From Ucagiz: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat

Exploring Kekova by Boat: An Authentic Day Trip from Ucagiz

This boat tour from Ucagiz to Kekova offers an engaging way to experience Turkey’s stunning coastlines, ancient sunken ruins, and crystal-clear waters—all in one memorable day. Whether you’re a history buff, a sun seeker, or someone looking for a relaxing escape, this trip packs in plenty of highlights. The fact that it’s rated a perfect 5.0 by recent travelers speaks volumes about its appeal.

What we particularly love about this experience is the balance it strikes between adventure, culture, and comfort. The stops for swimming in beautiful bays, combined with a fascinating exploration of the famous Sunken City, make it a well-rounded outing. Plus, the inclusion of a hearty lunch and soft drinks adds value, especially considering the reasonable price of around $58 per person.

One potential consideration is the tour’s pace—if you prefer very slow, leisure-focused days or want to explore every site on foot, this might feel a bit packed. But for those who enjoy a dynamic, activity-filled day with plenty of water-based fun, it’s ideal. This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, immersive day on the water without the hassle of planning each stop themselves.

Key Points

Beautiful swimming spots in Aquari Bay, Burc Bay, Gökaya Bay, and Esmeralda Bay.
Fascinating history with the Sunken City of Kekova and the Castle of Simena.
Delicious included lunch and regional treats, with fresh water showers available after swimming.
Flexible itinerary with stops for sightseeing, swimming, and exploring local villages.
Excellent value at just under $60, considering all included activities and the experience’s quality.
Small group atmosphere (up to 55 travelers), making it easier to enjoy personalized moments.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Ucagiz: Starting Point and Departure

The adventure begins in Ucagiz Village, a charming spot with traditional charm and a lively harbor. You’ll meet your boat in the morning, around 10:20-10:40 am, ready for a day on the water. It’s a good idea to arrive a little early to settle in and get a first glance at the vibrant harbor scene. The group is small enough (max 55 travelers) to keep the experience intimate without feeling crowded.

Aquarium Bay: The First Swim

Your first stop is Aquarium Bay, a picturesque inlet perfect for cooling off. The bay’s clear waters and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal spot for a refreshing swim. The tour includes a generous 1-hour 15-minute break here, giving enough time for multiple dips, lounging, or just soaking up the sun. A bonus is the Turkish tea and biscuits served onboard, which adds a lovely local touch—perfect for relaxing after your swim.

Kekova and the Sunken City

Next, you’ll glide past Kekova’s famous underwater ruins, the submerged remains of Dolchiste, which sank after a quake in the 2nd century. The boat cruise offers a fantastic vantage point to see these relics—no need to snorkel or dive unless you want to, as the views from the boat are impressive enough. It’s a visual history lesson that’s accessible and fascinating for all ages.

Kekova Island: A Protected Area

Cruising alongside Kekova Island’s ruins means you get plenty of photo opportunities without disturbing the site—swimming here isn’t permitted to preserve its delicate condition. Travelers often appreciate the chance to capture stunning photos of the ancient stones against the blue sea, making it a highlight of the day.

Burç Bay: Cold Spring Refresh

The next swim stop is Burç Bay, known for its cooler waters thanks to natural underwater springs. This natural phenomenon adds a unique twist to your cooling-off session. With about 1 hour and 15 minutes allocated for swimming and relaxing, it’s a refreshing change of scenery after the first bay.

Gökaya Bay: Lunch and Water Sports

Gökaya Bay is the day’s culinary highlight, with a well-cooked, regional-style lunch served onboard. It’s a moment to relax, refuel, and enjoy the stunning surroundings. After lunch, many guests opt for a quick swim or participate in water sports offered in the bay—adding an element of excitement to the trip.

Esmeralda Bay: Peaceful Swimming

This tranquil bay is perfect for a laid-back swim, where you can unwind and enjoy the serene waters. It’s the ideal spot to relax before heading to the next adventure.

