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Boats and Bays
No visit to Kas would be complete without going somewhere on a boat. After all this is a harbour town in the centre of Turkey's “Rivera”! With numerous uncrowded bays and turquoise waters this is one of the best coastlines to cruise in the world.
There is a great range of tours on offer around the beautiful turquoise coast in the Kaş area. Privately rented small boats can take you to secluded bays and small islands where you can swim in the clear blue sea or just laze on the boat and soak up the sun, or on organised trips. Such as the very popular Kekova trip where you can see the half-submerged remains of a Byzantine sunken city and the nearby villages of Simena / Kaleköy with it’s hilltop castle or a trip to visit the Blue Cave. Whatever trip you choose you will have plenty of opportunities for swimming and enjoying the sun. Lunch is normally provided and includes either grilled local fish or barbecue chicken with salad and rice. A range of soft and alcoholic drinks are available on board for you to purchase. Usually some fishing and snorkelling equipment is available and is free to use. It is also possible to book a larger boat for overnight trips from one night to a week. There are two
The most popular bout tour by far is to Kekova. It is actually an island or rather a group of sparsely populated islands and bays isolated from big tourist centres. Famous for its' under water ruins, Kekova is a fascinating place where history and nature combine to give you the most out of this world experience. A visit to Kekova combines history and fun against a backdrop of the sea. The unspoiled landscape, the magical under water ruins, the warm Mediterranean sun and all the adventure that goes with it will give a memorable trip. You should not miss give this paradise on earth!
There are several ways you can visit the area from Kas but all involve a boat or kayak.
• You can hire a car, drive to Uçağız (one of the two villages in Kekova) and rent a boat for a trip directly from the owner (There are always a few hanging around at the entrance to the village). This can be an expensive way to do it, but is the best way to experience a day there, particularly a small group.
• There are agencies who take people by bus from Kas and Kalkan to Ucagiz and then take a boat from there to explore the bays and sights
There are several ways you can visit the area from Kas but all involve a boat or kayak.
• You can hire a car, drive to Uçağız (one of the two villages in Kekova) and rent a boat for a trip directly from the owner (There are always a few hanging around at the entrance to the village). This can be an expensive way to do it, but is the best way to experience a day there, particularly a small group.
• There are agencies who take people by bus from Kas and Kalkan to Ucagiz and then take a boat from there to explore the bays and sights
© Life in Kas, Turkey www.lifeinkas.com
Tour Type 1 (by boat)
Boat leaves Kas Harbour around 10am in the morning to cruise to the sunken city at Kekova Island. On the way to Kekova there will be plenty of opportunities to swim in many of the small bays en route. In Kekova itself you will have the chance to swim in a bay which once served as a shipyard to the Lycians. You will also have the chance to visit a crusader castle in Simena, which has fantastic views over Kekova. A fabulous lunch will be served on board, where the host family cook up the fish they have caught that day, along with plenty of other choices of dishes. Return along the coast to Kas late afternoon.
Tour Type 2 (by road)
You will be picked up from your hotel at 10 am and driven to Üçağız Village, passing open cisterns and shepherds tending their flocks among the rocky outcrops. Üçağız (Yuch-ah-uz or three mouths) is a small seaside town near Kekova Island, with old stone houses, simple cafes and a cluster of ancient Lycian and Roman tombs.
You will board the boat and cruise around the Kekova Island area to the picturesque village of Simena, which is a charming town that has not changed much for many years. The crusader castle above the town has a magnificent view of the Kekova area and there are gnarled olive trees, hundreds of years old, next to stone sarcophagi which are shaped like houses.
The ancient city of Simens was located on the peninsula of the Tristomos Bay and dates back to the fourth century BC. The castle was built on the fortifications of a much older citadel. Below the fortifications is a small seven-tiered theatre. There is an ancient tomb submerged in the water in the harbour.
Across the bay along Kekova Island are half-submerged ruins of the city sunk by earthquake in the second century AD. You will be able to see remains of stone foundations beneath your boat and on the land
You will board the boat and cruise around the Kekova Island area to the picturesque village of Simena, which is a charming town that has not changed much for many years. The crusader castle above the town has a magnificent view of the Kekova area and there are gnarled olive trees, hundreds of years old, next to stone sarcophagi which are shaped like houses.
