From Demre: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat

Kekova is best seen from the water, where the coast folds around quiet bays and the ruins of ancient Dolchiste slip below the surface. This seven-hour boat trip gives you that broad view, plus time to swim, eat lunch, visit Simena Castle, and look for sea turtles at Karemlik Bay.

I like the mix of history and swimming, and I like that lunch is included rather than treated as an extra cost. The main caution is simple: this is more of a swimming-and-scenery day than a serious archaeology tour. You get only about an hour at Simena, and the guide’s explanations may be brief.

Key points to know before booking

• The Sunken City is viewed from the boat: Swimming is forbidden in the protected ruins area, and the remains can be hard to see clearly from the surface.
• Simena Castle gets about one hour: You can climb to the castle and necropolis, explore Kaleköy, or use the time for another swim, but doing everything will feel rushed.
• Swimming is the main event: Esmeralda, Burç, and Gökkaya bays provide several stops, usually lasting about 40 to 45 minutes.
• Lunch is included: Expect a local meal during the bay stops, with fish praised as a highlight by some passengers.
• Karemlik Bay offers turtle watching: You may see Mediterranean sea turtles, but keep your distance and never feed or touch them.
• The boat can feel crowded: One account describes limited seating and many children, while other accounts found the group pleasantly small, around 20 to 25 people.

What this Kekova boat trip is really about

This excursion works best if you picture a full day on the sea with historical sights woven between swimming breaks. You leave Andriake Harbour near Demre at about 10:20 or 10:30 in the morning and return after roughly seven hours.

The route covers a generous stretch of the Kekova coast. You cruise past the Sunken City, stop near Simena Castle, eat lunch by the water, swim in several bays, pass a large natural cave, and finish with the possibility of seeing turtles.

That makes this a good choice for you if you want variety without arranging separate transport, lunch, and boat stops yourself. It is less suitable if your main goal is a long, detailed visit to ancient ruins. The historical commentary is present, but it may come in short explanations rather than a full archaeological presentation.

The excursion is led in English and Turkish. No individual guide name is provided, so you should not book expecting a particular named guide.

Starting at Andriake Harbour near Demre

Your day begins at Andriake Harbour, the departure point for the boat. Arriving prepared matters because most of the day is spent outdoors, with little reason to return to shore for forgotten items.

Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to climb toward Simena Castle. Bring sunglasses and a sun hat, and consider packing swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for your phone, even though only shoes, sunglasses, and a hat are specifically listed as essentials.

The boat leaves in the morning, which gives you good daylight for the coastline and leaves enough time for the series of stops. You should expect a relaxed pace between bays, but the schedule is still active. You will be boarding, swimming, climbing, eating, and moving on several times during the day.

This is not recommended for people with limited mobility. The castle stop involves an uphill walk, and getting on and off a boat or moving around the deck may be difficult for anyone with mobility impairments.

Seeing Kekova’s Sunken City from the water

The Sunken City of Kekova is the trip’s most famous sight. The ancient settlement of Dolchiste was flooded by an earthquake in the second century, leaving parts of the old city beneath the water.

The boat cruises alongside the ruins rather than stopping for swimming. This restriction protects the site, and it is the right approach for a fragile archaeological area. You can take photographs from the deck as the boat passes walls, steps, and other remains near the shoreline.

Keep your expectations realistic. The ruins are not always easy to make out, especially from a moving boat or in choppy water. Some sections appear as pale shapes beneath the surface rather than as a clearly preserved underwater city. I would treat this stop as a scenic introduction to Kekova, not as a substitute for visiting an archaeological site on foot.

The guide provides information in English and Turkish, but commentary may be short. If you want detailed context about the earthquake, the ancient settlement, and the visible structures, you may need to do some reading before the trip.

Making the most of one hour at Simena Castle

The boat stops at Kaleköy, ancient Simena, for about an hour. This is the one part of the day where you can step ashore and explore a historic settlement rather than only view it from the deck.

The uphill route leads toward Simena Castle and a necropolis. The climb gives you wide views over the water and the small islands around Kekova. Even if you do not reach the highest point, the walk is worthwhile for the views.

One hour is not generous. You need to choose your priority before leaving the boat:

• Climb toward the castle and necropolis.
• Walk around the village and browse its small shops.
• Spend the time swimming near the harbor.

Trying to do all three will leave you hurrying. The route upward includes a noticeable climb, and time can disappear quickly once you stop for photographs. Several people wanted longer here, especially to reach the castle and see the tombs properly.

If history matters most to you, leave the boat promptly and head uphill. If you have already seen many Turkish ruins or prefer the sea, staying near the water may be the more enjoyable choice.

Lunch and a swim at Esmeralda Bay

Esmeralda Bay is used for a lunch and swim break. The setting is quiet, with clear water and the boat anchored in a sheltered part of the coast.

Lunch is included in the $58 price, which improves the value of the excursion. You do not have to find a restaurant in a small coastal village or pay for a separate meal during the day. The quantity and quality can vary, but fish has been a particular highlight, served in a small port setting according to one enthusiastic account.

A meal on a boat is also practical. You can eat without losing sightseeing time, then step into the water soon afterward. If you are sensitive to motion, have a light breakfast and take your time at lunch, since the boat continues to move between stops.

