
Kekova Sea Kayaking: For the Curious
An Immersive Way to Discover the Bays & Islands
Paddle above ancient ruins, swim in crystal-clear water and experience Kekova at a relaxed pace with our local team.
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Recommended by 100% of travelers
Paddle through the bays and islands of Kekova, explore the famous Sunken City, swim in crystal-clear water and enjoy a traditional village lunch. No experience needed.
Why our Guests Love This Tour
🛶 No Experience Needed
Most guests are first-time kayakers. We provide the equipment, instruction and support to get you comfortably on the water.
🏛️ History Comes Alive
Explore the famous Sunken City and discover the stories, ruins and traditions that shaped the Lycian Coast.
🌊 Swim in Hidden Bays
Cool off in crystal-clear Mediterranean water and enjoy plenty of opportunities to swim and relax.
👥 Small Groups
More personal, less rushed and easier to ask questions, take photos and enjoy the experience.
🍴 Traditional Village Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed lunch in Simena, a village accessible only by sea or foot.
😊 Local Team
Friendly guides who know the coastline, the villages and the stories behind them.

Kind words from our guests
Itinerary

Kayaking Time
3 x 45 minutes
Total ≅2.30 hrs
Distances
3 + 3 + 2 km
Total ≅ 8 km
For your convenience, we recommend settling payments in cash on the day of the tour. We accept any currency, ensuring flexibility for our guests.
Highlights
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Paddle over Kekova’s clear waters and explore quiet bays
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Follow an easy 8 km route with swim breaks and coastal views
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Enjoy free time in Simena Village with an optional castle visit
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Glide above the Sunken City and learn about its ancient history
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Beginner-friendly tour led by a licensed canoe federation guide
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Start in Üçağız with optional transfers from Kaş and Kalkan


Tour Description (Spoiler Alert !!!)
Explore Kekova from Sea Level — Calm, Scenic & Full of History Sea kayaking is the most peaceful way to discover Kekova. After a short safety briefing, we slip into clear, calm water and paddle along quiet coves, limestone cliffs, and the famous Sunken City. The pace is relaxed, the atmosphere is natural, and the whole day moves with the sea. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you’ve paddled before, this is a gentle, beautiful way to explore the Turquoise Coast. We adapt the route each morning to match the sea conditions, so the tour stays calm, comfortable, and enjoyable for everyone. There’s plenty of time to take photos, enjoy the landscape, and settle into the rhythm of the day. ⸻ Paddle Over the Sunken City of Kekova Kayak slowly above the world-famous Sunken City, where ancient ruins lie just below the surface. Non-motorized kayaks can get closer to the old walls and stairs, making this the most authentic way to explore Dolichiste. Your guide shares the story of the ancient settlement as we glide along the coastline. ⸻ Visit Simena (Kaleköy) Village We dock at the small, car-free village of Simena (Kaleköy). Wander through quiet stone streets, enjoy the sea views, and try the famous homemade ice cream. Those who want a little more adventure can walk up to the medieval castle and necropolis for one of the best panoramas in the region. (Castle visit optional; entry cash only, around 200 TL.) ⸻ Swim at Tersane Bay (Xera) We paddle into the calm, sheltered waters of Tersane Bay, once the old harbor of Xera. It’s a peaceful place to explore the ruins on shore or cool off with a swim in beautiful turquoise water. ⸻ Flexible & Authentic Lunch Lunch is part of the experience. Depending on the day, we may enjoy a picnic in a quiet bay or choose a simple restaurant meal in Simena. All options are fresh and local. Please let us know your dietary preferences before the tour. ⸻ Secret Bays & the Return Paddle On some days, when timing and conditions allow, we add small extras such as a swim at our Secret Bay or a light cliff jump at Adalar. We finish with a relaxed paddle back to Üçağız, passing the Lycian sarcophagi of the Teimiussa Necropolis along the shoreline. ⸻ Tour Details & Logistics Activity Level: Moderate (beginners welcome) Start Point: Üçağız Village (Kekova) Transfers: Optional shuttles available from Kaş and Kalkan
Includes
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Professional, certified guide
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Tandem kayaks (limited single kayaks), paddles, and safety gear
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Introduction and safety briefing
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Small waterproof containers for valuables
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Lunch (local restaurant)
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Optional transfer from Kaş and Kalkan (if selected)
Not Included
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Simena Castle entrance fee (200 TL, cash only)
Tour Price
65 € per person
From Kaş - inc. lunch & transfer
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Options & Discounts
• Meet in Üçağız (no transfer): –10 €
• Without lunch: –10 €
• Children (under 12): –5 €
• Transfer from Kalkan: +20 €
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Payment
Payment is usually made in cash on the day.
Card payment can be arranged for the day if requested in advance.
Most major currencies are welcome.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need kayaking experience?
No. Most people who join us have never kayaked before. We start with a full safety briefing, show you how to use the equipment, and help you get comfortable on the water before we head out.
Why choose a kayak tour instead of a boat trip?
Kayaks let us move at our own pace, away from the engine noise and crowded decks of larger boats. You can get into shallow, quiet bays and glide directly over the ruins in silence—something motorboats simply can’t do. It’s a much more personal way to see the coast.
Can you really see the Sunken City from a kayak?
Yes. You paddle directly over submerged walls, staircases, and foundations. Being at water level gives you a better view than looking down from a high boat deck. Just keep in mind that these ruins are thousands of years old and can be subtle. It’s a unique way to connect with the history of the coast, but do not expect to see an intact city.
How difficult is the tour?
This is an active but relaxed day out. We cover about 8–9 kilometers in total, but it’s spread over the entire day with plenty of stops. If you are reasonably active, you’ll be fine. We always keep a steady pace that allows the group to stay together.
How much paddling is involved?
We spend the day moving between three different bays. The paddling is broken into manageable sections with plenty of time for swimming, exploring ruins, and enjoying our village lunch break.
Will there be time for swimming?
Yes. Swimming is a big part of the day. We stop at several secluded bays specifically for jumping in and enjoying the clear water.
What is included?
The tour includes all kayaking gear, a professional sea kayaking guide, a traditional village lunch, small waterproof containers, and optional transportation from Kaş.
Can children join?
Yes. We use stable tandem kayaks, which are ideal for families because parents and children can paddle together. We welcome families! While we do not have a hard age limit, children must be able to sit in a kayak for up to 60 minutes at a time, follow the guide’s safety instructions, and, of course, know how to use a water gun 🙂. We generally recommend this tour for children aged 6 and up. If you’re unsure whether the tour is suitable for your child, just send us a message and we’ll be happy to advise.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sun protection (a hat and sunscreen are mandatory), sunglasses with a strap, water, and shoes you don't mind getting wet. Treat it like a beach day.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Your safety is our priority. While we aim to follow the standard itinerary, we may adjust the route if conditions change during the day. If sea conditions become unsafe, we will either reschedule your tour or provide a full refund.
Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but you should be comfortable being in and around the water while wearing a life jacket. All guests wear life jackets, and we stay together as a group throughout the day. If you’re nervous about swimming, please let us know in advance so we can help you feel comfortable.
Will my belongings stay dry?
For phones and valuables, we provide a small, fully waterproof container that stays with you. Larger items like towels and shoes are stored in the kayak hatches in protective bags. While they usually stay dry, kayak hatches are not 100% waterproof. Please do not bring anything that cannot get wet, and we strongly advise against bringing expensive electronics that are not designed for water use.
Are there toilets during the tour?
Yes. There are public toilets and cafes at the start of the tour in Üçağız, and toilets are available again at lunchtime. Please note that the village facilities are clean but typically squat toilets.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes about 8 km of sea kayaking in calm, sheltered waters.
• Moderate fitness recommended
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum age: 6 years (with fit parents)
• Teenagers 14+ can join with written permission
• Not suitable for guests over 120 kg

