Seven hours on the water changes everything. This Ucagiz day trip pairs swim-and-snorkel breaks with up-close views of Kekova’s Sunken City and the ruined village of Simena (Kaleköy). I like that the day moves at a boat-tour pace—plenty of time to cool off and not just stare from shore—and I also like the focus on the big “how did this happen” story behind Dolchiste.

One drawback to plan for: during high season, the water can feel busier (and that can affect how clear it looks from the surface), and you’ll still pay a small 1 euro fee for the Simena Castle area even though you avoid the main ticket line.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Long water breaks for swimming and snorkeling, including a full hour in Aquarium Bay
• Sunken City viewing with guided narration around Dolchiste’s flooded ruins
• Cooler water stop at Burç Bay, helped along by underwater springs
• Pirates Cave with a distinctive curved entrance
• Simena Castle (Kaleköy) shore time with ruins, necropolis, and big hillside viewpoints
• Food on board: morning snack, lunch, and fruit service across the day

Why Ucagiz to Kekova by Boat Works So Well

Kekova is one of those places where the best seat is on the water. You get the “this is real” feeling when the coastline, islands, and ruined structures line up in front of you, not on a postcard. And because this trip is built around repeated pauses, you don’t spend the whole day baking on deck.

What I like most is the balance: you get history and geology (Dolchiste flooded after an earthquake in the 2nd century) plus fun, physical breaks. This day has a clear rhythm—swim, cruise, learn, swim again—so it stays enjoyable even if you’re not the type who loves lectures.

Meeting the Memedim Boat: Timing, Where to Start, and What to Bring

You’ll meet at the Ucagiz Village harbour and head out on the Memedim boat (Captain Mehmet). Departure is scheduled between 10:20 and 10:40 am, so I’d aim to arrive early enough to get settled without rushing.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Since the day is built around multiple swim stops, this isn’t a “maybe you’ll get in” tour—it’s a “plan to get in” tour. Also expect both English and Turkish guidance, plus an audio guide available in English and Turkish.

Aquarium Bay (Akvaryum Koyu): The Best First Swim Stop

Your first major break is at Aquarium Bay, where you get about one hour for swimming and snorkeling. This is one of the most important stops of the whole day because it sets the tone—cool water, calmer light, and you’re not already worn out from hours of boat time.

There’s also welcome refreshments served during this window. If you’re thinking about photos, this is usually when conditions are easiest: you’re fresh, you can move quickly, and the bay feels more sheltered than later open-water stretches.

Practical note: even on busy days, the swimming still tends to be workable because boats disperse into the bay, but you may feel more crowded than you’d like.

Kekova Island and the Sunken City: Dolchiste’s Flooded Ruins

After that first swim, the boat shifts focus to Kekova Island and the Sunken City. You’ll have around 20 minutes of guided narration plus cruising and sightseeing while you take in views from the water.

This is the moment where the story clicks. Dolchiste—an ancient settlement—was flooded due to an earthquake in the 2nd century, and its underwater remains have been shaped by the sea ever since. You don’t need special gear for this part; you just need a good spot on deck and attention while the guide explains what you’re seeing.

One consideration: if you’re specifically dreaming about swimming among visible submerged ruins, this kind of route doesn’t always guarantee that. The day is structured around bay swimming breaks, while the Sunken City part is mainly about cruising and viewing.

Pirates Cave: A Natural Formation With Boat-Trip Drama

Next up is Pirates Cave, a naturally formed cave known for its large size and curved entrance. This stop is more about the view than beach time, so don’t treat it like another “swim slot.”

You’ll be on the boat during the cruise and sightseeing here. If you like caves, rock shapes, and quick photo opportunities, this one gives you that “stand in the right place and it looks unreal” effect.

Burç Bay and Cooler Water: When Springs Change the Temperature

The route includes a stop in Burç Bay, paired with swimming and snorkeling for about 40 minutes. Here, the water is described as a bit cooler because of underwater natural springs.

For many people, that cooler water is a win. It can feel refreshing after the earlier swim and makes it easier to stay in longer without overheating. If you’re sensitive to heat, this stop is also a good reminder that not every bay is the same temperature.

Gökkaya Bay Lunch and Swim: Eat, Then Reset

Gökkaya Bay is your next longer break, with about 45 minutes for sightseeing plus swimming, and it’s also when you’ll get lunch onboard. This is where the boat turns into a floating pause button: you refuel, you relax, and you get time back in the water.

The lunch structure is simple and practical—what you want on a boat day—followed by more water time while the sea is still holding attention. There are also various water sports on offer at this bay, though the level of participation depends on what you feel like doing that day.

Also, based on how people describe the boat setup, you may have room to spread out. One practical detail: a larger vessel usually means you’re not stuck shoulder-to-shoulder, and it helps when you want a spot to chill between stops.

