Kekova Boat Tour Guide: 10 Questions Captain Ergun Answers

Before setting out on a boat tour, dozens of questions might be running through your mind: when should I book, will we see all the bays, can I bring my kids, can I bring my own food and drinks? Leaving these questions unanswered turns the planning part of your holiday into unnecessary stress and leaves a lingering question mark right up until tour day. To clear up this confusion, we sat down with Captain Ergun, who has been running trips in these waters for years, and asked him the 10 most common questions people have before and during a Kekova boat tour. Here are the answers, straight from the captain himself.

Booking and Planning

How many days in advance should we book the tour?

Captain Ergun recommends booking before arriving in Kaş, suggesting a minimum of one week ahead of time. He notes that demand rises considerably in summer, and last-minute plans can make it harder to find availability for your preferred date or boat type. This window can be a bit more flexible during the shoulder season, but the captain still stresses not leaving it to the last minute.

Are there boats for small groups, or private boats for larger groups?

Yes, the fleet includes options suited to different group sizes. There's also a smaller boat that holds 28 people, alongside private boat options for smaller groups. This means both larger groups and families looking for a more intimate experience can find something that fits. The captain emphasizes that choosing the right boat for your group size directly affects the comfort of the whole day.

Where should we stay in Kaş?

Rather than a one-size-fits-all answer, the captain offers a personalized recommendation here: it depends on whether you want a villa or a guesthouse. Once you get in touch with the captain, he can point you toward the option that best matches your accommodation preference — letting you coordinate both your tour and your stay through one trusted contact instead of juggling two separate bookings.

💡 Captain Ergun's Tip: When booking, sort out your accommodation at the same time. Staying close to the tour's departure point saves you a long trip early in the morning and lets you start the day much more rested.

Route and Tour Program

Will we get to see all the bays?

According to Captain Ergun, the tour visits all of the region's beautiful bays. This comprehensive route is a real advantage for anyone who wants to take in the natural beauty of Kekova from every angle in a single day.

Do you follow the same route every day?

No, the captain is quick to point out that no two days are the same. The route is shaped by the day's weather, how clean the bays are, how crowded they get, and the current conditions. This flexible approach ensures guests always spend their time in the calmest and cleanest bays available that day.

How many hours does a Kekova boat tour take?

According to Captain Ergun, day trips typically start around 9:30 AM and wrap up by around 6:00 PM, meaning guests spend close to eight and a half hours out at sea. That time includes several swim stops, lunch, and historical stops like Simena and the Sunken City. The captain adds that this length is neither exhausting nor too short — it's enough to both relax and thoroughly explore the region in a single day.

Can we swim at the Kekova Sunken City?

No, swimming and diving are prohibited here to protect the ancient ruins. That said, the Lycian-era wall remains are clearly visible as the boat slows down over the water. The captain says this stop is the most history-steeped part of the tour, adding with a smile that guests usually go quiet right around here.

💡 Captain Ergun's Tip: Since the route can shift depending on currents and weather, let the captain know in advance if there's a particular bay you absolutely want to see. We do our best to work guests' priorities into the route wherever we can.

Comfort, Family, and Practical Details

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the boat tour?

No, the captain is clear on this one: since the boat has its own bar and snack bar, guests can get whatever they'd like on board, which is why outside food and drinks aren't allowed. This policy is kept in place both for hygiene and to maintain order on board.

Can I join a Kekova boat tour with children?

Yes, the captain says this is one of the questions he gets asked most often. The tour works well for families with children; all that's needed is a life jacket and close supervision during swim stops. Swimming in calm bays also creates a safe environment for younger children.

Should I choose a group tour or a private tour?

According to the captain, this comes down entirely to your expectations. Group tours offer a more affordable and social experience, while private tours let you shape the route at your own pace. For family gatherings or special occasions, a private tour tends to be the choice for those after a more personal experience. Honeymooning couples and small groups looking for a quiet day out also tend to lean toward the private tour option.

The Answers to Your Questions Are Now in Hand

The experience Captain Ergun has built up over the years clears away most of the question marks you might have before stepping onto a boat tour. Now you know when to book, how the route takes shape, which type of boat suits you, how to prepare with kids in tow, and why you can't swim at the Sunken City. All that's left is turning this knowledge into a real experience. If you'd like to take in Simena's history, Kekova's natural beauty, and the guidance of an experienced captain all in one day, you can set your course today with a Kekova boat tour.