Meeting & Pickup Information
Early departures give you the best conditions: calm sea, gentle sun, and a quiet Kekova all to yourself.
If you are staying in a hotel, please inform them about your early departure.
Most hotels are happy to prepare an early breakfast or a small take-away box.
Kaş Meeting Point
Summer: 07:30 (1 May–31 Oct)
Winter: 08:30 (1 Nov–30 Apr)
Please arrive 5 minutes early.
Driving time: 40 minutes
Location (next to Dilan & Aysun Café):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/K2gHGPSUCBQNHtyz5
Kaş Peninsula Pickups
Free Pickups on the Peninsula are from the main road near your hotel 15 minutes before the main departures.
Please send us your hotel name so we can confirm the exact stopping point.
Kekova – Kale / Üçağız Meeting Point
Summer: 08:15 (1 May–31 Oct)
Winter: 09:15 (1 Nov–30 Apr)
Please arrive a few minutes early.
Location: Üçağız Village – Kalealtı Mevkii
(Ask for Kanocu Barbaros)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zuvyq7TMcfH5BGcc9
How to find us:
Walk through Gönül Café Passage. The kayaks are by the water, just before Teimussa Pansiyon, under the large eucalyptus tree.
Parking:
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Paid parking at Üçağız Harbor (with attendant)
Kalkan Transfer
Main meeting point: Just Above Kalkan Taxi Stand
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUxaXdUPwayavxBV9
Summer: 07:00 (1 May–31 Oct)
Winter: 08:00 (1 Nov–30 Apr)
Kalkan’s narrow and steep streets allow pickup only from some safe main-road points.
Please send your accommodation address so we can confirm the nearest suitable spot (supermarket, bank, etc).
Driving time: 70 minutes
You will meet your guide and the rest of the group halfway in Kaş or latest in Üçağız, depending on the day.

What to bring
Think “Beach Bag”
• Comfortable shorts and T-shirt
• Swimwear (please wear it before the tour)
• Towel
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sun cream
• At least 1 litre of water (you can buy more in the villages)
• Any personal medication (e.g., asthma inhaler)
• Small cash for drinks, ice cream, or Simena Castle
• A full change of clothes for after the tour (kept safely in your car or transfer vehicle)
• Light wind jacket in winter
Footwear
• Water shoes or sandals are ideal
• Barefoot is perfectly fine in the kayak
• Flip-flops are okay but not great for walking
• Sneakers/trainers stay dry in the kayak if you’d like more comfort in Simena or Tersane
Equipment & Storage
• Each kayak has a small waterproof container (3–5 L) for essentials like phone, wallet, and keys
• If it doesn’t fit in here, you probably won’t need it on the water
• Towels and shoes fit easily inside the kayak, we have some bags for these
• Please leave tablets, books, and bulky items at your hotel or in the transfer vehicle
• Avoid jewellery
• Passports can stay in the hotel — a passport photo is enough for transfers
























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