Esmeralda Bay: A Quieter Swim Moment in the Middle of the Day

After Gökkaya, the trip continues to Esmeralda Bay, with another swim/snorkel stop for about 40 minutes. The idea here is peace and break-time consistency—another chance to get your feet wet, rinse off, and reset.

This one tends to feel calmer because it’s less about the “main attraction” viewing and more about enjoying the water. If you want a swim that feels less like a schedule checkpoint, this is often the sort of stop that delivers it.

Simena Castle (Kaleköy): Ruins, Necropolis, and Big Views

The day culminates with anchoring at Kaleköy port, the ancient Simena, for about one hour. You’ll get free time in the village area, plus a self-guided tour focused on castle ruins and a necropolis.

There’s usually a hillside hike option if you want views over the Kekova region. If you’d rather not climb, you can still spend time down below, including a chance to dip again in the water if time allows.

Two small money/effort notes that matter:

• Simena Castle entrance fee is not included (1 euro).
• You can use a separate entrance to help skip the main ticket line, so you’re less likely to lose precious time during your shore visit.

Food and On-Board Comfort: Snacks, Lunch, and Where You Can Stretch Out

This trip includes morning snack, lunch, and fruits service. You’ll also get welcome refreshments at Aquarium Bay and lunch onboard at Gökkaya.

What this adds up to is less “we’ll eat when we remember,” and more “fuel is built into the plan.” That’s a big deal on boat days—when the sun hits and you’re moving between stops, small regular food hits make the schedule feel easier.

Comfort-wise, the boat is described as spacious, with areas inside and room on top where you can lounge on mattresses. That matters because you’ll spend downtime between stops, and having a comfortable spot keeps the day from feeling like a long waiting game.

Price ($58) and Value: What You Get for a 7-Hour Day

At $58 per person for a 7-hour outing, you’re paying for a full package: transportation by boat, multiple swim breaks, guided narration around the Sunken City, and meals (at least morning snack + lunch + fruit).

What makes the value feel real is the variety. You’re not just cruising—you’re also getting time to swim repeatedly. And you’re not only swimming—you’re getting the Dolchiste explanation and the Simena ruins visit where the scenery is part of the learning.

Yes, Simena Castle has a 1 euro entrance fee. Still, it’s minor compared to the overall day, and the separate entrance helps you lose less time.

Who Should Book This Kekova Boat Tour—and Who Might Want a Different Style

This works best if you want a classic Kekova day without complicated logistics. It’s a strong choice for:

• Couples and small groups who like a mix of sights and water time
• Beach-and-snorkel lovers who want several chances to get in the sea
• People who prefer guided context for the Sunken City rather than a self-guided scramble

It might feel less ideal if your #1 goal is extended time swimming right among underwater ruins. This route is structured around bay breaks, with Sunken City more about cruising and viewing.

Also, if you hate crowds, plan around seasonality. Even though swimming can stay possible, busy conditions can make everything feel tighter than you’d like.

Tips to Make the Day Easier on You

• Arrive early for the 10:20–10:40 am departure window so you’re not stressed.
• Pack a dry towel plan: you’ll want it for later swim stops after you’ve cooled off once.
• Bring swimwear you’re comfortable re-wearing after multiple stops.
• Budget the 1 euro for the Simena Castle entrance so you’re not scrambling on shore.
• Spend your shore time smart: if you want the best views, consider climbing during the Simena hour rather than saving it for later.

Should You Book Ucagiz to Kekova on the Memedim Boat?

If you want a full-day Kekova experience that includes multiple swim breaks, Sunken City storytelling, and a shore stop at Simena Castle, I think this is an easy yes. The schedule is built for enjoyment, not just ticking boxes, and the included meals remove a lot of the usual boat-day hassle.

I’d skip it only if you’re very picky about crowds or if your dream is swimming directly among the underwater ruins for long stretches. For most people, this is exactly the sweet spot: history from the water, then plenty of sea time to make the day feel like a vacation.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Ucagiz to Kekova boat day trip?

The tour lasts about 7 hours.

What does it cost per person?

The price is listed as $58 per person.

When does the boat usually depart?

Departure is scheduled between 10:20 and 10:40 am.

What swim stop is the longest?

Aquarium Bay includes about 1 hour for swimming and snorkeling.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with a morning snack and fruit service.

Are refreshments included?

You get welcome refreshments at Aquarium Bay, plus the onboard meal at Gökkaya Bay.

Is Simena Castle entrance included?

No. The Simena Castle entrance fee is 1 euro and is not included.

Do I need to pay for a ticket line?

You can use a separate entrance to skip the main ticket line, but you still need to pay the 1 euro entrance fee for Simena Castle.

What languages are available during the tour?

Guidance and audio support are available in English and Turkish.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring swimwear and a towel so you’re ready for the multiple swimming breaks.

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