From Ucagiz: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat

A full-day boat trip from Ucagiz to Kekova offers an engaging way to explore some of Turkey’s most beautiful coastlines and intriguing underwater sites. For $57.88 per person, this approximately 7-hour tour from Kas features frequent swimming breaks, scenic cruising, and a visit to the Sunken City ruins. The tour is ideal for those who enjoy sunny days on the water, historical sights, and relaxing bays. With a high rating of 5.0 from 2 reviews, this trip is praised for delicious food, refreshing swimming spots, and expert commentary.

A notable strength is the inclusion of lunch and free water showers after swimming, making the day both comfortable and satisfying. One potential consideration is the entrance fee for Castle of Simena, which is not included, so travelers should budget an extra expense if they wish to explore this site. This tour suits active travelers, history enthusiasts, and those looking for a full-day relaxing outing along the Mediterranean coast.

Key Points

• Full-day experience: Approximately 7 hours on the water from Ucagiz.
• All-inclusive price: $57.88 per person, with lunch and multiple swimming stops.
• Visit multiple bays and islands: Aquarium Bay, Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, Esmeralda Bay, and more.
• Historic highlights: The Sunken City and Castle of Simena provide a glimpse into ancient ruins.
• Frequent swimming opportunities: Clear waters and natural springs at several stops.
• Comfort features: Fresh water showers available after swimming, and ample time for photos and exploration.

Starting Point and Tour Duration

The tour begins at Ucagiz Village harbour with departures around 10:20 to 10:40 am. The entire journey lasts approximately 7 hours, making it a convenient full-day activity. The tour concludes back at the same harbor, leaving plenty of time afterward for dinner or additional sightseeing.

The Itinerary: Exploring Kekova’s Water and Land

This tour is structured around 10 stops, blending swimming, sightseeing, and cultural visits. Each stop offers a unique aspect of the region, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

Ucagiz Village Harbour: The Launching Point

The adventure starts at Ucagiz, a small village with a charming harbor. Travelers gather here in the morning, ready for a day of scenic cruising and exploration. The boat departs just before 11 am, and the relaxed pace allows for settling in while enjoying the views.

Aquarium Bay: The First Swim Break

The first major stop is Aquarium Bay, where a one-hour swim break allows for refreshing dips in the calm, picturesque waters. The bay’s setting is notably scenic, and Turkish tea and biscuits are served here, providing a nice break to enjoy the surroundings.

Discovering the Sunken City of Kekova

Next, the tour ventures to Kekova, home to the famous Sunken City of Dolchiste. Here, the guide shares insights into the history of this flooded ancient town, flooded due to an earthquake in the 2nd century. Although swimming isn’t permitted here, cruising past the ruins provides excellent photo opportunities.

Cruising Along Kekova Island

Since swimming is restricted on Kekova Island because of its protected status, the boat offers a chance to see the ancient ruins from the water. This allows passengers to capture images of the historic site without needing to get in the water.

Burç Bay: Cooling Off in Natural Springs

The next swimming stop is Burç Bay, where the cold underwater springs make the water feel cooler than the previous bays. This break is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, perfect for a relaxing swim or just enjoying the peaceful scenery.

Gökkaya Bay: Lunch and Water Sports

Gökkaya Bay provides a midday break with lunch included, offering an opportunity to dine on local cuisine on the boat. After lunch, travelers can choose to swim or try water sports available at this bay, making it a lively spot for physical activity.

Esmeralda Bay: Serenity and Swimming

Following Gökkaya, Esmeralda Bay offers a peaceful environment for swimming and relaxing. With about an hour at this stop, it’s an ideal location to unwind and enjoy the tranquil waters.

Castle of Simena and Kaleköy

The boat anchors at Kaleköy port for around 45 minutes, giving guests the chance to visit the Castle of Simena and explore the small village. The castle ruins and nearby necropolis are the primary sights, although the entrance fee is not included. Visitors can also take a quick dip in the waters nearby.

Sunken City Ruins from the Hillside

A hike up the hillside provides panoramic views of the region, including the Sunken City. This stop lasts about 30 minutes, and visitors can also choose to spend remaining time swimming in the waters for a relaxing end to the sightseeing.

Return to Ucagiz Village Harbour

After an action-packed day, the boat returns to Ucagiz around 3:15 pm. The ending point makes it easy to continue with dinner plans or explore more of the area, with no additional transportation needed.

Practical Aspects and Value

This tour includes lunch and offers frequent swimming opportunities in scenic bays. The free water showers after swimming are a thoughtful touch, enhancing comfort. The group size is capped at 55 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable experience.

The price of $57.88 covers most activities, but note that the Castle of Simena’s entrance fee is not included. The tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking and most conditions suitable for a wide audience.

Comparing Similar Experiences

Several other tours operate in the same region, offering shared excursions or full-day boat trips with similar itineraries. The main difference here is the affordability and inclusion of lunch, along with the highly praised swimming spots and scenic cruising.

Final Thoughts on the Ucagiz to Kekova Boat Trip

This full-day adventure offers an excellent mix of historical sights, scenic bays, and relaxing swims at a very reasonable price. Its high ratings reflect quality, and both swimming and cultural exploration are well balanced.

The trip is especially suited for water lovers, history buffs, and those seeking a leisurely yet activity-filled day along Turkey’s rugged coast. While the Castle of Simena visit involves an extra fee, the overall experience remains engaging and value-packed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour departs from Ucagiz Village harbour in the late morning, around 10:20 to 10:40 am.

How long is the boat trip?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, with plenty of time for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing.

Is lunch included in the price?
Yes, lunch is included in the $57.88 fee, offering a sit-down meal on the boat.

Are there swimming stops at all the locations?
Most stops, such as Aquarium Bay, Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, and Esmeralda Bay, include swimming opportunities. On Kekova Island, swimming is not permitted because it is a protected area.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
The Castle of Simena visit is not included in the tour price, so an entrance fee applies if you wish to explore the castle ruins.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic cruising, historic sites, and multiple swimming stops—plus the affordable price and lunch—make this tour a popular choice.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but active mobility may be needed for some stops, especially the hillside hike at Simena.

How do weather conditions affect this tour?
The experience requires good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for planning.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by SAILNSTAY, with phone +902428718810 and email [email protected] available for inquiries.