Snorkel above an ancient city. On this Deluxe Sunken City Boat trip from Kas, you glide out on Captain Mustafa’s boat for views of Sunken City ruins, plus time to swim right by the historic remains. It’s the kind of full-day Mediterranean outing where the sea breeze is part of the plan, not an accident.

What I like most is the mix of up-close water time and landmark stops. You’ll get snorkeling gear included for the submerged sights, and the day doesn’t skimp on food, either, with lunch served along the way. One thing to keep in mind: drinks are extra, and you’ll also pay separately for the Castle of Simena ticket.

Also, plan your day around a boat schedule. Total time is about 8 hours, so you’ll want to show up with a relaxed mindset and be ready for a good chunk of the day on the water.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 8 travelers) means less crowding and more room to relax on deck or in the shade.
• Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can show up ready without hauling extra gear.
• Kekova Island stop (about 2 hours) gives you real time to swim and look for the submerged ruins.
• Sunken City views from the boat plus ruins you can see from the water on the way between stops.
• Castle of Simena is a separate ticket, and you’ll only have about 1 hour to enjoy the island.

A deluxe boat day from Kas: what the experience feels like

Kas is a great base for boat trips, because you get both scenery and the sense that you’re leaving shore behind for the day. This Deluxe Sunken City Boat Guided Tour keeps the focus on one big theme: Kekova and Simena from the water, with snorkeling as the main event.

The trip runs about 8 hours, which is long enough to feel like a real outing. You’re not just doing a quick cruise. You’ll spend time cruising between sights, stopping to swim, then wrapping with a final land moment at the Castle of Simena area. If you like days that feel active but not rushed, this fits.

Group size matters here. With a maximum of 8 travelers, you should feel less squeezed than on larger boats. That’s a big deal when you want space to change positions, take photos, and actually enjoy the sea instead of negotiating for room.

And you’re not stuck guessing logistics, either. You get a mobile ticket, the tour is offered in English, and the schedule includes multiple water moments, not just one brief stop.

The route highlights: Kekova, Kaleköy, and the Simena ruins

This tour is built around the Kekova–Kaleköy–Simena triangle. From the boat, you’ll see the scenery that makes the region famous: rocky coastline, islands rising from the sea, and the historic details that are easier to spot when you’re out on the water.

You’ll start with a pass near a small pebble beach—handy if you’re the kind of person who likes to notice the coastline as you go. Then the day shifts into the real highlights: Kekova Island and the Sunken City ruins area around Simena.

One smart part of the design is that you don’t only rely on a single view. You’ll spend time in the water, then also see the submerged ruins from the boat. That way, even if you’re not in the water the entire time, you still get multiple chances to spot the ruins and appreciate the geography.

If you’re coming for “I want to see the famous ruins,” this structure works. You get a swim-focused stop, then repeated visual moments while cruising between the key points.

Kekova Island stop: swimming plus sunken-city time on the water

Kekova Island is where the day turns from cruising to doing. You’ll get about 2 hours at the island for swimming and time to see the sunken city.

This is the stop that matches the trip’s name, and it’s also the one that will set your mood for the whole day. The boat gets you into position, then you’re free to swim and look around. With the snorkeling equipment included, it’s easier to commit to the water part without worrying about renting or tracking down gear.

Here’s how to think about it: snorkel stops like this are as much about timing and comfort as they are about sight-seeing. Water visibility can vary, and the best experiences usually come when you take it slow. Don’t rush to chase what you see on photos. Look for the submerged shapes around where you’ve been positioned and let your eyes adjust.

Also, consider how you manage your time underwater. You’ll likely want a quick look to get your bearings, then a longer swim once you’re comfortable. That tends to help you get the most out of the stop without draining your energy for the rest of the day.

Cruising by the Sunken City: ruins you can spot from the boat

After the Kekova Island swim time, the day continues with viewing from the boat. You’ll pass viewpoints where you can see the ancient ruins from the water, including the Sunken City.

This matters because it gives you a different angle. From the boat, you see the bigger picture—how the coastline relates to what’s submerged. It also gives you a break if you’ve used up your energy during snorkel time. You can sit back, watch the coastline slide by, and still enjoy the main storyline of the day.

The timing also helps. You’re not forced to choose between swimming and seeing. The boat ride between stops functions like a moving gallery, and it keeps you engaged even if the water moment wasn’t exactly what you expected.

If you’re sensitive to being in the sun for hours, treat this part as your chance to reset. Sit in the shade if you can, keep water nearby if you’ve brought it (it’s not included), and let the scenery do its job.

Castle of Simena: a 1-hour land break and two ways to enjoy it

Then comes the land stop: Castle of Simena, with about 1 hour on the island.

This is your chance to swap the sea view for stone, viewpoints, and a little walking. The island option is climb-and-look, meaning you can go up toward the castle area if you feel like it. If climbing isn’t your plan, you can also opt for homemade ice cream on the island. That’s a nice reset after a swim-heavy morning.

The big practical consideration is how much you want to do in that single hour. One hour goes fast on uneven ground. If you want photos plus a quick climb, keep your pace brisk and plan a turnaround early. If you prefer comfort, spend your hour enjoying the views and let the climbs be optional.

Also remember: the Castle of Simena admission is not included. So budget for that if you plan to go inside or fully enjoy the castle portion. Even if you don’t, you still get time on the island area, but the ticket part is separate.

Lunch on the water: what’s included and what to plan for

Lunch is included, and it’s one of the reasons this trip feels more “worth it” than the basic cruise options. You’ll eat along the way, while you’re still in the middle of the scenery.

