Kayak the Sunken City of Epidaurus with snorkeling and lunch

Paddle to ancient ruins, snorkel among them, then eat what grows there

This kayaking tour from Epidaurus combines paddling to the Sunken City—a submerged settlement built around 500 BC—with snorkeling among its preserved walls and foundations in shallow water, followed by lunch made from local organic products at a working farm. The tour runs four and a half hours with a live English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, sea kayak safety briefing, snorkels and masks included; children are welcome from age 14.

The Experience

The tour starts at Yialasi Beach, a short walk from central Epidaurus. You paddle westward toward the Sunken City, also called Argolida's Lost Atlantis, with views of the Methana Volcano across the water. The city was built around 500 BC, and what remains—walls, building foundations, massive amphorae, paved sections—sits only two meters below the surface, just meters from shore. When you reach the site, the guide gives you masks and you swim among the actual ancient ruins, photograph them, watch the fish, and experience the place as it was left.

After snorkeling, you paddle to the Little Theatre of Epidaurus, a restored 4th-century BC structure discovered under olive trees in the 1970s. It originally held about 2,000 spectators across nine tiers and 18 rows of seats; today it hosts 800 and still hosts the annual Greek Festival in summer. The theatre was rebuilt in Roman times, its orchestra reshaped and seats rearranged, though historians believe it fell out of use after seven centuries. You see the site and learn its history before moving on.

The tour ends at Athina EcoFarm, where you rest and eat a meal made entirely from organic products grown locally in the ancient way—the final stop is gastronomy as history. You return to your starting point after the full journey. The guide carries first aid and all safety equipment; photos and videos are sent to you later. Bring a valid ID; the tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Sea kayak, snorkels and masks.
• safety briefing and first aid kit carried by your guides.
• hotel pickup and return.
• live English-speaking guide.
• bottled water and a dry bag for your gear.
• lunch of local organic products at Athina EcoFarm.
• photos and videos sent to you after the tour.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Tribal Kayak

Is this one for you?The combination of kayaking, snorkeling among actual ancient ruins in shallow water, and a farm meal makes this tour different from standard sightseeing—you move through the landscape under your own paddle and experience the Sunken City from the water itself, which is the only way to reach it.

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Top questions

What exactly is the Sunken City of Epidaurus?

The Sunken City is a settlement built around 500 BC that now sits submerged two meters below the surface near Epidaurus. You can see preserved walls, building foundations, massive ancient amphorae and paved sections from the kayak and while snorkeling—it's close enough to shore that the ruins are accessible without deep diving.

How deep is the water where you snorkel?

The water at the Sunken City is only two meters deep, which is why you can see and photograph the ancient ruins clearly while swimming. The shallow depth makes it unique for underwater sightseeing without requiring scuba certification.

What is the Little Theatre of Epidaurus?

The Little Theatre of Epidaurus is a 4th-century BC structure originally built for the ancient city-state, with nine tiers and 18 rows of seats that could hold about 2,000 spectators. It was discovered in the 1970s under olive trees and is still being restored; today it hosts the annual Greek Festival with music, dance and theatre performances in summer.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age 14 and up. The tour includes a sea kayak safety briefing and all necessary equipment; the shallow water at the Sunken City and the farm lunch make it accessible for younger teens.

What happens at Athina EcoFarm?

At Athina EcoFarm you rest and eat a meal made entirely from local organic products grown in the area using ancient cultivation methods. It's the final stop before returning to your starting point, combining gastronomy with the tour's theme of ancient Greek heritage.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup, a live English-speaking guide, sea kayak and safety equipment, snorkels and masks, a dry bag for your belongings, bottled water, first aid kit, the farm meal, and photos and videos sent to you after the tour ends.