Kas: Private Kekova Boat Tour including transfers

If you’re eyeing a day of sun, sea, and history on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, a private Kekova boat tour from Demre might just be your perfect escape. This experience combines the tranquility of cruising with the thrill of discovering ancient ruins, colorful bays, and even some local wildlife. It’s designed for those who crave a personalized adventure, away from large tour groups, and who want a flexible schedule to soak in the scenery at their own pace.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its customized nature—it’s just your group of up to six people, with transfers included, which makes it feel more like a day out with friends than a crowded sightseeing rush. Plus, the stops are thoughtfully chosen to balance cultural sights with relaxing swimming breaks. That said, it’s worth noting that lunch isn’t included—so if you’re hungry after all that exploration, you’ll need to plan ahead.

This tour is definitely best suited for travelers who love a mix of history, natural beauty, and a touch of adventure. Whether you’re honeymooners, small families, or friends traveling together, you’ll find the flexibility and intimacy appealing. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic day with plenty of opportunities to dip in the water and explore ruins without the hustle of a big tour bus, this private trip could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: Small group size gives you the flexibility to enjoy the day at your own pace.
• Historic and Natural Highlights: From sunken ruins to castle walls and clear bays, the itinerary is packed with scenic and cultural sights.
• Inclusion of Transfers: Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from Kas hotels saves time and effort.
• Multiple Swimming and Relaxation Stops: Bays, caves, and beaches offer chances to swim, sunbathe, or just enjoy the views.
• Wildlife Encounters: You might spot Caretta Caretta turtles, adding an element of nature to your journey.
• Cost-Effective for Small Groups: For $567, your private group gets a full day of tailored experiences, making it good value compared to larger tours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Look at the Tour Experience

When considering a day trip like this, it’s helpful to picture what the journey entails. From the start, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Kas, then transferred to Demre Cayagzi Harbor. This central location serves as your launchpad for the day’s adventure. The boat itself is a comfortable vessel operated by a friendly skipper who’s there to ensure your safety and enjoyment.

Once aboard, your first destination is Kekova Island and the Sunken City. Kekova is an island with no residents, but it’s famous for its shipwrecks from the second century, which occasionally peek out from beneath the water’s surface. These relics date back to the earthquake that destroyed much of the ancient city Dolkisthe. While exploring this area from the boat or on foot, you’ll get a sense of how history and nature blend in this quiet corner of Turkey.

Next, the boat makes its way to Simena Castle, perched above the village of Kaleköy. The castle walls are visible from the water, and a steep path leads up for those wanting to explore further. The visit to this fortress offers panoramic views of the bay and a peek into the medieval past. During the approach, many travelers enjoy stopping for a quick ice cream, adding a simple pleasure to the journey.

From here, the tour includes several swimming breaks in bays like Esmeralda Bay, known for its crystal-clear waters, and Burc Bay, famous for its healing clay and spring waters—perfect for those looking for a spa-like experience. The water here is often cool and refreshing, especially under the Turkish sun.

The highlight for many is Gokkaya Bay, a popular stop with rocky islets, ruins, and opportunities for water sports. The bay’s calm waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and the boat crew often sets up gear for guests to explore beneath the surface. According to one traveler review, “We got to bathe with turtles and feed them,” which hints at a surprisingly close encounter with local wildlife.

The final stop is Pirate Cave on Asirli Island. Known for its tributaries and pebbly shores, it’s a favorite for swimming and exploring. This sea cave has an almost mythical allure, with many taking the chance to snorkel around its nooks and crannies.

As the day winds down, the boat heads to Karemlik Bay for one last swim, before returning to Demre Cayagzi Harbor, where your transfer back to Kas awaits. The entire journey usually lasts around 8 hours, giving plenty of time to relax and take in the surroundings.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The value of this experience lies in its mix of private comfort and diverse stops. The small group size means your crew can tailor the pace—whether you want more time at a castle or an extra swim in a bay. Plus, the inclusion of transfers from Kas simplifies logistics, enabling you to focus purely on enjoying your day.

The scenic routes reveal a side of Turkey that is less commercialized, where ruins slip quietly into the sea and bays shimmer with untouched beauty. The chance to see Caretta Caretta turtles swimming nearby is a rare treat, and many travelers mention this as a highlight in reviews.

The cost of $567 per group may seem high at first glance, but when you consider the personalized service, exclusive boat, and multiple stops, it represents good value—especially compared to larger group tours that offer less flexibility.

However, keep in mind that lunch isn’t included, so packing a picnic or snacks is advisable. Also, while the tour covers most highlights, entry to Simena Castle is not included unless you have a museum card, so plan accordingly if you want to explore inside.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Day

• Bring sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses—Turkish sun can be intense.
• Pack swimwear and towels: For swimming in bays and caves.
• Carry water and snacks: Although fruits and hot drinks are provided, additional refreshments might be appreciated.
• Plan for extra expenses: Entry fees for castles or additional meals are not included, so budget accordingly.
• Be prepared for a flexible schedule: Stops may vary based on weather and group preference.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private boat experience is ideal for small groups seeking a relaxed, flexible day filled with scenic beauty, history, and water-based fun. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate personalized service and want to avoid the crowded atmosphere of larger tours. Adventure seekers, history buffs, or those simply wanting to unwind with a panoramic view of the Turkish coast will find plenty to love.

While it’s a full day, the pace is gentle, with ample time for swimming, relaxing, and sightseeing. If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of cultural exploration and natural beauty, this tour hits all those notes.

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The Sum Up

The Kas Private Kekova Boat Tour offers a wonderful combination of history, nature, and personalized service at a reasonable cost for small groups. You’ll love the way it balances scenic beauty with cultural sights, all wrapped in a flexible, intimate experience. For travelers wanting a day to relax on the water, explore ancient ruins, and spot local wildlife, this tour delivers on all counts.

This experience is best for those who value comfort over crowds, enjoy a mix of activities, and want the freedom to tailor their day. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just seeking a peaceful retreat on Turkey’s coast, you’ll find this trip both memorable and worth the investment.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, the tour is designed for a private group of up to 6 people, giving you a more personalized experience.

Are transfers included?
Yes, pickup from hotels in Kas and transfer to Demre Cayagzi Harbor are included in the price.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about a full day, with start times varying depending on availability. Expect around 8 hours total.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transfers, the boat cruise, hot drinks, fruits, diesel, and the skipper’s services.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, so you should plan to bring your own snacks or purchase them during stops.

Can I visit inside Simena Castle?
Entry to the castle is not included unless you have a museum card; you can view it from outside and enjoy the views.

What wildlife might I see?
There’s a good chance to spot Caretta Caretta turtles swimming near the boat.

Is swimming safe and easy?
Yes, the bays and caves are suitable for swimming, and water sports activities are available at Gokkaya Bay.

How many stops are there?
The tour typically includes several stops: Kekova Sunken City, Simena Castle, Esmeralda Bay, Gokkaya Bay, Pirate Cave, and Karemlik Bay.

What should I pack?
Bring sun protection, swimwear, towels, water, snacks, and perhaps a camera to capture the scenic views.

By choosing this private boat trip, you’re opting for a flexible, intimate day exploring some of Turkey’s most enchanting coastal sights—perfect for making lasting memories on your Mediterranean journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: