From Demre: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat

Clear water, ancient ruins, and a full day at sea make this Kekova boat trip appealing. From Andriake Harbour, you cruise past the Sunken City, stop at Simena Castle, swim in several bays, and eat lunch aboard or near a small harbor. I especially like the frequent swimming stops and the chance to see Kekova’s coast from the water.

The trip offers good value at $58, with lunch included and about seven hours on the sea. The main drawback is that it is more of a swimming and boat day than a serious archaeology tour, and the time at Simena Castle may feel short if you want to climb to the ruins.

Key points to know before you book

• The Sunken City is viewed from the boat: Swimming is forbidden in this protected area, and the submerged ruins can be hard to see clearly.
• Simena Castle gets about one hour: You can walk uphill to the castle and necropolis, browse the village, or stay below for a swim, but you likely cannot do everything at a leisurely pace.
• Swimming shapes the whole day: Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, Esmeralda Bay, and the turtle area each bring a separate water stop.
• Lunch is included: The meal has been praised for generous portions and excellent fish, though food details can vary.
• Turtle watching needs care: Karemlik Bay may offer sightings of caretta turtles, but feeding or touching them is harmful and should not be encouraged.
• Expect some physical effort: Comfortable shoes help at Simena, and the tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility.

What kind of boat day is this?

This is a seven-hour outing from Andriake Harbour, near Demre, built around sea views, swimming, and short sightseeing stops. The boat leaves in the morning, usually between 10:20 and 10:30, giving you the best part of the daylight for Kekova’s coves and offshore ruins.

You should think of it as a coastal swimming cruise with historical highlights, not a traditional sightseeing tour. The guide offers short explanations in English and Turkish, but the focus stays on getting you from one bay to the next rather than giving long talks about ancient Lycia.

That balance works well if you want a relaxed day in the sun. It works less well if your main reason for coming is to study the ancient remains or spend hours inside Simena Castle.

The boats used for this kind of trip can feel pleasantly small, with one account describing a group of roughly 10 to 25 people. Even so, seating can become tight when many people want a place to lie down. If you prefer a quiet boat with plenty of personal space, arrive ready for a shared day rather than a private cruise.

Leaving Andriake Harbour in the morning

Your day begins at Andriake Harbour. The early departure matters because the trip covers several bays and coastal sights before returning in the afternoon.

The first stretch is a gentle introduction to Kekova. You see low hills, clear water, small coves, and old stone remains along the shore. From the boat, the views are the main event. Bring sunglasses and a sun hat, since much of the day is spent exposed to bright sun on deck.

Comfortable shoes are useful from the beginning, even though much of the outing is on the water. You will want them later at Kaleköy, where Simena Castle sits above the village on a hillside.

Seeing Kekova’s Sunken City from the water

The Sunken City of Kekova is the trip’s most famous sight. The ancient settlement, known as Dolchiste, was damaged and submerged after an earthquake in the second century. Today, parts of its walls, steps, foundations, and other remains lie below the waterline along Kekova Island.

The boat passes slowly beside the protected area, giving you time to look and take photographs. You cannot swim here, and that restriction helps protect the ruins and the surrounding marine area.

Set your expectations correctly. The underwater remains are not always easy to make out, especially from a moving boat or in bright glare. You may see the shape of stonework below the surface, but this is not an underwater museum with clear viewing platforms.

I like this part because it gives the ancient site its proper setting. You see the ruins in relation to the sea, the island, and the old coast instead of viewing disconnected stones on land. Still, the guide’s explanations may be brief, so you should not book this trip expecting a detailed history lesson.

A phone or camera with a good zoom can help with photographs. Keep your attention on the shoreline too, since the surrounding views often make a stronger impression than the partially submerged stones.

One hour at Kaleköy and Simena Castle

The boat stops at Kaleköy, the modern village built around ancient Simena, for about an hour. This is the most important land stop and the place where you have the best chance to stretch your legs.

Simena Castle sits above the village. A climb gives you broad views over the Kekova coast, with the water, islands, and scattered ruins laid out below. The site also includes a necropolis, adding more historical interest than the quick boat commentary can provide.

The catch is time. An hour sounds generous until you factor in the uphill walk, the return to the harbor, and any time spent looking around the village. You may need to choose between the castle, the necropolis, shopping, and a swim.

If the castle is your priority, head uphill as soon as you leave the boat. Wear shoes with a secure sole, and expect the walk to take effort. People who move slowly or have limited mobility may find this stop difficult. The trip is specifically not recommended for people with mobility impairments.

If you would rather keep the day easy, remain near the water and enjoy the village or swim. This is also the sensible choice if the heat is strong or you do not want to rush up and down the hill.

Several people have wished for more time here. That criticism is fair. Simena deserves a longer visit than the schedule allows, but the short stop also makes it possible to fit in several swimming bays later.

Lunch and a swim at Esmeralda Bay

After Simena, the boat heads toward Esmeralda Bay, also called Esmaralda Koyu in the route information. This is one of the calmer breaks, combining lunch with time in the water.

Lunch is included in the $58 price, which improves the value of the outing. Food has been praised for good portions and very good fish, including a meal served near a small port. The exact menu is not specified, so you should treat the included meal as a practical local lunch rather than a restaurant selection.

Esmeralda Bay gives you time to eat, sit in the sun, and swim without needing to move on immediately. If you want a quiet lunch, go early rather than waiting until everyone else has filled the available seating.

There is no indication that snorkeling equipment is supplied. Bring your own mask and snorkel if looking below the surface matters to you. Otherwise, the water is still ideal for a simple swim.

