THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Set sail from Demre for a private full-day boat trip around Kekova, discovering sunken ruins, secluded swimming bays, and ancient villages. Experience Turkey’s Mediterranean coast with the freedom of your own vessel and crew.
Set sail from Demre for a private full-day boat trip around Kekova, discovering sunken ruins, secluded swimming bays, and ancient villages. Experience Turkey’s Mediterranean coast with the freedom of your own vessel and crew.
The sun climbs steadily over Demre as your private boat readies to slip quietly from the harbor, setting a deliberate pace for a day spent unraveling the turquoise secrets off Turkey’s southern coast. This isn’t a crowded ferry or a rushed group tour—it’s your vessel, your crew, and the Mediterranean’s inviting waters stretching ahead.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by SAILNSTAY · Demre, Antalya Province
The sun climbs steadily over Demre as your private boat readies to slip quietly from the harbor, setting a deliberate pace for a day spent unraveling the turquoise secrets off Turkey’s southern coast. This isn’t a crowded ferry or a rushed group tour—it’s your vessel, your crew, and the Mediterranean’s inviting waters stretching ahead.
The Kekova region is marked by a rich history submerged beneath its sapphire surface. Ancient Dolchiste, known today as the Sunken City, lies just off the coast, swallowed by a 2nd-century earthquake. From your boat, the ruined remnants defy simple description, their outlines softened and shifted by the slow, deliberate motion of the sea. Swimming here is prohibited, a protective measure preserving these archaeological treasures.
Your voyage arcs around this underwater world, revealing layers of geography and time. The morning light makes its way over Simena Castle’s crumbling walls perched above Kaleköy, an ancient village offering a glimpse of Lycian life past and present. Walk among its stone necropolis or climb to the hillside vantage point for sweeping views of the jagged coastline, where the land tussles with the sea.
Between history and exploration come moments buoyed in the brilliant blue waters of Aquarium Bay and Burç Bay. These swimming spots offer more than just refreshment. The water cools here from natural underwater springs, a sharp contrast to the sunbaked decks above, urging you to linger longer in their embrace. Paddleboards and floating mats extend the playfulness of the sea, perfect for loosening tight muscles and soaking in the day.
Though the day stretches for seven hours, its rhythm feels unhurried. The crew steers with care, ensuring each stop and swim suits your pace. That leisurely tempo is key—hot sun and salty breezes can drain without notice. Hydration, sun protection, and comfortable footwear for the village walk become your silent companions.
Even as the sun begins its descent, the water seems to fold around the boat, daring you to take one last swim before returning to Demre. Back on shore, the town invites with its blend of historical sites and Lycian Way trails ready for a next-day adventure.
This private trip to Kekova from Demre balances cultural depth with outdoor freedom, inviting travelers to engage the region’s magic on their own terms—all under the guidance of an attentive crew focused entirely on your group.
easy.
6–7 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion but some walking and swimming involved
Yes, the boat is reserved exclusively for your group, providing a spacious and personalized experience.
Swimming near the Sunken City is prohibited to protect the archaeological site, but you can cruise closely for excellent views and photos.
A lunch is included, served onboard, giving you time to relax and refuel between stops.
Summer months are ideal for warm water and sunshine, though late spring and early fall also offer pleasant conditions with fewer crowds.
Yes, the itinerary is gentle and accessible for all ages and swimming abilities, with options to stay on board during swim stops.
Demre is accessible by car or local transport; the tour meeting point is in Demre harbor, easy to reach by foot from town center hotels.
Kekova’s Sunken City was partially submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century AD, preserving Lycian ruins underwater that attract divers and historians alike.
This region is a protected marine area; operators follow strict guidelines to minimize environmental impact and maintain the underwater ruins.
SAILNSTAY operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The sun climbs steadily over Demre as your private boat readies to slip quietly from the harbor, setting a deliberate pace for a day spent unraveling the turquoise secrets off Turkey’s southern coast. This isn’t a crowded ferry or a rushed group tour—it’s your vessel, your crew, and the Mediterranean’s inviting waters stretching ahead.
The sun climbs steadily over Demre as your private boat readies to slip quietly from the harbor, setting a deliberate pace for a day spent unraveling the turquoise secrets off Turkey’s southern coast. This isn’t a crowded ferry or a rushed group tour—it’s your vessel, your crew, and the Mediterranean’s inviting waters stretching ahead.
The Kekova region is marked by a rich history submerged beneath its sapphire surface. Ancient Dolchiste, known today as the Sunken City, lies just off the coast, swallowed by a 2nd-century earthquake. From your boat, the ruined remnants defy simple description, their outlines softened and shifted by the slow, deliberate motion of the sea. Swimming here is prohibited, a protective measure preserving these archaeological treasures.
Your voyage arcs around this underwater world, revealing layers of geography and time. The morning light makes its way over Simena Castle’s crumbling walls perched above Kaleköy, an ancient village offering a glimpse of Lycian life past and present. Walk among its stone necropolis or climb to the hillside vantage point for sweeping views of the jagged coastline, where the land tussles with the sea.
Between history and exploration come moments buoyed in the brilliant blue waters of Aquarium Bay and Burç Bay. These swimming spots offer more than just refreshment. The water cools here from natural underwater springs, a sharp contrast to the sunbaked decks above, urging you to linger longer in their embrace. Paddleboards and floating mats extend the playfulness of the sea, perfect for loosening tight muscles and soaking in the day.
Though the day stretches for seven hours, its rhythm feels unhurried. The crew steers with care, ensuring each stop and swim suits your pace. That leisurely tempo is key—hot sun and salty breezes can drain without notice. Hydration, sun protection, and comfortable footwear for the village walk become your silent companions.
Even as the sun begins its descent, the water seems to fold around the boat, daring you to take one last swim before returning to Demre. Back on shore, the town invites with its blend of historical sites and Lycian Way trails ready for a next-day adventure.
This private trip to Kekova from Demre balances cultural depth with outdoor freedom, inviting travelers to engage the region’s magic on their own terms—all under the guidance of an attentive crew focused entirely on your group.