top of page

Kekova Sea Kayaking: For the Curious

Ancient Ruins, Crystal Waters & Time to Explore

From 55 € per person ​

Small Groups

Lunch Included

No Experience Required

​​

Free cancellation up to 24 hours 

Reserve now & pay later

Paddle, swim, explore and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch in the village of Simena.

Highlights

🛶 Beginner-Friendly Adventure

Most guests are first-time kayakers. We provide all equipment, instruction and support, so you can relax and enjoy the journey.

 

🏛️ Paddle Through Lycian Histor

Explore the Sunken City, ancient ruins and island settlements while learning the stories behind them.

 

🌊 Hidden Bays & Crystal Waters

Swim, snorkel and explore secluded corners of Kekova that many visitors never discover.

 

👨‍🏫 Led by Local Experts

Spend the day with experienced local guides who have explored this coastline for decades and know its history, nature and secrets.

Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour Map

Itinerary

Kekova & The Sunken City

  • Sunken City (Dolichiste): Paddle silently over submerged ancient ruins. Kayaks provide unique access to wall remains and stairs that motorboats cannot reach.

  • Simena (Kaleköy): Dock in a car-free village. Time for homemade ice cream, narrow stone streets, and an optional climb to the medieval castle for panoramic views.

  • Tersane Bay (Xera): A sheltered harbor once belonging to the ancient city of Xera. Ideal for exploring ruins on foot and swimming in calm, turquoise water.

  • The Return Route: A relaxed paddle back through the Teimiussa Necropolis, passing Lycian sarcophagi along the shoreline, with optional swim stops depending on conditions.

Independent Reviews from Our Guests
pngwing.com.png
Kekova Kayaking Tour  TURKAF Logo

License: A-16698

IMG_1430.JPG
Kekova Kayaking Tour  itinerary Sea Kayak Turkey

For your convenience, we recommend settling payments in cash on the day of the tour. We accept any currency, ensuring flexibility for our guests.

Details

Duration: Full Day

Kayaking: ~8 km (3 x 45 min)

Swimming & Breaks: ~3 hrs

Activity Level: Moderate • Suitable for Beginners

Lunch: Fresh local lunch in Simena

Start Point: Üçağız Village (Kekova)

Transfers: Optional from Kaş & Kalkan

Pace: Relaxed

Included

 

✓ Professional guide

✓ Tandem kayak, paddle & safety gear

✓ Safety briefing

✓ Waterproof container

✓ Local lunch in Simena.

Not Included

✗ Transfers (Kaş 10 € / Kalkan 20€)

✗ Simena Castle entrance fee (200 TL cash)

Tour Price

 

55 € per person

 

From Üçağız Village • Lunch Included

 

Optional Transfers

Kaş: +10 €

Kalkan: +20 €

Reduced Rates

Children (<12): -10 €

Youngsters (12–16): -5 €

Returning Guests: -10%

Alternative

Without Lunch: -15 €

 

Payment

Cash payment on the day is preferred.

Card payment can be arranged in advance.

EUR, TRY, GBP and USD accepted.

Know Before You Go

Expect around 8 km of kayaking in mostly calm, sheltered waters.

• Moderate fitness recommended

 

• Children must be accompanied by an adult

 

• Recommended minimum age: 6 years

 

• Teenagers aged 14+ may join with written parental permission

 

• Guests over 120 kg or mobility issues should contact us before booking

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.

​​Tour finishes in Üçağız Village around 14.30 - 15.30.

---

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 – 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:

 

  • Paid parking at Üçağız Harbor (with attendant)​​​​

 

Kalkan Transfer

Main meeting point: 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.

IMG_6606.JPG

What to bring

Think “Beach Bag”

 

• Comfortable shorts and T-shirt
• Swimwear (please wear it before the tour)
• Towel, sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• At least 1 litre of water (more can be purchased 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 at the base or in your car)
• Light windproof jacket in winter (Mar–May / Oct–Dec)

 

Footwear

 

• Water shoes or sandals are ideal
• Barefoot is perfectly fine in the kayak
• Trainers or sneakers stay dry in the kayak hatch
• Flip-flops are okay but not ideal (you’ll survive 😉)

 

Equipment & Storage

 

• Each kayak has a small waterproof container (3–5 L) for essentials such as your phone, wallet and keys
• If it doesn’t fit in here, you probably won’t need it on the water
• Towels and footwear fit easily inside the kayak hatches
• Spare clothes can be left at the base or in your car for after the tour
• Please leave tablets, books and bulky items at home
• Avoid bringing jewellery
• Passports can stay at your hotel — a photo or copy is sufficient for transfers

Frequently asked questions

 

 

Do I need kayaking experience? - How difficult is the tour?

