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Kekova Boat Tour: Cool Off in 25-Degree Waters & Historical Discovery

A comprehensive travel guide covering the Sunken City and hidden bays, prepared for those who want to escape the sweltering heat of Kas and cool off in clear waters at an average of 25 degrees.
6 min read

If you feel trapped between the gray concrete blocks of city life and the steam rising from the asphalt in the scorching heat of summer, it is high time to make an escape plan to rejuvenate your body and soul. Feeling that characteristic salty breeze of the Mediterranean on your face while stepping away from noisy crowds and leaving yourself right in the middle of tranquility is everyone's dream. Instead of standard beaches where there is no room to step and music sounds blend together, swimming in silent bays that harbor the mystery of ancient times, where you will only hear the sound of the water, might be the most ideal solution you are looking for. At this point, a Kekova boat tour that takes you to both the flawless beauty of nature and the depths of history will turn an ordinary summer holiday into an unforgettable voyage of discovery you will talk about for the rest of your life. While cooling off in glass-like clear waters at an average temperature of 25 degrees, you will be close enough to touch the traces of the thousands-of-years-old Lycian civilization lying right beneath you.

Vacation

The Historical Depth of Kekova and the Sunken City Story

Kekova is not merely a geographical region offering a visual feast, but also a massive underwater museum harboring thousands of years of experiences. The most mysterious point of the region, the Ancient City of Dolchiste, was submerged as a result of devastating earthquakes that occurred in the 2nd century AD. This ancient settlement, one of the commercial strategic centers of the Lycian League, could not withstand the power of nature and sank into the cool waters of the Mediterranean. Today, house foundations, shop ruins, harbor piers, and stone stairs descending into the sea, which can be easily spotted looking down from the deck of boats, reveal the architectural genius of that era.

Due to my digital nature, I cannot physically see the momentary wave conditions of the sea right now, the instant moss coverage rate of the underwater ruins, or the live findings of today's archaeological excavations in the region. However, historical documents and underwater archaeology reports clearly show that Dolchiste was one of the most sheltered ports of its time. Swimming and diving in this protected archaeological site are strictly forbidden; thus, the historical texture has managed to survive to the present day by preserving its original structure away from human destruction. Passing through this fascinating corridor during your Kekova boat tour journey means witnessing the silent cry of the past.

Kekova

Step-by-Step Kekova Boat Routes and Discovery Stops

Fully discovering the region requires following a meticulously prepared itinerary. The routes consist of unique stops, each with a different natural or historical character.

Tersane Bay: The Production Center of Antiquity

One of the most important swimming stops of the trip is Tersane (Shipyard) Bay. This bay was a strategic center where ships were built and repaired in ancient times. When you step ashore or look underwater with your mask, you can see the architectural blocks belonging to the ancient shipyard. The biggest feature of Tersane Bay is that it is one of the rare historical areas where swimming is allowed. Swimming here literally means making contact with the traces of the past.

Aquarium Bay: A Natural Pool Experience

Aquarium Bay, named after the extreme clarity of its water, is almost as transparent as water in a deep glass bowl. This bay, where you can watch the movements of marine life at the bottom with the naked eye, is highly sheltered against winds. It is one of the points where seawater feels the most comfortable on hot summer days.

History from the Sea: Simena Kalekoy Settlement

Kalekoy (Ancient Simena), which has no road access and therefore remains completely isolated from the noise of the modern world, is the most magnificent stop of the route. A medieval castle rises at the peak of this village built on a hillside. While climbing towards the castle, centuries-old Lycian sarcophagi accompany you on narrow, stony paths. The sarcophagus tombs, half-submerged in the water near the shore, create the iconic photographs of the region. Joining a professionally organized Kekova boat tour program to fully experience the fascinating atmosphere of Kekova will ensure that you discover this hidden paradise without missing any details.

💡 Captain Ergun's Advice: The most certain way to cool off during those scorching days in Kas, when thermometers push 40 degrees, is to set sail into the open waters of the Mediterranean. While you struggle to breathe due to the humidity on land, the sweet sea breeze blowing on the boat and the 25-degree currents in the bays will completely refresh you. Especially during the peak hours of the noon heat, you can entirely forget that overwhelming wave of hot air on land within seconds by leaving yourself to the depths of Aquarium Bay.


A Comfortable Discovery Journey into the Blue

Getting away from the high humidity and overwhelming city traffic on land and leaving yourself to the turquoise arms of the Mediterranean will be the best decision of your summer vacation. Watching the thousands of years of history of Kekova from under the water and swimming in silent bays by merely listening to the sound of nature provides spiritual and physical renewal. It is in your hands to break away from the chaos of ordinary beaches and experience this fairytale geography with a comfortable and professional organization. You can review our Kekova boat tour sales page to evaluate early reservation opportunities and set out on a safe journey with captains who master all the subtleties of the route, reserving your spot now to become the leading role in an unforgettable summer story.


Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Kas weather these days and what kind of temperature awaits us?

I cannot see the current instantaneous wind intensity, humidity rate, or the density of the clouds in the sky live. However, according to statistical and current meteorological averages for the middle of the summer season, temperatures are generally above 35 degrees in the region. On days when the humidity rate rises, the feeling of heat on land can be even more overwhelming. While winds blowing from the land carry hot air, local breezes blowing at sea level are relatively relieving. A very sunny, scorching, and typical Mediterranean summer climate completely dominates the region.

Is the sea water temperature ideal for cooling off?

I cannot physically measure the instant water temperature value of the sea on-site with a thermometer; however, according to seasonal data, the sea water temperature around Kekova is on average between 25-27 degrees during this period. This temperature degree is comfortable enough not to chill the body, but also refreshing enough to feel like a cure after the sweltering heat on land. Thanks to the cold spring waters coming from the bottom in some special bays visited during your Kekova boat tour, this feeling of coolness becomes much more pronounced.

What is the coolest swimming spot in the Kekova region?

The coolest swimming spots in the region are the bays where underground fresh water sources coming from the mountains gush to the surface from the seabed, and especially some hidden passages near Gokkaya Bay. These fresh water sources, which reduce the salinity of the sea water and suddenly drop its temperature, create an ice bath effect even on the hottest days of Kas, instantly revitalizing your body and keeping you energetic all day long.


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Ergun Dündar

AHOY!

I'm Captain Ergun, your local guide to the beautiful waters of Kaş and Kekova!

I'm here to help you make your trip to Turkey truly unforgettable. I've handpicked some of the best experiences for you, so you can dive deep into the culture, history, and natural beauty of our coast.

Check out my insider list of top activities and hidden gems for an adventure you won’t forget!