Kalkan: Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip

Kekova’s sunken city is the star here: you see its stone walls and submerged remains from the boat while cruising over clear Mediterranean water. The route also brings you to six bays and ancient sites tied to Lycian, Roman, and Byzantine times, so this is more than a day spent parked on one beach.

I like the generous swimming time and the excellent open-buffet lunch, two details repeatedly praised by guests. I also like the stop at Simena, where you can climb toward the castle or stay in the village for goat-milk ice cream. The main catch is that the boat may not have a glass bottom, and busy summer stops can mean sharing each bay with many other boats.

Key points before you book

• Kekova’s sunken city is viewed from the boat, not explored underwater.
• Tersane and Gökkaya bays provide swimming breaks in clear water.
• Simena gives you a choice: climb to the castle or enjoy the village and homemade ice cream.
• A buffet lunch is included, while drinks and entrance fees cost extra.
• Transfers run from Kalkan, Kaş, or Patara to Üçağız Village and back.
• The boat day lasts about eight hours, making the full outing roughly nine hours with transfers.

Why Kekova makes such a good boat day

The Kekova coast works well from the water because its main sights are spread across small coves, islands, and shoreline ruins. You are not spending the day walking from one monument to another under the sun. Instead, the boat links swimming, scenery, and archaeology at a fairly easy pace.

The most unusual sight is the sunken settlement near Kekova Island. Parts of the ancient town slipped into the sea after earthquakes, leaving walls, foundations, and other stone remains below the waterline. You view the ruins from the boat, where the crew can point out what you are seeing.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is not a scuba outing, and you should not expect to walk among the ruins or swim directly over every section of the site. The water is clear, but visibility depends on the conditions and the boat’s position.

One practical warning matters here: the trip description refers to viewing underwater ruins, but some boats do not have a glass bottom. Past departures have also been unable to stop at the sunken city in the usual way because of wind or local restrictions. You should treat the sight as a boat-based viewing stop, not a guaranteed glass-bottom tour.

From Kalkan or Kaş to Üçağız Village

Your day begins with pickup from a hotel or accommodation in Kalkan, Kaş, or Patara. The transfer to Üçağız Village is shared rather than private, although a private pickup may sometimes be arranged from a Kalkan property. The road transfer is part of the nine-hour day, so this is a full outing rather than a quick morning cruise.

The transport has generally been described as prompt and well organized. One useful detail is that the vehicle can differ between the outward and return journeys. One van was spacious, while a return vehicle felt tighter for a family group. If you are traveling with children or carrying a lot of beach gear, pack lightly and keep the transfer in mind.

Üçağız is the working departure point for the Kekova boat routes. Once you board, the long road portion is over and the day shifts to open water, quiet coves, and repeated swim stops.

The boat ride toward the heart of Kekova takes about an hour. Boat quality can vary by departure, and at least one recent boat was described as dated. That did not prevent people from finding plenty of room to sit or lie down, but you should book this for the route and swimming rather than for a polished yacht setting.

Tersane Bay and the first swim

Tersane Bay is usually the first major stop. The name is linked to an old shipyard, and the setting combines ancient remains with a sheltered swimming area. From the boat, you can look toward the ruins and then get into the water for your first proper swim.

This is one of the strongest parts of the day if you enjoy swimming from a boat. You do not need to wait for a sandy beach or follow a formal shore excursion. You can use the boat as your base, take a swim, climb back aboard, and dry off in the sun.

Buoyancy aids are available, which is useful for children and anyone who is comfortable in the water but not a confident swimmer. Bring your own snorkel if you have one. Snorkeling is possible, though you should not expect a major reef or large schools of fish. The real attraction is the clarity and color of the water, not abundant marine life.

Wind can change the order of the stops. On a breezy day, the guide may adjust the route to keep the outing comfortable. That flexibility is sensible, though it means the advertised sequence should not be treated as fixed.

Gökkaya Bay: lunch with time to swim

Gökkaya Bay is the main meal stop. An open-buffet lunch is included, and it is one of the best-value parts of the trip. The meal has been praised for its range and generous portions, with enough food for people who want a second plate.

The exact dishes can vary, but you should expect a prepared barbecue-style lunch served aboard or around the boat. This is not a restaurant stop, so you will not be choosing from a menu. For a long day on the water, that is an advantage: food is ready when you need it, and you do not lose an hour looking for somewhere to eat.

You also get another chance to swim at Gökkaya. I like this rhythm because it breaks up the sightseeing. A morning spent looking at ruins can become tiring, but the swim resets the day before the next stops.

Drinks are not included. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and other refreshments can be bought aboard, and the prices have been described as reasonable. Still, check your spending as the day goes on, especially if you are traveling as a family. The lunch is included, but beverages and any optional purchases are separate.

The pirate cave and Burç Bay

The route continues to the pirate cave and Burç Bay. These stops are more about scenery and atmosphere than a long guided visit. The cave adds a small sense of adventure to the cruise, while Burç Bay gives you another look at the coast’s clear water and rocky inlets.

Do not expect an underground expedition. The boat trip is designed around viewing the coast from the water, with short stops and swims rather than lengthy shore walks. That makes the day easy, but it also means anyone seeking detailed archaeology at every stop may find the commentary brief.

