Kekova Island

Kekova, with its breathtaking scenery and rich historical heritage, indeed presents an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and ancient wonders. Renaming it "Heaven" would aptly capture the essence of this picturesque destination. The turquoise waters of Kekova, adorned with numerous coves and bays, provide a serene backdrop to its historical sites. One of the most notable attractions is the Kekova Sunken City, a mesmerizing testament to the intertwining of nature and history. Exploring Kekova typically involves visiting several key locations, including the charming villages of Ucagiz and Kalekoy/Simena. Kalekoy, with its renowned fortress and inviting narrow streets, offers a glimpse into the region's storied past. Visitors on boat tours from Kas to Kekova have the opportunity to experience the allure of Kalekoy and indulge in its famous peach ice cream—a delightful treat not to be missed. Kekova Island, situated across from the Simena peninsula, bears the scars of its tumultuous history, marked by earthquakes and invasions. Despite its challenges, the island has endured and now stands as a protected area, offering glimpses of Byzantine ruins, including the remnants of a church in Tersane Bay. Akvaryum Bay, known for its crystalline waters, beckons travelers for a refreshing swim accessible only by boat. In summary, Kekova, aptly renamed "Heaven," encapsulates the harmonious convergence of nature's splendor and mankind's enduring legacy, making it a truly enchanting destination for explorers and history enthusiasts alike. The itinerary for a boat tour around Kekova offers an array of captivating stops, each with its own unique charm and historical significance. Here's a brief overview of each stop: İnönü Bay: Known for its tranquil waters and scenic surroundings, İnönü Bay provides a peaceful setting for swimming and relaxation. Aquarium Bay: As its name suggests, Aquarium Bay boasts crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and observing marine life beneath the surface. Sunken City: One of the highlights of the tour, the Sunken City of Kekova offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past, with submerged ruins visible from the boat's deck. Simena Castle or Kaleköy: This historical site features the ruins of a medieval castle overlooking the picturesque village of Kaleköy. Visitors can explore the castle ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Shipyard Bay: Shipyard Bay is steeped in history, once serving as a harbor for shipbuilding during ancient times. Today, it offers a scenic stop for swimming and admiring the coastal scenery. Pine Bay: Surrounded by lush pine forests, Pine Bay provides a serene setting for a leisurely swim or a picnic on the shoreline. Each stop along the tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, making the Kekova boat tour an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to explore Turkey's stunning coastline.

Explore ancient Lycia on a day trip and yacht cruise from Antalya. See a historic rock tomb from Lycian times, marvel at ancient Greco-Roman amphitheaters, and sail to the beautiful Kekova Island. Meet your driver outside your hotel and begin your adventure with a drive through the ancient state of Lycia. Marvel at an ancient rock tomb from the Lycian times and stop to visit the Greco - Roman amphitheater. Next, visit the church of St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker in Demre city. This ancient church sits above the 4th-century burial place of St. Nicholas, the original inspiration for Santa Claus. Enjoy a delicious lunch before heading to Kekova Island. Board a glass-windowed-bottomed yacht and sail through pristine waters to reach this fascinating island. Sail by the mysterious sunken city of Kekova, an ancient Lycia city, destroyed by an earthquake. Spot the ruins of the city and the Simena Castle from the side of the boat and under the water through the glass bottom windows. Before heading back, jump into the refreshing water for a swim. Finally, return to your hotel, having experienced Turkey's rich ancient history.

If you are a complete beginner or novice don't worry, this is a physical activity similar to going for a long brisk walk. The tour starts around 8:00 a.m. when everyone gets on the bus in Kaş for the drive to Uçağiz village, which takes about 45 minutes. The Kekova Kayak tour begins with a safety briefing and paddle instruction and then the fun begins! You will then enter the water and start your first paddling session from Üçağiz to get accustomed to the kayak and practice proper navigation. We depart Ucagiz at 09:30 a.m. with a motorized support vessel to escort us, paddle southwest down the coast towards Kekova Island, and arrive at Tersane Bay at 10:15 a.m. followed by a swimming break. From there the group will slowly paddle over the ancient Lycian Sunken City of Kekova. Since this is a protected area, swimming is not permitted here. So what better way to explore the Sunken City than by Kayaking alongside the ruins; giving you the chance to capture unforgettable photos? After an exciting adventure, we’ll head to Simena and arrive at 11:30 a.m., park in Kaleköy (ancient Simena Castle) for 45 minutes, giving you time to visit this small authentic village which’s home to castle ruins and a necropolis. A hike up the hillside will give you magnificent views of the Kekova region. If you’d prefer to admire Simena Castle from down below, you can use your remaining time to take another dip in the gorgeous blue waters. In the afternoon we head back towards Theimussa for an up-close view of more impressive Lycian sarcophagi and then return to our Kayak base. Following this you will move on to Üçağiz to enjoy lunch at 1:15 p.m.

