In this guide you will find comprehensive information about Kekova Boat Tours. We’ll share helpful tips on departure points, transport options and tour prices.
Kekova is a unique natural wonder on Turkey’s southern coast. Part of Antalya’s Demre district, the area includes the villages of Kaleköy and Üçağız—famed for their ancient ruins—together with the proud profile of Kekova Island just offshore. Submerged sarcophagi, sunken cities, rock‑cut tombs and a string of enchanting coves are only a few of the natural and historic treasures that create Kekova’s magical atmosphere.
For full details on Kekova, see our Kekova Travel Guide.
Kekova boat tours are an ideal way to explore this impressive coastline. Departing from Demre or Kaş, the tours not only visit spectacular bays but also let you witness the remains of ancient Lycian cities and swim in crystal‑clear waters. Unlike ordinary boat trips, they offer the chance to discover beauty both above and below the surface.
Once you’ve set your course for Kekova’s mystical atmosphere, you can look forward to a journey through history, breathtaking natural scenery and unique underwater vistas. Exploring this region means discovering one of the most remarkable natural wonders not only of Turkey’s south coast but of the entire world.
Kekova boat tours immerse you in a visual feast intertwined with history. While unravelling the mysteries of ancient ruins, you can be sure your tour will be packed with unforgettable memories. Holding a special place among Turkey’s many beauties, Kekova reveals the secrets of this enchanting coastline and offers visitors an exceptional experience.
If you enjoy tours like these, our content on the Suluada Boat Tour and the Adrasan Boat Tour will interest you.
1. Kekova Boat Tours Departing from Kaş
You can join these tours from Olympos by contacting the travel agencies that line the roadside.
We spend our most enjoyable days in Kaş joining the boat tours organised every season. The clarity of the sea, swimming in untouched bays and wandering among ancient ruins are truly unique pleasures. Boat tours offer a perfect way to discover Kaş’s beauty. Here is my favourite route:
Kekova tours generally depart Kaş marina at 09:30. The first stop is Çamlık Bay, also known as İnönü Bay, where a 45‑minute swimming break is given. The crystal‑clear water and pine‑fringed scenery are enchanting, and complimentary tea and cake on board make the break even more pleasant.
After a 40‑minute cruise we reach Akvaryum Bay for a one‑hour swim while the crew prepares lunch. Famous for its clear water and natural beauty, Akvaryum is among the region’s finest bays.
Lunch features homemade olive‑oil meze, grilled fish or chicken, köfte, pasta, bulgur pilaf and assorted salads—all prepared fresh under hygienic conditions.
After lunch we head to the Kekova Sunken City. Located on Kekova Island, this ancient settlement was damaged by earthquakes; its submerged ruins are fascinating. From there we sail to Kaleköy for a one‑hour break. Put on your shoes, explore the village and try the delicious goat‑milk ice‑cream at The I Am Here Café.
With good time management you can also swim among the Lycian sarcophagi at the foot of Kaleköy. We then pass Üçağız Village and view the ancient ruins of Theimussa from the water.
Next comes Tersane Bay for a swim among ancient remains and a refreshing fruit service. A final half‑hour swim at İnönü Bay rounds off the day before we cruise back toward Kaş.
Prices for Kekova boat tours from Kaş generally start at ₺950. Joining these trips again and again to discover new delights is always an unforgettable experience.
2. Kekova Boat Tours Departing from Demre
If you are staying in Demre and have your own car, drive to Demre Çayağzı to embark on an unforgettable boat tour. Day‑trip boats leave from Çayağzı Harbour. Without a car, first head to Demre Bus Station; from there a public bus departs at 10:10 (also stopping at the old market) and reaches Çayağzı at 10:20.
The Demre–Kekova Boat Cooperative operates roughly 65 day‑trip vessels of varying sizes (40–120 passengers). Tours usually start at 10:30, reaching Kekova Island after a 25‑minute cruise. The first stop is the Sunken City.
Although there is no current settlement on Kekova Island, traces of past habitation remain. Because the Sunken City is protected, swimming and diving are prohibited. After a panoramic tour the boat heads to Simena Kaleköy, mooring at the quay for a one‑hour visit to one of the most charming villages in Turkey.
Next the boat anchors in Esmeralda Bay for lunch and a swim. The menu usually offers grilled sea bream or chicken plus pasta, bulgur pilaf with vegetables, peas and salad. In season fruit—typically watermelon—is served afterwards; drinks are normally extra.
After lunch a 40‑minute swim break is given at Burç Bay on the mainland, named after the ancient watchtower on the hill. We then sail to Gökkaya Bay, renowned for its clear, calm waters—one of my favourites—where we enjoy another hour‑long swim.
An excursion to the Pirate Cave on Aşırlı Island follows for photo‑ops, then we cruise to Karemlik Bay near Çayağzı Harbour. En route you have a good chance of spotting Caretta caretta turtles. We stay about 20 minutes here; swimming is possible but please avoid disturbing the turtles.
The day‑trip returns to Çayağzı Harbour around 17:30. Kekova is one of Demre’s greatest assets, complementing other regional highlights such as the ancient city of Myra, the Andriake Museum of Lycian Civilisations and the St Nicholas Church where Saint Nicholas is buried.