The ancient city of Simens was located on the peninsula of the Tristomos Bay and dates back to the fourth century BC. The castle was built on the fortifications of a much older citadel. Below the fortifications is a small seven-tiered theatre. There is an ancient tomb submerged in the water in the harbour.
Across the bay along Kekova Island are half-submerged ruins of the city sunk by earthquake in the second century AD. You will be able to see remains of stone foundations beneath your boat and on the land
A Visitor's Experience
“As we arrived at the car park of Ucagiz there was a man in a yellow shirt stalking us. We spotted him straight away, but he was very polite with the way he approached us and offered us a cruise. He said 'I have nice boat'. I said 'How much?' He said 'Come and see my boat.' I said 'OK' and off we trotted. Jess and her guide. He led us through the small village and out the other side. It turns out that his boat was moored as far away from us as possible.
He introduced himself as Hassan and he did in fact have a nice boat. Jess asked to see the life jackets (just in case) and we haggled on the price for a 90 minute tour (he wanted 80 lira, I wanted 50 lira, we agreed on 60). Then we piled on board and were treated to a private cruise around the area.
First up was Semina. This is a small village that can only be reached by boat. From the water we could see a magnificent castle in ruins. Dating back to the 4th Century BC, this castle has artefacts also from Roman times and from Byzantine times. After docking we were left to our own devices to try and find a way up to the castle from the shore. Naturally I led the way and naturally we got hopelessly lost. Jess took the initiative and asked an ancient Turkish woman how to 'get to the castle'. This meant nothing to her, but thanks to our now almost perfected grunts and arm waving we were able to get our message across. 'Ah', she seemed to say and grabbed Jess's hand firmly as she led her up to the correct path to get to the castle, all the time having an extensive conversation in Turkish. Jess, who clearly had no idea what the woman was saying nonetheless replied with whatever she felt like saying 'Yes, we are from Australia'. Also 'that's right I have four children'.
The castle looks like quite a long way from the shore, but when you are walking it, it's actually much much further. We were all pretty puffed when we made it, but it was fun to poke among the ruins and the view of the bay from there was brilliant. As we were exploring the ruins a man was calling out to us from the castle entry 'excuse me, castle entry 5 lira'. We paid on our way out and went
First up was Semina. This is a small village that can only be reached by boat. From the water we could see a magnificent castle in ruins. Dating back to the 4th Century BC, this castle has artefacts also from Roman times and from Byzantine times. After docking we were left to our own devices to try and find a way up to the castle from the shore. Naturally I led the way and naturally we got hopelessly lost. Jess took the initiative and asked an ancient Turkish woman how to 'get to the castle'. This meant nothing to her, but thanks to our now almost perfected grunts and arm waving we were able to get our message across. 'Ah', she seemed to say and grabbed Jess's hand firmly as she led her up to the correct path to get to the castle, all the time having an extensive conversation in Turkish. Jess, who clearly had no idea what the woman was saying nonetheless replied with whatever she felt like saying 'Yes, we are from Australia'. Also 'that's right I have four children'.
The castle looks like quite a long way from the shore, but when you are walking it, it's actually much much further. We were all pretty puffed when we made it, but it was fun to poke among the ruins and the view of the bay from there was brilliant. As we were exploring the ruins a man was calling out to us from the castle entry 'excuse me, castle entry 5 lira'. We paid on our way out and went
back down to our boat. Hassan looked relieved that we had finally come back and he took us across to Kekova island. On the shores of this island are the sunken remains of a large part of the Lycian city of Semina. The city was devastated by an earthquake in the second century AD and most of the shoreline fell below sea level. It was fascinating to observe the stairs descending into the water, half-houses at the water's edge, and sunken mosaics and artefacts. Hassan produced a bucket with a clear bottom to allow us to see the bottom of the bay more clearly. I in turn amazed him by putting Georgie's video camera underwater to try and capture the scene. On viewing the video later it didn't work but impressed Hassan no end. 'In 25 years of [operating this boat] I have not seen this' he told us.”
