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Kekova boat tour offers an experience far beyond an ordinary day trip on the Mediterranean. From the Sunken City, where thousands of years of history lie submerged beneath the sea, to Kaleköy which cannot be reached by land, from Andriake Beach — home to Caretta Caretta sea turtles — to Myra Ancient City, the hometown of Santa Claus, this route combines archaeology, nature, and the sea into a single day.
Departing from Olympos at 8:30 AM, guests are transferred to Demre Çayağzı harbor where they board the boat. Following approximately 7 hours at sea, including lunch, the return journey includes visits to the Church of St. Nicholas and Myra Ancient City. This tour is not merely a swimming excursion, but a cultural discovery tour as well.

Kekova Boat Tour: The Route Where History Meets the Sea

Kekova is a small island connected to the Demre district of Antalya, and the surrounding waters contain an ancient settlement submerged by earthquakes in the 2nd century. Known as the Sunken City, this area is today one of Turkey's most important underwater archaeological sites, protected under conservation laws.
The Kekova boat tour offers a comprehensive itinerary that blends this historical depth with the surrounding natural beauty. Starting with a mud bath at Burç Cove, the tour encompasses a wide range of experiences: viewing the Sunken City through special glass panels beneath the boat, climbing a historic Ottoman castle in Kaleköy, having lunch at Hamidiye Cove, swimming in Gökkaya Cove, photographing Pirate's Cave, and swimming alongside Caretta Caretta sea turtles at Andriake Beach.
With visits to the Church of St. Nicholas and Myra Ancient City on the return journey, the tour becomes a truly complete day program encompassing both sea and land culture.

Meeting Point and Program Start

Unlike other tours in the region, the Kekova boat tour departs from Demre Çayağzı harbor. For this reason, guests are picked up from their accommodation in Olympos at 8:30 AM and reach the harbor after approximately a 90-minute drive. The transfer service is included in the tour program.
Guests joining the tour are advised to bring swimwear, a beach towel, and a museum card if available. Life jackets are available on board for those who cannot swim. Reservations must be made at least 1 day in advance.

Tour Route and Stops

Burç Cove

The first stop of the boat departing from Demre Çayağzı at 10:00 AM is Burç Cove. Due to natural cold freshwater springs rising from the seabed, the water temperature here is slightly cooler than other coves. Local people pass down the tradition that the clay along the shore is beneficial for various skin conditions, and a mud bath experience can be enjoyed at this stop. After approximately 1 hour of swimming, the tour continues to the most striking point of the route.

The Sunken City

The most unique stop on the Kekova tour, the Sunken City consists of the ruins of a Lycian settlement submerged by major earthquakes in the 2nd century. Anchoring and swimming are strictly prohibited in this area; the site is continuously monitored by the coast guard.
The underwater ruins can be clearly seen through special glass panels fitted beneath the boat and with the naked eye. The guide provides detailed information about the historical significance of the area during the passage. Passing over the Sunken City from above the sea creates a unique visual connection with history.

Kaleköy (Simena Castle)

Kaleköy, the only village in Turkey with no land access, takes its name from Simena Castle, an Ottoman-era fortress perched on the hilltop. Only accessible by boat or by swimming, only local residents live in this village, which is kept under conservation protection.
During the 1-hour stop, visitors can explore the village on foot, climb up to the castle to take in the panoramic view of Kekova Bay, or shop at local stores. The village's ice cream made from goat's milk is famous throughout the region.

Hamidiye Cove

The lunch break of the tour takes place at Hamidiye Cove. Named after the Ottoman navy warship Hamidiye from the First World War era, this cove has a historical backdrop; according to legend, this vessel inflicted heavy losses on enemy forces from this very cove.
During the lunch break, fresh fish (sea bass or sea bream), pasta, salad, greens, and olive oil dishes are served on board. Lunch is included in the tour price; beverages are charged separately.

Gökkaya Cove

Gökkaya Cove, composed of islands and peninsulas, is one of the swimming stops on the tour. Approximately 1 hour of swimming time is allotted in this cove. Various water sports activities are available for an additional fee for those who are interested.

