Kekova Sunset Tour from Demre

Explore Kekova Island on a Private Sunset Boat Tour from Demre

The Kekova Sunset Tour from Demre offers an engaging and scenic journey along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. For $250 per group, up to 6 people, this 3.5-hour private boat experience takes you past some of the most iconic sights of Kekova Island, including the Sunken City and Simena Castle. Starting at 17:30 and ending around 21:00, it’s tailored for those who want a relaxed, intimate cruise with plenty of opportunities to enjoy swimming, sightseeing, and the sunset.

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of passive sightseeing—gliding past historic landmarks—and active moments like swimming in clear bays. The private group setting ensures a personalized experience, led by an experienced skipper, with hot drinks and fruits included. The tour is ideal for travelers seeking a flexible, scenic outing with minimal walking, but with an appreciation for immersive views and local history.

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Key Points

• Price and exclusivity: $250 for a private group of up to 6, offering a personalized experience.
• Duration and timing: 3.5 hours, with a start time around 17:30, ending by 21:00.
• Main highlights: Passing by Sunken City, Simena Castle, Pirates Cave, and Gokkaya Bay.
• Swimming and wildlife: Includes swimming breaks at Burc Bay and Gokkaya Bay, with chances to see sea turtles.
• Included amenities: Hot drinks and fruits are provided; skipper handles the boat.
• Not included: Lunch and additional drinks are not part of the package.

Departing from Demre Cayagz Harbour on the Boat “Ayla”

The meeting point for this tour is at Demre Cayagz Harbour, where the Ayla boat is docked. The boat is located in the river, close to the Uzun Ali cafe, making it easy to find. The private nature of the tour means your group enjoys exclusive use of the vessel, with no other travelers onboard.

The tour begins at 17:30 when the boat departs from Demre Harbour, heading directly toward Kekova Island. The skipper provides a relaxed, informative narration while guiding you past the key sights. Since the activity ends back at the initial meeting point, it simplifies logistics for travelers staying nearby.

Exploring the Iconic Sunken City and Simena Castle from the Boat

The highlight of this tour is the pass-by view of the Sunken City, a submerged town that gives a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past. The boat does not stop here but offers a clear vantage point to admire the ruins beneath the water.

As the boat passes Simena Castle, visitors get a chance to see the ancient fortress perched atop the hillside. While no stops are planned at the castle, its impressive silhouette offers great photo opportunities from the deck. This scenic cruise allows appreciation of these landmarks without the need for walking or hiking.

Visiting Pirates Cave and Gokkaya Bay for Swimming and Snorkeling

A key part of this tour is the swimming breaks at Gokkaya Bay and Burc Bay. The Gokkaya Bay stop is perfect for cooling off in the calm, turquoise waters, with chances to see sea turtles swimming nearby. The Pirates Cave is also visible from the boat, adding a touch of adventure and history to the experience, although the boat does not stop there for an inland visit.

These stops provide opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, making the experience active and refreshing. The guide helps with safety tips, ensuring everyone gets the most out of the water. The skipper manages the boat smoothly, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Enjoying the Sunset from the Deck of the Boat

As the cruise winds down, the sunset becomes the focal point. The boat’s design and route allow for spectacular views of the sunset over Kekova Island while gently cruising back toward Demre. This peaceful moment is highly praised, adding a romantic and memorable touch to the evening.

The timing of the tour, from late afternoon to early evening, captures the changing colors of the sky and the calmness of the sea, creating an ideal setting for photography or simply soaking in the beauty.

The Experience and Service Provided by the Skipper

The skipper leads the tour with professionalism and friendliness, ensuring a smooth ride and a safe environment for swimming. The English-speaking host makes explanations about the sights straightforward and engaging, enhancing the sightseeing value.

The included hot drinks and fruits are thoughtful touches that add comfort during the cruise, especially at the sunset hour. The private group setting means no crowds or noisy groups, allowing more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Practical Details: Booking, Cancellation, and Flexibility

Booking is straightforward through GetYourGuide, with the options to reserve now and pay later. This flexibility helps travelers adapt their plans without financial risk. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind should plans change unexpectedly.

Since the tour is private, it caters well to families, couples, or small groups seeking a customized experience. The duration of 3.5 hours makes it manageable for most travelers while still covering the main sights and enjoying the sunset.

Comparing this Tour to Other Kekova Boat Experiences

While many Kekova tours include stops at Sunken City and other landmarks, this private cruise focuses on passive sightseeing with no long hikes or inland visits. This makes it suitable for travelers who prefer a relaxed cruise without the need for extensive walking.

The focus on sunset views adds a special appeal, especially for those looking to combine sightseeing with a peaceful, scenic evening. The small group size and personalized service distinguish this tour from larger, more crowded options.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most?

This private sunset cruise is perfect for those who want a peaceful, scenic experience with personalized attention. It suits travelers who enjoy boat rides, photography, and swimming, and who appreciate stunning sunset views without extensive walking or complex logistics.

It is also ideal for small groups or families seeking a more intimate exploration of Kekova’s coast. However, travelers who prefer active inland excursions or full-day adventures might look for other options, as this tour emphasizes relaxed sightseeing from the water.

Final Thoughts on the Kekova Sunset Tour from Demre

The Kekova Sunset Tour from Demre offers a beautiful and peaceful way to experience some of Turkey’s most striking coastal sights. The private boat, led by an experienced skipper, combines scenic cruising, swimming, and spectacular sunset views into a compact, memorable outing.

While no stops are made at Sunken City or Simena Castle, the pass-by vantage points provide clear, impressive views, and the swimming opportunities enhance the overall enjoyment. The included drinks and fruits add comfort, and the flexible booking options ensure ease of planning.

This tour is well-suited for those seeking a tranquil, personalized experience of Kekova’s coast, especially if they value scenic views, water activities, and sunset moments in a small group setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include visits inside Sunken City or Simena Castle?
No, the boat passes by these landmarks for sightseeing, but there are no stops at these sites.

What is included in the price?
The $250 fee covers the private boat, skipper, hot drinks, and fruits. Lunch and drinks are not included.

What are the swimming options during the tour?
There are swimming breaks at Gokkaya Bay and Burc Bay, where you can enjoy calm waters and see sea turtles.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly guests?
Yes, the relaxed pace and minimal physical activity make it suitable for most ages, provided they are comfortable on a boat.

What time does the tour start and end?
It starts at 17:30 and finishes around 21:00, with the exact times depending on availability.

How do I find the meeting point?
The meeting point is at Demre Cayagz Harbour, near Uzun Ali cafe, where the Ayla boat is docked.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby