From Demre: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat

Kekova is best seen from the water. This seven-hour boat trip combines the Sunken City of Kekova, Simena Castle, several clear swimming bays, lunch, and a chance to spot sea turtles near Karemlik Bay. I especially like the relaxed pace on the water and the mix of history with long swim stops. The main catch is that this is more of a swimming cruise than a serious sightseeing tour, and time at Simena Castle can feel short.

I also like the reasonable $58 price, which includes lunch and a full day around one of Antalya Province’s most striking coastal areas. You should know that snorkeling equipment and water sports cost extra, and the boat may feel crowded if you prefer lots of room to sit or stretch out.

Key points to know before booking

• The Sunken City is viewed from the boat: Swimming is forbidden in this protected area, and the ruins can be hard to make out from the water.
• Simena Castle gets about one hour: That is enough for a quick uphill look, but not a leisurely visit to the castle, village, and necropolis.
• Swimming is the heart of the day: Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, Esmeralda Bay, and other stops provide the main entertainment.
• Lunch is included: The meal is served during the coastal cruise, with fish praised for its taste and generous portions.
• Karemlik Bay may bring turtle sightings: You could see Caretta turtles, but respectful wildlife behavior is essential.
• The tour suits active passengers: Comfortable shoes help at Simena, while limited mobility can make the day difficult.

Starting at Andriake Harbour around 10:20

The day begins at Andriake Harbour, near Demre, with departure scheduled between 10:20 and 10:30 a.m. That late-morning start gives you a useful balance: you do not need to rush out at dawn, yet there is still enough daylight for the full route.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and swimwear. You will spend much of the day outside, with little reason to keep your shoes on once the boat reaches the swimming stops. Comfortable footwear matters most at Simena Castle, where the route rises uphill over uneven ground.

The boat trip lasts about seven hours and returns to Andriake Harbour. English and Turkish are offered, though the sightseeing commentary may be brief. If you want a detailed history lesson at every stop, this may feel light. If you mainly want sea views, swimming, lunch, and a simple day on the water, the limited narration is less of a problem.

The tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility. That warning matters because of the climb at Simena, the movement around the boat, and the swim-focused nature of the day.

Kekova Island and the Sunken City of Dolchiste

The first major sight is Kekova Island and the Sunken City. The ancient settlement, known as Dolchiste, was flooded after an earthquake in the second century. Parts of the old city now sit below the water, creating one of the area’s most unusual sights.

You cruise slowly alongside the ruins rather than entering the water. Swimming is not allowed because the area is protected, so the boat is your viewing platform. Keep your camera ready, but set your expectations sensibly. The remains are not always easy to see, and the shallow water, glare, and distance can make the ruins look less dramatic than photographs suggest.

I would treat this stop as a scenic introduction to Kekova, not a full archaeological visit. The real pleasure comes from seeing stone walls and other traces of the old settlement appear beneath the surface while the boat moves through calm coastal water. The guide may offer only short explanations, so it helps to read a little about Dolchiste before you go if the history is important to you.

This is also one of the best stretches for simply watching the coastline. Kekova’s appeal is not based on one giant monument. It is the combination of quiet water, rocky slopes, old ruins, and small bays reached by boat.

Simena Castle and the uphill hour

The boat stops at Kaleköy, ancient Simena, for about one hour. This is the most substantial land stop and the only part of the route where you can walk through an old village, see castle ruins, and look toward a necropolis.

The climb to Simena Castle rewards you with broad views over Kekova. The route is uphill, and the time limit makes the visit a quick outing rather than a slow exploration. You may need to choose between going up to the castle and spending time in the village or by the water.

That choice is important. Several people found the one-hour stop too short to comfortably reach the castle, see the tombs, and look around Kaleköy. The uphill walk alone can use much of your allotted time, especially if you stop for photographs.

If you want the castle most, walk uphill as soon as you get off the boat. Wear shoes with a secure grip. If the heat or climb does not appeal, you can remain closer to the waterfront and use the time for a swim or a look around the village.

Simena is one of the tour’s most valuable cultural stops, but it is also where the schedule feels tightest. You get a glimpse of the place, not a complete visit.

Esmeralda Bay, lunch, and the first long swim

After Simena, the boat heads toward Esmeralda Bay for lunch and swimming. This stop shifts the mood from history to rest. The bay offers a peaceful setting for a meal, followed by time in clear water.

Lunch is included in the $58 price, which improves the value of the outing. Food is not an afterthought here. The meal has been praised for its taste and size, with fish receiving particular approval. If you are comparing this trip with a bare-bones boat ride, an included lunch saves you from buying food separately during the day.

The exact order of lunch and swimming can vary with the boat’s movement, but you should expect to eat onboard or near the boat while surrounded by the coast. Bring water and personal snacks if needed, since the supplied information confirms lunch but does not promise a full range of drinks or special diets.

Esmeralda Bay is a good place to settle into the rhythm of the day. You will stop, swim, dry off, eat, and continue. That rhythm is also the reason this trip works better for people who enjoy an easy day at sea than for anyone trying to collect many detailed historical sights.

