Kekova Boat Tour Guide: Routes, Departure Points, and Times

A Kekova boat tour is a captivating sea journey along the coast of Demre, Antalya, combining the famous Sunken City with picturesque surrounding bays, all in a single day. The tour season in the region typically kicks off in mid-April and runs until early November, so your first planning consideration should be the calendar rather than the itinerary. The weeks when the sea is warm, the afternoon breeze hasn't yet picked up, and the jetties aren't overcrowded can transform the same route into an entirely different, more serene experience. Below, we'll cover the Kekova route's stops, departure points and tour durations, the differences between boat types, budget considerations, and essential conservation rules to know before you set sail.

Best Season and Timing for Your Kekova Boat Tour

Kekova, thanks to its sheltered location on the Mediterranean coast, enjoys a long tour season. In April and May, the coastal maquis shrubland is lush green, but the sea is still cool; tours during this period are more focused on scenery and archaeology. By June, the water temperature becomes ideal for swimming, and the number of swimming breaks in tour programs increases. July and August are the peak months for both heat and pier activity, so booking a few days in advance is highly recommended during these weeks.

September and October are often preferred by those in the know. The sea, having warmed up all summer, remains pleasantly mild, the daylight softens, and boat traffic around the Sunken City significantly decreases. From November to March, daily excursions become sparse, and remaining tours may be cancelled due to weather conditions. If you're planning to visit the region in winter, it's wise to inquire about the tour operator's postponement policy in case of adverse weather before making a reservation.

Sea, Crowds, and Wind Balance by Month

Best Time of Day to Set Sail

On the Mediterranean coast, the wind typically strengthens in the afternoon. Boats departing around 10:00 AM pass through the Sunken City line when the sea is calmer, making the journey more comfortable and the underwater ruins clearer to see. For shorter tours departing in the afternoon, the descending sun creates ideal conditions for photographing Kaleköy and its castle silhouette. Passengers prone to seasickness may find it more comfortable to choose a morning departure and a seat in the middle section of the boat.

A typical daily schedule for full-day programs is as follows: meeting at the pier or a pre-determined point around 09:30 AM, departure at 10:00 AM, and return to the harbor between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Swimming breaks in the bays usually last 30-45 minutes, while the Kaleköy stop offers approximately 1 hour of free time. Since these timings can shift based on the operator and the day's wind conditions, it's essential to confirm current schedules with your tour company. If you plan to add a land-based activity on the same day, note that nearby archaeological sites are generally open from around 08:00 AM to 7:00 PM in summer and 08:30 AM to 5:30 PM in winter.

Quick Facts

Kekova Boat Tour Route: Step-by-Step Itinerary

Kekova's route follows a similar backbone regardless of the departure harbor. The boat first leaves the sheltered Üçağız bay, slowly cruises along the northern coast of Kekova Island past the Sunken City, then anchors in front of Kaleköy, and on the return, stops at various bays for swimming. The following sequence outlines the flow you'll encounter on most day-trip programs.

1. Ticket and passenger list check at the departure harbor, choosing your spot on the boat, and route announcement (approx. 20 minutes).
2. Departure from Üçağız bay and viewing the Teimiussa sarcophagi from the sea.
3. Slow cruise past the Sunken City ruins along the northern coast of Kekova Island, observing underwater remains through glass-bottom boats (approx. 30-45 minutes).
4. Anchoring in front of Kaleköy, with an option for passengers to disembark and climb to Simena Castle (approx. 45-60 minutes).
5. Viewing the church ruins from the sea at Tersane Bay and a photo stop.
6. Swimming break and lunch in the bays towards Gökkaya (approx. 60-90 minutes).
7. Return journey, arrival at the departure harbor, and optional continuation with a land program towards Demre or Kaş.

Üçağız and Teimiussa Rock Tombs

Üçağız is the main gateway to the Kekova region accessible by road. Along the coastline just east of the village, you'll find sarcophagi and rock-cut tomb chambers belonging to ancient Teimiussa. Some of these Lycian tombs are situated right at the water's edge, making them visible from the sea as the boat departs. Those wishing to explore on foot do not need a separate ticket, as the area is accessible via a path from within the village.

