Kekova and Simena are day-trip destinations from Kaş, with boat tours departing from Kaş and other harbours along the coast. Tours vary in departure point, time on the water and whether they stop at Simena, so confirm the route and return schedule before booking.
- Simena is also called Kaleköy.
- Boat trips depart from Kaş, Üçağız, Demre and Çayağzı, depending on the operator.
- Kaş boat tours generally run from morning to early evening.
- Tour options differ in price, schedule and route.
How a Kekova trip works from Kaş
A Kekova day trip involves reaching a departure harbour and exploring the coast by boat. Tours may leave directly from Kaş or start farther along the coast at Üçağız, Demre or Çayağzı, so check the meeting point as well as the boat’s route.
For other local transport, Kaş bus terminal and ferry pier details can help you plan your movements around town.
Kaş Yacht’s daily trip meets at Kaş Old Marina Simena Boat Stand at 09:30, leaves at 09:45 and returns at 18:00. The seasonal price is 3,000 TL per person, including lunch. Xanthos Travel’s private Kaş tour runs from 09:00 to 18:30, with hotel transfer, lunch, guide service and tea included, for 50 EUR per person.
Kekova Tourism Trade Co.’s shared daily boat tour departs Üçağız Port at 10:30 and returns at 17:30. It includes a one-hour stop at Simena/Kaleköy and five swimming breaks.
Another Kaş Harbour tour runs approximately 09:30–18:00 and operates every day when weather permits. If you are arranging a night in Kaş, rooms at Cinar Boutique Hotel are one accommodation option in town.
Boat trips and views of the protected ruins
Boat routes around Kekova pass the Sunken City, where submerged remains can be viewed from the water. The Üçağız itinerary includes a view of Pirate Cave, with swimming breaks at Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, Gökkaya Bay, Burç Bay and the islands.
Trip length depends on the departure point and itinerary. Kekova Tour’s Üçağız trip takes two hours with a stop at Simena Castle, or one and a half hours without that stop; its private tour has no fixed departure time.
Kekova Boat Cruise’s daily trip starts and ends at Çayağzı Harbour, visiting the Sunken City, Simena Castle and Pirate Cave. It also offers an overnight tour with a night at Gökkaya Bay.
Kekovaholiday.com offers daily trips departing from Demre, Üçağız and Kaş. Shared tours start from 1,250 TL, half-day tours from 6,500 TL and hourly tours from 3,500 TL. If you are considering a Demre departure, the Demre and Myra day trip from Kaş covers that inland excursion separately.
Reaching Simena and its castle
Many Kekova itineraries reach Simena by boat, and some set aside time to visit the village and castle. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism identifies the site as Simena Örenyeri in Üçağız Mahallesi, Kale Köyü Mevkii; Kale Köyü is built on the ancient city of Simena.
Inscriptions date Simena’s history to the 4th century BC, and the castle was used in the Middle Ages. Inside the castle, a small theatre cut into natural rock has seven seating rows and capacity for 300 people. Check how much time your chosen boat allows ashore if you want to visit the castle as well as see the village.
What to check about swimming and access
Swimming stops are part of some Kekova boat itineraries, but the number and location vary by operator. The Üçağız tour has five breaks, including Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, Gökkaya Bay and Burç Bay. Other trips may name different bays or focus on a Simena stop, so confirm the details rather than assuming every cruise follows the same plan.
Because the Sunken City is a protected area, confirm swimming and access rules with your tour operator before you go. Also ask where the boat stops for Simena and how long you will have ashore.
Choosing a tour and timing your return
Choose a tour by matching its departure point, Simena stop and return time to your plans in Kaş. Kaş tour schedules span roughly 09:00–18:30, while the Üçağız shared tour departs at 10:30 and returns at 17:30. A full-day Kaş Harbour trip runs approximately 09:30–18:00.
Before booking, confirm the exact route, whether Simena is included, the return time and the price with your chosen operator. Schedules and prices can change, so check the official site before you go.
FAQs
How long is a Kekova day trip from Kaş?
Kaş boat tours generally run from morning to early evening. The exact schedule depends on the operator and route; confirm the departure and return times when booking.
Do Kekova boat tours stop at Simena?
Some tours include a Simena or Kaleköy stop, while others follow different itineraries. Confirm the stop and time allowed ashore before booking.
Where do Kekova boat trips depart from?
Departure points include Kaş, Üçağız, Demre and Çayağzı Harbour. The meeting point depends on the operator and tour; a one-day Kaş itinerary on foot can help with planning time in town.