Kekova from Antalya: Reaching Üçağız for the Sunken City Boat Trip
The sunken city of Kekova can only be seen from the water: boats leave from the village of Üçağız and glide over the submerged remains of houses and stairways, then stop at Kaleköy (ancient Simena), with its castle above the bay. Üçağız is about 192 km from Antalya’s old town, so this is a long day – or a stop on the way to Kaş.
Distances
- From Kaleiçi: about 192 km, around 3 hours 10 minutes.
- From Antalya Airport: about 200 km, around 3 hours 10 minutes.
- From Kaş: about an hour; from Demre: about 30 minutes.
The boat trip
Boats leave Üçağız through the day. A typical trip takes two to three hours, passing over the sunken city and stopping at Kaleköy, where you can climb to the castle and the Lycian sarcophagus in the water. Swimming is not allowed directly over the ruins, but boats stop in nearby bays.
Planning from Antalya
Leave Antalya early, stop at Myra’s rock tombs in Demre, then continue to Üçağız for an afternoon boat. The drive back takes about three hours. If you want a more relaxed day, stay a night in Kaş and come back the next day.
Booking a driver
Book the outward journey on the booking form; choose “Return” and set the time for the trip back. Both legs are paid together, with a discount on the return. The fare is per vehicle and shown before you pay. For the airport, Kaş has a fixed fare of €120 per vehicle.
Practical tips
Bring swimwear, sun cream and a hat; the boats have shade, but the stops do not. Kaleköy has no road access, which is part of its charm – the castle climb is short but steep. In Üçağız, the boat captains wait at the harbour; your driver drops you nearby and meets you there after the trip.
The vehicle
A Mercedes Vito for up to 6 passengers with air conditioning. Child seats are free on request, and the driver will stop for breaks.
Related
See Myra and Demre, Kaş airport transfer and Kaputaş beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Kekova boats leave from?
Mainly from Üçağız.
How far is Üçağız from Antalya?
About 192 km, roughly three hours.
Can I swim over the sunken city?
No, but boats stop in nearby bays.
Is it better to stay in Kaş?
For a relaxed visit, yes.
Can I combine Kekova with Myra?
Yes, Demre is about 30 minutes away.