Burç Bay and the cooler water

The next swim stop is Burç Bay, where you get about 40 minutes in the sea. Natural underwater springs make the water cooler here than at some of the other stops.

That cooler water can be refreshing after sitting in the sun. It may also come as a surprise if you expect the warmest possible sea at every bay. Use this stop for a brisk swim rather than assuming the water will feel the same as at Esmeralda Bay.

The repeated swim breaks are one of the strongest parts of the trip. You are not stuck on the boat for seven hours with only one chance to get wet. At the same time, the number of stops means each one is fairly short. Some people would prefer two long swims instead of several 40-minute breaks.

Gökkaya Bay and the Pirates Cave

Gökkaya Bay brings another boat cruise and swimming pause, usually around 45 minutes. The bay is valued for its calm setting and clear water, and some water sports may be available here for an extra fee.

Water sports are not included, so ask about the price before committing. Personal expenses are also separate. If you want a low-cost day, simply swim and enjoy the cove without adding activities.

The route also passes Pirates Cave, a natural cave with a large, curved entrance. The boat approaches the cave, giving you a look from the water. It is more of a quick scenic stop than a long cave visit, so do not expect to walk inside or spend much time exploring on foot.

The route descriptions place lunch and swimming around the Pirates Cave portion of the day, while the broader schedule also identifies Esmeralda Bay as a lunch stop. In practice, the order can vary with the boat’s timing and conditions. The useful point is that lunch comes during the middle of the cruise, surrounded by swimming breaks.

Karemlik Bay and the caretta turtles

Karemlik Bay is the most memorable stop for many people because it offers a chance to look for caretta turtles. Five of the world’s eight known sea turtle types are found in the Mediterranean, and this area is used for viewing them in their natural surroundings.

Seeing a turtle in clear water can be a wonderful moment. You may also enjoy the novelty of swimming in a place where marine life is close by. But this stop needs responsible behavior from everyone on the boat.

Do not feed the turtles, chase them, touch them, or crowd them. Food thrown into the water changes their behavior and can encourage them to approach boats and swimmers. Keep your distance, avoid sudden movements, and let the animals decide how close they want to come.

Reports of people feeding turtles or trying to touch them raise a real environmental concern. The crew should clearly tell everyone to leave the animals alone. You can help by refusing to join in with feeding, keeping rubbish and cigarette ends out of the sea, and speaking up politely if someone behaves carelessly.

This stop can be a highlight, but it should never be treated like a petting pool.

How good is the swimming?

Swimming is the heart of this outing. The program includes Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, and the turtle area, with stops generally lasting around 40 to 45 minutes. You get repeated chances to cool off, float, and enjoy clear water.

That makes the trip especially suitable for you if you are happy spending most of the day in a swimsuit. Families with children and teenagers may enjoy the steady change of scenery, though a crowded boat can mean fewer good places to sit or lie down.

Snorkeling is possible, but equipment is not included. Bring your own gear if you want to see beneath the surface. Without it, you can still swim comfortably, but you may miss some of the smaller marine life and underwater detail.

The water can vary from bay to bay. Burç Bay is cooler because of the springs, while other coves may feel warmer. Bring a towel, although the required items listed for the activity are comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

What the $58 price really includes

At $58 per person, this is a fair-value day if you plan to use the swimming stops and enjoy the boat ride. You get about seven hours on the water, lunch, the Kekova cruise, the Simena stop, and several opportunities to swim.

The price does not include admission fees, water sports, or personal spending. The available information does not give a separate admission price for Simena Castle, so keep some money with you for any entrance costs or purchases at Kaleköy.

The value is strongest when compared with arranging separate transport, lunch, and access to the bays yourself. It is less compelling if you want a long castle visit, detailed archaeological guiding, or a quiet private boat.

The food is a pleasant part of the deal. Good fish and generous portions have earned particular praise, while calm music and friendly crew have also helped make the day enjoyable. Still, boat comfort varies, and available seats or places to lie down may be limited when the group is full.

Who should book this Kekova cruise?

You should consider it if you want:

• A full day of swimming in several coastal bays
• A simple way to see the Kekova ruins from the sea
• A short visit to Simena village and castle
• Lunch included in the tour price
• A chance to see caretta turtles from the water
• English or Turkish guidance during the route

You may want another kind of excursion if you mainly want archaeology. The Sunken City is difficult to see in detail, the commentary is brief, and Simena Castle gets only about an hour.

This is also a poor fit if you have limited mobility. The castle climb is uphill, and the tour is built around moving between a boat and shore. Pets, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.

The trip is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time when booking, since the activity lasts seven hours but the exact departure time can vary.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your ideal Kekova day means clear water, several swims, a good lunch, coastal views, and a taste of ancient ruins between bays. The turtles, when seen responsibly, can be a genuine highlight, and the $58 price is reasonable for a seven-hour outing with lunch included.

Skip it if you want a long, serious visit to Simena Castle or detailed explanations of the Sunken City. For most people, the best way to judge this tour is simple: if you would happily trade extra museum time for another swim, this boat day should suit you well.

FAQ

Where does the Kekova boat trip begin and end?

The trip starts and finishes at Andriake Harbour near Demre.

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. Departure is generally between 10:20 and 10:30 in the morning.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price.

Can I swim at the Sunken City?

No. Swimming is not permitted around the protected Sunken City area. You view the ruins from the boat.

How much time do I get at Simena Castle?

The boat stops at Kaleköy, ancient Simena, for about one hour. You can use that time to visit the castle and necropolis, explore the village, shop, or swim.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Water sports and personal expenses are not included. Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want to use it.