Kekova Island Sunken City

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 intimate small group tour from the charming town of Kaş to explore the stunning coastline and ancient marvels of Demre. The tour is designed for small groups, ensuring a more personalized and immersive experience as you discover the following highlights: Kaş to Demre Harbor: Commence your adventure with a morning transfer from Kaş to Demre Harbor, where the small group will board a boat to begin the journey to Kekova. Kekova Island and Sunken City: Cruise along Kekova Island to behold the captivating ruins of the Sunken City. Your small group will have the opportunity to capture mesmerizing moments as you sail, observing the submerged remnants of the ancient city of Dolchiste. Simena Castle: Drop anchor at Kaleköy port, also known as ancient Simena. Here, the small group can explore the authentic village, visit castle ruins, and savor breathtaking views of the Kekova region from the hillside. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear blue waters of this idyllic location. Esmeralda Bay: Enjoy a secluded lunch and swim break at the serene Esmeralda Bay, relishing the tranquility of this beautiful spot. Burç Bay: Delight in the cool waters of Burç Bay, fed by refreshing underwater natural springs. Your small group can take a leisurely swim and soak in the peaceful ambiance of the area. Gökkaya Bay: Make the most of another swim break in Gökkaya Bay, surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty. For those seeking adventure, engaging in thrilling water sports activities is an option. Pirates Cave: Discover the intriguing Pirates Cave, renowned for its size and distinctive curved entrance, a natural wonder that never fails to captivate visitors. Karemlik Bay: Look out for sea turtles in their natural habitat at Karemlik Bay, home to three of the seven known sea turtle species. Demre Harbor: After the boat trip, anchor at Demre Harbor, where your small group tour continues with a visit to a nearby museum. Optional Stops: St. Nicholas Church: Explore the Santa Claus Museum, originally constructed as a church in honor of St. Nicholas of Myra. Your small group can delve into the remains of this ancient church and immerse yourselves in its rich history. The Ancient City of Myra: Step back in time as your small group explores the renowned archaeological site of Myra. Marvel at the Roman-style theater, the largest in Lycia, and the haunting rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs. Demre to Kaş: Conclude your day by returning to the picturesque town of Kaş, where your small group tour ends, leaving you with cherished memories of the captivating sights and experiences you encountered.

Ucagiz Village Get ready for your action-packed day on the water! Make your way to Ucagiz Village harbour in time to depart 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. Turkish tea and biscuits service at Aquarium Bay. Kekova Island and Sunken City Discover the fascinating secrets of Kekova’s history on this unique adventure around the 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. 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. Ucagiz Village After an exciting day of adventure, we’ll head back to Ucagiz Village harbour where this memorable boat trip ends. From here you can make your way to the centre for dinner options or continue to your next destination.

Embark on a mesmerizing tour that takes you through the historical heart of Demre, the ancient ruins of Myra, and the mystical waters of Kekova Island from Alanya, Side, Belek, Antalya, or Kemer. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history, archaeology, and natural beauty that defines this unique region of Turkey. Begin your journey with a convenient pickup from your hotel and venture towards Demre. Then, relax over a brief breakfast stop near Antalya at your own cost, savoring local flavors. Next, visit the museum and icon center at the Church of Saint Nicholas. This revered site pays homage to the saintly figure known worldwide as Santa Claus, providing insights into his life and the profound impact he has had on culture and history. Next, step back in time with a visit to the ancient city of Myra. Here, explore an impressive ancient theater and a fascinating necropolis carved into the rocks, offering a glimpse into the architectural ingenuity and artistic heritage of ancient civilizations. Following your journey through antiquity, enjoy a local lunch, refueling for the afternoon's activities and relishing the tastes of local cuisine. Then, take to the water on a boat cruise to Kekova Island and the Sunken City. Glide over the submerged ruins of this once-great city, visible beneath the clear turquoise waters, and marvel at the haunting beauty of a civilization claimed by the sea. As the day winds down, depart from Myra, carrying with you memories of the day's incredible sights and experiences, returning to your hotel.

