Ultimate Kekova Island Kayaking Trip

Kekova is best seen from water level, and this trip puts you right above its half-submerged ruins. You paddle across the sunken city, pause in clear bays for swimming, then eat lunch in the little village of Simena before returning by kayak.

I especially like the slow, well-spaced pace and the chance to hear the story behind the ruins from guide Barbaros. The included lunch, free photos during swim stops, and choice of Kaş or Kalkan transfers also add real value. The one thing to consider is the long day, especially if your pickup is from Kalkan or you are not comfortable in the sun for several hours.

Key points at a glance

• Kayak over Kekova’s sunken city: See submerged walls, steps, and stone remains from a close but respectful distance.
• Three main paddling sections: Each early segment lasts about 45 minutes, giving you time to enjoy the views without racing.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: You receive a safety briefing and equipment lesson before setting out.
• Lunch in Simena Village: Chicken or vegetarian Turkish food is included, while drinks cost extra.
• Optional Simena Castle hike: Allow about 15 minutes to walk up to the castle after lunch, with an entrance fee payable separately.
• Swim breaks and free photos: Your guides can take photos while you relax in the water.

Why Kekova works so well from a kayak

Kekova Island is not a place you simply tick off from a roadside viewpoint. Its most memorable sights are scattered along the shore and partly below the water, so a kayak gives you the right height and speed for seeing them properly.

You move quietly past old stonework, rock formations, and the remains of the sunken city. The kayak is close enough for your guide to point out details, but you are not walking over fragile ruins or squeezing onto a crowded boat.

The setting is the Lycian Coast at its most appealing: clear sea, pale stone, small coves, and hills rising behind the water. You should bring a camera, but also leave room to look around. The best parts are often the simple ones, such as gliding through a narrow rock passage or floating during a swim stop.

The trip is designed for beginners. You do not need previous sea-kayaking experience, and the equipment and safety instructions are provided. Still, you should be reasonably comfortable with outdoor activity and getting in and out of a kayak. This is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Starting from Kaş or Kalkan

The day begins with a short ride to Üçağız, also called Kaleüçağız. You can book an option with a transfer from Kaş or Kalkan, and the exact pickup point depends on the option selected. Possible points include the taxi stop, Sea Kayak Türkiye, the post office in Kaş, and a location identified by the provider.

The drive from the pickup area to the coast takes about 45 minutes in each direction. That matters when you compare the advertised duration of 5.5 to 9.5 hours. A Kaş departure may be shorter than a Kalkan departure, and the total time also depends on the starting time and transport arrangement.

Bring water, sun protection, a towel, swimwear, sandals, sunglasses, a hat, and a change of clothes. You should also carry cash for drinks, the castle entrance fee, and any other personal spending. Small barrels are available for valuables, but it is still sensible to bring only what you need.

Getting ready in Üçağız

At Kaleüçağız, the guides provide the kayaks, paddles, and safety gear. You receive an introduction to handling the kayak and a safety briefing before entering the water.

This part is more important than it may sound. A few minutes learning how to steer and keep your paddle rhythm can make the rest of the day much easier. You can use this time to ask about the route, swim stops, and what to do if your kayak becomes awkwardly positioned.

The tour uses a small-group format, which helps the guide keep an eye on the group and explain what you are seeing. The lead guide is BCU certified, and Barbaros is repeatedly praised for being friendly, experienced, and able to explain the area in an engaging way. That combination matters here because the ruins are easy to admire but harder to understand without some local context.

The first 45 minutes on the water

The first main paddle takes about 45 minutes. It is a gentle introduction to the coast, with time to settle into the kayak and get used to the conditions.

You can expect the guide to set the pace rather than turn this into a race. That is a good approach for a mixed group, since some people will have kayaked before and others will be holding a paddle for the first time.

Look around as much as you look ahead. From the kayak, the coast appears in layers: water beneath you, old stone near the shore, and the rough hills of the Lycian Coast beyond. If you have rented a kayak elsewhere, the key difference here is the guided interpretation. You are not just paddling past scenery, you are being shown why particular walls, steps, and rock shapes matter.

Kayaking above the sunken city

The central part of the experience takes place along Kekova Island. This is the reason to book the tour rather than settle for a quick shoreline stop.

The kayak lets you pass over the sunken city while staying close to the remains. Ancient structures are visible beneath and beside the water, and your guide explains the ruins as you move along. The route also includes intricate rock formations and narrow-looking passages that give this stretch a sense of discovery without requiring a difficult hike.

You should keep your expectations realistic. This is an archaeological site viewed from a kayak, not a chance to land on or climb across the ruins. The value is in seeing the relationship between the old settlement, the water, and the rocky coast. Your guide’s explanations help turn scattered stones into a readable story.

The route is divided into several sections of roughly 45 minutes. That structure is helpful because you get a proper look at Kekova instead of a short paddle followed by a long wait. It also breaks up the physical effort.

Swimming, turtles, and a possible cliff jump

One of the early stops is set aside for sightseeing and swimming. This gives your arms a rest and lets you enjoy the water without the pressure of keeping the group moving.

The sea is described as crystal clear, which should make the swim stops particularly attractive on a bright day. You will need your towel and swimwear, and a change of clothes is useful afterward. Sunscreen is essential, since there is little reason to expect much shade while you are on the water.

If conditions and timing allow, you may have the chance to see friendly turtles up close. Cliff jumping may also be offered when the weather permits. These are possibilities, not guaranteed parts of the day, so do not book solely for either one.

