A calm day at sea starts here. This private Kekova cruise from Demre is built around sunken-city views at your own pace, with swim time in the clear Mediterranean. You’ll also get land time for Simena Castle views over the coastline.

I love that this is truly private for up to 6 people, which means you spend your time where you want, not where the crowd wants. I also like the way the day is paced for water breaks, so the trip feels relaxed instead of rushed.

One thing to plan for: the tour price doesn’t include lunch or drinks, so you’ll want to bring spending money (and possibly snacks) for the day.

Key things to know before you go

• Private boat for up to 6: more quiet time at each stop
• Snorkeling gear included for the water breaks
• Multiple swim stops with short, well-timed breaks
• Simena Castle visit at Kaleköy/Simena area for a stretch of on-land exploring
• Cruises through the sunken city zone for best-looking ruin views from the water
• Good weather matters since this is a sea day

Private boat from Demre: what makes this Kekova day feel different

Kekova can be busy on the big-boat circuit. This is the cleaner alternative: you leave from Demre Harbor on a private boat, so the vibe is quieter and the timing feels more human.

The biggest value is not just the sites. It’s the way the day works as a single flow: sail time for views, then short breaks for swimming, then a land stop for Simena Castle. That rhythm keeps you from feeling stuck on a schedule that was made for someone else.

This is also the kind of trip where small details matter. You’re going to want a boat day that doesn’t feel like a cattle car, and the private setup here is exactly for that.

Price and value: is $415.57 per group worth it?

At $415.57 per group (up to 6), the math depends on how many people you pack into your group.

• With a full group of 6, your per-person cost drops a lot compared with shared boats.
• With fewer people, it’s still not a bad deal if you care about privacy and easier swim time.

I think the strongest value argument is simple: you’re paying to trade crowds for space. If you’re the type who wants to stop, swim, and move on without feeling rushed or watched, private is where your money goes.

The one caveat is that you should budget for lunch and drinks, which are not included. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it changes the total day cost.

Meeting point and timing: start at 10:00 from Ayla Boat Tours

The day starts at 10:00 am at Ayla Boat Tours | Kekova Tekne Turu, Büyükkum, Çayağzı Yolu, 07570 Demre/Antalya. The trip ends back at the same place.

Because this is a full boat day (about 7 hours), you’ll want to show up rested and ready for sun and water time. Bring sunscreen and plan on getting a little damp at multiple points, since the itinerary includes repeated swimming breaks.

You also get a mobile ticket, so you won’t be scrambling for paper when you’re standing at the dock.

Kekova Island and the sunken city passage: your best ruin viewing from the water

Your first major stop is Kekova Island, where you’ll cruise through the sunken-city zone. Think of it as a “look from the best angle” moment.

This stop is short (about 30 minutes), but that’s part of the logic. You get enough time for photos and a close look at the underwater remnants without burning your whole day on one point.

Why this works: the waterline ruin field is hard to appreciate if you’re only seeing it from land. From the boat, you can scan across the coastline and spot how the settlement sits below the surface. Even when you don’t know every detail, the shape of the area tells a story.

Tip for your camera: aim for a steady horizon and take a few minutes to watch the coastline shift as the boat moves. That motion helps you “read” what you’re seeing.

Kaleköy Harbour and Simena Castle time: what to do on land

Next comes Kaleköy Harbour with an on-land visit to Simena Castle. You’ll have about 1 hour here, and admission is listed as not included.

This is your break from the boat, and it’s a good one. Castle time gives you context for the ruins. You’ll see how the coastline and settlement sit against the Mediterranean, and you get a better sense of the geography that makes Kekova so dramatic.

What to expect:

• A focused window to walk around and take in the view
• Time to connect the castle vantage points with the water-level scenery you just saw
• Some sun exposure, since it’s an outdoor stop

Possible consideration: this portion is shorter than the full water day, so if you love long hikes or museum-style exploring, you might wish you had more time. But for most people, one hour hits a sweet spot: enough to experience it without turning the day into a land-focused tour.

Tersane Koyu swim break: your quiet-water moment

The itinerary then switches back to swimming with a stop at Tersane Koyu (about 30 minutes). Admission is marked as free here, and this is one of the core “day at sea” blocks.