The English guidance is intended to give you the main points without turning the cruise into a lecture. Mehmet has been named as a friendly English-speaking guide on some departures, and his style has been described as informative without overloading the day with facts. Guides speak Turkish and English, but the exact guide depends on the departure.

Simena: castle views or homemade ice cream

Simena is the most rewarding land stop. The village sits below the medieval castle, with views across the water and toward the surrounding ruins. You normally have about an hour here, enough time for a choice rather than a rushed attempt to do everything.

If you want the best view, walk uphill toward Simena Castle. The climb is worth it for the broad view over the bay, though it is not the easiest option in hot weather. Wear shoes that are secure on uneven ground, and carry water from the boat.

If you prefer a gentler stop, remain in the village and find a cafe. Simena is especially known for homemade ice cream, including goat-milk ice cream. This is the sort of small local food stop that gives the day character, and it can be a better choice for young children or anyone who has already had enough sun and swimming.

The castle entrance fee is not included. If you plan to go inside, keep some money available. You can still enjoy the village and views without paying for every option, but the climb and entrance should be treated as an extra part of the visit.

Simena can also be busy. The boat route is popular, and several boats may arrive around the same time. You will have more freedom than on a tightly controlled walking tour, but you will not have the village to yourself in peak summer.

The final swim and return to Kalkan

Before returning to Üçağız, the boat makes a final swimming stop near the village. By this stage, you will have had several chances to get into the water, so you can choose between one last swim and a quiet spell on deck.

The full boat portion lasts about eight hours, while the total outing takes roughly nine hours including transfers. That is a long day, but the schedule has natural pauses: cruising, swimming, lunch, a cave, Simena, and a final swim.

The return road trip to Kalkan or Kaş completes the day. Pickup and drop-off are included, which makes the $80 price easier to justify. You are not arranging a separate taxi to Üçağız, and the lunch is already covered.

Is $80 good value?

At $80 per person, I consider this a solid value for a full-day excursion. The price includes two-way transport from Kalkan or Kaş, the boat trip, a buffet lunch, and guidance in Turkish or English. It also covers a broad route with multiple bays, ruins, swimming stops, and Simena.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange your own transport to Üçağız. The transfer saves time and planning, while the boat itinerary brings together sights that are spread along the coast.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quiet private cruise or a luxury boat. This is a shared outing, and summer departures can be busy. The boat may be functional rather than stylish, and drinks, castle entrance, and other personal purchases are extra.

I would also compare the advertised boat facilities carefully. A glass-bottom boat is not guaranteed, so do not pay a premium expecting a full underwater viewing setup. The sunken city is still the reason to go, but you should be comfortable seeing it from the deck or side of the boat.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend the trip to families, couples, and anyone who wants a full day of sea time without planning every detail. Families especially benefit from the repeated swimming breaks, available buoyancy aids, included lunch, and the freedom to choose between the Simena climb and ice cream.

It also suits you if you want a mix of ancient sites and relaxation. You get Lycian, Roman, and Byzantine remains, but you are not spending nine hours on archaeological explanations. The experience is active enough to feel varied, yet relaxed enough to include long periods on the boat.

You may want a different outing if you need guaranteed snorkeling, serious underwater sightseeing, or a private and quiet setting. Fish life is limited, the glass-bottom feature is uncertain, and popular bays can feel crowded in August.

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, secure shoes for Simena Castle, and a snorkel if you own one. Keep cash or a card available for drinks and entrance fees. A light bag is best for the shared transfer and boat.

Booking flexibility and practical details

Pickup is available from accommodation in Kalkan, Kaş, or Patara, with drop-off in Kalkan or Kaş. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option, which helps if your schedule depends on the weather.

The guide language is Turkish or English. The exact starting time depends on availability, so check the departure details when booking rather than assuming every day follows the same clock.

Weather can affect the order of stops. That is normal for a boat route, and the crew may rearrange the day to handle wind. If seeing a particular bay in a particular order matters to you, this is not the right kind of tour to book.

Should you book the Kekova boat trip?

I would book it if you want the easiest way to combine Kekova’s ancient ruins, clear-water swimming, a good included lunch, and Simena Village in one day. The transport removes much of the hassle, and the $80 price covers the parts that can otherwise add up quickly.

I would skip it only if the missing glass-bottom feature is a deal breaker, or if you want a private boat with no crowded stops. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded day on the water, with enough history to give the scenery meaning and enough swimming to keep the pace fun.

FAQ

Where does the Kekova boat trip depart from?

The day begins with pickup from Kalkan, Kaş, or Patara, followed by a transfer to Üçağız Village. The boat departs from Üçağız for the Kekova route.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts about nine hours, including transfers. The boat cruise itself lasts about eight hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included in the price. Drinks are not included and can be purchased separately on the boat.

Can I see the sunken city underwater?

You can view the sunken city ruins from the boat. A glass-bottom boat is not guaranteed, so you should not expect a dedicated glass-bottom viewing experience.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees, including any fee for visiting Simena Castle, are not included.

What languages are available?

Guidance is available in Turkish and English.