From Demre: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat

The most memorable part of this boat trip is the run along Kekova’s Sunken City, where ancient walls and stairways disappear beneath the sea. You cannot swim there, but cruising slowly beside the protected ruins gives you time to take photos and picture the old town before the earthquake changed it.

I like the mix of history and sea time. Simena Castle gives you a short chance to climb above the coast, while the clear bays offer several proper swimming breaks. Lunch is included, and the boat has a relaxed day-at-sea feel rather than a rushed sightseeing schedule.

The main thing to know is that this is more of a swimming and cruising trip than a full archaeological tour. Time at Simena is limited, the guide’s explanations can be brief, and some stops last only 40 to 45 minutes. If you want long visits to ruins, this may feel too hurried.

Key points to know before you book

• The Sunken City is viewed from the boat: Swimming is forbidden in this protected section, and the underwater ruins may be harder to see than you expect.
• Simena Castle gets about one hour: You can climb to the castle and necropolis, shop in the village, or swim from the port, but doing everything will be difficult.
• Lunch is included: The meal is served during the stop at Esmeralda Bay, with enough time for a swim afterward.
• You get several swimming breaks: Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, and other coves shape the day more than long sightseeing visits.
• Karemlik Bay may bring turtle sightings: The area is known for Mediterranean sea turtles, but wildlife viewing should be quiet and respectful.
• The boat can feel crowded: One account describes roughly 20 to 25 people, with limited space to sit or lie down at busy times.

A sea day built around Kekova’s best coves

From Demre, this 7-hour trip begins at Andriake Harbour between 10:20 and 10:30 in the morning. That late-morning start gives you a full day of sun without sending you out at dawn, and it leaves the boat cruising during the brightest part of the day.

I would choose this outing for the water, the views, and the chance to see Kekova from offshore. The sea is the main event. You spend much of the day moving between small bays, stopping for swims, and taking in the steep coast from the deck.

The experience is not designed around a long walking tour. You will hear short explanations in English or Turkish, but you should not expect a lecture at every stop. Bring your own curiosity about the area, and think of the guide’s comments as useful background rather than a full history lesson.

The boat trip ends back at Andriake Harbour after the final stop. Lunch is included, but admission fees, water sports, and personal expenses are not.

Cruising beside the Kekova Sunken City

The first major stop is Kekova Island and the Sunken City of Simena, also known by its ancient name, Dolchiste. An earthquake in the 2nd century flooded part of the settlement, leaving stone remains beneath and beside the water.

This is best understood as a sightseeing pass from the boat. Because the site is protected, you are not allowed to swim there. The boat gives you a moving view of submerged walls, steps, and other remains, with the surrounding coast framing the scene.

Set your expectations carefully. The ruins are not always easy to make out from the surface, especially if the water is choppy or the boat passes quickly. I would bring a phone or camera, but I would not book this trip solely for a close look at underwater archaeology.

The value comes from seeing how the old settlement meets the sea. You are not walking through a preserved ancient city. You are looking at traces of one from the water, which makes the setting unusual but also less detailed than a land visit.

One hour at Simena Castle and Kaleköy

The boat anchors at Kaleköy, ancient Simena, for about an hour. This is your best chance to step ashore and see the village, castle remains, and necropolis.

The climb is the highlight. From higher ground, you get broad views across Kekova’s islands and coves. The walk is short in overall duration but can be steep, and the available hour passes quickly. If you want to reach the castle and look at the tombs, head uphill soon after arrival.

You probably cannot fit in everything. Shopping in the village, climbing to the castle, examining the necropolis, and swimming from the port all compete for the same sixty minutes. I would make the castle your first choice if the views matter most.

If you prefer a relaxed day, stay near the water and swim. The port provides a pleasant alternative to the climb, especially if heat or uneven ground makes walking difficult. This is also the point where the trip may be hardest for anyone with limited mobility. The activity is not recommended for people with mobility impairments.

Lunch and a swim at Esmeralda Bay

Esmeralda Bay provides a quieter break and the meal included in the price. The stop is meant to slow the day down, with time to eat and get into the water.

Food is one of the better parts of the outing. A French participant specifically praised the fish and the generous portion, while another account described the lunch as tasty and well sized. The exact menu is not specified, so you should not book this expecting a particular dish, but the meal gives the day practical value.

The bay also shows why the tour works best for people who enjoy being on the water. You can eat, swim, and look back at the coast without needing to move between multiple land sites. Music has been described as calm, which suits the easy pace.

Bring sun protection and something comfortable to sit on if you are sensitive to hard boat surfaces. The boat may not have enough space for everyone to stretch out, especially when many people want the best places on deck.

Burç Bay and the cooler water

After lunch, the boat stops at Burç Bay for about 40 minutes. This is a proper swim break, not just a quick photo stop.

The water here can feel cooler because of underwater natural springs. That is useful to know before you jump in. On a hot day, the cooler water may be welcome, but the temperature change can surprise you if you expect all the bays to feel the same.

This stop suits confident swimmers who want time in the sea rather than a long visit ashore. Snorkeling is possible at some points, but equipment is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel if seeing below the surface matters to you.

Gökkaya Bay and the optional water sports

Gökkaya Bay adds another 45-minute stop for swimming and a short boat cruise. The area is valued for its open views and calm-water setting.

