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The Ultimate Snorkel Mask Guide For A Kekova Boat Tour

The ultimate guide to the top 5 full face snorkel masks to clearly watch Caretta carettas on a Kas departing Kekova boat tour route.
8 min read

It is truly difficult to describe just how magical it feels to make eye contact with a Caretta caretta gliding through the unique blue of the Mediterranean. Every time I see those turquoise waters of the Kekova region, I am mesmerized; the mysterious life underwater, the historical ruins, and the harmony of nature literally stop time. To watch these unique marine creatures calmly in their natural habitat without disturbing them at all, having the right marine equipment is an absolute must. Especially in the sparkling waters of the 2026 summer season, if you have a Kekova boat tour planned that starts early in the morning and lasts all day, the full face snorkel mask you take with you will completely transform your entire exploration experience. Our guests love this place so much because the water is so clear that just by looking from the right angle, you can catch all the magnificence at the bottom of the sea.

Top 5 Full Face Snorkel Mask Brands To See Caretta Carettas

Unlike the classic goggles and tube duo, modern designs that cover your entire face allow you to watch the underwater world without any interruption. Here are the top five mask equipments you can choose from, ranging from highly accessible Decathlon products to premium brands.

Decathlon Subea Easybreath 500 For The Best Price Performance

The first model that comes to mind when talking about full face snorkels, which you can easily try and buy in Decathlon stores, is the Subea Easybreath series. The 500 model, in particular, is an absolute price performance beast with its panoramic viewing angle and air circulation system that prevents the glass from fogging while you breathe. If you want to immortalize those magical minutes underwater, there are also versions with an apparatus where you can attach an action camera at the top. It is a fantastic choice for video recording the natural swimming of Carettas from perfect angles.

Cressi Duke Panoramic Mask For Premium Italian Quality

If you do not have a budget problem and are looking for a high level Italian design that you can use for years, the Cressi Duke is just for you. Caretta carettas usually pass by calmly from your right or left diagonal exactly when you least expect it. The wide visor and extra panoramic design of the Duke model maximize your peripheral vision, ensuring that you do not miss any movement underwater. Its silicone structure that fits perfectly on the face definitely does not leak sea water.

Ocean Reef Aria Anti Fog Mask For The Middle Upper Segment

On hot summer days, when the heat of your face combines with the coolness of the sea, the inside of the masks can fog up very quickly. Standing out with its upper middle segment quality, the Ocean Reef Aria offers flawless performance with its anti fog technology. As you breathe in and out, it constantly renews the air inside, preventing the glass from fogging. The moment you encounter a whole flock of turtles, your vision will never blur.

Decathlon Subea Easybreath 900 With An Advanced Communication Valve

As an upper segment model of Decathlon, the Easybreath 900 has an acoustic valve, unlike standard models. Thanks to this, you can comfortably talk to your friends on the boat or other people in the sea without taking your mask off your face. Additionally, thanks to its soft nose compartment, it allows you to equalize your ear pressure (valsalva maneuver) when you want to descend a few meters deep. If you frequently visit the bays here, this upgrade is definitely worth the price difference.

FreeShark And Discovery For A Budget Friendly Entry Level

If you are just starting water sports and do not want to allocate a professional budget for a tour you will only take once a year, you can choose brands like FreeShark or Discovery, which are frequently sold on internet marketplaces. The one way drain valve located at the bottom of the chin of these economical masks allows you to expel possible leaking water just by exhaling strongly. It is a practical solution that completely eliminates the feeling of panic for beginners.

The Magnificent Route And Discovery Spots Departing From Kas Harbor

Once you have ordered your perfect mask from Decathlon or online, we can focus on the right route where you can properly use this equipment. The adventure that begins after leaving Kas Harbor around 09:30 in the morning is not just a swimming activity, but also a historical journey. You will experience your first mask trial in the untouched waters of Inonu Bay, which can only be reached by sea. Then comes Aquarium Bay, which takes its name from its crystal clarity; as the smell of the fresh lunch prepared on the boat mixes with the sea air, the moment you jump into the water, you literally become one with the marine life.

