Seven bays, one long coastline dream. This day trip turns Demre’s harbor road trip vibes into Kekova sea time with multiple swim breaks and historic stops. I especially like how you get both big sights and a relaxed pace on the water with an English guide.

I love the mix of swimming-friendly bays and “look without rushing” cruising. I also like that the day comes with lunch, snacks, and Turkish black tea, so you’re not constantly searching for food.

One consideration: Simena Castle has a separate admission fee you pay on site, and the Sunken City ruins area does not allow swimming. Plan your photos around that.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel During the Day

• Frequent swim chances across Kekova’s bays (not just one token stop)
• Dolchiste Sunken City views from the boat with Turkish tea on board
• Simena/Kaleköy by sea only plus an optional castle climb
• Üçağız lunch with choices (chicken or fish, plus vegan/vegetarian if you tell them)
• Loggerhead-turtle swimming at Karemlik Bay (final swim before returning)
• Small group size capped at 25 for a calmer feel

What This Kekova Day Trip Really Delivers

This is a 7 to 8 hour boat day that connects Demre to the Kekova region in a way that feels practical, not frantic. You’re not hopping between bus stops or doing “look and leave” tourism. Instead, you get long stretches of sea time, with breaks where you can swim, photos are easy, and the coastline does most of the talking.

The value comes from the structure: many stops, plus lunch and tea already handled. At $60.21 per person, the price makes more sense when you realize you’re paying for transportation, guide time, snacks, and a full day’s worth of planned water breaks—then only paying extra for one optional admission.

The other thing I like is the pacing. Even though there are several places to see, the time at most bays is long enough to actually get in the water, not just walk to the edge and look disappointed at your own wet socks.

Meeting at Andriake Harbour and the Morning Lead-In

You’ll meet at Andriake Harbour (Türkiye) starting at 10:00 AM, and the boat starts heading out in the late morning—around 10:30 AM for the first main departure. That timing is helpful. You’re not stuck waiting for hours with nothing to do, and you still have enough daylight for your swim stops.

Before you even reach the harbor, you travel through an area where you can spot historical Lycian structures along the road. It sets the mood: this coast isn’t just “pretty sea.” It’s a place where ancient tomb culture and cliffside remains are part of the scenery.

On board, the tour runs in English and is guided. You’ll be with a small group—up to 25 travelers—which matters more than people think. Smaller groups are usually easier to manage during boarding, when everyone is trying to figure out shade, camera position, and where the tea shows up.

Çayağzı Plajı and Esmeralda Bay: Your First Real Swim Time

The first leg is a short boat ride—about 20 to 30 minutes—from Çayağzı toward your first stop area. Then you settle into the swim-and-view rhythm.

CayagzI PlajI

You’ll spend about 40 minutes here. It’s a straightforward start: get your bearings, enjoy the water, and take advantage of calm morning light. If you’re the type who likes to swim early so the day doesn’t feel rushed, this stop is doing its job.

A small practical tip: treat these early bays as your “practice rounds.” Use them to decide whether you want water shoes, whether you prefer shade on the boat, and how you handle the logistics of bringing your phone.

Esmeralda Bay

Next is Esmeralda Bay, also around 40 minutes. The key idea is calm, tranquil water and a relaxed atmosphere. This is the kind of place where you can float without fighting waves, take photos with less chaos in the frame, and swim without feeling like you’re racing to the next location.

So, by mid-day you’ve already done two swims and two sets of views. That matters because later stops can involve optional climbing and tighter sightseeing rules.

Kaleköy (Simena) and the Simena Castle Choice

Then the trip shifts into history mode.

You’ll reach Simena (Kaleköy), a historic coastal village tied to the Lycian period and later Byzantine-era remains. The big selling point here is that Kaleköy is accessible only by sea—so it feels like you arrived the way the locals did, not like you parked and walked in.

You’ll have about 1 hour to explore. You can keep it easy—watch village life and coastal structures—or you can take a 15-minute climb up toward Simena Castle for the stronger viewpoint.