Water sports may be available here, but they cost extra. The activity price does not include those options, so carry enough money if you want to try one. The available activities are not specified, so ask the crew what is operating on the day.

I would treat this as another chance to enjoy the sea rather than a major sightseeing stop. Several breaks can feel repetitive if you do not like swimming. For someone who does, the rhythm works well: cruise, stop, swim, eat, and repeat.

Pirates Cave and the short scenic stops

Pirates Cave is a naturally formed cave with a large size and curved entrance. The boat approaches it for viewing, giving you a chance to photograph the opening from the water.

The cave is not presented as a long walking visit. You should expect to see it from the boat rather than explore far inside. That makes it a quick scenic feature between swimming stops.

The route also includes a less formal stop described as a hidden cove, with swimming, snorkeling, and views along the coast. Timing for these stops can be brief. One account described a pattern of repeated 40 to 60-minute swims, while another suggested that fewer, longer stops would make the day better.

That is a fair criticism if your priority is exploring Kekova on foot. The counterpoint is that short stops let you see more bays without giving up the relaxed boat format.

Karemlik Bay and the turtle question

Karemlik Bay is known as a place where you may look for sea turtles. Five of the world’s eight turtle types are found in the Mediterranean, and the bay offers a chance to see them in their natural setting.

This can be the most special wildlife part of the trip, but it needs care. Do not touch turtles, chase them, feed them, or throw anything into the water. Keep your distance and follow the crew’s instructions. Wildlife viewing loses its value if the animals are disturbed.

The information provided for this excursion raises an important concern about people feeding turtles to attract them and getting too close in the water. I would treat that as a clear reason to behave responsibly, not as an invitation to copy the practice.

You may also encounter a mud bath in this part of the route, depending on the day’s program. The activity details do not promise one, so regard it as a possible extra rather than a guaranteed feature.

What the $58 price delivers

At $58 per person, the trip offers a full day on the water, lunch, the Kekova route, Simena Castle access time, and several swimming stops. That is a reasonable package if you plan to spend the day swimming and want transport between the bays.

The value is weaker if you are paying mainly for detailed archaeology. Admission fees are not included, explanations may be short, and the Sunken City is viewed from a distance. You are buying access to a boat route and a series of coastal stops, not a private historical tour.

The group size matters. One account described a small group of around 20 to 25 people, while another found too many people and too few places to sit or lie down. Your comfort may depend on how full the boat is that day and whether you claim a seat early.

A rating of 4.6 from 55 bookings suggests the overall format works well for many people, especially those who value friendly crew, lunch, clear water, and attractive stops. The lower scores focus on crowding, short land visits, limited explanations, and environmental behavior around turtles. Those are exactly the points I would weigh before booking.

Practical advice for a better day

Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to climb to Simena Castle. The activity is not suitable for people with limited mobility, and the uphill route can be difficult even though the stop lasts an hour.

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, and swimwear. Comfortable shoes matter on land, while a towel and sunscreen are sensible additions even though they are not listed as required items.

Bring snorkeling equipment if you want to look below the surface. It is not included, and one account specifically noted the lack of onboard snorkeling gear.

Keep personal spending in mind. Water sports and admission fees cost extra, and the tour price does not cover personal expenses. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and pets are not allowed either.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful if your plans around Antalya Province are still changing.

Who should book this Kekova boat trip?

I would choose this trip if you want a simple, active day at sea with lunch, several swimming stops, and a look at Kekova’s most famous coastal sights. Families and groups who enjoy swimming may appreciate the variety, though children and larger groups can make the boat feel busy.

It also suits you if Simena Castle is important but you do not need a long archaeological visit. Get off the boat quickly at Kaleköy, climb directly uphill, and save shopping or swimming for whatever time remains.

I would look elsewhere if you want long, quiet stops, detailed guiding, or a serious study of the Sunken City. The schedule favors movement and swimming, and the historical commentary may feel too brief.

Should you book it?

Book this $58 trip if you see Kekova as a beautiful sea day with a few historical stops. The included fish lunch, clear bays, friendly crew, and chance of seeing turtles make it good value for that purpose.

Skip it if your main goal is to explore Simena Castle, the necropolis, or the Sunken City in depth. For the best experience, bring snorkeling gear, protect yourself from the sun, arrive ready to swim, and treat Karemlik Bay’s turtles with plenty of space.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip begin?

The trip starts at Andriake Harbour near Demre. Departure is scheduled between 10:20 and 10:30 a.m.

How long does the Kekova boat trip last?

The activity lasts about 7 hours and returns to Andriake Harbour at the end of the route.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served during the stop at Esmeralda Bay.

Can I swim at the Sunken City?

No. The Sunken City is a protected area, so swimming is not permitted there. You view the ruins from the boat.

How long do I have at Simena Castle?

The boat stops at Kaleköy, ancient Simena, for about one hour. You can use that time to visit the castle and necropolis, explore the village, shop, or swim.

Are snorkeling masks and water sports included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, and water sports cost extra. Admission fees and personal expenses are also excluded.

Can I see sea turtles?

Karemlik Bay is a place to look for Mediterranean sea turtles, but sightings are not guaranteed. You should not touch or feed them.

What languages are provided?

Instruction is available in English and Turkish.

Is the trip suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The activity is not recommended for people with mobility impairments, particularly because of the uphill access at Simena Castle.