To experience this wonderful route, see the underwater riches up close, and discover all the details in the hidden bays, joining a high-quality Kekova boat tour program is the most logical step. Even though swimming is prohibited in the Sunken City region, which is the most striking part of the route, watching the ancient stairs, amphoras, and house ruins left under the water from the deck of the boat accompanied by our captain's narration is absolutely breathtaking.

💡 Captain Ergun's Advice: Be sure to get your Subea or Cressi mask ready in advance when we approach Aquarium Bay. The water is so transparent and clear that you can notice the noble gliding of the Caretta carettas even before the boat drops anchor. While underwater, be careful to accompany them silently from a distance without trying to touch them.

Continuing on the route, we reach Kalekoy (Simena), a dreamlike fishing town with no road access, where the famous Simena Castle is located. During the 60 minute free time we will give here, you can watch the view from the castle or embark on a historical discovery with your snorkel around the famous Lycian sarcophagus right inside the water. Then, we complete the day with our last swimming breaks in Tersane and Camlik bays, returning to Kas Harbor with unforgettable memories around 18:00 in the evening.

💡 Captain Ergun's Advice: If you are going to use your full face snorkel mask for the very first time in your life, do a short breathing exercise in a shallow spot in Inonu Bay, our first stop. Tighten the straps of the mask so that it fits your face perfectly. Feeling comfortable during the first break will allow you to swim freely in all the remaining bays of the day.

Can Non Swimmers Use A Full Face Mask?

Our guests who do not know how to swim can easily join the boat tour and enter the water safely with life jackets. A full face mask is wonderful for those who want to watch under the sea while staying on the surface of the water with a life jacket. Since it eliminates the fear of swallowing water, it greatly accelerates the process of getting used to the sea.

Spending a peaceful day in this unique geography where history and nature embrace, while respecting the natural habitats of Caretta carettas, is a priceless feeling. To solve the secrets underwater with your quality equipment, to witness the sunken legends of Lycia from the boat, and to descend right into the heart of this miraculous underwater life without wasting any time, book a professional Kekova boat tour reservation for your next holiday. Listen to the irresistible call of the turquoise blue and take your first step onto this fairytale Mediterranean route that will take place in your memories for a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Can Caretta Carettas Be Seen In The Kekova Region?

The broad period starting from the end of May, when sea water temperatures reach ideal levels, until the middle of October is the most accurate time frame to observe sea turtles. You can frequently see these unique creatures, especially in calm waters, when they approach shallow bays to feed.

Can I Deep Dive With A Full Face Snorkel Mask?

Full face masks are absolutely not produced for free deep diving or scuba diving. The main purpose of these masks is to watch the underwater world panoramically while staying on the surface of the water. Except for special models like the Easybreath 900, they must only be used for surface explorations since they do not offer the possibility of pressure equalization.

Why Is Swimming Around The Sunken City Prohibited?

The Sunken City is a very valuable historical heritage registered as a first degree archaeological site. In order to prevent the ruins belonging to the ancient Lycian period from being damaged by waves and human factors, and to pass them on to future generations, swimming or diving in the region is strictly prohibited by law.

What Should We Bring With Us On This Tour?

To fully enjoy a wonderful tour, you must definitely have a high protection factor sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, a beach towel, and a spare swimsuit with you. Your personal Decathlon or different brand full face mask and a waterproof phone case should also be in your bag.

What Awaits Us During The Simena Kalekoy Visit?

In this unique town with no road access, narrow stone streets, colorful bougainvilleas, and traces of ancient history welcome you. You can take great photos while climbing up the steep slopes towards Simena Castle, and cool off by tasting the famous homemade peach ice cream unique to the region on your way back.

Can Non Swimmers Use A Full Face Mask?

Our guests who do not know how to swim can easily join the boat tour and enter the water safely with life jackets. A full face mask is wonderful for those who want to watch under the sea while staying on the surface of the water with a life jacket. Since it eliminates the fear of swallowing water, it greatly accelerates the process of getting used to the sea.

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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!