Burç Bay and the cool-water surprise

Burç Bay brings a roughly 40-minute swimming stop. The water here can feel cooler than at the other bays because of cold underwater springs. On a hot day, that cool water may be refreshing. If you dislike chilly water, you may prefer to ease in rather than jump straight overboard.

This stop is simple but effective. You can swim, relax, and enjoy the surrounding coast without needing to follow a complicated schedule on land. The repeated bay stops are the main reason people rate the trip highly for relaxation.

At the same time, the stops can begin to feel similar. The route includes several swimming breaks of roughly 40 to 60 minutes, and passengers who want more sightseeing may find too much of the day devoted to getting in the water. Bring a towel, sun protection, and something dry to wear for the ride back.

Gökkaya Bay and optional water sports

Gökkaya Bay provides another swimming break, listed at about 45 minutes. The boat cruises into the bay, giving you time to swim and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Water sports may be available here, but they are not included in the price. The same applies to personal expenses throughout the day. If you plan to try an activity, budget for it separately and confirm the cost before participating.

The appeal of Gökkaya Bay is choice. You can swim, stay aboard, or watch the coast from the deck. The trip is not built around a formal program at every stop, so you have room to make the day as active or lazy as you like.

One practical issue is seating. A boat with around 20 to 25 people can feel pleasantly small compared with larger cruises, but the deck may still become crowded. One person found there were too many people and too few places to sit or lie down. If having a prime sunbathing spot matters to you, arrive at the harbour ready to board and claim a place early.

Pirates Cave and the final coastal sights

Pirates Cave is a naturally formed cave with a large size and curved entrance. The boat approaches it for viewing, giving you a quick photo stop rather than a long cave visit.

The cave is interesting because it breaks up the swimming pattern with a distinct natural feature. Still, do not expect to walk inside or spend a long time exploring it. The stop is seen from the boat, and the schedule keeps moving.

The route also includes additional views around Kekova Island, with about 25 minutes devoted to cruising and marine-life viewing. This is a pleasant closing stretch, especially if the water is calm and the light is good.

The area’s beauty is easy to appreciate from the deck, but the commentary may remain short. I would focus on the changing shoreline, small inlets, and the sense of seeing Kekova from a viewpoint unavailable by road.

Karemlik Bay and the responsibility of seeing turtles

Karemlik Bay is the most memorable wildlife stop. Five of the world’s eight sea turtle types can be found in the Mediterranean, and this bay offers a chance to look for them in their natural setting.

Seeing Caretta turtles can be a special part of the day. Some people also enjoy a mud bath in the area. But this stop requires care. Feeding turtles to attract them, touching them, or jumping into the water around them is harmful behavior and should not be encouraged.

If turtles appear, give them space and follow the guide’s instructions. Do not throw food, rubbish, or cigarette ends into the sea. A responsible encounter is far more rewarding than getting a close photograph at the animal’s expense.

This stop also raises a question about how the tour manages wildlife. The experience is more appealing when the crew protects the bay and clearly tells passengers to watch without touching or feeding. If ethical wildlife viewing is important to you, pay close attention to how the stop is handled on the day.

What the $58 price really gives you

At $58 per person, this is a fair price for a seven-hour boat day that includes lunch and several swimming stops. The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, a meal, and access to the Kekova coast.

The price does not include admission fees, water sports, or personal expenses. The Simena Castle stop may involve an admission charge, so keep extra money available if you want to enter paid areas. The supplied details do not state the exact fee.

The price is less appealing if your main goal is extensive archaeology. You get a short stop at Simena and a boat-level view of the Sunken City, not a full guided visit to every ruin. You are paying mainly for time on the water, swimming, lunch, and access to several bays.

The overall rating of 4.6 from 55 ratings reflects that balance. The strongest praise centers on the friendly crew, good food, calm music, clear water, attractive stops, and smaller group size compared with larger boats. The sharpest complaints focus on limited seating, a short Simena visit, brief explanations, and concerns about turtle treatment.

Who should book this Kekova boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day of swimming, coastal views, and a relaxed boat ride with a little history added. It works well for couples, families, and active passengers who are happy to spend much of the day in and around the sea.

It is also a good choice if you want to see Kekova without arranging several separate activities. The route brings together the Sunken City, Simena, Pirates Cave, several bays, lunch, and possible turtle sightings in one outing.

I would hesitate if you want a detailed archaeological tour, a long walk through Simena, or a quiet boat with plenty of personal space. The experience can feel repetitive if you do not enjoy swimming, and the castle stop may leave history-minded visitors wanting more.

Book it if the phrase a day on the water with a few historic stops sounds right. Skip it if the historic stops are your main reason for going. Either way, bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and a respectful attitude toward the turtles.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The trip starts at Andriake Harbour near Demre.

How long does the Kekova boat trip last?

The activity lasts about seven hours and returns to Andriake Harbour.

What time does the boat leave?

Departure is scheduled between 10:20 and 10:30 a.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included in the tour price.

Can I swim at the Sunken City?

No. Swimming is not permitted at the Sunken City because it is a protected area. You view the ruins from the boat.

How long is the stop at Simena Castle?

The boat stops at Kaleköy, ancient Simena, for about one hour.

Are water sports included?

No. Water sports are not included and require additional payment.

What languages are available?

Instruction is available in English and Turkish.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments.