Kekova and Simena are a coastal day-trip destination from Kaş, with boat tours serving as the clearest described way to visit from town. A blue cruise brings the coastline and bays into the outing; a land approach to Simena is less certain, so confirm access details before choosing that route.
- Kekova names both an island and a wider coastal area.
- Kaş boat tours and tours from Üçağız and Demre are offered.
- Simena sits within the Kekova Special Environmental Protection Area.
- Swimming is prohibited in the Sunken City area.
What do Kekova and Simena refer to?
Kekova refers to an island opposite Simena and to a wider area that includes Simena, Üçağız, Aperlai harbour, Aquarium Bay and Gökkaya Bay.
Simena is a settlement on the coast, described by the official tourism page as one of the rare settlements in Türkiye accessible from the sea. The remains at its castle include cisterns, rock tombs and a religious building used successively as a temple, church and mosque.
The Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism places Simena within the 260-square-kilometre Kekova Special Environmental Protection Area. That coastal setting helps explain why a boat trip can combine bays, shoreline views and a stop at Simena.
How do you get from Kaş to Kekova and Simena by boat?
A boat trip from Kaş is the most clearly described option for visiting Kekova and Simena from town.
Kas Yacht advertises a daily trip from Kaş Old Marina, with stops that include İnönü Bay, Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay, the Sunken City area, Simena, Üçağız Bay, Yağlıca Bay and Çamlık Bay.
The trip includes one hour in Simena. The operator says the itinerary, stops and departure or arrival times may change, and adverse weather or sea conditions can lead to cancellation.
Other departure points broaden the choice: Kekova Holiday says it offers daily tours from Demre, Üçağız and Kaş ports. Tours listed from Üçağız and Demre provide alternatives if you are planning to reach the coast before boarding, but confirm current departure arrangements with the operator.
For a Kaş departure, the advertised schedule gives a 09:30 meeting time, departure at 09:45 and return at 18:00. Treat those as schedule details to verify, not fixed times. Check the official site before you go, including the operator’s current itinerary and any weather-related changes.
Can you reach Simena by land?
The land approach to Simena is not established clearly enough here to treat it as a confirmed alternative to the boat trip.
Although Üçağız is part of the wider Kekova area, confirm the route and access conditions locally before setting out; don’t assume that the settlement’s place within the same coastal area means a direct walk is available.
For a visit centered on Simena, the boat option has a stated stop and visit duration, while the land option needs independent verification.
What should you confirm for a Kekova boat trip?
Confirm the departure point, timing, stops and swimming rules with the operator before choosing a Kekova tour.
Swimming is prohibited in the Sunken City area, according to Kas Yacht. Other stops on its advertised route include bays and the village of Simena, but the operator warns that its itinerary and timings may change. Weather and sea conditions can also affect whether a trip runs.
Confirm the current meeting arrangements and route directly with your chosen operator.
FAQs
Is a boat trip the clearest way to visit Simena from Kaş?
Yes. A Kaş boat itinerary specifically includes Simena and states a one-hour stop there. Confirm land access between Üçağız and Simena locally before setting out.
Can you swim in the Sunken City area?
No. Kas Yacht says swimming is prohibited in the Sunken City area.
Is Kekova just an island?
No. The name refers to the island opposite Simena as well as a wider coastal area that includes several settlements, bays and a harbour.