On this shared-day tour, you’ll explore some of the most beautiful spots in the Kekova region, meet new people, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Highlights of the trip include visiting Simena Castle ruins, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the coast, and swimming among ancient underwater ruins in the Aquarium and Tersane Bay. KALKAN TO UCAGIZ/DEMRE HARBOUR To begin, we will meet you at the designated location in Kalkan and transport you to our boat at Ucagiz/Demre harbor. Then, we will prepare for an exciting day on the water! We will embark on our boat trip from Ucagiz/Demre harbour between 10:20 and 10:40 am. AQUARIUM BAY Take a refreshing one-hour swim break in the stunning bay near Kekova Island and marvel at its breathtaking beauty. KEKOVA ISLAND AND SUNKEN CITY Explore the captivating history of Kekova through an extraordinary journey around the Sunken City. The city of Dolchiste, which dates back to ancient times, was submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century. Today, its underwater ruins continue to mesmerize visitors. As this is a preserved area, swimming is prohibited, but you can still marvel at the site by taking a leisurely boat ride alongside the ruins. This will allow you to snap brallow you will stay with you forever. BURC BAY Just taking a quick swim break in Burç Bay. The water here feels a bit cooler than usual because of the natural cold springs under the surface. PIRATES CAVE Explore this fascinating cave that’s famous for its impressive size and curved entrance, formed entirely by nature. GÖKKAYA BAY It’s time to take a break and enjoy lunch and a swim at Gökkaya Bay. This stunning location offers breathtaking natural beauty and a variety of thrilling water sports for those who are interested. ESMERALDA BAY During this enjoyable journey, we will make a stop at Esmeralda Bay where you can relish in the peaceful and serene surroundings while taking a swim. SIMENA CASTLE Our boat plans to anchor at the port of Kaleköy, also known as ancient Simena, for an hour. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this quaint and authentic village, which boasts castle ruins and a necropolis. If you’re up for a bit of hiking, you can climb up the hillside for some breathtaking views of the Kekova region. Alternatively, if you’d rather stay closer to the water, you can take a refreshing dip in the beautiful blue waters and admire Simena Castle from afar. UCAGIZ/DEMRE HARBOUR TO KALKAN After an exhilarating adventure, our boat trip will come to a close as we return to the Ucagiz/Demre harbour. We sincerely hope you have enjoyed the breathtaking sights we have had the pleasure of showing you on this tour. Upon completing the boat trip, we will transport you back to the charming town of Kalkan, where your tour will officially conclude.

Discover the ancient ruins of Kekova and Demre on this guided, full-day outing. Enjoy visits to Kaleköy port, Demre Port, Karmelik bay, and various other picturesque locations of historical significance. Start your adventure with a trip to Demre Harbor. Hop aboard the boat that will be waiting for you and set-off on your journey to Kekova. Be amazed by the Sunken City of Kekova and marvel at a city submerged after a powerful earthquake. See underwater ruins that are sure to amaze you. Explore the site by cruising along the ruins on your boat. Make a stop at Kaleköy port, also known as ancient Simena. Receive an hour to explore the charming village which boasts castle ruins and a necropolis. If you choose to hike up the hillside, you will be rewarded with spectacular vistas of the Kekova region. Alternatively, you can spend your remaining time swimming in the crystal-clear waters or simply admiring Simena Castle from below. Take a lunch and swim break at the stunning Esmeralda Bay and experience the peaceful surroundings. The water feels cooler here thanks to the natural cold springs beneath the surface. Gökkaya Bay is another stop where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural surroundings and choose to engage in any of the thrilling water sports available. Explore the fascinating Pirates Cave, known for its impressive size and unique curved entrance that has formed naturally over time. In Karemlik Bay, you can observe three of the seven known sea turtle species in their natural habitat. Once you complete your exciting boat ride, your boat will anchor at Demre Port. From there, your tour will proceed with a visit to a nearby museum. You can opt for an optional stop to visit the Santa Claus Museum, located in the centre of Demre town. Explore the renowned archaeological site of Demre and witness the ancient ruins of Myra dating back to the 5th century B.C. Immerse yourself in history as you observe the impressive Roman-style theatre, the largest in Lycia, and the eerie rock-cut tombs that are carved into the cliffs above. Finish your day of adventure with transportation back to the charming town of Kalkan where your tour will officially come to an end.