Kekova Sunken City
Drift over a 2,000-year-old town
A short, deeply atmospheric loop from Kaş along the most archaeologically rich stretch of the Turkish coast — Kekova island and the underwater Lycian city of Simena, broken by a 2nd-century earthquake.
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Captains adjust the order based on weather, but these are the standard daily anchorages.
Kaş → Üçağız
⚓ ÜçağızEmbark in Kaş, sail east into the protected Kekova roadstead; anchor at the fishing village of Üçağız.
Üçağız → Sunken City (Simena)
⚓ KekovaDrift over the 2nd-century underwater town; swimming directly above is forbidden but the boat-side view is spectacular.
Kekova → Kaleköy
⚓ KaleköyAnchor below the medieval castle and hike up through the rock tombs.
Kaleköy → Aperlae
⚓ AperlaeVisit the partially submerged ruins of ancient Aperlae; snorkel above the harbor walls.
Aperlae → Kaş
⚓ KaşReturn to Kaş in time for lunch ashore. Disembark.
Why book this route?
The most archaeologically dense five days of sailing anywhere on the Turkish coast. If you geek out on ancient civilizations, the Lycian, Greek, and Byzantine layers stacked on this stretch are extraordinary.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the Kekova Sunken City route.
Can we swim over the sunken city?
No — Turkish law forbids swimming directly above the underwater ruins to protect them. Boats anchor a few hundred metres away and you snorkel from there. The captain will explain the boundary.
Is the Kaleköy castle climb hard?
Moderate. About 20 minutes uphill on a stone path with rock tombs along the way. Wear closed shoes; bring water in summer.
Can we extend to a full week?
Yes — the most common extension adds 2 days west to Kalkan and Kaş town. Mention this in your inquiry.
Is the boat allowed to anchor in Kekova roadstead?
Yes — designated mooring points are open to licensed charters. The captain holds the licence and pays the daily fee (included).
Are there mosquitoes at Üçağız?
Yes, especially May–June and September. Bring repellent for evenings on deck.
Find a vessel
Vessels based in Kas run this route.
Browse Kas vesselsSee all vessels →Best months
Short legs, sheltered, frequent calm anchorages.
What's included
- ✓Skipper and crew
- ✓Half-board: breakfast, lunch, soft drinks
- ✓Port and anchorage fees
- ✓Snorkel gear