Just along the coast from Kaş lies one of Turkey’s most extraordinary sights: an entire ancient city lying beneath crystal-clear water. The Sunken City of Kekova is a Lycian town that slid into the sea after a 2nd-century earthquake, and today you can glide above its submerged staircases, walls and harbours, gazing straight down through water so clear it feels unreal. Add a castle-topped village, Lycian tombs rising from the waves and bays made for swimming, and you’ve got the best day trip from Kaş. Here’s a local guide to what you’ll see, how to choose between a boat trip and a kayak tour, and the best tours to book.
What is the Sunken City of Kekova?
Kekova is a long, uninhabited island sheltering a string of bays on the Lycian coast. On its northern shore lie the ruins of Simena (Dolichiste), an ancient town destroyed and partly submerged by earthquakes in the 2nd century AD. From the water you can see the outlines of houses, staircases that vanish beneath the surface, and foundations resting on the seabed — a whole drowned streetscape. Along the shore, half-sunken Lycian sarcophagi stand with their lids poking above the waves, and the pretty village of Kaleköy (ancient Simena) is crowned by a small castle and scattered rock tombs.
What you’ll see on the trip
A Kekova trip is a steady stream of “wow” moments: the submerged ruins shimmering below the boat, the iconic half-drowned tomb in the water, and the castle village of Kaleköy clinging to the hillside (some tours give you time ashore to climb up for the view). You’ll cruise into beautiful bays like Aquarium Bay and Tersane Bay, with their impossibly clear water, and stop to swim and snorkel. Many boats have a glass-bottom section so you can watch the ruins drift by even without getting in the water.
| Kekova trip from Kaş | At a glance |
| Duration | Full day (~7–8 hours) |
| Options | Boat trip or sea kayak tour |
| Usually includes | Swim stops, lunch, guide (boat trips) |
| Highlights | Sunken ruins, Lycian tombs, Kaleköy castle |
| Swim on the ruins? | No — protected; swim stops nearby instead |
Boat trip or sea kayak — which should you choose?
Both see the same wonders; it comes down to the kind of day you want.
A boat trip is the relaxed, comfortable option: you stay dry, lunch is served on board, there’s shade and space, and it’s ideal for families, older travellers or anyone who just wants to soak it all in. A sea kayak tour is the active, intimate option: you paddle right over the sunken ruins at water level, slip into tiny coves a big boat can’t reach, and get a real sense of adventure — and it’s beginner-friendly, with guides throughout. If you love being in the water and want the most memorable version, kayak. If you want easy and sociable, take the boat.
See the Kekova Boat Trip (with Lunch) →
Where do the trips leave from?
This is the one thing to check before you book. Some tours sail straight from Kaş harbour, giving you a longer, scenic cruise to Kekova. Others include a short drive to Üçağız (about 35 minutes from Kaş), the small village that’s the closest gateway to the sunken city, where you board the boat — this means less time cruising and more time at the ruins. Kayak tours also typically start from the Üçağız/Kekova area. Neither is better, but it’s worth knowing whether your day starts with a transfer, so check the tour details.
Can you swim or dive on the sunken city?
No — and this surprises a lot of visitors. The waters directly over the sunken ruins are government-protected, so swimming, snorkelling and diving on the ancient city itself are strictly forbidden to preserve it. You’ll view the ruins from the boat or kayak only. The good news: trips include swim stops in the gorgeous bays nearby (like Aquarium Bay), where the water is just as clear, so you still get plenty of swimming.
What to bring & local tips
Pack swimwear, a towel, water shoes (handy for rocky entries), sunscreen, a hat and water. A pair of polarised sunglasses makes a real difference — they cut the glare so you can see the underwater ruins much more clearly, and they’re great for photos too. Go for a morning start when the sea is calmest and the light is best for seeing through the water. And bring a little cash for drinks or a tea up in Kaleköy village.
Best time to visit
Kekova trips run from roughly May to October. June and September are ideal — warm, calm water and fewer boats than the July–August peak. Mornings are usually calmer and clearer than afternoons, which is exactly when the sunken city looks its most magical. Spring and autumn also bring softer light and a more peaceful experience.
FAQ
Is the Kekova sunken city boat trip worth it?
Absolutely — seeing an entire ancient city beneath clear water, plus Lycian tombs and a castle village, makes it the standout day trip from Kaş.
Can you see the sunken city clearly?
Yes, when the water’s calm you can see walls, staircases and foundations beneath the surface. Polarised sunglasses help a lot.
Can you swim over the ruins?
No — it’s protected. But trips include swim stops in nearby bays with equally beautiful water.
How long is the trip?
Usually a full day, around 7–8 hours, including swim stops and lunch on boat trips.
Boat or kayak — which is better?
Boat for a relaxed, dry day with lunch; kayak for an active, up-close adventure right over the ruins. Both are excellent.
More from Kaş: see the best excursions from Kaş, our things to do in Kaş guide, the Kaputaş Beach guide, and the best hotels in Kaş.