Off the Lycian coast near Kaş, an earthquake in the second century AD slid an entire Roman-era settlement beneath the waterline. Today the staircases, foundations and harbour walls of Kekova's sunken city lie just below the surface of crystal-clear water — and a boat tour is the only way to glide over them.
- Sunken city
- Batık Şehir
- Castle village
- Simena / Kaleköy
- Quiet harbour
- Üçağız
- High season
- June – September
01Why this tour
Kekova is the rare archaeological site you can only properly appreciate from the water. The ruins of the ancient town of Dolchiste are partly submerged along the northern shore of Kekova Island, so boats slow to a crawl while passengers lean over the rail to spot column bases, doorways and the worn steps that once led down to the sea. Pair that with the Crusader-era castle crowning Simena and a string of turquoise swimming bays, and a single half-day delivers more variety than most full-day land excursions on this coast.
From the deck you can trace whole staircases descending into clear water — a Roman street that simply kept going under the sea.
02Route options
- Full-day from Kaş · 6–7 hours · Kaş harbour → Kekova sunken city → Simena (Kaleköy) → swimming bays → return, with lunch on board
- Half-day from Üçağız · 3–4 hours · the closest harbour to the ruins — quick run to the sunken city, Simena and a swim stop
- Glass-bottom boat · 3–5 hours · a viewing floor for spotting submerged walls and Lycian sarcophagi without getting wet
- Sea-kayak tour · 4–6 hours · paddle silently along the ruins from Üçağız, the most intimate way to see Kekova
- Private charter · flexible · your own gulet or speedboat, route and timing tailored to your group
032026 tour types and prices
| Tour type | Duration | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Half-day from Üçağız | 3–4 hrs | €25 – €40 |
| Full-day from Kaş (with lunch) | 6–7 hrs | €35 – €55 |
| Glass-bottom boat trip | 3–5 hrs | €30 – €50 |
| Sea-kayak tour | 4–6 hrs | €45 – €70 |
| Private boat charter (small group) | half / full day | €250 – €600 |
These are estimated 2026 ranges and prices vary with season, group size, boat quality and whether lunch is included. Shared day trips from Kaş usually bundle a buffet lunch and several swim stops; the cheapest half-day runs from Üçağız trade swimming time for a shorter, ruins-focused route. Always confirm what's included before you pay.
Live prices and availability
Real-time prices, reviews and instant booking — via GetYourGuide.
This page may contain links to our booking partners. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you book. This does not affect our independent recommendations.
04Where to depart
- Kaş · the main resort town, with the widest choice of full-day boats, larger gulets and shared trips that include lunch and swimming.
- Üçağız · a small fishing village and the nearest harbour to Kekova — shortest, cheapest route to the sunken city and Simena.
- Kaleköy (Simena) · tiny car-free hamlet under the castle; some sea-kayak and small-boat trips set off from here.
- Demre / Çayağzı · a convenient launch if you are combining Kekova with the Myra ruins and St Nicholas church.
05Best time to go
The best months are May–June and September–October. The sea is warm enough to swim, the light is clear for viewing the ruins, and the harbours are far calmer than in midsummer. July and August bring the warmest water but also the biggest crowds and strongest sun — book an early-morning departure for shade and quieter bays. Most operators run from April to late October; in shoulder season check the forecast, as a strong meltem wind can shorten or cancel trips.
06What you'll see
On and below the water:
- The sunken city (Batık Şehir) — submerged walls, staircases and foundations along Kekova Island
- Lycian sarcophagi half-drowned in the shallows, their lids breaking the surface
- Simena / Kaleköy — a medieval castle above a village of stone cottages and a miniature Lycian theatre
- Üçağız bay — a sheltered natural harbour ringed by rock tombs
- Turquoise swimming coves such as Aquarium Bay, with visibility several metres deep
Good to know:
- Swimming and diving directly over the sunken city are forbidden to protect the site
- Bring water shoes for the rocky landing at Kaleköy and the climb to the castle
- Glass-bottom boats are the easiest option for travellers who prefer to stay dry
- The castle viewpoint over Kekova is the signature photo of the whole trip
07Frequently asked questions
How long is a Kas & Kekova boat tour?
A standard day trip runs about 6–7 hours from Kaş, including the sunken city, Simena and swimming stops. Shorter half-day trips from Üçağız take roughly 3–4 hours, while private charters can be tailored to any length.
Can you swim or dive over the sunken city?
Swimming and diving directly above the Kekova sunken city are prohibited to protect the archaeological site. Boats slow down so you can see the ruins, and swimming stops are made at nearby permitted bays instead.
Is the trip better from Kaş or Üçağız?
Kaş offers full-day tours with more swimming and a longer coastal route. Üçağız is the closest harbour to the sunken city, so departures there are shorter and cheaper and reach Simena quickly — ideal if your time is limited.
When is the best time to go?
May to June and September to October offer warm water, calm seas and thinner crowds. July and August are hot and busy, so early-morning departures are more comfortable. Most boats run from April to late October.
Do I need to book in advance?
In high season (May–October) booking a day or two ahead is wise for shared day trips and essential for private charters and sea-kayak tours. Off-season you can usually arrange a place at the harbour the day before.