Sea Kayak Tour Over the Sunken City of Kekova Kas(Small Groups)

Kekova is best seen from water level, with your paddle moving quietly past old stonework and the remains of a town lost beneath the sea. This small-group trip takes you from Kaş toward Uçağız, Tersane Bay, and Simena Castle, mixing history with swimming and a fresh lunch.

I like the maximum group size of 10, which keeps the outing more personal than a crowded boat trip. I also like the chance to use your own arms and set your pace rather than simply passing the ruins from a motorboat. The main caution is effort: kayaking in strong sun can be tiring, and the submerged ruins may not always be easy to see.

Key points before you book

• Kekova from a kayak: You explore the historic coast at paddle level, with the chance to swim near the submerged ruins.
• Three worthwhile stops: The route includes Uçağız, Tersane Bay, and Simena Castle.
• Small group format: No more than 10 people are placed on the activity, useful for a quieter outing and closer guide attention.
• Guide Umit: Umit receives particular praise for his care, local explanations, and help with photos and videos.
• Lunch is included: The meal follows the kayaking portion and is repeatedly singled out as fresh and satisfying.
• Fitness matters: You need a moderate level of fitness, and basic kayaking knowledge is useful.

Why Kekova works so well from a kayak

The appeal here is not speed. A kayak puts you close to the water and lets you move at a human pace along one of Turkey’s most unusual coastal areas. You can pause, look toward the old shoreline, and take in the setting without the constant engine noise of a standard boat excursion.

The main subject is Kekova’s sunken city, an ancient settlement partly submerged after seismic activity. The tour takes you through the area where the ruins lie, and the route is designed to let you see historic remains along the coast and beneath the water.

Keep your expectations sensible. The sunken buildings are not guaranteed to appear sharply beneath the surface. Water clarity, glare, depth, and your position in the kayak all affect what you can see. One account found the ruins difficult to spot, while the operator explains that the route does pass the section where they are located. Think of this as a coastal history trip with a chance to view submerged remains, not an underwater archaeology expedition.

The physical side is just as important. You will paddle rather than ride under motor power. That makes the experience feel more direct, but it also means the heat and effort are part of the deal. If you have never used a sea kayak, you may want to learn the basic stroke before arriving. The guide and support arrangements can help, but you should not book this expecting a passive boat ride.

Starting in Uçağız

The excursion begins with a stop at Uçağız, a small coastal settlement connected with the Kekova area. Transportation is included, so your day starts at the operator’s meeting point in Kaş and continues from there rather than requiring you to arrange every transfer yourself.

Uçağız matters because it is the gateway to the water route. It gives you a change of pace from Kaş and places you closer to the historic coast you came to see. The stop also helps the trip feel like a full regional outing, not simply a short paddle from town.

The published activity time is about five hours, though the total day can be longer once transportation is included. One account put the full outing at closer to seven hours from departure to return. Plan your day around a half-day to most-of-a-day commitment, not a quick two-hour activity.

The meeting point is Tatil Sihirbazı Travel on Bahçe Sokak in Kaş. The activity finishes back there. If you are staying close to the office, walking to the start is possible. Pickup has also been offered in at least some arrangements, but you should confirm the exact plan when booking.

Tersane Bay and the best swimming pause

Tersane Koyu, or Tersane Bay, is one of the route’s most appealing breaks. The bay is known for its old stone remains and clear coastal setting, and the tour allows time to get out of the kayak and swim.

This is where the tour’s history and recreation come together nicely. You can look toward the shore, notice the old masonry, then cool off in the sea. It prevents the outing from becoming a steady workout with no pause.

Swimming time is a real part of the experience, not just a footnote. You may also have time for other stops such as shopping and ice cream, depending on the day’s timing. That flexibility is useful because it gives the trip a relaxed coastal rhythm rather than forcing every minute into a strict schedule.

Still, you should bring the right attitude toward the water. The included life jacket is there for safety, and you will be paddling in a sea environment. Keep valuables protected and bring a waterproof bag for items you need near you. A phone or camera can easily get splashed when you are handling a paddle, climbing in and out, or stopping for a swim.

Simena Castle and the old town

The route continues to Simena Castle, above the old settlement of Simena. This is the main land-based history highlight, with the remains of the old town adding context to the submerged ruins seen from the water.

From a kayak, you approach the area in a way that gives you a strong sense of how the coast, settlement, and sea fit together. The castle stop also breaks up the paddling and gives your shoulders a welcome rest.

The tour description includes Simena Old Town as part of the experience, and the stop may include time for exploring, shopping, or ice cream. Exact time on land can vary, so do not assume you will have a long independent visit. The day is built around several linked stops, not a full archaeological tour of every ruin.

Guide Umit is an important part of this section. He is praised for explaining the sites, watching out for the group, and helping people enjoy the day from start to finish. He has also taken photos and videos for some participants, but those are not included as a formal service. Photos and videos are listed as extra costs, so bring your own waterproof protection if you want to record the trip.