The village is also located on the Lycian Way route. The section starting from Aperlai and extending to Kaleköy is approximately 16 kilometers and takes 5-6 hours to walk, depending on your pace; for those wanting a shorter taste, the section between Üçağız and Kaleköy is sufficient. For those looking to add longer hiking stages to their travel plans, our Lycian Way guide provides a step-by-step roadmap. The best time to visit Teimiussa is in the early hours before tour boats get crowded; the side-lighting enhances the carvings on the stone surfaces.

The Sunken City Line and Glass-Bottom Passage

The signature feature of the route is the submerged settlement stretching along the northern coast of Kekova Island. Known as Dolikhiste in ancient sources, this settlement is believed to have been partially submerged by earthquakes in the 2nd century AD. Today, you can see staircases, wall foundations, pier blocks, and amphora fragments just below the water's surface and along the shoreline. As some ruins are in shallow water and others on land, the line can be viewed from both the deck and through glass-bottom sections. Boats slow their engines when passing through this area; the slow-cruise segment on day-trip programs lasts approximately 30-45 minutes. Swimming and diving are strictly prohibited in this area due to its protected status, and captains are not permitted to deviate from the designated route.

Kaleköy and Simena Castle

Kaleköy is a settlement built upon the ancient city of Simena, with no road access. The village can be reached by boat or via a stony path starting from Üçağız; the walk takes approximately 30-45 minutes, potentially extending to an hour with photo and water breaks. Since the path overlaps with the coastal section of the Lycian Way, those seeking a hiking-focused program might also consider nature adventure tour options. Within the walls of the medieval castle atop the hill, there's a small rock-cut theater surrounded by Lycian sarcophagi. From the castle, Kekova Island, Üçağız bay, and the opposite shore are all visible in one frame, making it one of the route's prominent photo spots.

The castle is operated as the Simena Archaeological Site under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, meaning visits are subject to fees and hours. Visiting hours are approximately 08:00 AM-7:00 PM during the summer season (April-October) and 08:30 AM-5:30 PM in winter, with ticket sales stopping about half an hour before closing; the site is open every day. Entrance is covered by the Museum Pass, so cardholders do not pay an additional fee at the ticket office. For those without a card, tariffs are split: separate rates are announced for local and foreign visitors, with foreign rates usually quoted in foreign currency. Since archaeological site fees are updated periodically, we are not providing figures in this guide; current amounts are displayed on the tariff board at the ticket office and on official museum sources. When budgeting, it's wise to consider the castle entrance as a separate item from the tour ticket, or to deduct it if you have a Museum Pass. Visiting hours are also updated seasonally, so make sure to catch the ticket office before closing.

Kaleköy stops on boat tours typically last about 1 hour; climbing and exploring the castle fit within this time, but if you plan to sit at a restaurant on the pier, you might find the time insufficient. The climb involves stone steps, so non-slip shoes will make it easier. Since the pier area in front of the submerged sarcophagus can get crowded, disembarking immediately after the boat anchors will save you time.

Tersane Bay

Tersane Bay, named after the structural remains believed to be a shipyard in the past, is located on the northwest side of Kekova Island. On the bay's shore, the apse wall of a Byzantine-era church still stands, its semi-dome outline visible from the sea. As the bay is sheltered from the wind, boats often take a short break here. Whether swimming is permitted can vary according to the area's conservation rules, so it's best to await the captain's announcement. In the hours before noon, the bay is quieter, making it easier to photograph the church ruins and the turquoise waters in the same frame.

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Demre Myra Kekova Tour from Antalya (with entrance)

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Bays for Swimming and Snorkeling Breaks

On the Kekova route, the Sunken City line covers the archaeological aspect, while the bays offer the sea experience. The following four bays are frequently used stops for swimming and snorkeling breaks on day-trip programs. Which one makes it into the itinerary depends on the boat type, group size, and the day's wind direction; the captain may shift the break to a more sheltered bay. Therefore, when booking, it's advisable to ask for the specific names of the stops on the route to ensure your expectations align with the program.