 

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.
 

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.

"The kayaking was easy and suitable for beginners, and the duration was perfect: not too long and not too short."

GetYourGuide Traveller / 2026.06.08

"This was our first kayaking trip, and it wasn't difficult. Our guide helped us and gave us tips on how to handle the kayak." 

Julia K 2025.11.27 Google Reviews

"Things to be aware of: You do not require kayaking experience but will require a basic level of fitness to paddle ~8km total across the day"

Peter / GetYourGuide / 2025.08.27

 

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.

"The early start is a positive as you will be the first or second groups at the destinations so you avoid the crowds of tourist boats later in the day."

Peter / 2025.08.27 / GetYourGuide

The view and landscapes are also spectacular and unforgettable. So much better to do in kayak. 

Genevieve / 2025.11.12 / GetYourGuide

Definitely if you are thinking about it, do it. Great way to be on the water with no crowds!! 

Tracy Condidorio / 2025.09.17 / Google Reviews

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.

"The scenery is stunning — crystal-clear turquoise water, rocky coastline, and you can even see the ancient sunken city beneath your kayak. It feels like a mix of nature and history in one trip." Elya Popova / 2026.04.30 / Google Reviews

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.

"...the day was very relaxed with lots of stops and swimming. Beautiful way to spend a day on the Mediterranean."

Catie Mason / 2025.09.17 / Google Reviews

What is included?

 

The tour includes all kayaking gear, a professional sea kayaking guide, a mediterranean lunch, small waterproof containers, and optional transportation from Kaş.

"The tour itself included a nice lunch, two swim stops, free time and tour about Kekova and general Lykian customs."

El A / 2025.09.04 / Google Reviews

"The trip itself was scenic and very interesting to learn about the sunken villiages." 

Tanya V / 2026.06.10 / TripAdvisor

 

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.

"Our family (including kids 12 and 17 years old) were kayaking first time, but Barbaros made us feel save and we absolutely enjoyed these almost 6 hours" Laura D / 2025.09.07 / TripAdvisor

"Me, my wife, and our teenage daughter all thought this was the highlight of our whole trip to Turkey."

Adelia Yoni Fridman / 2026.03.28 / Facebook Reviews

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? - What if the sea is rough?

 

Your safety is our priority. The waters around Kekova are generally sheltered, and we choose routes appropriate to the day’s conditions. 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 modify the route, reschedule your tour, or provide a full refund.

" Our guides were fun and communicative. Made us feel confident when the wind picked up and encouraged us with great humor. " GetYourGuide Traveller / 2026.05.25

Is this tour suitable if I’m not a confident swimmer?

 

Yes. 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.

"...the equipment was great quality, we got a plastic container for our phone and wallet (stayed dry the entire time)." 

Mackenzie / 2026.04.21 7 / GetYourGuide

 

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.

Whats for lunch?

We stop in the village of Simena for a freshly prepared lunch on a breezy waterfront terrace overlooking the bay. You can choose between a home-cooked vegetarian meal or chicken shish, both served with Mediterranean salad, rice, and potato fries. The portions are generous, the views are spectacular, and for many guests, lunch in Simena is one of the highlights of the day.

"Loved the Simena village and the lunch was delicious as well. "  Pattnaik A / 2026.04.07 / Google Reviews

​"The home-cooked lunch he prepared was one of the better meals over the last several days..."  Rachel / 2025.11.10 / GetYourGuide

What if I don’t want lunch?

 

No problem. You can bring your own food or skip lunch altogether and receive a €15 discount. The stop in Simena remains the same.

Should I book the transfer from Kaş?

 

Most guests choose the transfer because it makes for a more relaxed day. You won’t need to worry about directions, parking fees, or the drive back after a full day on the water. 

The journey through the Lycian countryside often includes some informal chat about local history, village life, and the landscape. If you prefer to drive yourself, that’s absolutely fine; you’ll meet the group in Üçağız and won’t miss any part of the kayaking tour itself.

Transportation was so easy to walk to and then a 35 min drive to Kekova (we chose this over driving ourselves and so glad we did). Hilary /

Hilary2025.09.29 / GetYourGuide

"The kayaks were in perfect condition, as was the comfortable minibus that took us from Kalkan to the starting point." 

Annukka Hubel / 2025.09.03 / Google Reviews

 
bottom of page