The Kekova Private Boat Tour from Demre offers an exciting way to explore the stunning natural beauty and historical wonders of this iconic region. With a knowledgeable skipper guiding the way, visitors can expect an immersive 7-hour experience that includes stops at Kekova Island, Simena Castle, and other breathtaking sites. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a scenic adventure, this tour promises to deliver an unforgettable journey through one of Turkey’s most captivating coastal landscapes.
Key Points
- A 7-hour private boat tour that departs from Salih Kolcu Blv No:31 in Demre, Antalya province, and includes visits to Kekova Island, Simena Castle, and other scenic bays.
- The tour is priced starting from $379.94 for groups of up to 6 participants, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "Reserve now, pay later" option.
- Key highlights include a 30-minute photo stop and sightseeing at Kekova Island, a 1-hour visit with free time at Simena Castle, and opportunities for swimming and relaxation in various bays.
- The tour offers a unique experience exploring the historical Kekova Island, known for its sunken city of Dolkisthe and Byzantine development halted by Arab invasions.
- Customers have provided a 5/5 rating, praising the tour’s timely departure and return, breathtaking scenery, opportunities for wildlife interaction, and excellent service and value.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Kekova Private Boat Tour from Demre offers a 7-hour adventure, priced from $379.94 for groups of up to 6 participants.
The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option for booking flexibility.
A convenient "reserve now, pay later" option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provide booking flexibility.
Highlights include photo stops at Kekova Island, visiting Simena Castle, and scenic views at Çayağzı Yacht Harbor.
The tour covers the sunken city of Dolkisthe, Byzantine developments, and popular bays for swimming and water sports.
Inclusions cover hot drinks, fruits, meals, entry fees, and a skipper.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and participants should bring towels, drinks, and sunscreen.
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Itinerary Highlights
Starting at Salih Kolcu Blv No:31 in Demre, the Kekova Private Boat Tour takes participants on a journey to several key highlights along the coast. The tour includes a 30-minute photo stop and sightseeing at Kekova Island, a 1-hour visit and free time at Simena Castle, and a 5-minute scenic view at Çayağzı Yat Limanı. Along the way, the boat will pass by the Pirates Cave and Gokkaya Bay before returning to the starting point.
| Stop | Duration |
|——|———-|
| Kekova Island | 30 minutes |
| Simena Castle | 1 hour |
| Çayağzı Yat Limanı | 5 minutes |
| Pirates Cave | Pass by |
| Gokkaya Bay | Pass by |
Kekova Island and Historical Significance
Kekova Island is located off the coast of Kaleköy and Üçağız in the Antalya province.
It’s known for the sunken city of Dolkisthe, destroyed by earthquakes in the 2nd century. The island also saw Byzantine period development, which was halted by Arab invasions.
These historical features make Kekova Island a fascinating destination for visitors. The tour allows guests to view the ruins and take in the scenic surroundings, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich past.
Exploring this unique island is a highlight of the private boat tour from Demre.
Bay Highlights and Activities
As visitors embark on the Kekova Private Boat Tour, they’ll have the opportunity to explore several picturesque bays, each offering its own unique highlights and activities.
Esmeralda Bay is known for its healing clay and cold spring waters, providing a refreshing experience.
Esmeralda Bay’s healing clay and cold spring waters offer a rejuvenating experience for visitors.
Gokkaya Bay offers various water sports and a lively nighttime bar scene.
The famous Pirate Cave is a popular swimming spot with shallow tributaries.
Finally, Karemlik Bay serves as the last swimming break before returning to the harbor, allowing travelers to soak in the serene surroundings one last time.
More Great Tours NearbyInclusions and Important Information
The Kekova Private Boat Tour includes an array of amenities to enhance the overall experience. The tour includes hot drinks, fruits, diesel, a skipper, lunch, drinks, and entry fees to Simena Castle.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Participants are advised to bring a towel, drinks, and sunscreen.
The meeting point is at the Demre Cayagzı Harbour, where the boat named Ayla can be found near the Uzun Ali cafe.
Customer feedback reflects a positive experience, with a 5/5 rating based on one review highlighting the beautiful locations and swimming with turtles.
Customer Feedback
Customers who’ve experienced the Kekova Private Boat Tour provide overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Based on a 5-star rating from a single review, this tour receives high marks from participants:
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Timely departure and return to the starting point
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Breathtaking scenery at the key locations, including Kekova Island and Simena Castle
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Opportunities to swim and interact with turtles in the crystal-clear waters
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Overall excellent service and value from the tour provider
This feedback suggests the Kekova Private Boat Tour is a must-do experience for those seeking a memorable day on the water along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.
Exploring the Sunken City of Dolkisthe
Though the sunken city of Dolkisthe lies just offshore from Kekova Island, centuries of earthquakes and Arab invasions have left this ancient Byzantine settlement largely submerged beneath the turquoise waters.
Visitors can peer into the clear depths and catch glimpses of ruins, artifacts, and streets that were once bustling with life.
Visitors can gaze upon the ghostly outlines of submerged ruins and imagine the vibrant community that once thrived beneath the turquoise waters.
Divers may explore the underwater archaeological site, while those aboard the boat can gaze upon the ghostly outlines of buildings and imagine the vibrant community that once thrived here.
This enigmatic sunken city offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s complex history.
Discovering the Scenic Charm of Simena Castle
After exploring the sunken city of Dolkisthe, visitors can discover the scenic charm of Simena Castle.
Located on a hilltop overlooking the tranquil bay, the 13th-century Byzantine-era castle offers:
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Panoramic vistas of the Kekova region
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Well-preserved stone walls, towers, and structures
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Historic artifacts and ruins highlighting the castle’s past
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Opportunities for hiking, photography, and soaking in the serene ambiance
With an hour allocated to explore the castle, guests can enjoy the timeless beauty and history of this iconic Lycian landmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Schedule?
Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your schedule. The provider offers flexible booking options, allowing you to reserve now and pay later. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours in advance.
Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond the Listed Price?
The listed price covers the core tour itinerary. There aren’t any additional mandatory costs, but travelers may want to budget for optional expenses like extra food, drinks, or souvenirs during the tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour includes hot drinks and fruits, but allowing personal items provides more flexibility for participants’ preferences and dietary needs.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour provider doesn’t offer an option to extend the tour duration. The standard 7-hour itinerary is set, and additional time isn’t available beyond that. Guests should plan accordingly based on the outlined schedule.
How Often Do the Tours Run Throughout the Day?
The tours run once a day, with a fixed schedule. Customers can choose the tour time that best fits their needs, as the provider offers flexibility in scheduling. Specific departure times are not provided in the overview.
The Sum Up
The Kekova Private Boat Tour from Demre offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty and historical wonders of the region. With a comprehensive itinerary, knowledgeable guidance, and thoughtful inclusions, this tour provides excellent value and an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re captivated by the sunken city, the majestic Simena Castle, or the serene bays, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.
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