carry you through the afternoon. That matters on Kekova, because once you’re out on the route, you’re committed to sea time.

The biggest value move here is simple: lunch is included, plus coffee or tea and an afternoon tea. On a hot Mediterranean day, that is what keeps the trip feeling relaxed instead of frantic. You’ll also be able to plan around swimming stops, since the schedule is structured for time in the water.

The other reason it feels like a smart buy is the variety. You get a mix of underwater ruins views, bays for swimming, and stops for history and photos without the stress of renting your own boat or arranging multiple transport hops.

Getting on Board: 24-Meter Traditional Boat, Live Commentary, Reserved Seating

This tour runs on a 24-meter traditional wooden boat, recently built in that classic style. That gives you the best of both worlds: a traditional look and layout, plus the kind of modern build you want when you’re spending hours on the water.

You’ll have live commentary on board from a local guide, which is key for understanding what you’re seeing. The underwater ruins around Kekova and Simena are not always obvious from a passing glance, so it helps to have someone explain what you’re looking at and why it matters.

Seating is reserved, so the boat doesn’t turn into a free-for-all. If you’re traveling as a family or small group, ask for the shade when you book seating, because you’ll likely be happier that way in the midday sun. One practical tip from real-world experience: the crew may contact you about seating in advance, around two days before your trip, which is how you lock in your spot.

Stop 1: Inönü Koyu for the First Swim and a Calm Start

The day starts at the Larsoy Travel & Tourism Office in central Kas, at Andifli, Liman Sk. 4 B. Departure is 9:30 am, and the cruise portion begins a bit after that, around 10:00, once everyone is aboard and moving out.

Your first real move on the water is toward İnönü Koyu (Inonu Bay), where you get roughly two hours total at this early stage. This is your “get settled, then get in the water” stop, and the water here is described as calm as the boat makes its way to the bay.

What I like about starting with a swimming stop is that it builds energy for the rest of the day. If you’re a confident swimmer, this is a great place to test the conditions. If you’re not, you can still enjoy the views and dip in more casually, since the pacing is friendly and not rushed.

Stop 2: Aquarium Bay at Kekova Island, Lunch on Board, and Turkish Flavors

As you approach Kekova Island, your second stop is the aptly named Aquarium Bay. This is where the water looks clear enough for you to see colorful sea life, and the stop is set up specifically for swimming in those calmer coastal waters.

Lunch here is not an afterthought. It’s cooked as part of the stop, and you’ll eat on board with a planned service, described as barbequed chicken along with Turkish salads and appetizers. If you’re the type who worries about “will lunch be good enough,” this is one of the reasons the tour earns top marks. Having lunch included means you stay on the schedule, and the boat keeps moving at the right times.

This is also where the day’s rhythm clicks. You swim, eat, and enjoy the scenery without having to hop off the boat to find a restaurant. For most people, that’s the difference between a tiring tour day and a memorable one.

Stop 3: Tersane Koyu and the Underwater Shipbuilding Yard

After lunch, the itinerary shifts into the “watch the ruins reveal themselves” mode. You’ll head to Tersane Koyu, tied to an ancient shipbuilding area. From this point, you start getting more of that wow factor as you cruise over underwater remains.

This section is about the submerged Lycian city ruins, left under the water after earthquakes in the 2nd century CE. While you’re on the boat, you’re also getting picture-friendly moments of submerged stone structures, because you’re close enough to make out details from the waterline.

One practical consideration: underwater ruins are best appreciated with a steady pace and multiple angles. That’s why this part works better on a tour like this than on your own plan where you might only pass once and miss the best view. If you care about photos, bring sunscreen and a cover for your phone or camera, because you’ll be in sea spray territory at times.

Stop 4: Simena Sunken City Ruins Photo Time from the Water

After Tersane, there’s more cruising over the famous Sunken City of Simena. You’ll get additional photo time, around 30 minutes at this segment, which is designed for sightseeing without dragging the entire day out.

