From Kas: Day Trip to Kekova Island

Exploring Kekova Island with a Day Trip from Kas — A Thorough Review

A boat trip to Kekova Island from Kas offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and fun water activities. This full-day tour typically lasts around 9 hours, taking you through crystal-clear bays, past ancient sunken ruins, and into charming villages with commanding views. It’s a favorite among travelers looking for a relaxed yet engaging way to experience the coast’s highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple activities on your own.

What we love most about this experience is the variety of stops, especially the chance to swim in several bays with distinctly different atmospheres. The inclusion of a visit to the authentic village of Kaleköy (Ancient Simena) with its castle ruins and necropolis is a real bonus, offering insight into local history and culture. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is quite packed, which means early mornings and a busy schedule—so, this isn’t the trip for those seeking total downtime or very slow-paced days.

This trip suits those who enjoy a mix of adventure, culture, and stunning scenery. If you’re eager to see underwater ruins from a boat rather than diving, and love a healthy dose of swimming, this is likely a perfect fit. Families, couples, or groups of friends who don’t mind a full itinerary—and enjoy engaging with knowledgeable guides—will find this tour a fantastic value.

Key Points

• Stunning Bays for Swimming: Multiple stops like Aquarium Bay and Esmeralda Bay ensure plenty of opportunities to cool off.
• Historical Highlights: The chance to cruise alongside the Sunken City of Kekova and explore Simena Castle adds a layer of cultural interest.
• Well-Organized Tour: Pick-up and drop-off are included, and timing is carefully managed for maximum experience.
• Good Value for Money: At $70, the tour includes lunch and several swimming stops, making it a comprehensive day out.
• Expert Guides and Friendly Crew: Reviewers appreciate the guides’ knowledge and the staff’s friendliness, which helps bring the experience to life.
• Variety of Stops: From natural caves like Pirates Cave to lively bays like Gökkaya, the itinerary offers diverse scenery and activities.

A Deep Dive into the Kekova Day Trip

The Transportation and Start of Your Day

Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point, usually in Kas. The ride is straightforward—your transport will be outside Smiley’s Restaurant, ready and waiting. You’ll be transported to Ucagiz or Demre harbor, where the boat, typically spacious and well-equipped, awaits. From there, around 10:20 to 10:40 am, the adventure begins.

The early start is worth it because it maximizes your time on the water. Reviewers mention that the boat crew is punctual and friendly, setting a relaxed but professional tone for the day. The group sizes tend to be reasonable, ensuring everyone has space to move comfortably and enjoy the views.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Cruising Around Kekova Island is the core of this trip. You’ll admire the iconic Sunken City, which is best experienced from the boat due to its protected status—swimming here isn’t permitted, but cruising along the ruins offers fantastic photo opportunities. Many mention that seeing the submerged structures from the boat is both impressive and educational, with guides providing insights into how the earthquake in the 2nd century flooded the area.

Aquarium Bay is usually the first major stop, offering a full hour for swimming and relaxing. The bay’s waters are described as beautiful and turquoise, perfect for a refreshing dip. Reviewers note that the temperature here is warm enough for comfortable swimming.

Next, you’ll visit Gökkaya Bay, which is known for its natural springs, making the water slightly cooler—a refreshing change. Many travelers enjoy the variety of scenery, from calm waters to lively spots with water sports available at certain stops.

Pirates Cave is a naturally formed cavern that’s big enough to explore physically or admire from the boat. Its curved entrance makes it a photogenic highlight and a fun curiosity.

Gökkaya Bay is often paired with another swim and lunch break. At this point, you’ll have the option to participate in water sports, which many find adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

Gökçe Bay and Esmeralda Bay are designated for more swimming and relaxation, with Esmeralda often praised for its peaceful atmosphere. It’s a chance to unwind amid breathtaking scenery.

Kaleköy (Ancient Simena) is where the boat docks for about an hour. You can explore the small village, see the castle ruins, and walk up the hillside for panoramic views. Many reviewers highlight the authenticity of this village—no large tourist crowds here—featuring narrow streets, local shops, and the castle that’s perfect for photos.