Gökkaya Bay and Surrounding Caves

Gökkaya is a wide bay near the eastern tip of Kekova Island, frequently used for swimming breaks on day-trip programs. Due to the clarity of the water and its stony seabed, snorkeling visibility is usually excellent. Around the bay, there are sea caves that boats approach, one of which is locally known as Korsan Mağarası (Pirate Cave); the decision to approach the cave entrance depends on the boat's size and wave conditions.

Sea turtles are known to be seen in the area, but this is not something that can be guaranteed on a tour; encounters are a matter of chance. Since the bay is wide, even with more boats, the water doesn't feel crowded, and the break usually lasts 30-45 minutes. Shaded areas on the shore are limited, so a hat and reef-safe sunscreen are useful during the break.

Çamlıca Bay

Referred to as Çamlıca or Çamlık in programs, this bay is located in the eastern part of the region, at the far end of the line extending to Demre harbor. It gets its name from the pine forest covering its shores. With no construction around, the shade is provided by the trees, and the bay's soundscape is more birdsong than engine noise.

The bay's seabed is light-colored and sandy, giving the water a stunning turquoise hue. Due to its sheltered position from westerly winds, the sea is usually calm, and a few cold water springs are reported near the shore; these springs noticeably cool the water during the sweltering days of July and August. Since the seabed is clearly visible from the surface, bringing a snorkel makes the bay even more enjoyable.

Practically, the bay is used as a refreshing stop on day-trip programs, with breaks lasting 30-45 minutes. As shade is limited to under the trees, a hat and a light t-shirt are useful during midday. If the wind shifts to the north, captains may move the break to another bay, meaning that even if the bay's name is on the program, it's a stop dependent on the day's weather.

Esmeralda Bay

Esmeralda Bay is located on the opposite shore of Kekova Island, within the cluster of bays around Simena Castle. Two explanations circulate regarding the origin of its name: according to local lore, the bay is named after one of the first blue cruise boats that visited the region in the 1960s; the second explanation directly links the name to the word for emerald. The color of the water certainly supports the latter.

The first detail noticed when approaching the bay is the water's shifting hues from green to blue with increasing depth. Unlike the Sunken City area, swimming and snorkeling are permitted here; water breaks on day-trip programs are frequently given in this bay or its immediate neighbor. The shore is stony, so water shoes will make entry easier.

In terms of timing, the bay stop often coincides just before or after the Kaleköy break. In the pre-noon hours, there are fewer boats, and the water surface is calmer, making the color transitions more distinct. The bay's name might not appear in some programs; if you wish for Esmeralda to be on your itinerary, it's essential to explicitly ask when purchasing your ticket.

Aquarium Bay

Named for the clarity of its water, Aquarium Bay is among the frequently visited bays in the western part of the Kekova region by tours departing from Üçağız pier. Since the seabed is clearly visible from the surface, the bay gives the impression of an aquarium even before you enter the water. A word of caution: the same name is also used for another bay on the Kaş coast, so it's wise to ask which Aquarium Bay is being referred to when buying your ticket.

On the western side of the bay, there are stone ruins said to have been built to observe the sea and ship traffic. Small schools of fish and colorful marine life can be seen on the stony seabed. Swimming and snorkeling are permitted in the area, while scuba diving is only allowed with authorized equipment and programs.

The bay is one of the prominent stops for shorter tours; 2-3 hour programs departing from Üçağız often limit themselves to the trio of the Sunken City, Kaleköy, and Aquarium Bay. The break here lasts around 30 minutes. There is no shade on the shore, so if the break falls between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM when the sun is directly overhead, it's more comfortable to relax in the shaded section of the boat.

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Where Do Kekova Boat Tours Depart From?