Guy KB (Blog)
Islands Tour Example
“You’ll sail by boat from Kaş at 10 AM to enjoy swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling near different bays and secluded coves between the mainland of Turkey and the island atolls near Meis (Kastellorizo). You may visit the protected bay of Limanagzı, which has Lycian tombs cut into the sheer rock face, or cruise to Ufakdere and Kovan Island. You may be lucky enough to see a shy octopus, colourful fish, and sponge growing on the sea floor. The famous Uluburun Bronze Age shipwreck, which is located in the Bodrum Museum, was discovered near here.
Although you will not visit the Island of Meis (Kastellorizo) on this tour, you will be close enough to get a view of the charming harbour area, and you may just consider a separate trip by ferry to discover more of the Greek island's charms. This is an enjoyable day cruise including lunch, which ends around 5 PM, back in the harbour of Kaş”
Although you will not visit the Island of Meis (Kastellorizo) on this tour, you will be close enough to get a view of the charming harbour area, and you may just consider a separate trip by ferry to discover more of the Greek island's charms. This is an enjoyable day cruise including lunch, which ends around 5 PM, back in the harbour of Kaş”
Some times these boat tours will include a visit to some sea caves that can be explored along the coast near Kas. "Wild Pigeon Cave" where the birds come to roost above cool spring-fed water. Another popular cave to swim in is the "Blue Cave", a large cave in near darkness except for the indescribable brilliant phosphorescent-blue of the water caused by sunlight shining up through the surface of the water.
Apart from these various day trips some boats go on a “romantic moonlit cruise” which sometimes includes dinner.
The best way to find out what's on offer is to check the various agencies dotted around town or stroll along the harbour and check with the boats themselves.
The best way to find out what's on offer is to check the various agencies dotted around town or stroll along the harbour and check with the boats themselves.
On board a gulet, you will have time for you. You can lose yourself among the pages of a book or simply relax in the shade in a hammock on deck. Take a swim at dawn or enjoy a hearty breakfast served by the crew of the boat.
You can sail turquoise waters, watching the wonders of the coast, anchor in beautiful secluded bays, take a good walk and enjoy an unforgettable sunset.
You usually sail a couple of hours a day and then the boat is anchored in a bay or in a small village. Each day you will visit two to three bays. Normally the schooner uses the engine, and only under favourable conditions of wind, can also use the sails.
The departure and meal times may vary depending on daily activities and the requests of the group. The captain is the one who decides any changes in itinerary and the sailing time.
In short, an adventure where you can choose at any time what you want to do (swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, sunbathing) and where the crew will take care of everything: to prepare and serve meals, provide the service bar, cleaning, and will be at your disposal all time to carry out your preferences for the entire trip.
You can sail turquoise waters, watching the wonders of the coast, anchor in beautiful secluded bays, take a good walk and enjoy an unforgettable sunset.
You usually sail a couple of hours a day and then the boat is anchored in a bay or in a small village. Each day you will visit two to three bays. Normally the schooner uses the engine, and only under favourable conditions of wind, can also use the sails.
The departure and meal times may vary depending on daily activities and the requests of the group. The captain is the one who decides any changes in itinerary and the sailing time.
In short, an adventure where you can choose at any time what you want to do (swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, sunbathing) and where the crew will take care of everything: to prepare and serve meals, provide the service bar, cleaning, and will be at your disposal all time to carry out your preferences for the entire trip.
Various sizes and types of wooden gulet are available for overnight trips in Kas harbour. You can book for one night and up to a week and size probably depends on how many people are in your group. As usual you can check with the agencies or approach the boat captains directly in the harbour.
Overnight Gulet Tours
A Typical Itinery
Day 1: Departure Kas Harbour for Mediterranean
We depart from Kas Marina around 10.00 am sharp and cruise around the coast to it Islands for snorkelling and water sports. After that we will head to Limangazi Bays. You will moor here for the night.
Day 2: Sailing
We sail east, Today we visit the sunken city at Kekova Island, the ancient Sinema, which sits below the ramparts of an earlier hilltop Roman castle and Disco Island. This evening we anchor along the turquoise coast where you can enjoy the sun setting over the beatiful coastline.
Day 3: Visiting Myra &St Nicholas Church
Today we will be visiting those beatiful historical places. After that our hardest decision will be whether to have a relaxing swim, be enegetic and partake in water sports or just laze on the deck soaking up some of those seemingly endless rays.
