Kas to Kekova Boat

The kas to kekova boat route crosses thirteen nautical miles of open water, threading between limestone headlands and the scattered islets of the Kekova archipelago. Most vessels depart from the central Kaş harbor quay, where wooden gulets—broad-beamed traditional Turkish sailing boats refitted with diesel engines—dominate the morning lineup. These shared day tours typically carry twenty to forty passengers on cushioned deck seating, stop at three to five sites including the Sunken City's submerged house foundations and Simena village, and return by late afternoon. The gulet format trades speed for deck space, shade awnings and onboard lunch service, making it the default choice for families and groups prioritizing comfort over autonomy. Glass-bottom boats operate on a similar schedule but swap open decks for acrylic viewing panels set into the hull, allowing continuous observation of the Lycian tombs, amphora fragments and stone walls two to five meters below the surface without snorkeling gear. These vessels make slower passes over the protected zone where swimming is prohibited, then anchor at designated spots for optional water entry. The trade-off is reduced deck area and limited shade, since the viewing wells occupy the center of most hulls. Private charters—available as motorboats, small gulets or rigid inflatables—depart on your schedule and skip the standard loop in favor of secluded bays, longer swim stops or early-morning light over the ruins before the shared-tour fleet arrives. Rates are quoted per vessel rather than per passenger, making them cost-effective for groups of six or more. Sea-kayak tours, often launched from Üçağız village rather than Kaş itself, combine paddling along the Kekova coast with guided stops at the Sunken City's clearest sections, offering the slowest pace and closest proximity to the shoreline ruins. Most kayak itineraries require moderate fitness and cover eight to twelve kilometers over four to six hours, with support boats trailing the group. Departure times cluster in two windows: early boats leave between 09:00 and 10:00 to reach the Sunken City before midday heat and afternoon wind, while late-morning departures around 11:00 return closer to 18:00 and encounter choppier conditions on the return crossing. Seas are calmest April through June and September through October, when the meltemi winds that rake the coast in July and August are weakest. Most operators include snorkeling equipment, lunch and Simena Castle entry time in shared-tour pricing, but verify what each package covers before departure—some exclude the separate castle admission fee and provide only basic refreshments rather than a full meal.