
Çayağzı Harbor Demre
Gateway to Kekova and a prime spot for swimming with loggerhead turtles, offering unique river-meets-sea swimming.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds

Çayağzı Harbor Demre
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gateway to Kekova and a prime spot for swimming with loggerhead turtles, offering unique river-meets-sea swimming.
"Ideal location for swimming with loggerhead turtles and exploring Kekova."

🐢 Turtle Etiquette
Observe turtles from a distance. Never feed or touch them to ensure their well-being.
🚤 Book Boat Tours Locally
Many boat tours depart from the harbor. Compare prices and itineraries for the best value.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Loggerhead Turtle Spotting
Çayağzı Harbor
Witness majestic loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Kekova Boat Tours
Departing from Çayağzı Harbor
Cruise to the sunken city of Kekova and explore stunning bays. Enjoy swimming and soaking in the picturesque scenery.

River Meets Sea
Çayağzı Beach
Experience the unique sensation of swimming where a river flows into the sea. Refreshing and invigorating.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Turtle Encounters & Boat Tours
Best Time for Clear Waters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 Turtle Etiquette
Observe turtles from a distance. Never feed or touch them to ensure their well-being.
🚤 Book Boat Tours Locally
Many boat tours depart from the harbor. Compare prices and itineraries for the best value.
🏊♀️ Swim in River & Sea
Enjoy the unique experience of swimming where the river meets the sea.
📸 Capture the Views
The harbor and Kekova offer stunning photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 Turtle Etiquette
Observe turtles from a distance. Never feed or touch them to ensure their well-being.
🚤 Book Boat Tours Locally
Many boat tours depart from the harbor. Compare prices and itineraries for the best value.
🏊♀️ Swim in River & Sea
Enjoy the unique experience of swimming where the river meets the sea.
📸 Capture the Views
The harbor and Kekova offer stunning photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Çayağzı Harbor is celebrated as an ideal departure point for boat tours to Kekova, offering a more efficient journey than from Kaş. Visitors rave about the chance to swim with loggerhead turtles and enjoy the unique experience of the river meeting the sea. The picturesque scenery and pleasant boat trips make it a memorable destination.
"It's the ideal location for swimming with loggerhead turtles. I love swimming in the sea and the river that flows into it."
Mustafa Hami
"Kekova is a very suitable location for the tour. It is much more effective to do the tour from here instead of Kaş in terms of the distance and time you will spend in the sea. This way, you do not spend time in the open sea. This allows you to spend much longer time in the bays and swim."
Vera Nova Group
"A good boat cruise with great views...was awesome to see the turtles in the harbour."
David Upstone
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Antalya to Demre, which takes approximately 2-3 hours. From Demre's bus station, Çayağzı Harbor is a short taxi ride or a local dolmuş (minibus) trip away.
Yes, there are usually parking areas available near the harbor, especially if you arrive earlier in the day. Some boat tour operators might also offer parking for their customers.
Yes, local dolmuş services connect Demre town center to Çayağzı Harbor. These are frequent and an economical way to travel.
While many tours depart from Kaş, traveling to Çayağzı Harbor in Demre for a boat tour is recommended for saving time. You can take a bus from Kaş to Demre, which is a shorter journey than a direct boat trip from Kaş to Kekova.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Çayağzı Harbor itself is a public area and generally does not require an entrance fee. However, boat tours and activities departing from the harbor will have their own costs.
Boat tours typically start in the morning, around 9-10 AM, and run until late afternoon. It's best to check with individual tour operators for their specific schedules.
Swimming with turtles is a natural encounter and there are no specific fees for it. However, if you join a boat tour that includes swimming stops, the tour price will cover access to those areas.
Yes, private boat tours are often available. You can inquire directly with boat captains or tour agencies at the harbor to arrange a customized trip.
While Kekova is a protected archaeological site, access is typically via boat tour. The boat tour price usually covers the passage through the area, and there isn't a separate entrance fee for the sunken city itself.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
The most common way is to join a boat tour from Çayağzı Harbor. Turtles are often seen in the harbor area and around the swimming spots near Kekova. Snorkeling can enhance your viewing experience.
