From Demre: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat

A Full-Day Adventure from Demre to the Enchanting Kekova Coastline

If you’re considering a day trip to Kekova from Demre, this boat tour promises a blend of history, scenic beauty, and relaxing swimming stops. It’s a well-organized experience that takes you along the Turkish Mediterranean coast, exposing you to underwater ruins, charming small villages, and plenty of time in pristine waters. With a high rating of 5.0 from 10 reviews and a consistent 100% recommendation, it’s clear many travelers find this tour offers good value and memorable moments.

What we particularly love about this trip is how it combines both cultural discovery and leisure. The cruise alongside the Sunken City ruins is a highlight, giving a unique perspective on history without even setting foot underwater. Plus, the stops at beautiful bays like Gökkaya and Karemlik provide ample swimming opportunities in crystal-clear waters, often accompanied by the chance to see turtles in their natural habitat. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that some sites, like the Sunken City, are protected areas where swimming isn’t permitted—so if underwater exploration is your main goal, you might find the viewing from the boat a little limited.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenic views, and water activities. Families, couples, or solo explorers looking for a relaxed yet engaging day on the water will find it particularly appealing. However, those expecting a semi-private, quiet experience might want to consider the maximum group size of 55 to ensure a more intimate vibe.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary with multiple stops, blending cultural, historical, and natural sights.
• Expertly organized with attentive crew and good organization, as many reviews highlight.
• Diverse swimming spots offering crystal waters and the possibility of turtle sightings.
• Affordable value, considering the length, food, and variety of stops.
• Historic highlights like the Sunken City and Simena Castle provide enriching cultural insights.
• Relaxing and fun, with options for hiking, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun.

The Full Experience: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Departure

Your adventure begins early, at Demre Harbour, around 10 am, with pickup and check-in streamlined thanks to the mobile ticket system. Traveling with a group of up to 55 people, you’ll find a lively but manageable atmosphere. The boat itself is described as beautiful and well-maintained, and many reviewers comment positively on the crew’s attentiveness—particularly Captain Ahmet, who is praised for being informative and kind.

The Journey to Kekova’s Sunken City

The first major highlight is the cruise along the fascinating Sunken City of Dolchiste. This submerged town was flooded due to an earthquake in the 2nd century, and while swimming isn’t allowed in this protected area, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to photograph the ruins from the deck. Travelers often find this perspective both impressive and eerie, with some noting that the area is best admired from the boat rather than trying to snorkel or dive here.

Many reviews praise the boat’s knowledgeable guides, who explain the history and significance of the ruins in clear, engaging language. As one reviewer put it, “The explanations in English were always clear and ready for questions,” adding that the guides’ insights make the experience even more meaningful.

Stop at Simena (Kaleköy)

Next, your boat docks at the small village of Simena (Kaleköy) for about an hour. This is a highlight for lovers of authentic Turkish villages. Here, you can hike up the hillside to explore the ancient castle ruins and necropolis, offering stunning panoramic views of the coastline. Admission to the castle costs just 1 euro, with some reviewers noting that the hike is well worth the effort for the breathtaking vistas.

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can also enjoy the waters below with a swim, as the boat remains nearby. Visitors remark on the freedom to relax at their own pace, whether exploring the ruins or lounging in the turquoise waters.

Exploring the Sunken Ruins from the Water

For those who prefer a closer look, the boat also anchors over the Sunken City, allowing a 30-minute swim to see the submerged remains up close. Many reviews mention the thrill of swimming in this beautiful, clear sea, with some even spotting turtles in Karemlik Bay, where the water is slightly cooler due to natural springs.

Lunch and Swim Breaks

The tour then heads to the bays of Esmeralda and Burç, famed for their tranquil waters and natural beauty. A traditional lunch is served during the stop at Esmeralda Bay, providing a well-deserved break and a chance to refuel. After lunch, there’s a 40-minute swim at Burç Bay, where the cool water from natural springs offers a refreshing contrast to the summer heat—perfect for cooling off and enjoying the serene surroundings.

Gökkaya Bay, perhaps the most famous stop, is where you’ll spend about two hours swimming and participating in water sports. Visitors note that the bay’s natural beauty is breathtaking, and many take advantage of the water sports options, which are available but not included in the ticket price.

Natural Cave and Karemlik Bay

Mid-afternoon, the boat cruise takes you past a large, naturally-formed cave with a curved entrance, perfect for photos and exploration (from the boat). Later, at Karemlik Bay, you can look for Caretta turtles, which are quite common here. The chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat adds a special touch for animal lovers.

Return to Demre Harbour

As the day winds down, you’ll head back to Demre harbour in the late afternoon. The journey back is relaxed, with plenty of time for reflection and capturing final photos. Many reviewers comment on the crew’s professionalism and the overall smooth organization, making it a hassle-free way to enjoy a full day by the sea.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and friendly crew, which elevates the experience beyond just a boat ride. The explanations about the history of the Sunken City and Simena Castle are considered engaging and insightful, turning what could be just pretty scenery into an educational experience.

The variety of stops is another big plus—each offers something different, from underwater ruins to charming villages to pristine bays. The flexibility to swim, snorkel, or simply relax in beautiful surroundings means you can tailor your day to your preferences.

Food and Value

The included lunch receives positive remarks for being tasty and well-prepared, with some reviews mentioning special dietary accommodations. Considering the length of the trip, multiple swimming stops, and cultural highlights, the roughly $57 price tag offers excellent value for a full day of activities.

Potential Drawbacks

While most reviews are glowing, some travelers might find the group size of up to 55 a bit crowded, especially in popular spots like Gökkaya Bay. Also, access to some sites, like the castle, requires a small fee (around 1-4 euros), which isn’t included in the ticket. The inability to swim in the Sunken City itself might disappoint underwater enthusiasts, but the boat cruise perspective compensates for this.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a balanced combination of history, nature, and leisure. It’s suitable for those who appreciate easygoing group excursions, enjoy swimming in beautiful waters, and are curious about the local history. Families with children, couples, and solo travelers will all find something to love here.

If you’re looking for a relaxing day with plenty of swimming and sightseeing without the hassle of organizing multiple activities yourself, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s especially good for travelers who value knowledgeable guides and a well-organized, fun atmosphere.

The Sum Up

This Demre to Kekova boat trip offers a comprehensive look at the region’s natural beauty and archaeological sites. With its mix of underwater ruins, charming villages, and stunning bays, it provides a well-rounded experience that many travelers find rewarding. The crew’s attentiveness, combined with the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and learn, makes it a worthwhile choice—particularly for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging day on the water.

While it’s not a private or super-intimate tour, the value for money, scenic stops, and educational insights make it a standout option for most visitors. Whether you’re a history buff, an avid swimmer, or simply looking to soak up the Mediterranean sun, this trip is likely to leave you with wonderful memories—and maybe a few turtle sightings, too.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs from Demre Harbour between 10 and 10:30 am, giving you plenty of time to meet and settle in.

How long is the entire trip?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, allowing ample time for sightseeing, swimming, and enjoying the stops.

Is there a guide onboard?
Yes, the crew includes knowledgeable guides who explain the history and significance of sites like the Sunken City and Simena Castle.

Are lunch and refreshments included?
Yes, a lunch is provided as part of the tour, with positive comments about its quality and suitability for dietary needs.

How many stops are there?
The itinerary includes about four main stops: the Sunken City, Simena village and castle, Esmeralda Bay, and Gökkaya Bay, with additional areas to swim and relax.

Can I swim in the Sunken City area?
No, swimming isn’t permitted in the protected Sunken City area, but the boat cruise offers great views and photo opportunities.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. The relaxed pace, scenic views, and water activities make it suitable for families, though parents should supervise children during swimming stops.

How much does the entrance to Simena Castle cost?
It’s a small fee of about 1 euro, which is not included in the ticket price.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, towels, and possibly a waterproof camera. Comfortable clothes and a light jacket for the boat ride are also recommended.

This full-day boat trip from Demre to Kekova balances scenic beauty, history, and fun water activities, making it a strong option for anyone looking to experience the best of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.