Turtles, castles, and sunken ruins, all by boat. This private Kekova day is built around sea-level history and water time: you get snorkeling-ready bays and real chances to see Caretta Carettas up close. One catch to plan for is that you do not get to stop or swim at Kekova Island itself—you cruise past—so your swimming will be at the bays instead.

I also like that the day is paced like a chill loop, not a rushed checklist. You start at 10:00 am in Demre, bounce between bays for breaks and photos, and then climb Simena Castle with views that make the whole region make sense.

A private group (up to 6) means you can actually enjoy the day at your own speed—especially when you’re trying to time swims for calmer water and fewer boats.

Key things to know before you go

• Private for up to 6 people means quieter decisions and a more flexible day
• Kekova cruising, not docking keeps the focus on the views, while swimming happens in the bays
• Swimming options are weather-and-crowd managed with stops like Aquarium Bay and Tersane Koyu
• Simena Castle stop is a real walk with royal tombs and a necropolis area
• Sea turtle time at Karemlik Bay is one of the most praised parts of the experience
• Snorkeling equipment plus tea/snacks make the day feel complete without you bringing much

Private Kekova boat tour from Demre: what the day feels like

This is the kind of boat day that turns geography into something you can feel. Kekova and the surrounding coves are famous for clear water and shipwreck stories, but the real magic comes from seeing it all from the waterline, where you notice small details—colors, rock shapes, and the scale of what’s underwater.

The tour runs about 7 to 8 hours, starting at 10:00 am, and it’s private for your group of up to 6. The itinerary is designed so you’re not stuck staring at the horizon the entire time. You’ll cruise, you’ll swim or snorkel multiple times, and you’ll get at least one land stop that isn’t just a photo stop.

You’ll also be traveling with an English-speaking setup. You get a mobile ticket, and service animals are allowed. If you’re traveling by public transport, the meeting point area is close to the action.

Where you board: the Demre start at Ayla Boat Tours

Your day begins at Ayla Boat Tours (Kekova Tekne Turu) in the Büyükkum area near Çayağzı Yolu, Demre. That matters more than it sounds. This isn’t a long bus transfer to a distant marina, so you can show up, settle in, and start cruising without losing half your day.

The first part of the day centers on Andriake, the old name of Cayagzi Harbour. The tour starts and ends in the same spot in the Cayagzi River, which gives the day a tidy rhythm. Andriake is described as a natural harbor that was used in Roman Byzantium and Ottoman times—a nice reminder that this region has been a route and a refuge for centuries.

Practical takeaway: since the schedule is built around a 10:00 am departure, plan to arrive early enough to relax before the engine starts.

Cruising Andriake and Kekova: the views you came for

The signature moment is how the tour frames Kekova. You’ll hear the names Dolkisthe, shipwrecks, and sunken city, but you experience them the most effectively as a moving panorama.

Andriake (first stop)

This is a short stop, around 10 minutes, and admission is free. The point isn’t a long museum visit. It’s to set the stage: you’re in the right harbor history zone, and then you’re back on the boat.

Kekova Island area (cruise-through)

Here’s the key detail: you cannot stop at Kekova Island, and there is no swimming there. Instead, you cruise past to see shipwrecks and the underwater remnants tied to the ancient city stories (including earthquake damage mentioned for Dolkisthe).

If you’re someone who hates being told you can’t do something, this may feel like a tease. But if you’re after the real payoff—those underwater glimpses with almost-zero effort—cruising is exactly what makes sense here. The protected nature of the area is part of why the experience stays focused on views rather than docking and crowding.

Andriake to Kekova is where you’ll start seeing why people love this coastline: you get that mix of turquoise water and archaeological layers without needing to hike.

Swim breaks that you can actually control: Aquarium Bay and Tersane Koyu

Swimming is not one single moment here—it’s built into the schedule. The tour gives you a choice between Aquarium Bay and Tersane Bay/Koyu for your water time, and it tries to pick the less crowded option when things are busy.

Aquarium Bay (about 30 minutes)

Admission is free, and the swim break is about 30 minutes. In peak season, the number of boats can jump, so this stop is also about finding a comfortable place to get in and out. If you enjoy snorkeling, this is usually the most straightforward opportunity of the day.

Tersane Koyu (about 30 minutes)

This is another potential swimming slot (also around 30 minutes). The description also emphasizes crowd-checking. That’s a big deal because swimming in a calmer pocket gives you better visibility and less boat wake.

Practical takeaway: bring swim gear that you can get into quickly. You may be hopping in and out more than once, plus you’ll want time to enjoy the water, not just gear-up repeatedly.

Simena Castle: the one land stop that earns its hour

The tour includes a longer land stop: Castle of Simena, scheduled for about 1 hour. As you approach by boat, you can see the walls high above Kaleköy, and the path from the beach is described as steep.

If you like a short walk with payoff views, this is one of the most satisfying parts of the route. You’ll reach areas like the royal tombs and the Necropolis area where graves are concentrated.

Two practical details:

• You can climb and wander at your own pace, but do expect the slope.
• The castle admission is not included, and it says you can enter with a museum card.

If you want something active but not too demanding, this hits the sweet spot. It’s long enough to feel like you left the boat, but short enough that you’re not tired before the later swim bays.