Boat tours typically last between 3 to 6 hours, depending on the itinerary and stops. Some tours might be shorter half-day trips, while others are full-day excursions.
You can go swimming, sunbathe on the beach, take boat tours to Kekova, and enjoy the unique experience of swimming where the river meets the sea. It's also a great spot for wildlife observation, especially turtles.
The waters in the bays around Kekova and at Çayağzı are generally clean and clear, making them ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The river meeting the sea offers a unique, refreshing mix.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof bag for your electronics. Snorkel gear is also recommended if you plan to explore underwater.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes located along the harbor and beach area, offering local Turkish cuisine and refreshments. Many boat tour packages also include lunch.
Most boat tours offer drinks for purchase, and some may include lunch or snacks as part of the package. It's advisable to confirm this when booking your tour.
Lunch on boat tours often consists of simple, fresh Turkish dishes like grilled fish or chicken, pasta, salads, and seasonal fruits.
📸 📸 Photography
The harbor itself, with its boats and clear waters, is picturesque. The point where the river meets the sea offers unique photographic opportunities. The coastline leading to Kekova is also stunning.
Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens, you can capture great shots of the loggerhead turtles. Waterproof cameras or phone cases are useful if you plan to photograph them while swimming.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. The golden hour before sunset provides beautiful warm tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Spotting loggerhead turtles is often a highlight for children, providing an exciting educational opportunity about marine life. Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water toys. Some boat tours might offer kid-friendly snacks or meals, so it's worth inquiring when booking.
🐢 Wildlife Enthusiasts
Beyond turtles, the coastal waters are rich with marine life, making snorkeling and swimming particularly rewarding. The unique environment where the river meets the sea also supports a diverse range of aquatic flora and fauna.
📸 Photographers
For the best shots, aim for early mornings or late afternoons to capture the soft, golden light. Consider bringing a zoom lens for wildlife photography and a wide-angle lens for capturing the expansive coastal views. Waterproof camera gear is highly recommended if you plan to photograph the turtles while swimming or snorkeling.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Loggerhead Turtles
Boat tours departing from Çayağzı Harbor frequently include stops where turtles are commonly seen. Some travelers mention that the turtles seem accustomed to the boats, allowing for close, yet safe, observation. The clarity of the water in this area further enhances the experience, offering clear views of the turtles as they glide through the sea. It's a truly special experience that many visitors cherish as a highlight of their trip to Demre.
For the best chances of spotting turtles, consider joining an early morning tour when the waters are calmer and the turtles may be more active. While sightings are common, they are never guaranteed, adding to the thrill of the encounter. The sheer joy of seeing these magnificent creatures in their element is a powerful reason to visit Çayağzı Harbor.
Exploring Kekova by Boat
The boat trips typically navigate along the coastline, offering stunning views of the Lycian coast. Key highlights include the partially submerged ruins of Kekova, visible from the boat, and the charming village of Kaleköy (Simena) with its hilltop castle. Many tours allow for swimming stops in picturesque bays, where you can snorkel and discover underwater remnants or simply enjoy the refreshing Mediterranean Sea. The experience is often described as 'wonderful' and 'awesome' by visitors.
When choosing a boat tour, consider opting for one that includes lunch and offers ample time for swimming and exploration. The convenience of departing from Çayağzı Harbor allows for a more relaxed pace, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the Kekova region without feeling rushed.
The Unique River-Meets-Sea Experience
Visitors often describe the sensation of swimming here as invigorating. You can literally feel the cooler freshwater mingling with the warmer saltwater. This natural phenomenon makes the beach and harbor area a fascinating spot for a swim, offering a refreshing contrast to typical sea bathing. It's a simple yet memorable aspect of the Çayağzı experience that many travelers enjoy.
This confluence also contributes to the rich biodiversity of the area, supporting a unique ecosystem. It's a natural wonder that adds another layer of appeal to Çayağzı Harbor beyond its famous turtle encounters and boat tours.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit