Sunken City views without the crowd can be rare. This private boat trip in the Kekova region mixes easy swimming in clear coves with a slow cruise past the Simena Sunken City remains, plus a proper Turkish lunch on board. I love the front-door hotel or villa pickup and the way your schedule is set up for breaks that actually feel relaxing. I also like that the food is home-style, with olive-oil mezes and a hot main you choose. One possible drawback: you’ll spend a lot of time on the water and in swim stops, so if your idea of vacation is nonstop sightseeing on land, you might want a more city-focused day.

The route is built around Üçağız village, the usual gateway to Kekova, and it’s paced so you don’t feel rushed at every stop. You also get a land break in Kaleköy (Simena) at the end, which helps balance the day between boat time and walking time. Just remember this is a swim-first day, and the quality of that experience depends on the day’s weather.

Quick hits worth knowing before you go

• Hotel pickup from Kaş or Kalkan keeps the day simple and avoids the early-rally scramble
• Aquarium Bay is known for water clarity, with a tea pause that feels old-school Turkish
• Slow passing of the Sunken City lets you see houses, cisterns, and stairs from the water
• Aşırlı Island lunch includes an open-buffet spread and 5 olive-oil mezes made by the captain’s wife
• Pirate Cave photo stop is short, but it’s a fun little moment that breaks up the swimming
• Kaleköy (Simena) castle village gives you one hour on land to explore and even swim

Üçağız departure: the gate to Kekova

Most full-day Kekova days start the same way: you get transferred to Üçağız village, which acts like the access point for the whole Kekova area. From Üçağız, you’re close enough to reach the best coves without a long, exhausting drive. The timings suggest a smooth lead-in: you’ll drive from your Kaş or Kalkan area pickup to the harbor, where your boat is ready.

What I like about this approach is the pacing. Instead of spending the first half of the day in transit, you move quickly from pickup to getting on the water. And because this is a private experience for just your group, you’re not waiting around for other parties to show up, then waiting again while they decide what to do.

Aquarium Bay: clear-water swim breaks and Turkish tea

Your first real water moment is Aquarium Bay, with a dedicated swim window. The big selling point here is visibility: the water is described as so clear you can see under the sea, almost like you’d expect from an aquarium. That clarity matters. It makes swimming calmer, easier for first-timers, and it turns basic “floating time” into actual exploring.

There’s also a small but thoughtful touch: Turkish tea is offered during this stop. It’s not a complicated add-on; it’s just the kind of simple hospitality that makes these boat days feel personal instead of transactional.

Consideration: the time window is about 45 minutes, so don’t plan to do everything—swim, snorkel, and sunbathe like you’ve got all afternoon. Aim to pick one focus: swim and look around, or stretch out and rest.

Cruising past Simena Sunken City ruins from the water

Then comes the headline: the Sunken City ruins of Simena. A major earthquake caused parts of this settlement to sink, and from the boat you pass slowly along the remnants. You’re not just getting a vague “ancient ruins somewhere” experience. You get a guided-style view of specific underwater features like a sunken house, a cistern, stairs, and other visible structures.

The value of seeing it by boat is simple: you understand the coastline. The ruins sit in the geography—on the edge of bays and against the waterline—so the slow pass helps you register scale in a way photos rarely do.

Small practical tip: bring your best “eyes open” attention for the cruise segment. If you’re busy chatting or taking pictures nonstop, you may miss the moment when a structure lines up with the boat’s angle and looks clearest. A 40-minute stop isn’t for wandering; it’s for observation from the water.

Tersane Koyu shipyard bay: swimming near sunken remnants

Next up is Tersane Koyu, often described as a shipyard bay. The vibe here is less about standing still and more about getting in the water. This is another swimming break, and the attraction is that there are sunken ruins you can swim over.

This is one of those stops where your comfort level with water matters. If you feel confident swimming, it turns into a memorable, slightly surreal experience—being in the water with remnants that were built long ago. If you’re less comfortable, it can still work, but you’ll want to stay where the water feels safe and manageable.

One more bonus: after Aquarium Bay, you already know the water clarity can be excellent. That sets expectations for Tersane Koyu, and when it matches, it feels like you’re getting paid twice for the same swim-oriented plan.

Aşırlı Island lunch in Gökkaya: olive-oil mezes and hot fish or chicken

Now the day pivots from swimming to eating—and this is where this trip earns a lot of love.

You stop behind Aşırlı Island, in a bay called Gökkaya, for lunch and another swim. The lunch is an open-buffet on the boat, and the spread includes 5 different Turkish local olive oil mezes made by the captain’s wife. That’s a specific detail, and it’s exactly the kind that makes a lunch feel real instead of generic catering.

Then you get a hot main: barbecued chicken or fish, chosen based on what you want. Fruit and snacks are also part of the overall included plan, and there’s hot coffee or tea tied into the first and last bay timing.

Let’s talk value. This is a full-day private tour priced per group (up to 12 people). If you fill the boat capacity, the cost per person gets much easier to swallow. And you’re not just buying “food.” You’re paying for a full day with multiple swimming stops, a Sunken City cruise pass, and a land visit later—plus lunch is handled for you so you’re not hunting for a restaurant mid-trip.

Possible drawback: lunch is included, but alcohol isn’t. If you want wine or beer, you’ll need to bring it yourself. That isn’t unusual for boat trips, but it’s good to plan ahead.

Pirate Cave on Aşırlı Island: short stop, fun photos

After lunch, you shift to Aşırlı Island for a quick visit to a natural cave called Pirate Cave. The stop is only about 10 minutes, which makes it a photo-and-look-around moment rather than an extended excursion.

