From the ancient harbor of Demre to the crystal waters of Kekova, this private boat tour reveals the legendary Sunken City, hidden bays, and the charming village of Simena (Kaleköy). On board Ayla Boat, you and your loved ones enjoy a tailor-made day of Lycian history, swimming, and Mediterranean beauty.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Ayla Boat
Join us for a private full-day boat trip from Demre on Ayla Boat (capacity up to 7 people). Glide across turquoise waters on the Lycian Coast, marvel at the Sunken City of Kekova, and swim in pristine bays like Akvaryum and Tersane.
Visit the picturesque island village of Simena, famous for its castle and homemade ice cream. With full flexibility, you can choose whether to enjoy lunch on board (extra) or dine at a seaside restaurant in Simena.
Highlights of the itinerary
📍 This is a full day adventure along the Lycian Way on the Mediterranean.
🚤 Private boat “Ayla Boat” – maximum 7 guests
🌊 Discover the Sunken City of Kekova
🤿 Swim in Akvaryum Bay and Tersane Bay
🏝️ Visit Simena (Kaleköy) – castle, village walk, and famous ice cream
🍽️ Optional: Enjoy lunch on board or at a Simena restaurant
Sample Itinerary (Flexible)
🕑 We are able to customize details on the fly based on the requests of our guests.
09:30 – Meet at Demre harbor & board Ayla Boat
Sail towards Kekova Island, pass the Sunken City (view from boat)
Swim stop at Akvaryum Bay
Continue to Simena (Kaleköy): climb the castle, taste the village’s famous ice cream, or stroll the alleys
Optional lunch: either on board (750 TL per person extra, if arranged in advance) or at a local seaside restaurant in Simena
Afternoon swim at Tersane Bay
16:00–17:00 – Return to Demre harbor
Included
✅ Main participation fee covers your time on our cute little boat.
Private boat rental (Ayla Boat – up to 7 guests)
Skipper/captain
Lifejackets & basic snorkeling equipment
Not Included
The food on the boat is optional and delicious!
Meals & drinks (optional lunch on board: 950 TL per person)
Personal expenses & tips
Land transfers to Demre (can be arranged on request)
Adventure Travel in Turkey
Known for its history and culture, Turkey is also one of the world’s great playgrounds for explorers.
About Kekova
Kekova is a small island and coastal region off today’s Antalya Province, situated between Kaş and Demre (ancient Myra). This is the heartland of Lycia, the mountainous region that stretched roughly from modern Fethiye (ancient Telmessos) in the west to Phaselis (near modern Kemer) in the east.
Kekova is a unique blend of nature, history, and living culture. The island itself is uninhabited, stretching about 4.5 km, but its coastline shelters bays, inlets, and the ruins of once-thriving Lycian towns.
Earthquakes in the 2nd century CE partially submerged these settlements, leaving stairways that lead into the sea, half-sunken walls, and the outlines of ancient harbors visible beneath the clear Mediterranean.
This “Sunken City” is protected—swimming directly above the ruins is restricted—but boats glide along its edge, allowing visitors to peer into antiquity through the turquoise water.
Across the water lies Kaleköy (ancient Simena), a village that has remained accessible only by boat or footpath, where the rhythms of life still echo the slow pace of the Mediterranean.
Here, you’ll find a medieval castle built atop earlier Lycian foundations, sarcophagi scattered across gardens and shoreline, and families selling homemade ice cream and embroidered goods.
Together, Kekova and its surrounding settlements form a rare cultural landscape where the deep past of Lycia meets the serene beauty of today’s Turquoise Coast.
Get in Touch
Sail into the turquoise waters of Kekova with Ayla Boat. Perfect for families, couples, or small groups up to 7 people. Whether you’d like to swim in hidden bays, explore Simena, or simply relax on deck, this is your private Mediterranean escape.
📩 Contact us today to reserve Ayla Boat for your preferred date and create your own Kekova adventure.