Day 4: Tour Finishes
Finally another wonderful day of sailing awaits as we visit a wonderful bays on the the way back to Kas harbour. Tour ends in Kas harbour around 18:00 oclock. Until that time you will enjoy the sea and the sun.
Kastellorizo (Meis)
An excursion to the nearby stunning and traditional Greek island of Kastellorizo ia another popular choice. The main village is clustered around a small harbour and the pastel-coloured classical buildings are exactly what you’d expect a Greek fishing village to look like – the perfect day out.
Named Meis in Turkish - and truly an Oscar-winner of an island! Kastellorizo was the feature island of the film “Mediterraneo”; which won an Oscar for “Best Foreign Language Film” in 1991. Just 2 nautical miles (@4Km) and a relaxing 20-minute ferry trip from Kas harbour' Kastellorizo is a wonderful village that typifies Greek island life.
The ferries leave Kas at around 10:00am and head out across the sea, entering the wonderful village harbour with its' typical Greek houses and church, a different world from Kas.
The town's backstreets are worth strolling around and there is a castle and museum and some churches to see. The bars and tavernas around the harbour are the place to sample Greek cuisine and enjoy a taste of Greece.
The ferries return to Kas late afternoon you'll see panoramic off-shore views of Kas before arriving back in time for a late afternoon swim.
Many ex-pats who live between Marmaris and Antalya use this trip to renew their 3 month visas, the the ferries can run throughout the year, not just the summer season.
Named Meis in Turkish - and truly an Oscar-winner of an island! Kastellorizo was the feature island of the film “Mediterraneo”; which won an Oscar for “Best Foreign Language Film” in 1991. Just 2 nautical miles (@4Km) and a relaxing 20-minute ferry trip from Kas harbour' Kastellorizo is a wonderful village that typifies Greek island life.
The ferries leave Kas at around 10:00am and head out across the sea, entering the wonderful village harbour with its' typical Greek houses and church, a different world from Kas.
The town's backstreets are worth strolling around and there is a castle and museum and some churches to see. The bars and tavernas around the harbour are the place to sample Greek cuisine and enjoy a taste of Greece.
The ferries return to Kas late afternoon you'll see panoramic off-shore views of Kas before arriving back in time for a late afternoon swim.
Many ex-pats who live between Marmaris and Antalya use this trip to renew their 3 month visas, the the ferries can run throughout the year, not just the summer season.
A Visitor's Experience
“Anyway, we had to renew our visas yesterday and what a lovely pre-Christmas outing it was too. A day trip to the Greek Island of Meis (Kastellorizo), whether you're on holiday in this part of Turkey or you live here, is an absolute essential as far as I'm concerned. I wrote about Kaş a while back. A 20 minute sail from lovely Kaş and you're in another world. It's a tiny island, the people are Greek, the buildings are Greek, but the nearest Greek island is Rhodes (70 nautical miles away) and Turkey is almost within touching distance. Borders are funny things.
We've been going to Meis for years and have always used the same guy to take us there because he was recommended by a friend. He used to take you across on a little fishing boat but everything has gone posh now and he takes you there in 20 minutes aboard the Meis Express. Not being a sea-faring bird, I much prefer this method of travel - bigger and quicker and you can sunbathe on top in summer. Yesterday, we lounged on the bean bags.
We couldn't have picked a better day yesterday. I've never seen it [Meis] so clearly before. And I was a bit nervous about the crossing - you might have noticed I've mentioned it a couple of times recently. The smoothest crossing we've ever had. We just sat back on our beanbags, sun on our faces and bobbed along.
Leaving Kaş behind to head towards Meis. Barry was a tad on the bored side as he likes 'a bit of fight to his sea.' As you can see, it was more like a lake yesterday and I was in my element. I'm more than happy to have as little 'fight to the sea' as possible.
Turcan [The captain] was probably a bit disappointed too. He told us about last Friday (when our friends sailed to Meis with him). There was definitely a twinkle in his eye when he told us how good the 3 and 4 metre waves were! No thanks.
