If you are staying in Kalkan and looking for something beyond the usual harbour boat trips, a Kekova boat tour is the perfect upgrade. While Kalkan offers beautiful coastal views, a full Kekova boat tour takes you deeper into protected waters, ancient history and some of the clearest swimming bays on the Lycian coast.
Captain Durali’s daily Kekova boat trip departs from Üçağız harbour, approximately one hour by car from Kalkan. Guests meet at 10:00 at the jetty and the Kekova cruise begins at 10:45, returning around 17:00 after a full day on the water.
Many visitors do boat trips directly from Kalkan harbour. The difference with a Kekova boat tour from Kalkan is simple. You enter the famous Kekova Special Environmental Protection Area, home to the Sunken City of Kekova and some of the most untouched bays in the region.
From the moment the boat leaves Üçağız, the atmosphere changes. The coastline becomes more dramatic, the water clearer and the swimming spots quieter.
The first stop on this Kekova boat tour is Aquarium Bay. The name says it all. The water is so transparent that swimming here feels like floating in glass. It is the perfect start to your Kekova cruise.
Next comes Tersane Bay, once used as a Lycian shipyard. Roman-era ruins are still visible along the shoreline, and swimming here gives you a rare combination of history and nature in one place.
The highlight of every Kekova boat tour is the Sunken City of Kekova. Known historically as Dolichiste, this ancient city partially sank after an earthquake in the 2nd century. Swimming is not permitted in order to protect the historic ruins, but our glass-bottomed boat allows you to see the submerged walls and staircases clearly beneath the surface. Viewing the Sunken City during your Kekova boat trip is a moment you will not forget.
The Kekova cruise continues past Pirate’s Cave before anchoring at Gökkaya Bay. This is where the day turns fully into holiday mode. Lunch is served on board, followed by swimming, sunbathing and time to relax. Paddleboards and snorkel equipment are available for extra fun in the water.
Hamidiye Bay offers another peaceful swimming stop before the boat heads toward Kaleköy, the ancient village of Simena. Guests have around an hour to explore the village, climb to Simena Castle and take panoramic photos over the Kekova region. The castle entrance fee is not included.
The final swim stop at Sandy Pier is the perfect way to end the day before returning to Üçağız around 17:00. Fresh fruit is served as the Kekova boat tour sails back to harbour.
This shared Kekova boat tour has a maximum of 40 guests, creating a lively and social atmosphere without feeling overcrowded.
Included in the price:
- 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 options and hourly rentals are also available.
If you are in Kalkan and want more than a standard coastal cruise, book a Kekova boat tour and experience the Sunken City, hidden bays and authentic Mediterranean sailing all in one unforgettable day.