First, we will pick you up from our meeting point in Kaş, take you to our boat in Ucagiz/Demre harbour, and get ready for your action-packed day on the water! We depart from Ucagiz/Demre harbour for the boat trip between 10:20 and 10.40 am. AQUARIUM BAY Cool off during a whopping one-hour swim break in this picturesque bay next to Kekova Island, and be dazzled by its beauty. KEKOVA ISLAND AND SUNKEN CITY Discover the fascinating secrets of Kekova’s history on this unique adventure around Sunken City. The ancient city of Dolchiste was flooded due to an earthquake in the 2nd century, and its resulting underwater ruins never fail to leave an impression. Since this is a protected area, swimming is not permitted here, so what better way to explore the site than by cruising alongside the ruins on our boat, giving you the chance to capture unforgettable photos? BURÇ BAY Swim break in Burç Bay. The sea is a little cooler in this area due to the cold underwater natural springs. PIRATES CAVE Discover this intriguing naturally-formed cave, which is renowned for its large size and curved entrance. GÖKKAYA BAY Time for a lunch and swim break at Gökkaya Bay, where you can experience the natural beauty of the area and opt to participate in one of the various exciting water sports on offer. ESMERALDA BAY We’ll stop to swim in Esmeralda Bay where you can enjoy peace and tranquility during this fun journey. SIMENA CASTLE Our boat will drop anchor in Kaleköy port (ancient Simena) for one hour, giving you time to visit this small authentic village that’s home to castle ruins and a necropolis. A hike up the hillside will give you magnificent views of the Kekova region. If you’d prefer to admire Simena Castle from down below, you can use your remaining time to take another dip in the gorgeous blue waters. After an exciting adventure, we’ll head back to Ucagiz/Demre harbour, where this memorable boat trip ends. We hope you enjoy the sights we’ve shown you on this tour. At the end of the boat trip, we’ll take you back to the picturesque town of Kaş, where your tour officially ends.

Join a full-day boat trip to Kekova. This trip departs in the morning to maximize daylight hours for the best views of the surrounding landscape and ocean scenes. Prepare for a day of relaxation aboard the boat at Demre Harbor.  DEMRE HARBOUR Get ready for your action-packed day on the water! Make your way to Demre harbour before departing for the boat trip between 10:20 and 10.30 a.m. KEKOVA ISLAND AND SUNKEN CITY Discover the fascinating secrets of Kekova’s history on this unique adventure around Sunken City. The ancient city of Dolchiste was flooded due to an earthquake in the 2nd century, and its resulting underwater ruins never fail to leave an impression. Since this is a protected area, swimming is not permitted here, so what better way to explore the site than by cruising alongside the ruins on our boat, giving you the chance to capture unforgettable photos? SIMENA CASTLE Our boat will drop anchor in Kaleköy port (ancient Simena) for one hour, giving you time to visit this small authentic village home to castle ruins and a necropolis. A hike up the hillside will give you magnificent views of the Kekova region. If you’d prefer to admire Simena Castle from down below, you can use your remaining time to take another dip in the gorgeous blue waters. ESMERALDA BAY Time for a lunch and swim break at beautiful Esmeralda Bay, where you can enjoy peace and tranquillity during this fun journey. BURÇ BAY A 40-minute swim break in Burç Bay follows lunch. The sea is a little cooler in this area due to the cold underwater natural springs. GÖKKAYA BAY We’ll stop to swim in Gökkaya Bay, where you can experience the natural beauty of the area and opt to participate in one of the various exciting water sports on offer. PIRATES CAVE Discover this intriguing naturally-formed cave renowned for its large size and curved entrance. KAREMLIK BAY There are eight known types of turtles worldwide, 5 of which can be found in the Mediterranean. At Karemlik Bay, you’ll have the chance to look for these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. DEMRE HARBOUR After an exciting adventure, we’ll return to Demre Harbour, where this memorable boat trip ends.

After being collected from your Kalkan or Kaş accommodation, you will be ready for your full-day boat trip through the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. Beginning from Ucagız village, you will sail for 1 hour to arrive at the heart of Kekova. Here you will be able to take your first swim break at Tersane Bay, viewing the sunken city ruins through the boat. You will then have the opportunity to dine on a delicious open buffet lunch at Gokkaya Bay, where guests will have a second chance to swim through the clear water. From there, you will visit the pirate cave and Burc Bay, before eventually stopping at Simena. Once at Simena, you will have the choice to walk up to the castle that boasts magnificent views over the bay. Alternatively, you can explore the village and settle into one of the cafes well known and admired for their home-made ice-cream. You will then have the opportunity to enjoy a final swim near Ucagız Village, before the drive back to Kalkan.