It's possible to start the same route from five different points, and your choice directly impacts the duration based on your accommodation. For those staying nearby, a short, focused trip might suffice, while visitors from central Antalya will dedicate a significant portion of their day to travel. The table below compares departure points in terms of duration and route focus.

Short Tours Departing from Üçağız

Üçağız is the closest point to Kekova Island accessible by road, and boats departing from here complete the route in approximately 2-3 hours. Smaller boats often make multiple trips a day, so it's usually possible to find an afternoon departure. Short tours focus on the Sunken City and Kaleköy; swimming breaks might not be included in every program, but Aquarium Bay is the most frequent third stop added to these itineraries. The ticket price reflects this shorter duration: a short tour is significantly less expensive than a full-day program departing from the same pier, but it typically doesn't include lunch or extended swimming breaks. Staying a night in the region and catching the first morning departure ensures a less crowded route experience, as the pier is not yet bustling.

Tours Departing from Demre and Çayağzı (Andriake)

Çayağzı, located about 5 kilometers from Demre center, is the site of the ancient Andriake harbor, and some day-trip boats depart from here. The duration is approximately 4-6 hours. This departure point is practical for those wishing to combine the ancient city of Myra, St. Nicholas Church, and the Lycian Civilizations Museum in Andriake with Kekova on the same day.

All four sites are covered by the Museum Pass, so cardholders do not pay extra fees for the land-based attractions. For those without a card, tariffs vary by site: Myra ancient city and St. Nicholas Church are the higher-priced sites among the four, while Andriake and the Lycian Civilizations Museum are significantly more affordable. Each site applies separate tariffs for local and foreign visitors. Since amounts are updated periodically, instead of providing figures here, it's more accurate to highlight the cost item: for a non-cardholder planning to visit all four sites, the land-based portion will constitute a noticeable part of the day's total budget alongside the boat ticket; current amounts should be checked at the ticket office or official museum sources. Land sites are open from 08:00-08:30 AM to 7:00-8:00 PM in summer and until around 5:30 PM in winter. Since the boat departs at 10:00 AM and lasts 4-6 hours, scheduling the land program for the afternoon allows both parts to fit into the same day without feeling rushed. For programs covering ancient cities in the region, the options on our historical city tours page can be a helpful guide.

Full-Day Tours Departing from Kaş and Kalkan

Boats departing from Kaş reach Kekova by sea in approximately 1-1.5 hours, with the entire program lasting about 6-8 hours. Meeting at Kaş harbor is usually around 09:30 AM, departure is around 10:00 AM, and the boat returns to the harbor between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. This option offers a longer route, stopping at additional bays along the way, and lunch is typically included in the ticket price; many operators also provide shuttle service from hotels within Kaş to the harbor. Tours departing from Kalkan are considered a slightly extended version of the Kaş route, with hotel pick-up times brought forward by about an hour. For passengers who prefer not to spend a long time at sea, driving to Üçağız and joining a short tour is a more efficient plan; the winding road takes approximately 45 minutes. If you plan to stay a night in Kaş, our Kaş attractions guide will complement your daily itinerary with nearby beaches, ancient sites, and the bazaar.

Tours with Transfers from Antalya

Passengers picked up from hotels in central Antalya and its surroundings travel towards Demre via the D400 highway. The shuttle typically picks up from hotels between 06:00 AM and 07:00 AM and drops off between 08:30 PM and 09:30 PM, making the door-to-door day approximately 12-15 hours long. Since the vehicle collects passengers from numerous points within the city, the first hour of the journey is spent on pick-ups; your hotel's position on the route therefore determines your pick-up time. This program is functional for those who cannot allocate a second night to the region. There are instances where lunch is not included in the ticket for transfer programs, so clarifying this item during booking will help with budgeting. Choosing a window seat along the way and getting water at short rest stops will make the long transfer more comfortable.