This quick stop is valuable because it adds variety. Up to this point, the day is mostly swimming and ruins from the boat. Pirate Cave gives you a land feature, even if it’s brief. It’s also a handy timing break before the later swim stops.

More Kekova water time: Burç Bay and the fruit-on-board moments

Then the itinerary keeps feeding you the good stuff: more coves, more swims, and more views of the coastline around Kekova Island.

You’ll stop at a bay called Burç opposite Kekova Island for a swimming break, and later you’ll have another swim stop at an island bay opposite Kekova. At that later stop, you also get fruit on the boat.

This “lots of small breaks” structure is exactly what makes the day work. Instead of one long, exhausting swim session, you keep changing locations, which helps you stay comfortable and interested. It also helps you keep the day from feeling like a single long stretch of heat and sun.

Consideration: because there are multiple water stops, you should be ready to reapply sun protection and keep water handy between swims. Shade is mentioned as helpful by some past visitors, but it’s still a sun-heavy part of Turkey.

Kaleköy (Simena) castle village stop: one hour on land with views

On the way back, you do land time in Simena, also known as Kaleköy (Castle village). This is a 1-hour break where you leave the boat and explore.

You can walk around the village, and you can also go up the castle if you want those elevated views. The stop also includes the chance to swim here, which is a nice extra if you still want water time after the boat portion.

Why this stop is worth your hour: the boat gives you the ruins and the underwater story, while Kaleköy gives you the human side—stone village lanes, castle geography, and a different pace than the open water.

Practical note: with only one hour, move with purpose. Do the castle walk first if that’s a priority, then save your wandering for the village lanes and waterfront.

Price and what you get for $780.95 per group

Let’s get real about the number. $780.95 per group (up to 12) for about 7.5 hours is expensive if you’re traveling solo or as a couple. But it can feel like a smart splurge if you’re splitting the cost.

Here’s the math: if you’re booking with a full group of 12, that’s roughly $65 per person for a private day with pickup, a Sunken City pass, multiple swim stops, and a full Turkish lunch with mezes plus coffee/tea. If you’re 4 people, the per-person cost rises, but you still get value in the form of convenience, private pacing, and included food.

Also, the pricing is group-based, and the whole point is that your time stays yours. This is the kind of tour where paying more can be worth it because the day feels smoother: no waiting on strangers, no getting squeezed into someone else’s schedule.

One more detail: the trip is often booked about 29 days in advance on average. That’s not a rule, but it hints that dates can fill when people want late spring to early autumn boat weather.

Who this Kekova trip fits best

This is a great match if you want:

• A swim-heavy day with clear-water bays and several stops
• An easier luxury option: pickup, lunch, and coffee/tea handled
• Private pacing for couples, friends, and families (up to 12)

It also works well for people who want heritage without overloading themselves with nonstop walking. You see the Sunken City from the water with specific features to look for, then you get a reasonable land stop at Kaleköy.

If you’re the type who hates boats or can’t swim, this could feel like wasted time. But if you’re comfortable in the water and want a relaxing day with real food at the center of it, you’re likely to feel like you got your money’s worth.

What to bring so the day feels easy

You’ll be doing multiple swims, plus some short stops for photos and village exploring. I’d plan like this:

• Swimwear and a towel you don’t mind getting sandy-wet
• Snorkel gear if you have it. Some people bring their own and find they can also use equipment onboard if needed
• Sunscreen and a hat, because this is sun-time between stops
• Simple water shoes if you prefer extra comfort when entering
• A light layer for boat time when the air feels cooler

Also, think about your phone strategy. With clear water, you’ll want photos, but you’ll enjoy the day more if you also take moments just to look—especially during the Sunken City pass.

Host vibe: family-run warmth can make the difference

A big part of why this trip gets such strong satisfaction isn’t just the stops. The hosting style matters.

Some groups have been welcomed by hosts like Captain Ali and his daughter Elif, and others have experienced the day with Ibrahim and his wife. In both cases, the pattern is the same: they’re friendly, responsive, and focused on getting you a good day rather than just checking boxes.

The most meaningful signal is the care around the lunch—mezes made by the captain’s wife, fresh cooking, and attention to what you want for the hot main. When staff treats the meal like part of the experience, the whole day feels more personal.

Should you book this Kekova Private Full-Day Boat Trip?

If you’re choosing between a cheaper group boat and this private option, book this one when you care about three things: clear swim time, real included lunch, and your own schedule. The Sunken City is impressive no matter what boat you’re on, but the private pacing and the food quality make this feel like a full-day experience, not a rushed outing.

I’d skip it (or at least reconsider) if you’re not interested in swimming, or if you want a more land-based tour with long walking time and museum-style history. This day is water-first, and it’s designed for you to relax on deck, take short swims, and then enjoy lunch without planning anything.

If your dates line up with good weather, this trip is an excellent way to do Kekova the easy, comfort-forward way.

FAQ

Is pickup available for this Kekova private boat trip?

Yes. Pickup is offered from your hotel or villa around Kaş or Kalkan, arranged by sending your location via WhatsApp.

How long is the boat trip?

The total duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

You get private transportation, lunch, fruit snacks, and coffee or tea offered on the first and last bay stops.

Is admission included for the stops?

The stops listed in the plan show admission ticket free for each swim/ruins location and the Simena village visit.

Do I need to pay extra for alcohol?

Alcoholic beverages are not included. You can bring your own drinks if you wish.

How many people can be on the private tour?

It’s a private group experience up to 12 people.

Where does the trip start?

The trip starts by driving to Üçağız village to board the boat. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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