Best Kekova Sunken City Tours in Turkey

✓ Last reviewed: May 2026 — Verified and updated by our licensed Turkey travel experts. Kekova sunken city aerial — filmed on our private Antalya boat tour. Quick Answer: The Kekova Sunken City is a submerged ancient Lycian city, also known as Dolichiste, located on the Turkish Riviera in the Antalya province of Turkey . It is best experienced via a boat tour or kayak, which typically costs between $51 and $255 USD per person. The ideal time to visit for perfect weather and fewer crowds is during the spring ( April-May ) or autumn ( September-October ) when you can explore the ruins for a full day. What Is Kekova Sunken City Anyway? Imagine gliding across impossibly turquoise waters, peering down not at coral reefs, but at the ghostly outlines of an ancient civilization. This is the magical reality of the Kekova Sunken City , one of Turkey's most captivating and unusual historical sites. Located off the coast near Demre and Kaş in the Antalya province, this is not a myth but a tangible piece of history preserved in a liquid museum. The "Sunken City," once the thriving Lycian settlement of Dolichiste , lies along the northern shore of Kekova Island . In the 2nd century AD , a powerful earthquake tilted the island and submerged a significant portion of this bustling port town. Today, the remarkably clear Mediterranean Sea allows for an unparalleled viewing experience. From your boat or kayak, you'll witness: Stone foundations of houses and public buildings. Ancient staircases that descend eerily into the blue depths. Remnants of the old harbor and protective sea walls. Half-submerged Lycian sarcophagi and building archways. The entire Kekova region is a Specially Protected Area, encompassing the island itself, the charming mainland villages of Üçağız (ancient Teimiussa) and Kaleköy (ancient Simena), and the surrounding bays. This protection ensures the water remains pristine and the ruins are undisturbed, offering a snapshot of life in ancient Lycia, frozen in time by