Pirate's Cave

A short stop of approximately 20 minutes is made at Pirate's Cave, where swimming is prohibited. This stop is primarily intended for photography. The cave's dramatic structure and interplay of light make it one of the most photogenic spots in the area.

Andriake Beach

The final swimming stop of the sea portion of the tour takes place at Andriake Beach. One of the important nesting grounds for the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles, this beach allows visitors to swim alongside the turtles and take photographs. A fruit platter and tea are provided free of charge during the stop.

Church of St. Nicholas (St. Nikolaos Monument Museum)

After the boat tour concludes at 17:00, the first stop on the return journey is the Church of St. Nicholas. Officially named the St. Nikolaos Monument Museum, this structure was built in honor of St. Nicholas, known as Santa Claus. Approximately 30 minutes are spent at the museum. Museum card holders can enter free of charge.

Myra Ancient City

The final stop of the day, Myra Ancient City, is located in the Demre district center. Notable for its Roman-era theater and Lycian rock-cut tombs carved into the cliff face, Myra offers visitors an impressive ancient city experience with structures that have stood for approximately 2,000 years. After visiting Myra, guests return to Olympos.

What You Need to Know About the Kekova Boat Tour

• Guests are picked up by vehicle from their accommodation in Olympos at 8:30 AM and transferred to Demre Çayağzı harbor. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes.
• The boat departs from Demre Çayağzı at 10:00 AM and returns to the harbor at 17:00.
• On the return journey, visits to the Church of St. Nicholas (30 min) and Myra Ancient City are made before arriving back in Olympos.
• This tour is not merely a swimming tour; it is also a cultural and historical discovery tour.
• Reservations must be made at least 1 day in advance.
• Lunch and refreshments (fruit platter, tea) are included in the tour price. Beverages are charged separately.
• It is recommended to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a museum card if available.
• Swimming and anchoring are prohibited in the Sunken City area; this site is protected by the coast guard.
• An adequate number of life jackets and safety equipment are available on board.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Price of the Olympos Kekova Boat Tour?

Please contact us for current pricing information.

How many hours does the Kekova boat tour last?

The sea portion is approximately 7 hours. Guests depart by vehicle from Olympos at 8:30 AM and set off by boat from Demre Çayağzı at 10:00 AM. The boat returns to the harbor at 17:00; visits to the Church of St. Nicholas and Myra Ancient City are then made before returning to Olympos. The total program lasts from morning until evening.

Is it possible to swim in the Kekova Sunken City?

No. Since the Sunken City is under conservation protection, swimming and anchoring are prohibited in this area. The underwater ruins can be observed through the glass panels beneath the boat and with the naked eye.

Can Kaleköy be reached by land?

No. Kaleköy is the only village in Turkey with no land access. It can only be reached by boat or by swimming.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes. The lunch served at Hamidiye Cove is included in the tour price. The menu features fresh fish (sea bass or sea bream), pasta, salad, greens, and olive oil dishes. Beverages are charged separately. A fruit platter and tea are also offered free of charge at Andriake Beach.

Are the Church of St. Nicholas and Myra included in the tour?

Yes. After the boat tour ends, stops are made at the Church of St. Nicholas for 30 minutes and then at Myra Ancient City on the return journey. These two visits make up the land portion of the tour program.

Can I use my museum card?

Yes. Museum cards are valid for entry to the Church of St. Nicholas. It is recommended that you bring your card with you.

Can children join the Kekova tour?

Yes. Discounted rates are available for children based on age group. It is recommended to contact us for current pricing information. Life jackets are available on board for young children.

What is the chance of seeing Caretta Caretta turtles at Andriake Beach?

Andriake is one of the nesting areas actively used by Caretta Caretta sea turtles. The probability of spotting turtles is higher particularly in the morning hours; however, as this depends on natural conditions, no guarantee can be made.

Where can I make a reservation for the Kekova tour?

Reservations must be made at least 1 day in advance. As availability fills up quickly in July and August, earlier reservations are strongly recommended.