The fee reality

Here’s the one thing you need to plan for: Simena Castle admission is not included. The entrance fee is listed at about €4.00 per person, and it’s separate from the tour price. So if you want that castle visit, bring cash or be ready to pay on site.

Also note: the castle is protected by the Directorate of Museums, so this is not a “free ruins walk.” It’s a managed site. That usually means clearer signage and a more preserved feel around the key areas.

If you’re short on energy that day, you can still enjoy Kaleköy from ground level. But if you love viewpoints and you like climbing a bit for payoff, this is the stop worth the extra effort.

Dolchiste Sunken City Ruins: Views Without Swimming

After Simena/Kaleköy, the boat continues to one of the most memorable sights in the Kekova area: the Sunken City ruins of Simena.

This is tied to Dolchiste, an ancient city that was submerged due to an earthquake in the 2nd century. From the boat, you cruise along the ruins and watch the underwater remains line up against the coastline. It’s the kind of place where a few minutes of slow movement makes your brain go, wait… that used to be a city.

You’ll have about 30 minutes here. And this is where you need to know the rules: since it’s a protected area, swimming is not permitted. So don’t plan your swim here. Plan your camera angles and your “stand and stare” time.

While you’re cruising, the crew serves Turkish tea. That’s a small detail, but it helps turn this into more than a photo stop. You can relax, sip something warm, and keep your eyes on the ruins as the boat moves slowly.

Aquarium Bay: Crystal Water and Another Swim Break

Next up is Aquarium Bay, with about 40 minutes on site. The name comes from how clear the water tends to look, and that clarity makes snorkeling-style viewing easier even if you’re not doing full-on snorkel gear.

This stop works well as a “reset.” By the time you reach it, you’ve already seen ruins and village scenery. Aquarium Bay gives you a chance to go back to simple pleasure: water, sun, and a breather for your legs.

If you’re keeping your expectations realistic, this won’t feel like a beach party. It’s a bay stop. You jump in, enjoy the water quality, and move on. That’s exactly why it’s effective.

Üçağız Village Lunch, Lycian Sarcophagi, and Then Off to More Bays

Then you hit the middle of the day—the part that decides whether the trip feels comfortable or stressful.

Passing Lycian sarcophagi

On the way to Üçağız, the boat passes monumental Lycian sarcophagi right by the sea. This is a visual bonus that doesn’t cost you extra time. It adds context to why this coastline is so full of ancient remains.

Üçağız village stop and lunch

You’ll get about 1 hour in Üçağız, a boutique holiday village where you can buy souvenir gifts and soak in the village atmosphere.

This is also where lunch is served. The restaurant offers two main dishes: chicken or fish. You’ll also get traditional Turkish mezes as part of the meal. And there’s a useful flexibility point: if you’re vegan or vegetarian, you should tell the restaurant or the boat crew in advance or right at lunch time.

In practice, this makes lunch feel included rather than “included unless you’re picky.” For a boat day with limited time, that matters.

After lunch, you continue onward to more swimming bays—so don’t over-schedule your day plans right after you return from the tour. You’ll be sun-warmed and likely a bit hungry again later for dinner.

Burç Bay Watchtower and a Spring Beach Detour

After lunch, you move into more classic Kekova “small scene” stops.

At Burç Bay, there’s a Byzantine-era watchtower up at the top. Along the shoreline, you can also find a small beach with a spring emerging from the mountainside.

You’ll have about 40 minutes here. If you want to explore rather than just swim in open water, the stop gives you options. One part of the bay even allows swimming toward that smaller beach area, which can feel like a mini destination inside the bigger bay.

This is a good stop for travelers who like variety. You get coastline views, a hint of built heritage, and a swim spot that feels a bit more specific than generic open water.

Gokkaya Cave Pass-By: Photos That Look Impossible

Then comes a stop that’s built for pictures.

Gokkaya PlajI ve Koyu is one of Kekova’s most popular bays, and boats often use it on overnight routes. It features a cave, and the boat makes a close pass-by so you can see it up close.

