From Kas: Day Trip to Kekova Island

Venturing out from the charming town of Kas, travelers can embark on an unforgettable day trip to the captivating Kekova Island. This 9-hour excursion promises a glimpse into the region’s ancient past, with the opportunity to explore the captivating sunken ruins of the ancient city Dolchiste. Beyond the underwater archaeological wonders, the itinerary includes picturesque swim breaks, a delectable lunch, and the chance to take in the breathtaking vistas from the historic Simena Castle. With free cancellation and a reasonable price tag, this adventure seems too enticing to pass up.

Key Points

• Depart from Ucagiz/Demre harbor or get picked up from Kaş for a 9-hour excursion to explore the sunken ruins of the ancient city Dolchiste on Kekova Island.
• Enjoy multiple swim breaks at scenic bays like Aquarium Bay, Burç Bay, Gökaya Bay, and Esmeralda Bay, with opportunities to spot marine life and explore natural features.
• Visit the well-preserved village of Simena, climb to the castle ruins for panoramic views, and discover ancient archaeological sites.
• Savor a delicious Mediterranean lunch spread and participate in optional water sports like kayaking during the stop at Gökaya Bay.
• The tour is priced from €50 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview

This day trip to Kekova Island from Kaş offers a chance to explore the sunken ruins of the ancient city of Dolchiste and enjoy the scenic bays and beaches of the region.

The 9-hour excursion is priced from €50 per person and includes lunch and drinks. Participants can take a swim break in Aquarium Bay and visit Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, and Esmeralda Bay for more swimming and water sports opportunities.

The tour also stops at Simena Castle, where guests can explore the village and ruins.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides an engaging and flexible way to discover Kekova’s natural wonders.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour departs from Ucagiz/Demre harbour, with pick-up available from Kas. Guests can look forward to a 1-hour swim break at the stunning Aquarium Bay.

Next, the group will explore the underwater ruins of ancient Dolchiste on Kekova Island. The itinerary includes:

1. Burc Bay, where swimmers can enjoy the cooler waters fed by natural springs.

2. Gökaya Bay, with a lunch stop and optional water sports.

3. Esmeralda Bay, a peaceful swimming spot.

4. Simena Castle, where visitors can explore the village and castle ruins, with an optional hike for panoramic views.

The tour provides a comprehensive sightseeing experience of Kekova’s natural and historical wonders.

Aquarium Bay

One of the highlights of the day trip is the 1-hour swim break at the stunning Aquarium Bay, where crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life captivate visitors.

Snorkelers can explore the underwater caves and crevices, spotting schools of brightly colored fish. The bay’s calm, sheltered waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, with the surrounding cliffs providing a picturesque backdrop.

Guests can take their time to relax and soak in the natural beauty, with the opportunity to spot unique sea creatures in their natural habitat.

This tranquil stretch of coastline offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

Kekova Island and Sunken City

After the swim break at Aquarium Bay, the day trip continues to the captivating Kekova Island, where visitors can explore the underwater ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Dolchiste, which were flooded in the 2nd century.

Once at the island, guests can:

1. Take a boat tour around the ruins, getting a glimpse of the submerged buildings and structures beneath the crystal-clear waters.

2. Disembark and walk along the shoreline, spotting additional remnants of the sunken city.

3. Hike up to the castle ruins of Simena, offering panoramic views of the island and surrounding bays.

4. Relax on the island’s beaches and swim in the refreshing Mediterranean waters.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Burç Bay

From Kekova Island, the day trip moves on to Burç Bay, where the cooler waters provide a refreshing swim break due to natural springs in the area.

This picturesque bay offers a tranquil respite from the previous exploration of the sunken city ruins. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely swim in the rejuvenating waters, taking in the scenic beauty that surrounds them.

The bay’s unique natural features, like the cooling effect of the springs, add to the overall enjoyment of the day’s activities.

After the swim, the group will continue on to the next stop, Gökkaya Bay, for lunch and more water sport options.

Gökkaya Bay

Next, the day trip arrives at Gökkaya Bay, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing lunch and swim break, with optional water sports activities available. This scenic bay offers a peaceful respite from the earlier excursions.

Guests can:

1. Indulge in a delicious lunch spread, featuring local Mediterranean cuisine.

2. Take a refreshing swim in the calm, cool waters fed by natural springs.

3. Try their hand at water sports like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, available for an additional fee.

4. Relax on the boat or shore, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding coves and cliffs.

After the rejuvenating stop, the tour continues to the next captivating destination.

Esmeralda Bay

The day trip’s next stop is the peaceful Esmeralda Bay, where visitors can enjoy a serene swim in the bay’s emerald-hued waters.

This picturesque cove is a welcome respite after the earlier bustling activities. The crystal-clear waters invite guests to relax and unwind, with the opportunity to take a refreshing dip.

The bay’s tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty make it an ideal spot for a peaceful interlude during the packed day of exploration.

After the swim, guests can savor the moment and take in the stunning scenery before moving on to the final destination on the itinerary.

Simena Castle

After the peaceful swim in Esmeralda Bay, the day trip heads to the historic Simena Castle, where visitors can explore the village and castle ruins.

Situated in the Kaleköy port, the castle offers a chance to explore the region’s ancient history and enjoy stunning views from its hilltop location.

Highlights of the Simena Castle visit include:

1. Wandering through the well-preserved village, with its charming stone houses and narrow streets.

2. Climbing to the top of the castle ruins for panoramic vistas of the surrounding bays and islands.

3. Discovering the remnants of the ancient acropolis and other archaeological sites within the castle grounds.

4. Optional hikes to nearby viewpoints for even more breathtaking perspectives of the Kekova region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour information, guests are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes lunch and beverages as part of the amenities and inclusions. Guests should refrain from bringing outside food or alcohol.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

Yes, the tour operator offers discounted group rates for bookings of 4 or more people. Guests can inquire about the specific group pricing when making their reservation. The more people in the group, the greater the discount per person.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour operator typically does not offer options to extend the standard 9-hour tour duration. However, custom or private tours may be available upon request, which could allow for a longer excursion to Kekova Island and the surrounding area.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. Many tour providers offer this option for a higher price, allowing you to have a more personalized experience with just your group.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy for this tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can cancel their booking without penalty as long as they give at least 1 day’s notice.

Recap

This day trip from Kaş to Kekova Island offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating sunken ruins of the ancient city Dolchiste.

With a delicious lunch, refreshing drinks, and swim breaks at stunning locations, it’s an adventure not to be missed.

The breathtaking views from Simena Castle make this a truly unforgettable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: