Burc Bay (Kekova): Cold Water Springs & Natural Air Conditioning

That cool refuge in the scorching summer heat of Kekova, where captains steer saying "I'm turning on the air conditioner now": Burc Bay (Burç Koyu).

It is the most refreshing stop of Kekova boat charter and Demre tours for Limancepte.com guests. The Mediterranean water is usually like a bath, but here the situation is different. Ice-cold natural spring waters gushing from the bottom of the sea make this place the "Cold Water Pool" of the region.

Here is what you need to know about this healing and cool stop of Kekova:

1. Why is the Water Ice-Cold?

The secret of Burc Bay is in its ground. Strong fresh water springs coming out from the bottom of the bay mix with salty sea water.
Experience: When you enter the sea, deep places are warm while places near the surface are freezing. This mixture creates a blurry image (thermocline effect) trembling like oil in the water. It is the only address for those who want to "feel cold" in 40 degrees heat in summer.

2. Healing Mud Bath

At the point where the spring water comes out, there is a mineral-rich clay/mud layer.
Ritual: Guests coming here apply this natural clay to their bodies, wait for it to dry, and then jump into those cool waters to clean up. This natural skin care is a fun tradition of Burc Bay.

3. Historical Watchtower (Burç)

On the dominating hill of the bay, there are ruins of a defense bastion (watchtower) thought to belong to the Byzantine or earlier periods. Knowing that history stands guard right above the water you swim in changes the atmosphere.

5. How to Get There? (Sea Only)

Burc Bay is in an inaccessible corner of Kekova Island or the mainland. It is impossible to come by land vehicle. It is a lunch or "cooling off" break for boats departing from Demre, Ucagiz, or Kas.

Burc Bay FAQ

• Is the water really very cold?
  Yes, it feels 5-6 degrees colder than the Mediterranean average. It creates a shock effect right over the source.
• Is there a beach?
  It has a small, pebbly beach, but boats usually anchor offshore. You need to swim to shallow water to reach the mud.
• Can we climb to the tower?
  Theoretically yes, but the ground is covered with very thorny bushes. Usually, it is watched from below.
• Is there a smell?
  Since the spring water is sulfurous, a slight sulfur smell can be detected very close to the source. This is natural.