During the swim breaks, the guides can take free photos. That is a practical touch. You can leave your phone protected in the small barrel instead of trying to manage it from a wet kayak, while still coming away with pictures of the day.

Lunch and the optional walk to Simena Castle

After the main Kekova section, you head to Simena Village for lunch. The meal includes a chicken or vegetarian option, and drinks are not included, so keep some cash handy.

Lunch is more than a refueling stop. Simena is a small coastal settlement where the eating places are family-run, and the village itself has a maze-like feel. It gives you a chance to step away from the kayak, dry off, and experience a slower side of the coast.

The food is described as a real highlight of the day. You should not expect a formal restaurant meal or a long menu of choices. Instead, this is a traditional Turkish lunch built into the route, with the advantage that you do not have to search for somewhere to eat between activities.

After lunch, you can make an optional hike to Simena Castle. The walk takes about 15 minutes, and the entrance fee is not included. The climb is worth considering if you want a broader view over the coast and the water, but you may prefer to stay in the village if you are tired from paddling or want a longer lunch break.

The choice is one of the tour’s strengths. You are not forced into another major activity when your arms have already had a workout.

The return paddle through Kaleüçağız

The route back to Üçağız is broken into shorter paddling sections of about 20 and 25 minutes, with a 30-minute break in between. That is a sensible finish after the longer morning sections.

You can use the break to rest, drink water, and change if needed. The final paddle should feel less demanding than the earlier route, although the total day can still be tiring if the weather is hot or you are not used to kayaking.

Once you return to Kaleüçağız, the transfer vehicle takes you back to your original meeting point. The same general pickup locations are used for the return, including Kaş and Kalkan options.

Timekeeping can depend partly on the group. The guides are patient when people are slow to return or need extra help, but that patience can also stretch the schedule. If you have an evening reservation or a bus to catch, do not plan it too tightly after the tour.

What the $57 price really covers

At $57 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want transport, equipment, instruction, guiding, lunch, and a full day around Kekova in one booking.

The included kayak and safety gear save you from arranging equipment separately. The certified instruction is also important for first-timers, since a cheap rental without support would not provide the same sense of security or historical explanation.

Lunch adds another useful saving. You still pay for drinks and the Simena Castle entrance fee, but those are easy costs to plan for. Transfers from Kaş or Kalkan are included only when you select the appropriate option, so check that detail before paying.

The price is less compelling if you only want a very short paddle or dislike structured day trips. You will spend several hours with the group, follow a set route, and make planned stops. For most people who want to see Kekova properly, the combination of access and guidance makes the cost reasonable.

Who should book this trip

I would recommend this tour to first-time sea kayakers, active couples, families with older children who can manage the activity, and anyone staying in Kaş or Kalkan without a car.

It is also a good choice if you want more than a boat ride. A motorboat can cover more distance, but a kayak gives you a quieter and closer view of the coast. You also get the satisfaction of moving under your own power.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility, dislike swimming, or find prolonged sun exposure difficult. The day includes several paddling sections, and the transfer can make it a long outing. The optional castle walk is short, but the route to it may still feel demanding after time on the water.

This is not a luxury excursion. It is an active outdoor day with a practical lunch and a guide who keeps the group moving safely. That straightforward format is exactly why it works.

Practical tips for a better day

Wear swimwear beneath clothes that dry reasonably quickly. Sandals are listed as suitable, and a change of clothes will make the ride home more comfortable.

Use the provided barrels for medication, wallets, and other valuables. Bring personal medication with you, along with a copy of your passport if required for identification.

Take more water than you think you need. Drinks at lunch cost extra, and you will be outdoors for much of the day. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are not optional extras in the Turkish sun.

If you want the castle walk, keep some energy in reserve. The hike is only about 15 minutes, but the best experience comes when you can take your time rather than hurry up and down.

Finally, check your pickup location and start time carefully. The meeting point can vary, and the full duration may range from 5.5 to 9.5 hours depending on the selected option.

Should you book the Kekova kayaking trip?

Book it if your ideal day combines ancient ruins, clear water, a little exercise, and a good local lunch. The strongest reasons are the close view of the sunken city, the patient instruction for beginners, and the care taken with the pace and swim breaks.

The guide team, especially Barbaros, adds much of the tour’s character. You get useful stories instead of a silent paddle, and the small-group setup makes the day feel more personal.

Skip it if you want complete independence, a short outing, or a fully relaxed boat cruise. For everyone else, this is a well-priced way to see Kekova from the angle that makes the most sense: sitting quietly on the sea above the ruins.

FAQ

Where does the Kekova kayaking tour take place?

The tour takes place along the coast of Kekova Island, including the sunken city, with time in Kaleüçağız and Simena Village.

Can I join if I have never kayaked before?

Yes. The tour is designed to be beginner friendly, and a certified instructor provides an introduction and safety briefing before you begin.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts between 5.5 and 9.5 hours. The exact duration depends on the selected option and starting time.

Is transportation included?

Transfer to and from Kaş or Kalkan is included if you select an option that provides it. The meeting point can vary by booking choice.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guiding is available in English and Turkish.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch in Simena Village is included, with a chicken or vegetarian option.

Are drinks included with lunch?

No. Drinks during lunch are not included.

Can I visit Simena Castle?

Yes. You can take an optional walk of about 15 minutes to Simena Castle after lunch. The entrance fee is paid separately.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The route includes planned swimming breaks around Kekova Island.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, water, swimwear, a towel, sandals, a change of clothes, cash, personal medication, and a passport or accepted copy.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.