What’s included: lunch itself. What’s not included: bottled water, coffee and/or tea, soda/pop, and alcohol. That matters more than it sounds, because it affects your total cost and your comfort on a hot day.

Here’s my practical approach: treat lunch as part of the value, then bring a game plan for drinks. If you know you’ll want bottled water or soft drinks, set aside extra cash so you’re not stuck going without. And if coffee or tea is your thing, plan to pay for it on board.

The lunch format is also part of what people remember. The food is described as a filling multi-course style meal, not just a small bite. It’s served as a plated meal with dessert and fruit afterward, which helps keep the day feeling special rather than rushed.

Snorkeling the submerged city: how to make the most of it

This is the signature moment. The snorkeling equipment is included, and the swim time is built around the sunken city area near Kekova Island.

I like that the tour doesn’t treat snorkeling as a random add-on. It’s tied directly to the sightseeing goal. That means you’re not just getting wet for the sake of it—you’re using the water time to look at the historic remains.

A few tips to help you enjoy it:

• Keep your first breath slow and steady. Adjust your mask and fins before you chase anything.
• Watch your group spacing. With a small group, it’s easier to feel pressure, so take your time.
• When visibility changes, switch your focus. Sometimes the “best” thing to see is not the biggest object but the edge of structure or the way ruins line up with the seabed.

Also think about energy. You’ll spend time in the water, then still have the afternoon cruise and the Castle of Simena island stop. If you snorkel hard for the full time every session, you might feel it later. Aim for enjoyment, not endurance.

If snorkeling isn’t your main priority, you still get the boat viewing and swim time, but the trip’s value is strongest when you plan to spend a meaningful chunk of time in the water.

Boat comfort and pacing: why the small group matters

The boat day can feel either relaxed or chaotic depending on crowding. Here, the maximum group size is 8 travelers, which is a sweet spot for a full-day trip.

In practical terms, smaller groups usually mean:

• More room to pick a spot on deck
• Easier movement when boarding or moving to the next stop
• Less waiting while everyone suits up or gathers

This tour also keeps stops planned and spaced. You get a long enough Kekova Island window to swim and look around. Then you have cruising time where you can view the ruins from the boat. Finally, you finish with one short but meaningful land stop at Simena.

The pacing feels like a “do the highlights” day rather than a “cover everything in the region” day. That’s not a drawback; it’s part of the design. You’ll remember the submerged ruins better when you’re not sprinting between locations.

Who this tour is best for (and who should pick something else)

This tour fits best if you want one focused day in the Kekova–Simena area with snorkeling as a core activity. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes historical sights but also wants the sea part to be active, this is a strong match.

It also suits couples, small families, and groups who want a calmer boat vibe. The boat setting with a small group makes it easier to take breaks between water moments and keep the day enjoyable.

If you dislike boats or you get motion sick easily, you’ll want to think twice. The trip is still about 8 hours on the water, with only limited land time at Simena. There’s no alternative schedule listed—this is a boat-forward day.

And if you’re on a tight budget, the base price plus add-ons (drinks, and Castle of Simena admission) may feel like it grows. The trip still includes lunch and snorkeling equipment, but you should plan for extra costs.

Price and value: is $241.36 a fair deal?

At $241.36 per person, this isn’t the cheapest boat day in the region. It is positioned as a deluxe experience, and the value depends on what you plan to use.

Here’s what you’re paying for that matters:

• Snorkeling equipment included (so you avoid extra rentals)
• Lunch included (and described as a proper multi-course style meal)
• Full-day boat time with multiple sightseeing moments (not a quick in-and-out)

What can push costs higher:

• Drinks are extra, including bottled water and coffee/tea
• The Castle of Simena ticket is not included

So my rule is simple. If snorkeling and a plated lunch are priorities for you, the price can feel fair. If you mostly want scenery and you rarely spend time in the water, you might find other options that cost less.

Also, consider the small group. Max 8 travelers is part of what you’re paying for, and for many people, that alone makes the day feel smoother.

Quick practical tips to plan your day in Kas

You’ll be in English on this tour, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket. The meeting point is listed as near public transportation, which is useful if you’re staying in Kas without a car.

Because the tour runs about 8 hours, I’d plan your day around it. Eat something earlier if you’re prone to getting hungry before lunch, and keep a hat and sunscreen in mind since a lot of the time is out in the sun. If you know you’ll want bottled water or soft drinks, bring some cash or prepare for on-board purchases.

Finally, remember that this is weather-dependent. The trip requires good weather, and if conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the reality of boat tours along the coast, so checking the forecast before you lock in plans is smart.

Should you book this Sunken City boat tour from Kas?

I’d book it if you want a real “sea + history” day: swim in the Kekova area, snorkel with provided gear, see the ruins both from the boat and from the water, and then finish with a short Castle of Simena break. The small group size and the included lunch make the day feel complete, not skimpy.

I would pause if you don’t plan to snorkel much or you’re sensitive to time on the water. This is still a full-day boat schedule with add-on costs for drinks and the castle admission.

If your ideal Kas day includes snorkeling, multiple sighting moments of the Sunken City ruins, and a proper meal on board, this is the kind of tour that delivers what it promises.

FAQ

How long is the Deluxe Sunken City Boat Guided Tour from Kas?

It runs for about 8 hours.

Where does this tour take place?

The tour is in Kas, Turkey.

What is the price per person?

The price is $241.36 per person.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, but drinks are extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What does the tour include for drinks?

Bottled water, coffee and/or tea, soda/pop, and alcohol are not included.

How many travelers are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Is good weather required?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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