Kekova Boat Tour Detail

We are thrilled to introduce our unforgettable Kekova boat tour, an experience that will take you on a journey through the mesmerizing beauty of this enchanting region. Starting at 10:30 am from Kekeova Yacht Marina, our tour promises a day filled with awe-inspiring sights and cherished memories, with a return to the marina by late afternoon around 5:00 pm.

Prepare to be captivated as we embark on a remarkable route that will showcase the hidden gems of Kekova. Our itinerary is carefully crafted to ensure that every moment is brimming with excitement and discovery. Let me take you through the remarkable highlights that await you.

Our first stop is the stunning Aquarium Bay, where crystal-clear waters beckon you for a refreshing swim. Immerse yourself in the turquoise beauty and experience the rejuvenating power of nature.

Next, we venture to the captivating Tersane Bay, where the remnants of an ancient shipyard lie beneath the surface. Witness the fascinating historical remnants as you snorkel or simply marvel at the historical significance of this unique site.

Prepare to be amazed as we unveil the legendary Sunken City. Delve into the mysteries of this submerged ancient city, where the remains of its civilization still whisper tales of the past. The hidden ruins and let your imagination soar as you uncover the secrets of this extraordinary site.

Our journey then takes us to the majestic Pirate Cave, a natural wonder carved by the forces of nature. Be mesmerized by the dramatic rock formations and the intriguing stories that surround this cave, once believed to be the refuge of notorious pirates.

As we continue our adventure, we arrive at the picturesque Esmeralda Bay, a true gem of the region. Nestled amidst lush greenery and boasting pristine waters, this bay invites you to soak up the sun, dive into the refreshing sea, and embrace the tranquility of the surroundings.

Our voyage wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the historic Kaleköy, home to the majestic Simena Castle. As you ascend the castle’s ancient walls, be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the turquoise sea and the charming village below. Lose yourself in the allure of this timeless landmark and let its rich history wash over you.

Last but not least, we reach the serene Dede Bay, a serene haven that offers a perfect finale to our voyage. Here, you can bask in the serenity of the surroundings, relish the last moments of the day, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Throughout the journey, our knowledgeable and friendly crew will be at your service, ensuring your comfort and providing insightful commentary on the rich history and natural wonders that unfold before your eyes.

Join us on this extraordinary Kekova boat tour and let the beauty of this region enchant you. From the hidden underwater treasures to the historical marvels and the picturesque bays, every stop along our route is designed to leave you in awe.

Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Contact us to make a reservation or inquire about further details. We look forward to welcoming you aboard and sharing this remarkable journey with you.

Kekova; Discover the Beauty of the Sunken City on a Boat Trip, Learn about Kekova and its sunken city on a boat trip. Book a Shared Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour Online, Explore the sunken city of Kekova with our shared boat tour. Rent a Boat in Kekova; The Perfect Way to Explore the Coast, Traditional Wooden Boats: The Best Choice for a Boat Trip, Discover why Gulet is the perfect boat for a Kekova boat trip. Experience Kekova’s marine life up close. Snorkeling on Your Kekova Boat Tour. Swimming in Kekova: The Best Places to Dive In, Discover the best swimming spots in Kekova. 

Kekova: A Sunken City with a Rich History
Kekova is a region that encompasses the island of Kekova, the villages of Kaleköy and Üçağız, and the four ancient towns of Simena, Aperlae, Dolchiste and Teimioussa. It is located near Demre district of Antalya province in Turkey. The region is known for its natural and cultural beauty, as well as its mysterious sunken city that was partly submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century.

The Island of Kekova
The island of Kekova has an area of 4.5 km2 and is uninhabited. It was formerly known as Dolichiste in ancient times, and was one of the commercial centers of Lycia, a federation of city-states that existed in southwestern Anatolia from the 15th to the 6th century BC. The island was also occupied by the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Seljuks, Ottomans and Italians at different periods of history.

The most striking feature of the island is the sunken ruins of Dolchiste, an ancient town that was destroyed by an earthquake during the 2nd century. The earthquake caused the land to sink by several meters, leaving behind the remains of houses, stairs, walls and tombs under the clear water. The town was rebuilt and flourished again during the Byzantine era, but was eventually abandoned due to the Arab raids in the 7th century.

The sunken city can only be accessed by boat tours from Kaş or Üçağız, and swimming is forbidden around the ruins to protect them from damage. However, visitors can gaze upon them from the boat or take photos. In Tersane Bay, on the northwest of the island, visitors can also swim and see the ruins of an ancient Byzantine church that was part of a dockyard and a city called Xera.

The Villages of Kaleköy and Üçağız
Kaleköy and Üçağız are two villages that face the island of Kekova from the mainland. They are both ancient sites that have preserved their historical charm and authenticity.

Kaleköy, which means “castle village” in Turkish, is also known as Simena in ancient times. It is a small village that can only be reached by sea or on foot from Üçağız. It has a castle on a hilltop that dates back to the Middle Ages and offers a panoramic view of the bay. The castle was built by the Knights of Rhodes on top of a Lycian necropolis that contains many sarcophagi and rock-cut tombs. Inside the castle, there is also a small theater that could seat 300 people.

Üçağız, which means “three mouths” in Turkish, refers to the three exits to the open sea from its bay. It is also known as Teimioussa in ancient times. It is a larger village than Kaleköy and has a harbor where boats can dock. It has many ruins from the Lycian and Roman periods, such as a necropolis, an acropolis, a church and a bathhouse.

Both villages offer modest accommodation options for visitors who want to stay overnight and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. They also have restaurants that serve fresh seafood and local dishes.

The Ancient Towns of Aperlae, Dolchiste and Teimioussa
Apart from the island of Kekova and the villages of Kaleköy and Üçağız, there are also three other ancient towns that are part of the Kekova region: Aperlae, Dolchiste and Teimioussa.

Aperlae was a Lycian town that was founded in the 4th century BC and became a Roman colony in the 1st century AD. It was located on the southern coast of Kekova island, opposite to Kaleköy. It was a prosperous town that had a harbor, a theater, an agora, temples, baths, cisterns and houses. It also had a defensive wall that surrounded it on three sides. The town was partly submerged by the same earthquake that affected Dolchiste in the 2nd century, but it continued to exist until the Byzantine period.

Dolchiste was another Lycian town that was located on the northern coast of Kekova island. It was founded in the 5th century BC and became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC. It was a wealthy town that had a harbor, a theater, an agora, temples, baths, cisterns and houses. It also had a necropolis that contained many sarcophagi and rock-cut tombs. The town was destroyed by the earthquake in the 2nd century and sank into the sea, leaving behind its sunken ruins that are visible today.

Teimioussa was a Lycian town that was located on the mainland, near Üçağız. It was founded in the 4th century BC and became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC. It was a small town that had a harbor, a theater, an agora, temples, baths, cisterns and houses. It also had a necropolis that contained many sarcophagi and rock-cut tombs. The town was abandoned in the Byzantine period due to the Arab invasions.

Conclusion
Kekova is a region that offers a unique combination of natural and historical attractions. It is a place where visitors can witness the traces of ancient civilizations that lived and thrived on this land for centuries, and also enjoy the beauty of the turquoise sea and the green hills. Kekova is a region that deserves to be explored and appreciated by anyone who loves history, culture and nature.

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