Sunken ruins and a swim break in one day. This private boat cruise along the Kekova coast is a calm way to see the coastline up close, plus you get time to slow down and swim on your own schedule. I like the private-boat feel and the fact you’re not stuck in a noisy cattle train.

What I really enjoyed was the combination of Sunken City ruins views from the water and the crew’s relaxed hospitality. You’ll get afternoon tea, coffee or tea, and a steady flow of Turkish tea, plus fruits and biscuits along the way.

One consideration: at some stops, admission tickets aren’t included, so you may need to pay a small extra amount depending on what you want to do on shore.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Private boat for up to 6 people, so your pacing feels human
• Multiple swim breaks with time for snorkeling in the Mediterranean
• Sunken City ruins of Simena plus other ruins and viewpoint stops
• Tersane Koyu, Kekova Island, and Castle of Simena keep the scenery moving
• Afternoon tea, coffee/tea, and Turkish tea make the ride feel like a break, not a transit

Private Kekova Boat Trip From Demre: Why This Feels Better Than Big Tours

The Kekova coast is famous for a reason: the water, the ruins, and that strange, half-submerged feeling you only get when you’re looking at old stone right from the sea. What makes this trip work is the pace. A private boat means fewer interruptions and less waiting around, so you spend more time enjoying the places and less time watching other people.

I also like that the trip doesn’t treat you like a checkbox. The schedule has clear stops, but the “private” format makes it easier to linger if you want a little longer photos, shade, or a slower swim break. You can also settle into the rhythm: ride, pause, swim, tea, repeat.

And then there’s the onboard vibe. One of the best parts is how the day is flavored with Turkish tea, fruits, and biscuits, with afternoon tea and coffee/tea included. It turns a sightseeing trip into an actual outing.

Price and Time on the Water: What Your $430 Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

This tour runs about 7 hours, departing at 10:00 am and ending back at the meeting point. The price is $430.05 per group (up to 6), which is where the real value shows. If you’re traveling with a small crew—friends, family, or a couple plus a sibling—this can cost about the same as a standard group tour, but with a lot more control.

A good way to think about it: you’re paying for comfort and flexibility. The boat is private, you have multiple swim windows, and you’re not stuck listening to the same loud spiel for the entire day.

What’s not included matters too. Drinks are not included, and several stops list admission as not included. That means your total day cost can creep up a bit if you plan to go into every site. If you just want the views from the water and enjoy the swim breaks, you’ll likely feel the value more strongly.

Getting to Ayla Boat Tours (Demre) and Starting at 10:00

The meeting point is Ayla Boat Tours | Kekova Tekne Turu, in Büyükkum, Çayağzı Yolu, 07570 Demre/Antalya, Turkey. The end point returns you to the same location.

Two practical notes:

• You should plan to arrive early enough to get oriented before the 10:00 am start.
• There’s no hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll want your own plan for getting to Demre.

Since this is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket, you’ll want your phone battery charged. Also, this is described as private, so only your group participates—less waiting, more time doing.

From Demre Harbour: Seeing the Coast’s Story in Motion

The cruise begins at Demre Harbour, with the core sailing time attached to the Kekova tekne experience. This is where you start getting that signature Kekova feeling: the coastline isn’t just scenery; it’s a layered timeline you can look at while the boat moves.

This is also where the “boat trip” part matters more than a bus tour. You can shift your attention instantly—watch the waterline, look at stone shapes near the shore, then glance toward the next cove. Even if you already know the big headlines about Kekova, seeing it from the sea tends to make it click.

If you like photos, this section is also useful. The light can be pretty kind in the morning, and you’re not rushed by a tight coach schedule.

Stop-by-Stop: What Each Kekova Stop Is Good For

The itinerary has a mix of ruin viewing, shore time, and swim breaks. Here’s how to use each stop to your advantage.

KEKOVA TEKNE TURLARI (core cruise time from Demre Harbour)

This first main block is where the day’s pacing is set. You’ll be on the water long enough to enjoy the coastline views, but not so long that you feel trapped on deck. Admission is listed as free here, so you’re not juggling ticket questions right at the start.

What I’d aim for: use this time to settle in. Get comfortable, set your phone camera settings, and make your first decision about swims—because once you’re in the water, the day tends to get even better.

Tersane Koyu (1 hour ashore)

Tersane Koyu gives you a longer stretch on shore—about one hour. This is a good “break stop” when you want to reset: stretch your legs, take a breath, and switch from sea views to a more grounded perspective.

There’s no admission listed as required here, which helps the stop feel low-pressure. It’s a nice slot for a relaxed walk or just sitting somewhere shaded and watching boats come and go.

Sunken City Ruins of Simena (about 1 hour; admission not included)

This is the big name stop, the one you’re most likely picturing ahead of time. You’ll have about an hour here.

The key value is how the ruins reveal themselves in layers—part visible, part implied by shape and shoreline. From the sea you can really understand why Kekova’s story feels different than a standard archaeology site. It’s not just ruins on land; it’s history meeting water.