The Lunch Experience

A highlight for many is the included lunch, which is described as delicious and plentiful. Some reviewers mention the quality of the food, noting that it exceeds expectations for a boat tour. It’s usually served as a buffet or set meal, with plenty of fresh options. The tour sometimes provides fruit bowls and snacks later in the day, which are appreciated after numerous swims.

Note: Drinks are not included, so bringing cash or pre-arranged beverages is recommended if you want additional refreshments.

End of the Day and Return

After a full day of swimming, exploring, and sightseeing, the boat heads back to Ucagiz or Demre harbor. The return trip provides more scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere as the day winds down. The entire experience wraps up with a return transfer to Kas, giving you time to reflect on the day’s highlights.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude. One reviewer mentioned, “The captain told us about each stop and gave us guide books in each language with more details,” which shows how well the team communicates and enhances the experience.

Many also appreciated the well-maintained, spacious boat, especially noting that it felt comfortable during the long day. One comment mentioned that the boat crew was punctual and friendly, making everyone feel welcome.

Swimmers particularly loved the variety of swimming spots—from the peaceful Esmeralda Bay to the more energetic Gökkaya Bay. The chance to see turtles was a bonus some travelers highlighted, and the natural caves like Pirates Cave added an element of exploration.

A few reviewers pointed out that not knowing the exact location during some parts of the trip could be improved, but most found the guides informative enough to compensate.

Practical Details & Value

Price: At $70 per person, the tour feels like good value considering the included lunch, swimming opportunities, and cultural visits. The all-day commitment means you get a comprehensive experience for a reasonable cost.

Duration: Nine hours sounds long, but the time flies with so many stops and activities. It’s a full day, so prepare for early mornings and some time on the water.

What to Bring: Pack comfortable shoes for the hillside walk in Kaleköy, sunglasses, sun hat, and towels for swimming. Don’t forget cash if you want to buy souvenirs or pay at sites like Kas Castle.

Limitations: The tour isn’t suitable for people with limited mobility or those who dislike busy schedules. Also, alcohol and pets aren’t permitted onboard, which is standard for most boat trips.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to combine history, stunning scenery, and water fun in one day. It’s ideal for families, couples, or groups looking for a relaxed yet engaging experience. If you enjoy learning about local sites without strenuous activities like hiking or diving, this tour hits the sweet spot.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

In a nutshell, the Day Trip to Kekova Island from Kas offers a well-rounded glimpse of this remarkable region. With its combination of crystal waters, fascinating ruins, and charming village visits, it delivers a memorable experience that’s both fun and educational. The inclusion of lunch, multiple swimming stops, and guided commentary makes it excellent value for the price.

The tour’s success lies in its diverse itinerary and friendly guides, which ensure you’re comfortable and informed throughout. It’s especially suitable for those who love water-based adventures and want to see the highlights of Kekova without the hassle of planning multiple activities.

Overall, if you’re after a day that blends history, nature, and leisure, this trip will not disappoint. Just be prepared for a full day out—and plenty of opportunities to relax, explore, and soak up the beauty of Turkey’s coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start and end?
Pick-up times vary depending on the season, but the boat departs from Ucagiz/Demre harbor around 10:20 to 10:40 am. The entire day lasts approximately 9 hours, returning to Kas in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Generally, yes. Children who enjoy swimming and outdoor activities will have a great time. However, it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues, as the tour involves some walking and boat boarding.

Do I need to bring my own food or drinks?
Lunch is included, but drinks are not. It’s a good idea to bring cash if you want additional beverages or souvenirs at the stops.

Is swimming in the Sunken City allowed?
No, swimming isn’t permitted in the Sunken City area due to its protected status. Instead, you cruise alongside the ruins and photograph from the boat.

How many stops are there for swimming?
There are several, including Aquarium Bay, Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, and Esmeralda Bay. The stops vary in water temperature and scenery, giving plenty of options.

Can I explore Kaleköy on foot?
Yes, the boat docks in Kaleköy for about an hour, allowing you to walk around the village, visit the castle ruins, and enjoy panoramic views from the hillside.

In summary, this Kekova Island day trip from Kas is a thoughtfully curated experience that balances natural beauty, historical intrigue, and genuine relaxation. With attentive guides, delicious food, and diverse stops, it’s a fantastic way to spend a full day exploring one of Turkey’s most scenic coastlines.