We've been going to Meis for years and have always used the same guy to take us there because he was recommended by a friend. He used to take you across on a little fishing boat but everything has gone posh now and he takes you there in 20 minutes aboard the Meis Express. Not being a sea-faring bird, I much prefer this method of travel - bigger and quicker and you can sunbathe on top in summer. Yesterday, we lounged on the bean bags.
We couldn't have picked a better day yesterday. I've never seen it [Meis] so clearly before. And I was a bit nervous about the crossing - you might have noticed I've mentioned it a couple of times recently. The smoothest crossing we've ever had. We just sat back on our beanbags, sun on our faces and bobbed along.
Leaving Kaş behind to head towards Meis. Barry was a tad on the bored side as he likes 'a bit of fight to his sea.' As you can see, it was more like a lake yesterday and I was in my element. I'm more than happy to have as little 'fight to the sea' as possible.
Turcan [The captain] was probably a bit disappointed too. He told us about last Friday (when our friends sailed to Meis with him). There was definitely a twinkle in his eye when he told us how good the 3 and 4 metre waves were! No thanks.
After 20 minutes or so you suddenly arrive in the perfect, stereotypical Greek harbour that is Meis. It looks like a setting from a holiday brochure. The Rough Guide to Greek Islands describes the island as a place that you will either want to leave after one hour or you will want to stay for at least a week. We're definitely in the latter category. We keep meaning to stay overnight during the summer months but we just never get round to it. Think that might have to be a 2010 New Year's resolution.
This is the Meis Express (right) that ferries you between Kaş and the island. In the summer months, the path you can see along the harbour is lined with tables and umbrellas. We normally go to these restaurants for a pork-fix (they do an amazing home-made Cumberland Sausage style sausage) but yesterday, due to Christmas spending, we made do with a packed lunch. Of course we still made sure we had enough Euros for a couple of the local, lovely, cold, refreshing Mythos beers. (Can you tell we like Mythos?)
If you like a bit of stroll round and a nosey (like we do) then you can head up and away from the harbour and you get some fantastic views of the island and back to Kaş in the distance. Loads of the houses on the island are now being restored to their former glory and there are some proper stunners. The ferry you can see coming in comes to Meis from Rhodes three times a week and carries cargo and passengers between the islands. It always amazes me how it gets into the harbour - it's massive.
Right, that's Meis then. If you ever fancy going, Turcan has a website that's worth a visit because it plays 'Zorba The Greek' while you're looking at it. But, the trip we went on yesterday is
This is the Meis Express (right) that ferries you between Kaş and the island. In the summer months, the path you can see along the harbour is lined with tables and umbrellas. We normally go to these restaurants for a pork-fix (they do an amazing home-made Cumberland Sausage style sausage) but yesterday, due to Christmas spending, we made do with a packed lunch. Of course we still made sure we had enough Euros for a couple of the local, lovely, cold, refreshing Mythos beers. (Can you tell we like Mythos?)
If you like a bit of stroll round and a nosey (like we do) then you can head up and away from the harbour and you get some fantastic views of the island and back to Kaş in the distance. Loads of the houses on the island are now being restored to their former glory and there are some proper stunners. The ferry you can see coming in comes to Meis from Rhodes three times a week and carries cargo and passengers between the islands. It always amazes me how it gets into the harbour - it's massive.
Right, that's Meis then. If you ever fancy going, Turcan has a website that's worth a visit because it plays 'Zorba The Greek' while you're looking at it. But, the trip we went on yesterday is
Julia (blog)
In Kaş harbour there are frequent ferry boats to Limanazi, at the far end of Kas bay, where there are 3 beaches accessible only by boat. The ferry boats will wait until they have a group of people and then set off across the bay, calling at each of the 3 beaches in turn. You pay a fixed fee of 10TL for the return trip and get off at whichever beach you prefer. They are all fairly similar with a cafe/restaurant providing sunbeds and umbrellas and the usual range of drinks and food. The ferry boats return throughout the day, normally the last one is around 6pm. You simply go to the jetty and wait for the next one to leave.
There are four beaches in Limanağzı - from east to west, Nuri's (by the cliff with the tombs), Don Quixote, Otağ and Bilal's.
