Where to Go When Renting a Boat in Kekova?

Among the blue cruise routes, Kekova has a completely different place with its tranquility and mystery. This is a fairy-tale geography where time seems to stand still, making you feel that the sea is not just cooling water, but a transparent veil covering thousands of years of history.

As Limancepte.com, based on our field observations, we say: chartering a boat in Kekova is not a luxury, but the most enjoyable way to discover this geography. Because land access to the most crucial points here is either impossible or very limited.

Here are 5 strategic stops where history and nature intertwine, where you should steer your rudder when you rent a private boat in the Kekova region:

1. Kekova Island and Sunken City (Dolchiste)

The undisputed most exciting point of the route is the northern shores of Kekova Island. These are the ruins of Dolchiste, the trade city of Lycia, which was submerged by major earthquakes in the 2nd century AD. Your captain lowers the engine speed here. While the boat glides silently on the glass-clear water, you clearly see the stairs descending into the sea, house foundations, and amphorae.

Critical Note: This area is a 1st Degree Archaeological Site. Stopping, anchoring, and swimming are strictly prohibited. Only cruising passage is allowed.

2. Simena (Kalekoy): The Village Without Roads

After passing the Sunken City, you reach the Ancient City of Simena (Kalekoy), accessible only by sea. When you climb the hill from narrow stone streets with bougainvillea; you see the famous Lycian sarcophagus standing alone in the water. The view of Kekova from the top of the castle is breathtaking. Tasting the village's famous homemade ice cream (especially peach-almond) is the unwritten rule of this route.

3. Tersane Bay: Swimming Inside History

This is the place where you will make up for not being able to swim in the Sunken City. It takes its name from being used as a ship building/repair place in ancient times. There are church ruins from the Byzantine period on the shore of the bay. Its sea is turquoise. When your boat anchors, you can put on your snorkel and swim over the historical ruins on the shore. It is the most special point in Kekova where you can touch history and swim.

4. Aquarium Bay: Crystal Clarity

This is usually the cleanest and clearest point of the sea in the Kekova region. This strait between Kekova Island and the mainland is pool-clear thanks to its white sand structure. Although the depth reaches 20 meters in places, you can select the details at the bottom from the boat. It is a peaceful stop preferred for lunch breaks.

5. Pirates Cave (Asirli Island)

Hidden behind Asirli Island at the westernmost tip of the route, this cave is exciting for photography enthusiasts. The entrance of this cave, which was a hiding place for pirates in ancient times according to legend, takes on a phosphorescent, electric blue color according to the angle of sunlight. If your boat is small, you can enter inside.