From Demre: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat

Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Demre to the enchanting region of Kekova. Explore the ancient Sunken City of Simena and its historic castle by boat, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views and the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters. This excursion caters to both adults and families, offering a delicious complimentary lunch, water sports, and the chance to spot elusive sea turtles. With friendly service and a rich historical backdrop, this captivating adventure promises to leave a lasting impression. But the true wonder lies in the tales waiting to be uncovered within this captivating destination.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Kas.

Contents hide

1 Trip Overview and Pricing

2 Itinerary Highlights

3 Included Amenities and Restrictions

4 Participant Information

5 Customer Feedback and Ratings

6 Departure and Return Times

7 Sunken City of Simena

8 Exploring Simena Castle

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

The day trip to Kekova from Demre Harbor lasts approximately 7 hours and costs $40.00 per person.
The itinerary includes exploring the ancient Sunken City of Simena, visiting Simena Castle, and enjoying activities like swimming and water sports.
The trip is suitable for adults, children, and infants, with language options available in English and Turkish.
Complimentary lunch and admission fees are included, but the trip is not suitable for participants with mobility impairments.
The trip departs from Demre Harbor between 10:20 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and returns around 5:30 p.m.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

This day trip to Kekova from Demre costs from $40.00 per person and lasts approximately 7 hours.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexible planning. Participants can reserve their spot now and pay later, a convenient option for those on a budget.

The trip departs from Demre Harbor between 10:20 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., providing ample time to explore the ancient Sunken City of Simena and Simena Castle in Kalekoy.

Visitors can also enjoy a peaceful lunch and swim at Esmeralda Bay, as well as additional swimming and water sports opportunities in Burc Bay and Gokkaya Bay.

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Itinerary Highlights

In an article titled ‘From Demre: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat’, the itinerary highlights are as follows.

The day trip departs from Demre Harbor between 10:20 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., allowing visitors to explore the ancient Sunken City of Simena and Simena Castle in Kalekoy for an hour.

After this, participants can enjoy a peaceful lunch and swim at Esmeralda Bay, followed by additional swimming and water sports opportunities in Burc Bay and Gokkaya Bay.

The tour also includes:

A visit to the notable Pirates Cave
An opportunity to look for turtles at Karemlik Bay
Included amenities such as lunch, admission fees, and water sports
Restrictions on mobility impairments, pets, alcohol, and drugs.

Included Amenities and Restrictions

The day trip to Kekova includes a complimentary lunch and admission fees for the various sites visited.

However, it’s not suitable for participants with mobility impairments, and certain items like pets, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited.

Travelers should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

The tour provides opportunities for water sports, so participants are encouraged to bring swimwear and towels.

The included amenities ensure a well-rounded experience, while the restrictions help maintain safety and preserve the natural environment.

Adhering to these guidelines contributes to a smooth and enjoyable excursion for all.

Participant Information

The day trip to Kekova caters to a range of participants, including adults aged 12 to 99, children aged 4 to 11, and infants 3 and younger.

The tour offers language options in both English and Turkish, ensuring smooth communication for all visitors.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this excursion provides an opportunity to explore the stunning Kekova region together.

The experience is suitable for most individuals, with the exception of those with mobility impairments, as the tour involves some walking and boat travel.

To enhance your enjoyment, be sure to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Adults (12-99)
Children (4-11)
Infants (3 and younger)
Language options: English, Turkish

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Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers’ overall rating for the day trip to Kekova stands at an impressive 4.7 out of 5 based on 31 reviews, showcasing the overwhelming satisfaction of participants. Positive feedback frequently highlights the friendly crew, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences like swimming with turtles and enjoying scenic views. While most aspects of the tour received high praise, some recommendations for improvement include ensuring language consistency in explanations and optimizing seating arrangements on the boat.

Positive Feedback	Improvement Recommendations
Friendly Crew	Language Consistency
Delicious Food	Seating Arrangements
Swimming with Turtles	N/A
Scenic Views	N/A
Value for Money	N/A

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Departure and Return Times

In an article titled ‘From Demre: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat’, the departure time from Demre Harbor typically falls between 10:20 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., allowing participants to embark on their Kekova adventure. The scheduled return time is usually around 5:30 p.m., concluding the 7-hour excursion.

This timing allows visitors to fully enjoy the day’s highlights, which include:

Exploring the Sunken City of Simena and the ancient Simena Castle
Enjoying a peaceful lunch and swim at Esmeralda Bay
Discovering the Pirates Cave and looking for turtles at Karemlik Bay
Engaging in water sports at Burc Bay and Gokkaya Bay

This well-paced itinerary ensures travelers make the most of their day trip to the captivating region of Kekova.

Sunken City of Simena

Among the captivating highlights of the day trip to Kekova is the opportunity to witness the Sunken City of Simena, an ancient settlement that was flooded by an earthquake in the 2nd century.

As the boat cruises along the turquoise waters, guests can gaze upon the underwater ruins, which are clearly visible through the crystal-clear surface.

This once-thriving city, now submerged beneath the waves, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Visitors can imagine the bustling streets, grand buildings, and daily activities that once took place here before the catastrophic event.

The Sunken City of Simena is a testament to the power of nature and a poignant reminder of the fragility of human civilizations.

Exploring Simena Castle

The day trip allows visitors to explore the historic Simena Castle, situated in the charming village of Kalekoy. Perched atop a hill, the castle offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding bays and the sunken ruins of the ancient city below.

Guests can choose to spend an hour exploring the castle’s well-preserved walls, towers, and Byzantine cisterns. The climb to the top rewards with breathtaking vistas:

Panoramic views of the Kekova region, including the sunken city and the turquoise waters of the bays.
Observation of the ancient rock-cut tombs and other archaeological remains scattered across the hillside.
Opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters around the castle’s base.
Optional hikes along the coastal trails for more stunning scenery and photo opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Boat Trip Suitable for Young Children?

Yes, the boat trip is suitable for young children. The itinerary includes opportunities for swimming and exploring nature, and it’s open to participants of all ages, including children as young as 4 years old.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

No, participants are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the trip. The tour includes a provided lunch and water is available, but bringing additional outside items is prohibited. The tour package covers all necessary amenities.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can choose to add additional hours to their trip, allowing more time to explore the sites and take advantage of the water sports offered.

How Far Is the Boat Ride From the Shore?

The boat ride from the shore typically lasts around 30-45 minutes, depending on the boat’s speed and the exact destination. The distance can vary but is generally within a few kilometers of the coastline.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Snorkeling Gear?

No, you don’t need to bring your own snorkeling gear. The tour includes all necessary equipment like masks, snorkels, and life jackets. Everything you need for the water activities is provided, so you can simply focus on enjoying the experience.