Staying in Demre? You are perfectly positioned for one of the best experiences on the Mediterranean coast. A Kekova boat tour from Demre is the easiest and most convenient way to discover the famous Sunken City of Kekova, swim in crystal-clear bays and explore the charming village of Simena.
Üçağız harbour, where the Kekova boat tour departs, is only about 20 minutes by car from Demre. Guests meet at 10:00 at the jetty and the Kekova cruise begins at 10:45, returning around 17:00.
Many visitors come to Demre to explore the ancient city of Myra or visit the Church of St Nicholas but a Kekova boat tour is where the day really comes alive. You may have visited the ancient ruins on shore, but now you head out to sea to swim, relax and cruise above the legendary Sunken City of Kekova.
Captain Durali’s daily Kekova boat tour combines fun, swimming and archaeology in one relaxed and upbeat atmosphere. With a maximum of 40 guests, there is a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere on board, with plenty of space to enjoy the day comfortably.
The first stop on this Kekova boat trip is Aquarium Bay. The water here is incredibly clear, making it an ideal place to jump in and start the day properly. Swimming in the turquoise waters of Kekova is one of the main reasons this boat tour is so popular.
From there, the Kekova cruise continues to Tersane Bay. This sheltered bay was once a shipyard during the Lycian period. Ancient ruins remain visible along the shore, and swimming here feels like stepping back into history.
The highlight of every Kekova boat tour from Demre is the Sunken City of Kekova. Known in ancient times as Dolichiste, this city partially sank after a powerful earthquake in the 2nd century. Swimming is not allowed in order to protect this ancient site, but our glass-bottomed boat allows you to clearly see submerged walls, staircases and stone foundations beneath the surface. Seeing the Sunken City during your Kekova boat tour is a unique experience found nowhere else along the Turkish coast.
The route then passes Pirate’s Cave before anchoring at Gökkaya Bay. Here lunch is served on board and guests have time to swim, relax in the sun or use snorkel equipment and paddleboards. The atmosphere is fun and easygoing, making this Kekova boat trip as much about enjoyment as it is about sightseeing.
After Gökkaya Bay, the boat continues to Hamidiye Bay for another refreshing swim in calm water.
One of the most memorable parts of this Kekova cruise is the stop at Kaleköy, the ancient village of Simena. Guests have around one hour to walk through the village, climb to Simena Castle and enjoy panoramic views across the Kekova region. The castle entrance fee is not included.
Before returning to Üçağız, the Kekova boat tour makes one final swimming stop at Sandy Pier. Fresh fruit is served as the boat sails back, ending the day in true Mediterranean style.
Included in this Kekova daily boat tour:
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
- Fresh fruit
- Snorkel equipment
- Wi-Fi on board
Price is 2100₺ or 45€ per person.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Private Kekova boat tours, half-day trips and hourly rentals are also available.
If you are staying in Demre and want the closest, easiest access to a complete Kekova boat tour experience, this is the cruise that combines history, swimming and pure coastal fun in one unforgettable day.