You’ll have about 40 minutes here. The cave pass is the key moment. Even if you don’t get into a perfect swim situation, you’ll still get that “wow, that cave is right there” feeling from the boat route.

If you’re into photography, this is where you’ll want your phone/camera ready. Keep an eye on how the crew positions the boat; those close passes tend to produce the best angles when you react quickly.

Karemlik Bay and Loggerhead Turtle Swimming at the End

At the end of the day, the tour returns you to the coastal finish line.

Your final stop is Karemlik Bay & Beach, back near Andriake Harbour. You get about 40 minutes for swimming before the tour wraps up around 6:00 PM.

This stop has a special detail: you can swim with loggerhead turtles. The area is known for multiple loggerhead turtles. Now, a quick reality check: encounters aren’t something you should treat like a guaranteed wildlife show every single time. But the chance is real, and it’s the kind of experience that turns a “nice boat trip” into a memory you’ll talk about later.

If you want the best odds, go in calmly and give the area time. Don’t churn the water. Let the turtles decide whether you’re part of their plan.

Price and Value: What $60.21 Buys on This Boat Day

At $60.21 per person, this trip is priced like a true day tour, not a casual hop. For that cost, you get:

• Turkish black tea (plus coffee/tea offerings)
• Lunch with chicken or fish plus mezes, and vegan/vegetarian options if you ask
• Snacks
• A tour guide/driver
• Multiple scenic stops with time to swim

The only clear extra you should budget for is Simena Castle admission, which is not included.

So where’s the value? In the combination of time and coverage. You’re paying for transportation around the Kekova coastline, plus a guide’s interpretation of what you’re seeing, plus food that keeps you from burning your own budget on midday meals.

It’s also a practical choice if you’re staying around Demre/Kas and want a structured way to do Kekova without needing to rent a boat or plan a route yourself.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Prefer Another Day)

This works best if you want:

• Several swim stops in one day (not a single beach segment)
• Boat cruising with historic coastal sights
• A relaxed pace with lunch and tea taken care of
• An English-speaking guide on a small group format (max 25)

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Hate extra fees and dislike optional entrances. Simena Castle costs extra.
• Expect to swim at every major sight. The Sunken City ruins area is protected and swimming isn’t allowed.
• Need a very long, slow walk-through of one site. This is more “many stops, good time at each” than “one place for half a day.”

Also, if you’re sensitive to sun and want shade planning, you’ll want to carry sunscreen and plan your swims early in the schedule when the day is cooler.

Should You Book This Demre to Kekova Boat Trip?

Yes, I think you should book it if you want a full day on the water with enough stops to keep the scenery fresh—and enough included food to keep your day stress low.

The combination is strong: Kaleköy/Simena, the Dolchiste sunken city cruise, and then back-to-back bays where swimming is part of the plan. Add lunch in Üçağız and a final loggerhead turtle swim, and you’ve got a day that feels like it covers the best mix of sea time and ancient coastal drama.

Just do one thing before you go: decide whether Simena Castle is worth the extra admission for you. If yes, bring a few euros and enjoy the optional climb. If no, you can still enjoy Kaleköy at ground level and focus on the water stops.

If you’re choosing between boat tours, this one is a solid pick for people who want a fair price, a small group feel, and a coastline that looks great even when you’re just floating.

FAQ

How long is the Daily Boat Trip from Demre to Kekova?

The trip runs about 7 to 8 hours.

What time does it start and when does it end?

It starts at 10:00 AM at Andriake Harbour and ends back at the meeting point around 6:00 PM.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Andriake Harbour (Türkiye).

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with choices such as chicken or fish, and vegan/vegetarian options if you tell the restaurant or crew.

Is Simena Castle admission included in the tour price?

No. Simena Castle has a separate admission fee that you pay yourself.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Can I swim at all stops?

Swimming is allowed at most bays, but swimming is not permitted at the Sunken City ruins area.

What’s the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 25 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

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