In the height of summer they all do pretty well for late sun - up to around 6pm when the boats stop running. Early or late in the season (end of September) much of Bilal's and Don Quixote do tend to get shaded by late afternoon, say 4.00 to 4.30, because of higher ground and trees immediately to the west. The east part of Nuri's beach probably gets the most amount of sunlight but as most people leave the beach by around 5.00pm so there isn't a lot in it.
All four beaches have restaurants and serve drinks and are not usually more expensive than the beach areas in the Town.
The boats from Kaş do not necessarily visit the beaches in any particular order so the 'last stop' idea may be misleading. It depends on the captain and the beach to which he has the greatest affinity. Quite often, when they have dropped off all their passengers, the captain may stay at one of the beaches all day before returning in the evening. So it is best to tell the
There are four beaches in Limanağzı - from east to west, Nuri's (by the cliff with the tombs), Don Quixote, Otağ and Bilal's.
In the height of summer they all do pretty well for late sun - up to around 6pm when the boats stop running. Early or late in the season (end of September) much of Bilal's and Don Quixote do tend to get shaded by late afternoon, say 4.00 to 4.30, because of higher ground and trees immediately to the west. The east part of Nuri's beach probably gets the most amount of sunlight but as most people leave the beach by around 5.00pm so there isn't a lot in it.
All four beaches have restaurants and serve drinks and are not usually more expensive than the beach areas in the Town.
The boats from Kaş do not necessarily visit the beaches in any particular order so the 'last stop' idea may be misleading. It depends on the captain and the beach to which he has the greatest affinity. Quite often, when they have dropped off all their passengers, the captain may stay at one of the beaches all day before returning in the evening. So it is best to tell the
“Hi, we had a great lunch,swim and sunbathe at don quixote, great little Shirley Valentine style table at the water`s edge. You can swim out to the raft and sleep it off afterwards. The boatman yells out "Kas" at about 5pm so no worries on getting back! Enjoy your holidays, we just love the place. “
You can check out the various tour options with the travel agents in the town.
Louise from the Wirral
Check out the ferries here >>
Check out the agencies here >>
ferryboats to the Greek Island Kastellorizo (Meis) and regular ferries to the beaches in Liman Agzi.
of the area. This is similar to above but a larger group (therefore cheaper). They claim this gives visitors more time on the water in Kekova and less time travelling to and fro.
• The most popular way however, is to go with one of the 10 or 12 boats that leave the harbour for Kekova every day in the summer at 10am. This is a whole day trip including lunch and the cruise along the coast from Kas to the bays can be very pleasant.
• Kayak is another way to see the area and you can find out about that here.
• Most overnight gulet trips will visit the area, a great way to experience the peace and beauty of Kekova “Roads”.
• The most popular way however, is to go with one of the 10 or 12 boats that leave the harbour for Kekova every day in the summer at 10am. This is a whole day trip including lunch and the cruise along the coast from Kas to the bays can be very pleasant.
• Kayak is another way to see the area and you can find out about that here.
• Most overnight gulet trips will visit the area, a great way to experience the peace and beauty of Kekova “Roads”.
staircases seemingly going to nowhere, with remains of abandoned houses. There are also strangely shaped rock islands that have been hollowed out as they were used as stone quarries and later as dwellings. You will enjoy lunch and make various swimming and snorkelling stops to unspoiled bays in the area such as Aquarium Bay, Tersane Bay (an ancient shipyard and remains of a Byzantine Church), Gokkaya Bay and Burc Bay. Return to Kas in the early evening.
Occasionally a boat will offer an evening cruise to the island for a different sort of experience.
It is possible to arrange a private boat trip to Kastellorizo so you can decide yourself how much time to spend cruising and visiting the village. You can check with the agencies or the boats in the harbour.
It is possible to arrange a private boat trip to Kastellorizo so you can decide yourself how much time to spend cruising and visiting the village. You can check with the agencies or the boats in the harbour.
advertised in some of the local English language newspapers in Fethiye and you can just give Turcan a ring to arrange when you want to go. Over winter, he's sailing on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, weather permitting. Trips are 'daily' (in the Turkish sense of the word) over summer.”
captain of the boat which beach you want to go to when you get on board so that he can decide which drop offs he wants to do first. If you are in Kaş for several days you will have time to try them all and choose your favourite.