One caution: admission here is listed as not included, so if you plan to do more than just look around, expect you might pay extra.

Kekova Island (about 1 hour; admission not included)

Kekova Island is another hour stop. This is the chance to spend time in a more “island-feeling” stretch rather than only viewing from a distance.

Like the Simena ruins stop, admission is listed as not included. So if your budget is tight, lean into the views and the time on board. If you want the shore experience, build in some flexibility for small ticket costs.

Swim and Snorkel Breaks: The Real Reason to Pick This Trip

If you want one memorable takeaway from this Kekova boat trip, it’s the swim breaks. You get multiple chances to get in the Mediterranean, and the schedule makes it easy to enjoy the water without feeling like the whole day is just sailing.

Aquarium Bay (15 minutes in the water)

At Aquarium Bay, you’ll have about 15 minutes for swimming. This is a quick, focused break. Fifteen minutes sounds short—until you’re actually in the water and realize the goal is to cool off, maybe snorkel, and then get back to enjoying the rest of the scenery.

Admission is listed as free for this stop, so it doesn’t create extra “pay to play” friction.

Gokkaya PlajI ve Koyu (15 minutes in the water)

The later swim break is at Gokkaya PlajI ve Koyu, again about 15 minutes. This gives you another chance to refresh and, if you want, compare how different coves feel.

In one of the best pieces of feedback I saw, people mentioned swimming in cooler but still pleasant conditions and enjoying it anyway. That’s a good reminder: you don’t need perfect beach weather to enjoy getting in—just go with the flow and bring swim gear you’re comfortable using.

Castle of Simena and the Orange-Juice Viewpoint Moment

Simena Castle is on the schedule for about one hour, with admission listed as not included.

This stop is worth it mostly for the viewpoint factor—when you’re up a bit higher, the coast layout makes more sense. You stop seeing random pieces of scenery and start seeing the whole system: coves, shorelines, and the rough geography that makes the ruins possible to spot.

One detail I love from the onboard experience described by previous guests: orange juice at this stop. It’s the kind of small, human touch that turns a photo break into a real rest moment.

Tasty Comforts on Board: Afternoon Tea, Turkish Tea, and Snacks

This is where the “value” becomes emotional, not just mathematical. The included fare includes afternoon tea plus coffee and/or tea, and the ride is served with Turkish tea. You’ll also have fruits and biscuits as part of the experience.

Why that matters: in the heat and sun, tea and light snacks help you keep going without that dry, cranky feeling that ruins boat days. And because you’re on a private cruise, the service tends to feel more personal than a buffet-line moment.

If you get seasick easily, having something warm and a snack can help you manage the ride. It’s not a magic cure, but it’s practical.

Where the Trip Really Delivers: Calm, Flexible, and Built Around You

The standout theme here is calm. The coast can be popular, but a private boat format helps you avoid the loud, constant “move along” energy you get from larger group travel. Even when the itinerary has set stops, you still get that sense that your time is yours.

I also appreciate that the day includes both scenic structure and downtime:

• Ruin and viewpoint stops give you meaning
• Swim breaks give you relief
• Tea and snacks give you energy

And because it’s private (up to 6), you can keep the day comfortable for the people in your group. If someone wants more shade, you can adjust more easily than on a larger tour.

Who Should Book This Kekova Boat Trip?

This trip fits best if you want:

• a private boat experience without the stress of coordinating multiple transfers
• swim and snorkel time built into the schedule
• a day that mixes ruins, viewpoints, and breaks rather than sprinting from site to site

It also makes sense for couples and small groups who want to share the boat cost, since the price is per group rather than per person.

If you’re the type who hates any extra spending for admissions on shore, read the itinerary carefully in your planning. Several stops list admission as not included. If your goal is mostly the views from the water and the swim breaks, you’ll likely feel happier with the overall value.

Should You Book This Private Kekova Boat Trip?

Yes—if your priority is a comfortable, small-group day on the water with swim time and a relaxed onboard rhythm. The combination of private boat comfort, multiple swim breaks, and the included afternoon tea plus Turkish tea, fruits, and biscuits is exactly what makes this itinerary feel worth your time.

I’d book it especially if you’re traveling in a group of up to 6 and you’d rather spend money on comfort and less waiting than on more expensive add-ons. If you’re trying to keep costs razor-thin, check which shore stops have admission not included and decide in advance how much you want to do on land.

If you like the idea of seeing Kekova’s ruins as part of the coastline—not as a distant photo background—this is one of the more sensible ways to do it.

FAQ

What time does the Kekova boat trip start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 7 hours (approx.).

Is this a private tour, and how many people can it include?

Yes. It’s a private tour and your group will be the only group participating, with a maximum of up to 6 people per group.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are fuel surcharge, local taxes, afternoon tea, and coffee and/or tea.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, there’s free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, it won’t be refunded.

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