Castle of Simena and Kaleköy

The boat anchors in Kaleköy (ancient Simena) for about 45 minutes. Here, visitors can explore the village’s narrow streets, castle ruins, and necropolis. Although there’s an entrance fee for the castle, many choose to just stroll around and soak in the authentic atmosphere, or take another dip in the water if time permits.

Sunken City Ruins and Views from Above

A short hike up the hillside provides outstanding panoramic views of the Kekova region, with the sunken ruins visible beneath. Alternatively, you can relax and take one last swim in the blue waters or revisit favorite spots along the coast.

Return to Ucagiz

The trip wraps up back in Ucagiz, giving guests time to grab dinner or continue exploring the village at their leisure. The entire journey lasts roughly 7 hours, making it a full but manageable day of adventure.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

This tour is praised for its beautiful scenery and delicious food, with reviewers highlighting the quality of the lunch and the clear, inviting waters for swimming. The boat’s onboard fresh water showers are a thoughtful touch after long dips, helping you stay comfortable and refreshed.

One traveler shared, “Good food and nice presentation about the region’s historical heritage. Also enough time for swimming and boat has fresh water for shower after swimming,” illustrating how well the tour combines relaxation with cultural insights. Another pointed out that the swimming spots are “beautiful with clear blue water and ancient ruins close by,” confirming the visual appeal.

The Guide and Group Atmosphere

While specific guide names aren’t provided, the reviews suggest a friendly, professional crew that maintains a good pace and provides ample information about the sites. The small group size ensures travelers can enjoy a more personal experience, and the boat’s capacity of 55 travelers strikes a good balance between social vibe and comfort.

Value and Practical Details

At $57.88 per person, the tour offers excellent value considering the length, the variety of stops, and the included lunch. The fact that it covers multiple swimming spots, cultural sights, and provides free water and tea makes it a comprehensive package. Plus, it’s booked an average of 18 days in advance, indicating good demand and planning.

The tour operates from a convenient meeting point in Demre/Antalya area, starting at 10:15 am, and ends back at the same meeting spot, simplifying logistics. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with a moderate pace and a focus on water-based activities, making it great for families, couples, or solo travelers.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat trip is perfect for those who want a combination of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural discovery in a single day. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy being on the water, exploring ruins from a distance, and soaking up the sun in tranquil bays. The included lunch, fresh water showers, and small group atmosphere elevate the experience, making it both enjoyable and practical.

If you value authentic local touches, such as regional food and scenic views of ancient sites, this tour delivers. It’s a fantastic way to see Kekova’s highlights without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple excursions. However, if you prefer a very slow, flexible itinerary with more time on land, this might feel a bit fast-paced.

This trip offers a well-rounded, memorable day out that balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural intrigue—all at an accessible price point.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 7 hours, starting around 10:15 am and returning to Ucagiz by late afternoon.

How many stops are included in the itinerary?
There are ten main stops, including swimming in bays, exploring the Sunken City, and visiting Kaleköy village.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a generous regional-style lunch is included in the price, along with Turkish tea and biscuits at Aquarium Bay.

Are there any additional costs?
Entrance fees to the Castle of Simena are not included, so you might want to budget for that if you plan to go inside.

Can I swim at all the stops?
Swimming is permitted in Aquarium Bay, Burç Bay, Gökaya Bay, and Esmeralda Bay. Swimming is not allowed at Kekova Island to protect the site.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sun protection, a hat, and perhaps a towel. Drinks are included, but you may wish to bring extra water or snacks for comfort.

How many people typically take this tour?
Group size is limited to 55 travelers, making it a cozy yet lively experience.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s perfect for active travelers, families, and couples who enjoy water activities, scenic views, and a mix of relaxation and exploration.

What is the booking lead time?
Most travelers book about 18 days in advance, so plan ahead to secure your spot.

This Kekova boat trip from Ucagiz offers a lively, scenic, and culturally enriching day on the water. It combines the best of Turkey’s stunning coastlines, ancient ruins, and regional flavors—all in one accessible, well-organized package. Whether you’re after photo-worthy moments, a refreshing swim, or a taste of local history, this experience promises a memorable addition to your Turkish holiday.