Travel bucket list idea:

Sea kayaking at Kekova

Demre, Mediterranean Region, Turkey

People kayaking on beautiful blue and green water

Credit Shutterstock.com/Heracles Kritikos

Last updated: 05 April, 2024

This 9km circular paddle is unique in taking place over famous a sunken city – Kekova. Kayaks alone can access many of the rocky, sarcophagus-strewn inlets of this beautiful bay area or pass over underwater ruins – harbour walls, steps and ruined villas – forbidden to divers and swimmers. The sheltered waters are perfect for sea kayaking, beginners especially.

Tours also include a visit to Simena, a waterside village topped by the ruins of a picture-book castle.

Logistics

Price from: £40

Minimum age: 12

Age suitable: 13+

When: All year around

Duration: 5 hours

Getting there & doing it

Most tours include a 45-minute transfer from Kas to Ucagız; kayaks are not locally available for independent hire. At least one guide accompanies the group, and a safety boat is on hand. The overall trip, including café and lunch breaks, takes around five hours. There is a minimum age requirement of 12 for kayaking tours.

There are a range of waterside cafes offering drinks, snacks and full meals at both Ucagız and Simena; meals are often included in the tour price.

When to do it

April to October is the sea kayaking season; tours tend to run early in the day to avoid the summer winds which tend to get up in the afternoon.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat Tour

Viator

Indulge in a day of relaxation, soaking up the sun on our spacious boat deck, while ample opportunities for swimming and snorkeling await in the pristine waters. Explore Inonu Bay, Aquarium Bay, Shipyard Bay, Camlik Bay,bay marvel at the Sunken City, and venture to Simena Castle from the Crusader era. Savor a delectable Turkish lunch served onboard, and unwind for the remainder of the day amidst the tranquil turquoise waters of Inönü Bay before heading back to Kaş Harbour.

Price €80

Min age 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [389 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Ultimate Sea Kayaking Tour of Kekova

Viator

Enjoy the crystal clear waters and ancient ruins of the Kekova Sound in a Sea Kayak. This tour features the exploration of ancient Xera ruins and a swim break in secluded bay of the Kekova Island. Here you will be given information from your guide about flora, fauna and history of the area before the paddle over the ruins of the Sunken City. After the crossing back to mainland you'll have time to visit the Simena Village where also a delicious lunch is waiting. For the final part the tour continues through a rock - labyrinth for a secret swim stop and back to our base.

Price €59

Min age 6

Rating 4.99 / 5 [338 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Boat Tour to Kekova Including BBQ Lunch from Kas

Viator

What would you say to a relaxing journey immersed in the depths of ancient history? Soak up the Mediterranean sunshine and Sunken city scenery on this private, full-day Gulet trip from Kas Harbour. Laze on the deck of a traditional gulet and soak up views of Kekova, and its surrounding islands and bays as your expert skippers take you to Kekova. Anchor off of Yaglica Bay, then head to Aquarium Bay, where you can snorkel, Then, savour an on-board barbecue lunch before enjoying free time to swim, sunbathe and sightsee at Shipyard Bay.

Price €792

Min age 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [78 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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