This part is short on purpose, but it’s not random. The idea is to give you a concentrated window to spot the underwater stonework and take pictures while the boat is positioned for viewing. If you’ve ever been disappointed by a “you’ll see it in passing” photo moment, this schedule is trying to do it properly.

If you plan to take photos, keep your expectations realistic. You’re seeing ruins underwater, not a fully restored site on land. The best way to enjoy it is to focus on forms, placements, and the contrast between stone shapes and the water.

Stop 5: Kaleköy Village Free Time and Castle Views by Foot

The day’s land-based moment is Kaleköy, a village that is accessible by boat or on foot. After the cruising segments, you get about an hour of free time here, with options depending on how you like to spend your time.

You can browse shops in the narrow streets, walk upward toward the castle area for views, and photograph Lycian sarcophagi. If you want an easy break, you can also just relax by the sea and grab homemade ice cream, which is exactly the kind of simple pleasure that makes this stop feel human and not just historical.

A heads-up for planning: this segment includes time that is partly active. If walking uphill and moving around shops doesn’t sound fun to you, you can still enjoy Kaleköy from a slower pace, but wear comfortable shoes just in case you want to explore.

What’s Included (and What You Should Budget For)

Meals and drinks are where this tour does the heavy lifting. Included items are:

• Lunch
• Coffee and/or tea
• Afternoon tea
• Local taxes
• Local guide and live commentary

You should expect alcohol to be extra. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase, but they’re not included, and drinks in general are not included beyond the tea and coffee service.

If you’re traveling with kids, this matters too. A full meal plus snack-style tea breaks can keep energy stable. The tour notes that children must be accompanied by an adult, so plan adult supervision as standard.

Timing, Weather, and How to Make the Day Feel Easy

The schedule runs about 8 hours total, with departure at 9:30 am and return around 6:00 pm. That’s a long day, but the itinerary is built with pacing, so you’re not stuck on the boat for every minute.

Weather is important here. This experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. That tells you something practical: the route and the swimming stops depend on conditions, not just a fixed itinerary that never changes.

To make your day go smoothly:

• Use sun protection early, because you’ll get exposure on deck.
• Bring something easy for wet feet if you plan to swim.
• If you’re sensitive to heat, prioritize shade seating and consider a light layer for the later cruise segments.

Who This Kekova Boat Tour Suits Best

This shared Kekova boat tour is a strong fit if you want a classic day on the water without doing logistics the hard way. If you’re coming to Kas and you want something that feels scenic, social, and efficient, it matches that.

It’s also a good choice if you like structure. The stops are timed for cruising, swimming, and photos, plus the included lunch keeps you from scrambling later.

Where it may not be perfect is if you hate sharing space. Because it’s a group tour with reserved seating, your experience depends on where you end up sitting and whether your table setup works for your party size.

Book It or Skip It? My Decision Guide for Kekova

I’d book this tour if your priority is a full day that handles the big pieces for you: the boat ride, the ruins sightseeing, multiple swimming windows, and meals with lunch and tea included. At $78.02, you’re paying for convenience plus a guide-led story that helps you understand what you’re seeing in Kekova and Simena.

I’d think twice if your top priority is maximum flexibility. This is a structured tour, and parts of the day are tied to stops and sea conditions. If you want to choose your own timing minute-by-minute, you’d need a different style of trip.

If you’re on the fence, a simple rule helps: if you want the day to feel smooth, with no meal planning and no navigation stress, this shared boat tour from Kas is a very solid choice.

FAQ

What time does the Kekova boat tour depart and return?

The meeting point is the Larsoy Travel & Tourism Office in Kas. Departure is at 9:30 am, and the tour returns around 18:00.

Is lunch included on the boat?

Yes. Lunch is included as part of the tour, served on board during the stops.

What stops are included during the day?

The route includes İnönü Koyu, Kekova Island (Aquarium Bay), Tersane Koyu, photo time over the Sunken City ruins of Simena, and free time in Kaleköy.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English, and it includes live commentary on board.

Are drinks included?

Coffee and/or tea and afternoon tea are included. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase, but they are not included, and drinks are listed as not included beyond the included tea or coffee.

What is the policy if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.