This is where the private-boat advantage shows up most. With fewer boats around you, the water time feels calmer. You can slip in, float, and look around without feeling like you’re part of a timed procession.

Even in colder months, you can still get a swim if the weather cooperates. The trip is built around clear-water moments, and the water breaks are short and frequent enough to keep it fun without exhausting you.

Practical tip: rinse after you swim if you can. Even quick bay water can leave salt on skin.

Aquarium Bay and more snorkel time: short, sweet, and fishy

After Tersane Koyu, you’ll get another water break at Aquarium Bay for about 15 minutes. Again, admission is listed as free.

This stop is brief, so treat it like a “snorkel window” rather than a full swimming session. The goal is quick water time, then back to the boat for the next sailing segment.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you won’t need to shop locally or stress about bringing gear. Still, give yourself a minute or two to get comfortable with the equipment before you head into the water.

If you want the most out of this short stop, position yourself early and don’t wait until the last few minutes. With limited time, a small planning habit makes a big difference.

Castle of Simena and sunken ruins cruise: finishing with the best atmosphere

Later you’ll have Castle of Simena time (about 1 hour) with admission not included, followed by a cruise through the Sunken City Ruins of Simena (about 15 minutes).

This combination is smart because it mirrors how your eye learns the area:

• Land first (castle views) to understand the setting
• Then back to the water for the ruins passage and the “aha” moments from the sea

That final sunken-city cruise segment is shorter by design. You already had water time earlier, and this last pass works like a curtain call—just enough for one more scan of the underwater ruins as the coastline falls away behind you.

The captain factor: avoiding crowds makes the whole day better

The standout praise for this trip centers on how the captain runs the day. The theme is consistent: the stops feel planned, and the boat avoids heavy tourist presence where possible.

That matters because Kekova is the kind of destination where the sites don’t change—but your experience does. When you’re not sharing narrow swim areas with lots of other boats, the water feels clearer, the pacing feels kinder, and the day doesn’t turn into a waiting game.

If you want a boat day that feels like it belongs to you, this is the right sort of operation.

What’s included (and what to budget for)

Included:

• Use of snorkeling equipment

Not included:

• Lunch
• Bottled water / drinks (drinks are extra)

That means you should think like this is a half-day on the water plus two swim breaks plus land time—then plan food and drinks accordingly.

My practical recommendation: pack a small snack if you tend to get hungry before lunch. Bring money for whatever lunch or drinks you choose. If you’re sensitive to sun, bring extra water and consider something salty—it helps after swim time.

How to make the most of a 7-hour sea day

A private cruise sounds effortless, but you’ll enjoy it more if you’re prepared for a sun + water schedule.

Bring:

• Sunscreen and a hat (you’ll be outside during castle time)
• Swimwear you don’t mind getting salt on
• A small towel or quick-dry option if you have one
• Reef-safe or at least gentle sunscreen if you’re planning to snorkel (it can help protect the water)

Timing mindset:

• Expect the water stops to be short and frequent.
• Use the snorkel gear early during each swim window.
• Keep your timing relaxed. The private format is made for you to feel unhurried.

One more small note: since it requires good weather, don’t plan any tight connections right after the tour. If conditions shift, the operator may adjust your experience.

Should you book this private Kekova boat cruise?

Book this if:

• You want a private boat day with up to 6 people and a calmer pace than shared tours
• You care about snorkeling time and want equipment included
• You want both Simena Castle time and water-based views of the sunken city
• You’d rather pay for space than fight for it

Skip it (or at least think twice) if:

• You’re hoping lunch and drinks are covered
• You prefer long land tours over a balanced mix of sailing, swimming, and short castle exploring
• You’re planning around a tight itinerary where weather changes could cause stress

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Ayla Boat Tours | Kekova Tekne Turu in Büyükkum, Çayağzı Yolu, 07570 Demre/Antalya, Turkey.

What time does the cruise depart?

The start time is 10:00 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates (up to 6).

What’s included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Are bottled water or drinks included?

No. Bottled water/drinks are extra.

Do I need admission tickets for every stop?

Admission is not included for Kaleköy Harbour for Simena Castle and for the Castle of Simena stop. Other listed swimming or cruise segments are marked as free admission.

Will I have time to swim and snorkel?

Yes. There are swimming breaks at Tersane Koyu and Aquarium Bay, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

What happens 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.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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