How to Get from Kaş to Kekova? Kekova Boat Tour Guide

If you are staying in Kaş, one of the best day trips you can take is to Kekova. With its turquoise waters, sunken city ruins, Lycian history and stunning Kaleköy views, Kekova is one of the most impressive destinations around Kaş.

If you are staying in Kaş for a few days, you can also explore more of the region with our Kaş sightseeing guide.

So, how do you get from Kaş to Kekova?

One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Kekova is to join a full-day boat tour from Kaş. Alternatively, you can travel by road to Üçağız and join a boat tour from there.

In this guide, we explain how to get from Kaş to Kekova, how Kekova boat tours work, what you can see along the route and what you should know before your trip.

Where Is Kekova?

Kekova is a special region located between the Antalya district of Demre and Kaş, covering several bays, islands and historical sites.

Some of the best-known places in the Kekova area include:

• Kekova Island

• Sunken City

• Kaleköy (Simena)

• Üçağız

• Tersane Bay

• Gökkaya Bay

• Aquarium Bay

Kekova does not refer only to the island itself. In everyday tourism use, the name “Kekova” generally refers to the wider area surrounding the island, including its bays, villages and historical sites.

How to Get from Kaş to Kekova

There are basically two main ways to get from Kaş to Kekova.

1. Join a Direct Boat Tour from Kaş

For visitors staying in Kaş, this is one of the most convenient options.

Daily boats departing from Kaş Marina travel towards the Kekova area, stopping at different bays for swimming and passing by important historical sites along the route.

A typical Kaş–Kekova boat tour is generally organized as a full-day excursion, with tours commonly departing in the morning and returning to Kaş in the evening.

The biggest advantage is that you do not need to drive to Üçağız yourself.

Advantages

• Direct departure from Kaş

• Boat trip and transportation combined

• Swimming stops during the day

• Opportunity to see the Sunken City from the sea

• Opportunity to visit Kaleköy

• Return to Kaş at the end of the day

If you are looking for other things to do during your stay, you can also explore our detailed guide to 15 of the best activities in Kaş.

2. Travel from Kaş to Üçağız and Join a Kekova Boat Tour

Another option is to travel by road from Kaş to Üçağız (Kaleüçağız).

Üçağız is one of the main land-based gateways to the Kekova area. You can leave your car here and join a boat tour from the local harbour.

If you are planning to travel from Kaş to Üçağız by road, it is also useful to plan your journey to Kaş in advance. If you are arriving by air, you can check our guide on how to get from Dalaman Airport to Kaş for the different transportation options.

This option can be particularly suitable for:

• Travellers with their own car

• Visitors who prefer a shorter boat route

• Travellers interested in hiring a private boat

• Visitors who want to spend more time around the Kekova area

Since Üçağız is much closer to Kekova, boat tours departing from here can spend more of the day exploring the bays and historical sites rather than travelling a long distance by sea.

What Can You See on a Kaş–Kekova Boat Tour?

The special thing about a Kekova boat tour is that it combines history, nature and swimming in one day.

1. The Kekova Sunken City

The Sunken City is the most famous attraction in Kekova.

Part of the ancient settlement on the northern coast of Kekova Island was submerged following earthquakes and geological movements.

Boats pass slowly along this area, allowing visitors to see parts of the remains, including:

• Stone walls

• Steps

• Building remains

• Ancient harbour structures

Important: The Sunken City is a protected archaeological area. Boats pass through the area under controlled conditions, and swimming and diving are prohibited in the protected section.

2. Kaleköy (Simena)

One of the highlights of a Kekova boat tour is Kaleköy, known as Simena in ancient times.

The historic castle stands above the village and offers impressive views over the turquoise waters of Kekova.

From the castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of:

• Kekova Island

• The Sunken City area

• The surrounding bays

• Lycian archaeological remains

Kaleköy is also home to a small ancient theatre and other Lycian remains.

Tip: If you plan to walk up to the castle, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

3. Üçağız

Üçağız is one of the most important land-based access points to Kekova.

This small fishing village has a harbour used by many Kekova boat tours.

You can also see Lycian-era remains and sarcophagi around the village.

If you have time, taking a short walk around Üçağız before or after your boat tour can be a pleasant addition to your day.

4. Tersane Bay

Tersane Bay is one of the popular swimming stops on Kekova boat tours.

With its clear water and natural surroundings, it is an attractive place to take a swimming break.

5. Aquarium Bay

As its name suggests, Aquarium Bay is known for its exceptionally clear water.

Depending on the route and weather conditions, boat tours around Kekova may stop at different bays for swimming.

