Embarking on a day trip to Kekova from Demre, Turkey, promises an unforgettable adventure along the stunning Mediterranean coastline. The boat cruise offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and ancient ruins, allowing visitors to explore the Sunken City and historic Simena Castle. With a traditional Turkish lunch, water sports, and the chance to spot local wildlife, this comprehensive experience immerses travelers in the region’s natural beauty and rich history. Whether seeking a cultural exploration or simply a day of relaxation, the Kekova excursion provides an enticing opportunity to discover the captivating wonders that lie beyond Demre’s shores.
Key Points
- Embarks on a full-day boat tour from Demre Harbour, offering stunning views of the Kekova coastline and the opportunity to explore the island and ancient ruins.
- Cruises along the ruins of the Sunken City, providing a captivating glimpse into the past with well-preserved ancient structures submerged in crystal-clear waters.
- Visits the historic village of Simena, allowing visitors to discover the impressive Simena Castle ruins and experience the charming Turkish settlement.
- Includes a stop at the idyllic Esmeralda Bay for a traditional Turkish lunch and a swim break, as well as opportunities for water activities in Burç Bay and Gökkaya Bay.
- Offers a unique encounter with majestic sea turtles in the tranquil waters of Karemlik Bay and the chance to explore the mysterious Pirates Cave.
Departure and Arrival
The day trip to Kekova by boat departs from Demre Harbour in the morning, allowing visitors to make the most of their time exploring the island and its ancient ruins.
The journey begins as the boat sets sail, offering stunning views of the coastline and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
Once the boat reaches Kekova Island, visitors can disembark and wander through the Sunken City, marveling at the well-preserved ruins that have been submerged underwater for centuries.
After exploring the island, the boat will return to Demre Harbour, completing the full-day adventure and providing travelers with an unforgettable experience.
Kekova Island and Sunken City
Cruising along the ruins of the Sunken City, visitors can marvel at the well-preserved ancient structures submerged beneath the crystal-clear waters of Kekova Island.
This unique archaeological site, partially submerged due to earthquakes centuries ago, offers a captivating glimpse into the past.
Guests won’t be able to swim in the Sunken City, but they’ll enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the ruins, taking in the impressive sight of crumbled buildings, columns, and pathways now underwater.
With the surrounding natural beauty of the island, it’s an unforgettable experience that transports visitors to a lost world hidden beneath the Mediterranean’s surface.
Simena Castle and Village
After exploring the Sunken City, the boat heads to the historic village of Simena, where visitors can discover the impressive Simena Castle ruins and learn about the area’s rich past.
The castle, perched atop a hillside, offers stunning views of the surrounding bays and islands. Guests can wander through the castle’s crumbling walls and remnants of structures, imagining life in this ancient fortification.
The village itself is a charming, traditional Turkish settlement, with narrow streets and whitewashed buildings. Visitors can browse the local shops, sample fresh seafood, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this picturesque coastal town.
The one-hour stop at Simena provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and culture.
Lunch and Swim Break
Midway through the day, the boat makes a stop at the idyllic Esmeralda Bay, where passengers can enjoy a delicious local lunch and refreshing swim.
The crew serves up a spread of traditional Turkish dishes, including fresh seafood, fragrant rice, and vibrant salads. As everyone tucks in, they’re surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the bay, with its crystalline waters and rugged coastline.
After the meal, guests are free to jump in and cool off, swimming and relaxing on the shore. It’s the perfect opportunity to recharge before continuing on to the next exciting stops on the Kekova tour.
Swimming in Burç Bay
Next, the boat glides into the tranquil waters of Burç Bay, where passengers are treated to a 40-minute swim break.
Surrounded by the bay’s dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters, visitors can refresh themselves with a leisurely dip or simply relax on the boat’s deck and soak in the serene atmosphere.
The calm, sheltered bay offers the perfect oasis to recharge before continuing the journey.
Those seeking a bit more adventure can try their hand at water sports like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, available for an additional fee.
Whether floating peacefully or splashing about, the swim break in Burç Bay is a highlight of the Kekova day trip.
Exploring Gökkaya Bay
The boat then glides into the serene waters of Gökkaya Bay, where passengers can enjoy an opportunity to swim and partake in various water sports.
The calm, emerald-green waters are ideal for a refreshing dip, allowing visitors to cool off and rejuvenate.
For the more adventurous, the bay offers a range of water activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and even snorkeling. The unique rock formations and underwater landscapes provide a captivating backdrop, inviting guests to explore the bay’s natural wonders.
Whether one prefers a leisurely swim or an adrenaline-fueled water adventure, Gökkaya Bay offers an idyllic setting to fully take in the beauty of Kekova’s coastline.
Pirates Cave Discovery
As the boat leaves the serene waters of Gökkaya Bay, it sets course towards a unique geological formation known as the Pirates Cave. Nestled along the rugged coastline, this captivating cave invites visitors to explore its hidden secrets and uncover the legends of bygone eras.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Entrance | Dramatic arch-shaped opening carved into the limestone cliffs |
| Interior | Spacious chambers with stalactites and stalagmites |
| Darkness | Shadows and dim lighting create an eerie, mysterious ambiance |
| Exploration | Visitors can venture inside to discover ancient graffiti and artifacts |
The Pirates Cave is a remarkable natural wonder that transports explorers to a bygone era, fueling the imagination with tales of swashbuckling adventures.
Karemlik Bay and Turtles
As the boat glides across the tranquil waters, passengers eagerly anticipate the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the majestic sea turtles that call Karemlik Bay their home.
The calm, sheltered bay provides the perfect habitat for these gentle creatures, and the crew is skilled at spotting their distinctive shapes emerging from the surface.
With patience and a keen eye, visitors may be rewarded with the sight of a turtle gracefully surfacing to take a breath before disappearing back into the depths.
This unique encounter with the local wildlife is a highlight of the day trip, leaving lasting memories of Kekova’s natural wonders.
Recap
The day trip to Kekova by boat from Demre is a must-do excursion for anyone visiting the Turkish Riviera.
With its stunning scenery, ancient ruins, and opportunities for swimming and wildlife spotting, this tour provides a well-rounded experience that immerses visitors in the natural beauty and rich history of the region.
Travelers won’t want to miss this chance to explore the captivating Kekova Island and its surroundings.