Boat Types: Gulet, Glass-Bottom Boat, and Private Charter

Three types of options are common in the region. Wooden gulets offer spacious decks and shaded areas, cater to larger groups, and provide lunch service; the passenger capacity of day-trip gulets in the region is typically around 30-35 people. Glass-bottom boats make it easier to view underwater ruins along the Sunken City line, have shorter durations, and make multiple trips a day. With a private charter, the boat is exclusively allocated to your group, and the route and break durations can be flexible; here, the price is calculated per boat, not per person, so the advertised figure appears several times higher than a shared ticket, and for overnight blue cruise boats, it exceeds day-trip charters. For larger families, when this amount is divided per person, it might approximate a shared ticket, so comparing both options for a group of six or seven people makes sense. Whether equipment like paddles, snorkels, or kayaks are included varies from company to company; there are also separate sea kayaking-focused programs, which, due to including equipment and guidance, are priced higher than standard shared boat tickets. In short, the boat type is one of the factors determining where the price will fall on the spectrum, even for the same route; current figures should be checked with the operator.

Dining in Üçağız and Kaleköy

The region's cuisine is on the scale of a coastal village, with family-run pier-side eateries predominating over ambitious restaurant chains. In Üçağız, the catch of the day, octopus, and herbal mezes stand out, with portions often suitable for sharing. In Kaleköy, a few small businesses set up on the pier offer breakfast and home-cooked meals, ideal for a long, shaded break after climbing the castle. On boat tours, lunch is often served on deck, but the menu might be fixed, so it's essential to inform them of any special dietary needs during booking.

Prices in coastal tourism areas vary by season. Since fish portions at most pier restaurants are often priced at current market rates with no fixed amount on the menu, confirming the bill before ordering will reduce surprises; asking for the fish to be weighed in front of you when sold by weight is also a common practice. Businesses in Kaleköy operate largely according to the tourist season due to their lack of road access, so options narrow after November, and restaurants in Üçağız center become more prominent. If you plan to have breakfast before your boat departs, businesses on the Üçağız pier open early in the morning, providing a comfortable buffer for a 10:00 AM departure.

Accommodation Areas in the Kekova Region

Üçağız is the first choice for those wishing to stay close to the region. The village offers guesthouses and boutique-scale establishments, making it easy to catch the first boat in the morning, and the bay quiets down in the evenings. Kaleköy, lacking road access, is a calmer option where luggage transport is by boat, and sunrise views from pier-side rooms are a highlight. For those seeking comfort and variety, Kaş boasts the region's most prominent infrastructure in terms of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, from where Kekova can be visited on a day trip.

Demre center is functional for those seeking economical accommodation and proximity to ancient cities, though sea views are not as prominent as in the coastal villages. During July and August, the number of available rooms in the region is limited, so early booking is essential. For those arriving by car, it's a common solution to leave their vehicle in Üçağız when staying in Kaleköy and complete the final leg by boat.

Kekova Boat Tour Budget Planning

The cost of a Kekova tour isn't just about the ticket price. When transportation, castle entrance, meals, and extras are tallied, the total amount at the end of the day can significantly exceed the ticket price. The two tables below first illustrate how program types are positioned relative to each other in terms of cost, then break down the budget item by item. We are not providing figures in this guide: tour prices fluctuate based on season, exchange rates, fuel costs, boat type, and departure point, making any figure written today misleading in a few weeks. Instead, we show which program is generally more expensive than another and what determines the price; for current figures, you should check the reservation page or contact the operator.

Program Types by Price Tier

The order in the table is not a price list, but rather the relative positioning of programs to each other; this order is largely maintained from season to season, while the actual prices are not. Before booking, confirm the current figures for the same date and departure point on the operator's website, and the castle entrance fee at the ticket office.

Factors Determining the Price

The difference between two boat tickets for the same route is not random. The following items determine whether the price leans towards the lower or upper end of the spectrum.