For this reason, when comparing boat tours, do not look only at the price. Check which bays and attractions are included in the itinerary.

How Long Does a Kaş–Kekova Boat Tour Take?

The duration depends on the departure point and the boat's itinerary.

Kaş-based Kekova boat tours are generally organized as full-day excursions. Some tours operate approximately between 09:30 and 18:00.

Tours departing from Üçağız can be shorter because the village is much closer to the Kekova area.

Therefore, instead of simply asking “How many hours does the tour take?”, it is better to ask:

“Does it depart from Kaş or Üçağız, and which bays and attractions are included?”

Should You Go from Kaş to Kekova by Boat or by Car?

These are actually two different experiences.

Boat Tour from Kaş

Best for:

• Visitors staying in Kaş

• Travellers who do not want to drive

• People who want transportation and the boat trip combined

• Visitors looking for a full-day excursion

Drive to Üçağız and Take a Boat from There

Best for:

• Travellers with their own car

• Visitors who want to be closer to Kekova

• People interested in a private boat

• Visitors who also want to explore Üçağız

In short, if you are staying in Kaş, a direct boat tour from Kaş is usually more convenient. If you have your own car, travelling to Üçağız gives you more flexibility.

When Is the Best Time for a Kekova Boat Tour?

The best period for exploring Kekova by boat is generally from late spring to early autumn.

May – June

The weather is pleasant, the swimming season has started and the region can be quieter than during the peak summer months.

July – August

Sea temperatures and swimming conditions are excellent, but the region is considerably busier.

September – October

The sea can still be warm while the summer crowds begin to decrease.

Morning boat tours can also be advantageous, especially because wind conditions may increase later in the day.

What Should You Take on a Kekova Boat Tour?

We recommend taking:

• Swimwear

• Towel

• Sunscreen

• Hat

• Sunglasses

• Water shoes

• Spare clothes

• Drinking water

• Waterproof phone case

If you plan to climb up to the castle in Kaleköy, comfortable walking shoes will also be useful.

Is a Kekova Boat Tour Suitable for Families with Children?

Yes. Kekova boat tours are generally suitable for families with children and are popular among families looking for a full-day activity.

However, keep in mind that reaching the castle in Kaleköy involves walking uphill.

If you are travelling with young children:

• Protect them from the sun.

• Bring plenty of water.

• Use shaded areas on the boat.

• Ask about life jackets for children before departure.

Things to Know Before Visiting Kekova

Kekova is not simply a boat route consisting of beautiful bays. It is also an important protected historical and natural area.

For this reason, visitors should follow the rules around the Sunken City, avoid swimming or diving in protected areas and avoid any behaviour that could damage the archaeological remains.

Is It Worth Going from Kaş to Kekova?

Absolutely.

If you want to experience more than beaches and bays during your Kaş holiday, Kekova is one of the best day trips you can add to your itinerary.

In a single trip, you can combine:

Boat trip + sea + swimming + history + Sunken City + Kaleköy + Lycian heritage

If you are staying in Kaş for several days, adding Kekova to your itinerary allows you to experience a much wider side of the region.

After visiting Kekova, if you would like to explore more beaches and bays around Kaş, you can also see our Kaş sightseeing guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kaş–Kekova Boat Tours

Can you go from Kaş to Kekova by boat?

Yes. Daily boat tours operate from Kaş towards Kekova and the surrounding bays.

Can you drive from Kaş to Kekova?

You cannot drive directly to Kekova Island or the Sunken City. You can drive to land-based access points such as Üçağız and continue by boat.

Where is the Kekova Sunken City?

The Sunken City is located along the northern coast of Kekova Island. It consists of ancient settlement remains that are partly submerged underwater.

Can you swim in the Kekova Sunken City?

Swimming and diving are prohibited in the protected Sunken City area. However, boat tours normally include swimming stops at suitable bays along the route.

Are Kaleköy and Simena the same place?

Yes. Kaleköy is the modern settlement located at the site of the ancient city of Simena.

Is a Kaş–Kekova boat tour a full-day trip?

Many Kaş-based Kekova boat tours operate as full-day excursions. However, the exact duration and itinerary depend on the boat and departure point.

Plan Your Kaş–Kekova Trip

Kekova is one of the best day trips from Kaş for travellers who want to combine the sea, nature, history and Lycian heritage.

Whether you choose a direct boat tour from Kaş or travel to Üçağız first, Kekova offers a memorable experience with its Sunken City, Kaleköy, turquoise bays and ancient ruins.

If you are arriving in Kaş through Dalaman Airport, you can also plan your airport transportation in advance.

Kaş → Kekova is definitely one of the routes worth adding to your Kaş itinerary.