What paddling the route is really like

This is a moderate-activity excursion, not a sightseeing cruise. The operator asks for a moderate physical fitness level, and that is worth taking seriously. Heat, sun exposure, repeated strokes, and getting in and out of a kayak can add up.

A basic understanding of kayaking is useful. You do not need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable using a paddle and maintaining your balance in a sea kayak. If your group includes children or anyone with limited strength, consider how they will manage several hours on the water.

A support boat may be available to assist or tow kayaks if needed. That helped one family with children aged nine and ten complete the outing, though the same account also stressed that the activity required a high level of fitness for them. This is encouraging, but it should not be treated as a guarantee that every participant can avoid paddling.

The group limit of 10 is one of the strongest practical features. A small party is easier for a guide to monitor, and you are less likely to feel lost in a crowd. It also suits people who want a calmer outing and the chance to ask questions about the coast.

Lunch after the kayaking

Lunch is included, and it comes after the kayaking portion. That timing makes sense. You can finish the most physical part of the day, settle down, and eat without trying to balance a meal around active paddling.

The meal has earned strong praise for being fresh and delicious. The exact menu is not provided, so I would not book this expecting a particular dish. The useful point is that lunch is part of the price, not an extra meal you need to arrange during the route.

You should still bring water. The trip takes place in warm coastal conditions, and one poor experience specifically complained about the heat and effort. Hot weather is not a flaw unique to this operator, but it can change how enjoyable the day feels. Water, sun protection, and sensible clothing will make a major difference.

Alcoholic drinks are not included. If that matters to you, plan accordingly and do not assume the lunch stop comes with beverages beyond what is provided.

Is the $60.34 price good value?

At $60.34 per person, this is fairly priced for a small-group water excursion that includes transportation, lunch, a sea kayak, paddle, and life jacket. You are paying for more than equipment rental. The cost also covers a guided route through several historic locations and the convenience of getting there from Kaş.

The value is strongest if you want an active way to see Kekova. A standard boat can show you the same general coast with less effort, but kayaking gives you a quieter, more involved way to move through the area. You also receive swimming time and lunch, which make the price easier to justify.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a guaranteed close view of submerged ruins. Visibility can be disappointing, and the paddling itself is part of the work. If you want a simple ride, prefer a motorboat. If you want to earn the scenery with a paddle and enjoy a more direct connection to the water, this outing makes more sense.

The 96 percent recommendation rate and 4.9 rating from 83 published ratings point to a strong overall experience, while the lower scores reveal the key risk: not everyone sees the sunken city clearly, and the day can feel hot and tiring. That balance is useful. The tour is not perfect for every person, but its strengths are clear.

Who should book this Kekova kayak tour?

You are a good match if you enjoy outdoor activities, want a small group, and have moderate fitness. It is especially suitable if you would rather paddle past the coast than sit on a large boat all day.

Families can consider it, but do not assume that children will find it easy. The support boat may help in some situations, yet the tour still requires effort. Ask yourself if everyone in your party can handle several hours of sun and paddling.

History fans will appreciate the mix of submerged ruins, old shore structures, and Simena Castle. The tour does not offer a long formal archaeology lecture, but guide Umit adds useful explanations and helps connect the sites along the route.

You should think twice if you dislike heat, cannot paddle for extended periods, or need a guaranteed view of underwater remains. The tour operator does not promise a clear view on every outing, and no amount of enthusiasm can change the water conditions.

Practical details that affect your day

Your booking confirmation arrives at the time of booking. The activity is offered in English, and it returns to the Kaş meeting point at the end.

The price includes transportation, but the published duration is only approximate. Allow extra time for the journey to and from the launch area, especially if you have another booking later that day.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made inside that window are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. The trip depends on suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low enrollment cancels the activity, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

The tour is commonly booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of 17 days. That does not guarantee every date will sell out, but it is a good reason to reserve early if your Kaş schedule is fixed.

My verdict: book it if you want active Kekova

I would book this tour if I wanted a small-group, active visit to Kekova with lunch and swimming built in. The route covers several worthwhile places, the price includes the basics you need, and guide Umit appears to add real value through care, explanations, and practical help.

I would not book it simply because I expected a perfect underwater view of a sunken city. The ruins may be hard to see, and the day can be hot and tiring. Go for the whole package: the paddle, the old coast, Simena Castle, Tersane Bay, and the chance to see Kekova from a quieter angle.

FAQ

Where does the sea kayak tour start?

It starts at Tatil Sihirbazı Travel on Bahçe Sokak in Kaş, Antalya, Türkiye.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Kaş.

How long does the tour last?

The listed duration is approximately five hours. The total day may be longer when transportation to and from Kaş is included.

What places are included on the route?

The planned stops are Uçağız, Tersane Bay, and Simena Castle. The experience also includes the sunken city area and Simena Old Town.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price.

Is kayaking equipment provided?

Yes. A sea kayak, paddle, and life jacket are included.

Are transportation services included?

Yes. Transportation is included.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Do I need to be fit for this activity?

Yes. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, and basic kayaking knowledge is useful. The tour depends on good weather and may be canceled if conditions are unsuitable.