Esmeralda, Burc, Gokkaya, and Pirates Cave: multiple ways to enjoy the water

After Simena Castle, the day shifts back to bays and swimming chances. The tour includes several coves that are worth treating like mini-destinations rather than quick dips.

Esmeralda Bay (about 1 hour)

This is a straightforward swim and freshen-up stop. Think of it as your decompression bay after the climb. Admission is free here, and the schedule gives enough time to enjoy the water without feeling rushed.

Burc Bay (about 1 hour)

Burc Bay is described as one of the clearest in the Kekova region, with seashells breaking down so fine it can look like white sand. Admission is not included.

This is a good stop if you care about snorkeling visibility. Even if you don’t snorkel the entire time, clearer water often makes the whole experience feel more rewarding.

Gokkaya PlajI ve Koyu (about 1 hour) + Pirates Cave

Gokkaya is another natural bay with a swim break. After swimming, the tour visits Pirates Cave.

In a region where most “stops” are really just anchor points, Pirates Cave adds a sense of story and texture. You’re not only seeing water and ruins—you’re also moving through a landscape feature that sounds like it belongs in a movie.

Karemlik Bay: the Caretta Carettas moment

The last big act is Karemlik Bay & Beach, about 30 minutes, right opposite where the tour starts. This is where the spotlight shifts to sea turtles.

The description is clear: you have a chance to swim with Caretta Carettas or feed them. The experience is built around that water-adjacent moment—no long waiting, just a chance to be in the right place while the day still has energy.

From what I consider the most meaningful travel experiences, turtle moments are about timing and calm. That’s why the private format helps. Fewer boats and a calmer approach often make interactions feel more natural, not like a spectacle.

Price and value: is $361.12 per group worth it?

The price is $361.12 per group for up to 6 people. At face value, it can look pricey for one person. But boating like this is rarely priced per seat in a fair way—the cost is tied to the private vessel and your time on the water.

Here’s how I’d judge value:

• You’re paying for a full day (7–8 hours) on a private route through a top sightseeing zone.
• You get snorkeling equipment, plus coffee/tea and snacks.
• You get multiple swimming chances, plus one paid land highlight (Simena Castle) where admission isn’t included.
• The route includes both water-view archaeology cruising and a castle walk, which can be harder to coordinate on your own.

Also, the crew matters. In the reviews tied to this experience, the captain and staff come up as a big reason people feel well cared for, with tea, snacks, and praise for the food during the day. If you’re choosing between a cheaper shared tour and this private option, this is the moment where the higher price can actually pay you back with comfort and pacing.

What’s included (and what you still need to plan for)

Included:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Coffee and/or tea
• Snacks

Not included:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Lunch
• Soda/Pop
• Bottled water

Important for planning: since bottled water is listed as not included, I’d treat hydration as your responsibility. You’ll be on the water in the sun, and the day is long enough that you’ll want a comfortable plan.

If you’re snorkeling, also consider bringing your own small comfort items: a rash guard or sunscreen you trust, and a simple way to keep your phone protected while you get in and out.

Who this private tour suits best

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want a private day and hate negotiating crowded schedules
• Like swimming and snorkeling more than dry sightseeing
• Care about seeing sea turtles in the Karemlik Bay area
• Prefer a smooth day plan with a few well-chosen stops, not constant rushing

It’s also worth it if you’re traveling with friends or family (up to 6) and want one group decision to control the day.

Quick tips so your day runs smoothly

• Charge your camera/phone early. You’ll be on water all day.
• Bring swim-ready clothes you can change into fast.
• Expect a steep castle path. Wear shoes you feel confident in.
• Plan for weather. The experience notes it requires good weather; if conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Ask the crew about the quieter swim spot. The tour is set up to choose between Aquarium Bay and Tersane Bay based on your preference and crowding.

Should you go for this private boat tour? If you want the classic Kekova experience—sunken-city vibes by boat plus real swim time—this private format is often the easiest way to enjoy it without friction.

Should you book the Private Kekova Boat Tour from Demre?

If you’re aiming for an easy, high-reward day—boat cruising through the Kekova area plus multiple swimming breaks and a genuine land stop at Simena Castle—yes, I’d book it. The private setup makes the biggest difference when you care about comfort and pacing, especially in peak season.

I’d hesitate only if you’re specifically hoping to dock at Kekova Island or swim directly there. The tour cruises past and keeps swimming for the bays instead. If that’s what you want, you may need a different style of trip.

If you want one day that feels like you’re living the coastline—turtles, castle views, clear water, and underwater ruins in a single loop—this is one of the better ways to do it.

FAQ

What group size is this private tour?

It’s a private tour for your group only, with a maximum of up to 6 people.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am, and it runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Where do we meet, and does the tour end nearby?

You meet at Ayla Boat Tours (Kekova Tekne Turu) in Demre, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Can we swim at Kekova Island?

No. The tour notes that there is no stopping there and no swimming at Kekova Island. Swimming options are in places like Aquarium Bay and Tersane Bay.

What’s included versus not included?

Included: snorkeling equipment, coffee/tea, and snacks. Not included: alcoholic beverages, lunch, soda/pop, and bottled water.

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