Kekova Sunken City Full Day Boat Trip

Highlights of the Kekova Sunken City Full Day Boat Trip

The Kekova Sunken City Full Day Boat Trip offers an engaging 7-hour journey through some of Turkey’s most captivating coastal sights. Priced at $64.16 per person, this tour is highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 from 24 reviews and is recommended by 100% of past participants. Starting from Üçaz, the tour combines scenic boat rides, calm swimming spots, and fascinating archaeological sites, making it ideal for those interested in history, natural beauty, and relaxing waterscapes.

The tour features multiple stops, including Aquarium Bay, Sunken City of Kekova, Burç Bay, Pirate Cave, and Gökkaya Bay. Each location offers unique attractions, from snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to exploring Lycian ruins and enjoying traditional Turkish lunch. The full-day format and inclusion of pickup and mobile tickets add to the convenience, though the tour does involve a significant amount of boat time and walking at some stops.

Key Points

• Price: Just $64.16 per person for a 7-hour experience
• Duration: Approximately 7 hours, including transportation and stops
• Stops: Aquarium Bay, Sunken City of Kekova, Burç Bay, Pirate Cave, Gökkaya Bay, Castle of Simena, and Üçaz village
• Highlights: Swimming, snorkeling, exploring ancient Lycian ruins, panoramic views, traditional lunch
• Booking: Includes pickup service and mobile ticket for smooth access
• Group Size: Limited to a maximum of 95 travelers, ensuring a lively yet manageable experience
• Rating: 5.0/5, reflecting strong satisfaction from past guests

Meeting Point and Logistics in Kas

The tour begins at Aslar Turizm, located on Bahçe Sk. No:1/I, Andifli, Kas. The meeting spot is on the same street as the Post Office (PTT), making it easy to find. The tour includes air-conditioned transportation to and from the starting point, ensuring comfort on the journey from Kas to Üçaz.

A notable practical detail is that the tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking and near public transportation options. The tour operates with a maximum of 95 participants, providing a lively group atmosphere without feeling crowded.

Exploring Aquarium Bay and Its Underwater Life

The first stop, Aquarium Bay, is famous for crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Its name perfectly captures the experience, as visitors can see colorful fish and sea creatures even from the surface. The bay features 45 minutes of swimming and snorkeling, with all admission tickets included.

Aquarium Bay’s striking rocky coastline and pristine waters make it an excellent introduction to the day’s marine activities. Whether you’re floating in the calm waters or observing sea life, this stop offers a peaceful start to the tour.

Discovering the Sunken City of Kekova

Next, the boat cruises towards the Sunken City of Kekova, a Lycia-era settlement that partially sank due to seismic activity centuries ago. The partially submerged ruins are visible from the boat, including ancient walls, staircases, and buildings. This archaeological site is protected to preserve its delicate structures, so swimming directly among the ruins is not permitted—but the boat offers a captivating perspective on this historical wonder.

The 45-minute stop allows travelers to observe the ruins from the water, taking in the scenery and imagining the ancient life that once thrived here. The view of the coastline and submerged remnants make this a highlight for history and photography lovers alike.

Relaxing at Burç Bay and Exploring the Lycian Castle

The third stop, Burç Bay, offers clear blue waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The bay is known for its peaceful atmosphere and is cooled by natural spring waters, making the water slightly cooler than other spots. It’s a perfect place to unwind and cool off in calm surroundings.

Nearby, the Burç Castle (Kale), dating back to the Lycian period, provides stunning views of the coastline. The castle ruins include walls and towers, and visitors can explore the hillside site at their leisure. The 45-minute stop here also includes a short swimming break.

Exploring Pirate Cave’s Mystique

The Pirate Cave, accessible only by boat, is known for its legendary history as a pirate hideout. Its dramatic rock formations and shimmering waters make the cave a captivating passagepoint during the cruise. Since the cave is a protected habitat for Mediterranean monk seals, stopping for a closer look is mandatory but limited to passing by.

This stop offers a glimpse into the rugged Turkish coastline’s seafaring past and provides excellent photo opportunities of the coastal cliffs and natural caves.

Lunch and Leisure at Gokkaya Bay

The Gökkaya Bay stop is a favorite for the lunch break. The 1-hour pause features a delicious Turkish meal including chicken grill, pasta with homemade sauce, and salads. While the crew prepares the meal, travelers can enjoy swimming and relaxing in the waters.

The bay’s turquoise waters and sandy beach make it a relaxing spot to refresh after the morning’s excursions. The admission ticket is included, and the setting offers a mix of water fun and culinary enjoyment.

Visiting the Castle of Simena (Kaleköy)

The Castle of Simena is an optional stop, located in the village of Kaleköy. Perched on a hill, the medieval castle provides panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. The site is home to Lycian tombs and sarcophagi, which can be explored at leisure.

While entrance fees are not included, visiting the castle adds a cultural dimension to the tour. The 1-hour stop is ideal for those interested in history and scenery, with plenty of opportunities to stroll through the charming village and enjoy local ice cream shops.

Final Swimming at Adalar Bay

The last swimming stop, Adalar Bay, gives travelers another 45 minutes to swim, relax, or take photos of the coastline’s rock formations. Known for its clear waters, this spot caps off the day’s water activities before the boat begins its return journey to Üçaz marina.

This leisurely break lets guests enjoy the last moments of their sea adventure before heading back to the meeting point.

Return to Üçaz and End of the Day

After the final swimming stop, the boat turns back towards Üçaz, arriving after roughly 45 minutes. The tour concludes at the same location where it started, with the opportunity to reflect on a day filled with stunning vistas, underwater archaeology, and relaxing swims.

The entire experience combines natural beauty with historical intrigue, delivered in a well-organized package with lunch, transportation, and guided commentary.

Final Evaluation of the Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip

This tour offers excellent value at $64.16, especially considering the inclusion of multiple stops, lunch, and admission tickets. The perfect 5.0 rating and positive reviews underscore its appeal—particularly for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, swimming, and exploring coastal ruins.

While some reviews mention a long duration and a mostly Turkish-speaking guide, the overall experience remains highly recommended for anyone seeking an active, scenic day with historical insights. The group size and organized stops ensure a balance between adventure and relaxation, making it suitable for most travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s stops involve swimming and walking, making it appropriate for most children, provided they are comfortable with boat rides.

Are vegetarian meal options available?
The provided menu includes chicken grilled and pasta, with salads. For specific dietary needs, it’s best to check in advance.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring swimming gear, sunscreen, a hat, and waterproof camera for capturing the scenery.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Is the boat capacity large?
Most reservations are for up to 50 people, but availability for larger groups exists; check with the supplier if size is a concern.

Are entrance fees for Castle of Simena included?
No, the castle entrance fee of approximately 4 per person is not included and is optional.

How much time do I spend at each stop?
Typical durations are 45 minutes at Aquarium Bay, 45 minutes at the Sunken City, and 1 hour at Gökkaya Bay, with similar time frames for other stops.

Can I snorkel or dive among the ruins?
No, swimming or diving directly among the ruins of Kekova are not permitted to preserve the site.

What is the total time on the water?
The boat spends about 6.5 hours on the water, with additional time for stops and lunch.

How do I book the tour?
Book via Viator through the provided link, with instant confirmation and mobile tickets for convenience.

This Kekova Sunken City Full Day Boat Trip offers a rich blend of scenic beauty, historical sites, and relaxing swimming spots, making it an engaging choice for exploring Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.