The swimming here is part of the appeal, but you should not expect a private beach experience. The bays are shared with other boats and the water stops are scheduled. Bring your own mask if snorkeling matters to you. Snorkeling equipment is not included, and one account specifically noted the lack of provided gear.

Burç Bay and Gökkaya Bay: time in the water

After lunch, the trip includes a 40-minute swim at Burç Bay. The water can feel cooler here because of cold underwater springs. That temperature change is worth knowing before you jump in, particularly if you prefer warm, shallow water.

This is a proper swim stop, not just a quick photo pause. You can get in from the boat and spend a good portion of the time in the water. The surrounding scenery is the reward, with steep coastal shapes, open sea, and clear blue water.

Gökkaya Bay brings another boat cruise and swimming stop, lasting about 45 minutes. Water sports may be available here, but they cost extra and are not included. Ask about the price before committing, and do not assume equipment comes with the tour.

The repeated swim stops are either the best feature or the main drawback, depending on your interests. I would book this trip gladly if I wanted a day of swimming in different coves. If you prefer long shore visits, the schedule may feel like too many short interruptions.

Pirate’s Cave and the smaller coastal stops

Pirate’s Cave is a naturally formed cave with a large, curved entrance. The boat brings you close enough to view it, but the available details do not promise a long stop or a walk inside.

It is a pleasant change from the open bays because the cave adds a distinct shape to the route. Still, keep it in proportion. This is a quick scenic feature, not a major attraction that fills an afternoon.

The schedule also includes a smaller scenic stop described as a hidden coastal spot, with swimming, snorkeling, and views. The exact length and location are not clearly detailed, so you should think of it as another chance to get in the water rather than a separate cultural sight.

The route includes several cruises around Kekova Island, with time for marine life viewing and coastal scenery. Keep your camera ready, but remember that boat routes and the visibility of underwater features can change with weather and sea conditions.

Karemlik Bay and the turtle question

Karemlik Bay is the final major nature stop. Five of the world’s eight sea turtle species are found in the Mediterranean, and this bay gives you a chance to look for them in their natural setting.

Seeing a turtle in clear water can be the day’s most memorable moment. Some people have also enjoyed a mud bath in the area. Still, wildlife watching needs restraint. Food may be used to attract turtles, and there have been concerns about people entering the water too close to them or trying to touch them.

You should not feed, chase, surround, or touch a turtle. Keep your hands off the animals and give them room to swim away. Do not throw rubbish or cigarette ends into the sea. A good turtle encounter is one where the animal carries on normally and you remain a quiet observer.

This stop may be a strong reason to book, but sightings are not guaranteed by the information provided. Treat turtles as a possible bonus, not the central promise of the whole day.

Group size, comfort, and the $58 value

At $58 per person, the trip offers solid value if you want lunch, a full day on the water, several swim stops, and the chance to see Kekova’s best-known sights in one outing. You would pay more in time and planning to arrange boat transport, food, and access to the bays separately.

Comfort depends partly on the boat and the crowd on your departure. One account described a group of about 20 to 25 people and found the boat comfortable, while another reported too many children, too many people, and too few places to sit or lie down.

That difference is important. You may spend long stretches seated on a deck rather than moving freely. If having a shaded lounger or plenty of personal space matters to you, ask about the boat setup before paying.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and pets are not allowed. Admission fees, water sports, and personal expenses are extra. The trip offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans around Demre are still shifting.

Who should book this day on the Kekova coast?

I would recommend it to you if you enjoy:

• Swimming in several sea bays during one outing.
• Coastal scenery viewed from a boat.
• A short visit to Simena Castle rather than a full archaeological tour.
• A simple lunch included in the day’s price.
• The possibility of seeing Mediterranean turtles.
• A seven-hour activity with English or Turkish guidance.

I would hesitate if you want long, quiet time at one site, detailed historical teaching, or guaranteed snorkeling equipment. The boat makes the Sunken City easy to see from the water, but it does not let you explore the ruins. The castle visit is worthwhile yet brief, and the repeated swim stops shape most of the day.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start and finish?

The trip starts and ends at Andriake Harbour near Demre.

How long does the excursion last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. Departure is scheduled for around 10:20 to 10:30 in the morning, though you should check the available starting time when booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price.

Can I swim in the Sunken City?

No. The Sunken City is a protected area, so swimming is not permitted there. 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 walk toward the castle and necropolis, explore the village, shop, or swim.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Water sports and personal expenses are not included, and snorkeling equipment is not listed among the inclusions. Bring your own mask if you want to snorkel.

Is the trip suitable for someone with limited mobility?

No. The activity is not recommended for people with mobility impairments, partly because of the boat access and the uphill walk toward Simena Castle.

Should you book this Kekova boat trip?

Book it if your ideal day includes clear water, several swim breaks, a simple lunch, and coastal views with a small historical layer added in. At $58, it is a fair package for seven hours, especially if you value the chance to see Karemlik Bay and possibly spot turtles.

Skip it if Simena Castle and the Sunken City are your main reasons for visiting Kekova. The archaeological stops are short, the underwater ruins may be difficult to see, and the commentary can be limited. For most people who want a relaxed day on the sea with swimming at its center, though, this is a practical and enjoyable way to experience Kekova from Demre.