• Departure point: Boats departing from a harbor closer to the route have an advantage in terms of fuel and duration, while programs departing from further away include transfer costs in the price.
• Program length: There's a significant difference between short 2-3 hour tours and full-day 8-9 hour programs.
• Boat type and capacity: A 30-35 person gulet and a smaller boat will have different per-person costs.
• Meals and refreshments: Packages including lunch will be at the higher end of the price range, while those without meals will be at the lower end.
• Seasonal demand: Demand in July and August pushes prices up, while April-May and October-November see them decrease.
• Fuel costs and exchange rates: These can lead to price updates even in the middle of the season.
• Shared or private charter: For charters, the cost is per boat, while for shared tours, it's per person.

Therefore, when comparing prices, it's essential to look not just at the ticket price, but also to compare the inclusions for the same date and departure point side-by-side.

Budget Items

Items Typically Included in the Price

On day-trip programs, the boat journey, route announcements, and often lunch are included in the ticket. For longer tours departing from Kaş and Kalkan, the inclusion of meals is more common, as the boat will be at sea during lunchtime. Hotel pick-up and drop-off services are a natural part of transfer-inclusive programs. Some companies also include fruit, tea, and water service in the price.

Additional Budget Items to Consider

Castle entrance, drinks on deck, equipment rental, and additional meal expenses at the pier are usually separate. For programs departing from Antalya, roadside stop expenses should also be factored in. If you're a large family, comparing a private charter quote with the standard ticket price can be beneficial, as the per-person cost might balance out above a certain group size. For broader programs covering ancient settlements in the region, the packages on our cultural tours page can be considered a separate budget item.

Practical Tips Before Setting Sail

Kekova tours are not technically challenging programs, but a few details can significantly alter your day's experience. The following points have been compiled based on common situations encountered in the region.

• Opt for a morning departure; the return journey can be choppy when the afternoon breeze picks up.
• Pack a hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, a spare swimsuit, and a light cover-up.
• Water shoes with non-slip soles are useful as bay entrances can be pebbly or rocky.
• Small piers might not accept cards, so carry some cash for daily expenses.
• Simena Archaeological Site entrance is covered by the Museum Pass; if you have one, bring it. Non-cardholders pay the current fee at the ticket office.
• If adding a land program, factor in the archaeological sites' summer hours (approx. 08:00 AM-7:00 PM) and winter hours (08:30 AM-5:30 PM); ticket sales stop before closing.
• There is no road access to Kaleköy; day-trippers reach it by boat or via a path from Üçağız.
• When booking, ask if lunch, glass-bottom viewing, and castle entrance are included.
• Those prone to seasickness should bring their medication and sit in the middle section of the boat.
• Before booking, inquire about cancellation and postponement policies in case of adverse weather.

Conservation Rules and No-Swimming Zones

Kekova and its surroundings were declared a Special Environmental Protection Area in 1990. This status includes a ban on swimming and diving in the Sunken City area, requiring boats to navigate designated routes at low speeds, prohibiting touching ruins, and forbidding the removal of any materials like stones or ceramic fragments from the area. Not discarding waste into the sea and allowing the captain to determine anchoring spots are also part of the rules. These restrictions do not diminish the experience of the route; on the contrary, they form the framework that has allowed the ruins to remain visible to this day.

Quick Summary and Route Recommendation

When planning your Kekova boat tour, three decisions will shape your day: which season you visit, which harbor you depart from, and how much time you wish to spend at sea. For those staying in the region, a short 2-3 hour tour departing from Üçağız is focused and efficient. For those wanting to combine Myra, Andriake, and Kekova into one day, a medium-length program departing from Demre offers a balanced itinerary. Visitors staying in Kaş or Kalkan will see more bays with a full-day option, while those coming from central Antalya should factor in dedicating a significant portion of their day to road travel.

As a recommendation, visiting Myra and Andriake in Demre on the first day, spending the night in Üçağız or Kaleköy, and then setting sail with the first boat the following morning truly does justice to the route. In this two-day plan, the visiting hours of the land sites (approx. 08:00 AM-7:00 PM in summer) do not clash with the boat's 10:00 AM departure, and if you have a Museum Pass, the land portion incurs no additional cost. To compare current options and prices, program content, duration, and departure times from the region, you can explore the Kekova and Demre tour options page.