Kekova Cave
Kekova Cave by Kekova Island, Antalya, Turkey
Kekova Cave is located by the island of the same name off the coast of the Demre district, in the marine area between Ucagiz, Kalekoy, and Kekova Island. It is a small sea cave that is usually shown during boat trips through the bays and coves of this part of the Mediterranean Sea. The site is known primarily as part of the popular route around the island, where natural landmarks are located alongside protected archaeological zones.
The cave faces the sea and is accessible only from the water. It cannot be reached from the shore, so an independent visit without a boat is impossible. During excursions, boats usually approach the entrance at a safe distance, and whether it is possible to get closer depends on wave height, wind, and any navigation restrictions in force that day.
The cave is also known among tourists as the Pirate Cave. This is a common tour name, but there is no confirmed historical evidence that this specific place was connected with pirates. Interest in the cave is linked rather to its marine location, the shape of its entrance, and the fact that it is part of one of the most famous sightseeing areas on the Antalya coast.
A visit to the cave is usually combined with viewing the partially submerged ruins near Kekova, stops in neighboring bays, and views of the village of Kalekoy with Simena Castle. At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that swimming and free movement are restricted in the archaeologically protected waters. The cave itself has no pier or any infrastructure, so the trip depends entirely on the format of the boat excursion and the condition of the sea.
Kekova Cave on the map
Kekova Cave - boat viewing and access rules
Viewing is only possible from the water and depends on sea conditions and navigation.
Sea entrance in the rock on the route around Kekova Island
During a visit from the water, visitors see a narrow dark opening in the limestone rock and the steep sections of the island’s shore. Depending on the lighting, the color of the water at the entrance changes from bright turquoise to a deeper blue, so the cave is more often viewed from a boat rather than as a place for a long stop. Landing ashore is not предусмотрена here.
The format of the visit is usually simple: a motorboat or small boat slows down near the entrance, after which passengers view the cave from the deck and continue along the route. Entering inside is not always possible and depends on the size of the vessel, sea conditions, and the rules in force on that particular day. If the sea is rough, the stop may be very brief or the cave is shown only from a distance.
Swimming right by the cave is usually not the main part of the program, and swimming stops are more often made in nearby bays, where it is allowed and safer. Nearby are the submerged ruins of Kekova, the village of Kalekoy, and Simena Castle, which are often included in the same trip. Therefore, it is more convenient to view the cave as one of the points on a large sea route rather than as a separate site for a long visit.
The easiest way to get here is by excursion boat from Ucagiz, Kalekoy, Demre, or, in a longer format, from Kas.
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