Kaş Departure Kekova Boat Tour Guide: Sunken City and Bay Bay Travel Plan

Kekova Boat Tour Guide from Kaş: Underwater City and Cove Exploration Plan

Visiting Kaş and not making a trip to Kekova means skipping one of the most magical pages of the Lycian coast. Especially the daily departing Kaş Kekova Boat Tour from Kaş center is ideal for those who want to experience history, sea, and exploration in one day. In this article, I will explain how to plan your day from boarding the boat to returning, which cove to spend time in, and how to best see the Underwater City step by step.

Why You Should Choose This Tour from Kaş to Kekova?

The route from Kaş to Kekova is one of the calmest and most characteristic sea journeys along the Antalya coast. Compared to blue tours on the Bodrum and Fethiye sides, it is more compact; but the historical density is much higher. In one day, you can read an ancient city from the sea, swim in untouched coves, and take breaks in small coastal villages.

The advantage of going with an organized Kaş Kekova Boat Tour is that the details such as the route, cove selections, lunch, guiding, and timing are planned for you. This way, you only need to think about your swimsuit, towel, and camera.

Starting the Day: Kaş Harbor and Boarding the Boat

Morning Preparation and Essentials to Bring

The day typically starts at Kaş Harbor in the morning. Since the sun rises early in the summer months, it feels hot even during boarding the boat. Therefore, make sure to bring:

– Hat and sunglasses
– High SPF sunscreen (reapply frequently)
– Quick-drying towel and a light pareo or t-shirt
– Underwater goggles / snorkel (if available)
– Powerbank and a waterproof phone case
– A small amount of cash (for ice cream, drinks, shopping in the village)

Finding a shaded area on the boat is key to comfort in Kaş’s summer heat. For this reason, early boarding is important to secure a good sunbathing cushion or a shady spot.

Cove by Cove Travel Plan: How to Spend Your Day in Kekova?

The best way to understand the day is to think about the tour in terms of coves instead of hours. Below, you will find the main stops in a typical route departing from Kaş to Kekova and what you can do at each one.

1. First Swimming Break: Getting Used to the Turquoise Waters

Shortly after leaving Kaş, the first swimming break is usually taken at an isolated cove away from the crowds. This first stop is ideal for getting used to the sea temperature and starting to explore the underwater world with your mask.

Here:

– Swim without pushing yourself too hard to get used to the salt of the sea and its clarity.
– Use your underwater goggles to observe small schools of fish near the shore.
– The best time for photos is in the morning light; the contrast between shadow and light gives beautiful frames.

2. Underwater City (Kekova Island): The Lycian Beneath the Sea

The heart of the route is undoubtedly the Underwater City. This ancient settlement submerged by earthquakes, is best viewed from the deck of the boat, as you slowly lean over and gaze into the water. Tour boats generally cruise very slowly here; some have glass-bottom sections to show the underwater scenery.

In the Underwater City:

– Try to spot the old staircase steps, harbor remnants, and wall traces from the water's surface.
– A polarized filter lens or glasses while taking photos reduces reflection and makes details more visible.
– Swimming in this area is often prohibited to prevent damage to the historical texture; always listen to the boat's announcements.

What you will feel here is not just "a beautiful view"; under you, you are seeing the traces of a city where everyday life once flowed. This is precisely why Kekova stands out from other coves.

3. Simena (Kaleköy): Ice Cream, Castle, and Stone Stairs

Right across from the Underwater City, Simena (present-day Kaleköy) is the most characteristic village stop of your tour. We ascend to the castle along narrow streets paved with cobblestones. Along the way, homemade ice cream stalls, handmade jewelry, and jam jars catch your attention.

At this stop, you can spend your time as follows:

– Climb up to the castle; from above, you can see both Kekova Island and your tour boat from a bird's eye view.
– Taste the homemade ice creams, often made with combinations of pomegranate, lemon, and carob that can be found in the village.
– Take a short coffee or cold drink break at the cafes around the small pier.

The best part of Simena is that it still maintains a small village texture. Don’t rush here; getting lost in the narrow streets is an experience in itself.

4. Aquarium and Harbor Coves: Time for Snorkel Exploration

Two important swimming spots commonly mentioned in the Kekova area are Aquarium Cove and Harbor Cove. The clarity of the water truly lives up to its name. Especially, Harbor Cove offers opportunities for both swimming breaks and viewing ancient remains very close to the shore.

Things you can do here:

– Be sure to wear your snorkel; observe fish swimming around the rocky seabed.
– Savor the underwater walls and pier remains near the shore at a relaxed pace.
– The sea generally gets deep quickly; if you’re not a strong swimmer, do not hesitate to use a life jacket.

5. Lunch and Rest Break

In the middle of the day, lunch is served on the boat. The typical menu usually includes grilled fish or chicken, pasta/rice, and salad—light but filling choices. After the swimming breaks, this meal feels really good.

After eating:

– Rest in shaded areas on the deck during the hours when the sun is at its peak.
– Reapply sunscreen; this is the time when the risk of getting sunburned is highest.
– A short nap for digestion is effective in conserving energy for the remaining coves.

A Special Day Combining Culture and Sea Enjoyment

The Kekova boat tour from Kaş is not just a trip where you swim; it’s a route that allows you to feel how Lycian history intertwines with the sea and how small villages still carry this heritage today. If you want to spend more time at sea in the same area, different types of Kaş Kekova Tours offer several options for a multi-day blue voyage.

If you enjoyed this day trip and want to plan a more comprehensive blue tour in a similar geography, you can find suitable plans among various Blue Tours, especially along routes connecting Kaş to Fethiye.

Practical Tips: Details That Make Your Kekova Day Perfect

– Best season: Late May–June and Early September–October, when the sea is warm and crowds are fewer.
– For those prone to seasickness: Bring medication or wristbands you’ll use beforehand; the boat can sometimes be rocky.
– Environmental awareness: Kekova is home to sea turtles and numerous marine species; never throw trash or cigarette butts in the sea.
– Underwater photography: Even a simple waterproof case allows you to capture delightful shots around the Underwater City and in clear coves.

Final Word: A Day You Cannot Miss on Your Kaş Vacation

No matter how many days you stay in Kaş, allocate one day to Kekova. Without thinking about planning, just throw your swimsuit and beach sandals in your suitcase and leave the rest of the details to Kaş Kekova Boat Tour organization. While gliding over the Underwater City, climbing the narrow stone streets in Simena, and exploring cove by cove, by the end of the day, one thought will linger in your mind: “I must do this again every summer.”