We depart Ucagiz at 09:30 am with motorized support vessel to escort us, and paddle southwest down the coast towards the Kekova Island and arrive Tersane bay at 10:15 am and followed by a swimming break. From there the group will slowly paddle over the ancient Lycian Sunken City of Kekova. Since this is a protected area, swimming is not permitted here. So what better way to explore the Sunken City than by Kayaking alongside the ruins; giving you the chance to capture unforgettable photos. After an exciting of adventure, we’ll head to Simena and arrive at 11:30 am, park in Kaleköy (ancient Simena Castle) for 45 mins, giving you time to visit this small authentic village that’s home to castle ruins and a necropolis. A hike up the hillside will give you magnificent views of the Kekova region. If you’d prefer to admire Simena Castle from down below, you can use your remaining time to take another dip in the gorgeous blue waters. In the afternoon we head back towards Theimussa for an up close view of more impressive Lycian sarcophagi and then return to our Kayak base. Following this you will move on to Üçağiz to enjoy lunch at 13:15 pm

Embark on an unforgettable journey from the lively town of Kaş, exploring the stunning coastline and ancient wonders of Demre. Here's a shortened version of the tour route: Kaş to Demre Harbor: Begin your adventure with a morning transfer from Kaş to Demre Harbor, where the boat awaits to kickstart your trip to Kekova. Kekova Island and Sunken City: Cruise along Kekova Island and witness the mesmerizing ruins of Sunken City. Capture unforgettable photos as you glide on our boat, marveling at the underwater remains of the ancient city of Dolchiste. Simena Castle: Drop anchor at Kaleköy port, also known as ancient Simena. Explore the authentic village, visit castle ruins, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Kekova region from atop the hillside. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear blue waters. Esmeralda Bay: Indulge in lunch and swim break at the serene Esmeralda Bay, basking in the tranquillity of this beautiful location. Burç Bay: Experience the cool waters of Burç Bay, enriched by cold underwater natural springs. Take a swim break and soak in the peaceful ambiance of the area. Gökkaya Bay: Enjoy another swim break in Gökkaya Bay, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Engage in thrilling water sports activities if you're up for an adventure. Pirates Cave: Explore the intriguing Pirates Cave, famous for its large size and curved entrance, a natural wonder that captivates visitors. Karemlik Bay: Keep an eye out for sea turtles in their natural habitat as you visit Karemlik Bay, where three of the seven known sea turtle species can be found. Demre Harbor: After the boat trip, anchor at Demre Harbor, where your tour continues with a visit to a nearby museum. Optional Stops: St. Nicholas Church: Explore the Santa Claus Museum, originally built as a church in memory of St. Nicholas of Myra. Discover the remains of this ancient church and immerse yourself in history. The Ancient City of Myra: Step back in time as you explore the famous archaeological site of Myra. Marvel at the Roman-style theater, the largest in Lycia, and the eerie rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs. Demre to Kaş: At the end of the day, return to the picturesque town of Kaş, where your tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of the sights and experiences you encountered.

Enjoy a full-day tour of the beautiful Demre province in Turkey, and visit some of its most beautiful locations. Begin this fascinating tour with a visit to the ancient town of Myra located on the beautiful river Myros, and visit the ancient Greek amphitheater and the rock-cut tombs of the Lycian necropolis in Myra. After a complimentary lunch, sail over turquoise waters to the picturesque Kekova Island. Discover the extraordinary underwater ruins of the sunken city of Simena and visit the noteworthy Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa. Take advantage of the opportunity to swim and snorkel through the crystal clear waters surrounding the island, and continue the tour to the small town of Kale (or Demre) and visit the stunning church of St. Nicholas.

Set out on a kayaking adventure day trip from Kas, beginning with a short ride to Ucagiz. Receive instructions and equipment from your expert guide before you take in some of the best sights of Kekova Island and the famous sunken city around it. Learn about local history as you kayak over the ancient ruins and intricate rock labyrinths of the sunken city of Kekova. Benefit from the expertise of your BCU certified field expert on this small group tour lasting 3 segments of 45 minutes each. Enjoy the relaxing pace and have fun with well planned swim breaks and a delightful traditional Turkish lunch in Simena. If the opportunity arises, get up close and personal with friendly turtles and a chance for cliff jumping, weather permitting. After an optional 15-minute hike up to Simena Castle, paddle your kayak back to Ucagiz, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience throughout.