Epidavros: Sea Kayak to Ancient Sunken City & Snorkel Ruins

Summary

Sea kayak from Epidavros to lost ruins, swim with turtles, taste real Greek cooking

You’ll paddle out from Epidavros with a local guide, explore an ancient sunken city by snorkel (camera included), pause at a tiny seaside theatre, then share homemade Greek food under pine trees near the beach. If luck’s on your side, you might spot sea turtles gliding past as you float above old stone walls.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I almost bailed when I saw the kayaks lined up on the pebbly shore in Epidavros — they looked slimmer than I expected. Our guide, Yannis, just grinned and handed me a paddle like he’d seen this face a hundred times. The water was glassy and blue, not quite turquoise but close. We set off with the smell of pine drifting down from the hills behind us and cicadas making that scratchy summer soundtrack. My arms were shaky at first (it’s been a while), but after ten minutes I forgot all about them — there was just open water and those weird little fish darting under the surface.

The first stop was the Little Theatre of Epidavros. It’s tucked right above the sea — you can actually hear waves lapping as you stand in what used to be the cheap seats. Yannis told us how people would gather here for plays centuries ago, and for a second I tried to picture it: sandals scraping on stone, someone laughing too loud. Then we paddled further along the coast to what he called “the ancient sunken city.” I didn’t expect much, but when I put my head underwater (they give you masks and even a camera if you want), there were these old walls and bits of pottery just lying there, like someone had left in a hurry ages ago. The water tasted salty but clean — not sure why that stuck with me.

We took the longer route (I recommend it if you’ve got time) and ended up at this quiet cove where pine trees lean right over the sand. Lunch was waiting — something simple but ridiculously good: tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes, feta that crumbles between your fingers, olive oil slick on everything. There was talk about sea turtles showing up here; honestly, I thought it was just a story until one popped its head up maybe five meters away while I was still chewing bread. Everyone froze except Yannis, who just nodded like “see?”

On the way back my arms felt like noodles but nobody cared — we drifted most of it anyway. Sometimes I still think about those underwater ruins and wonder who built them or what their lives were like before everything sank beneath these waves.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore ancient sites and sea kayaking

• Visit Little Theatre of Epidavros
• Snorkel at Ancient Sunken City
• Optional: Paddle to secluded beach
• Optional: Snorkel near sea turtles
• Optional: Enjoy traditional Greek meal

Top questions

How long is the sea kayak tour from Epidavros?

The standard tour lasts several hours; there’s an extended version with two extra hours including lunch and more snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkels and masks are included for exploring the ancient sunken city ruins.

Can beginners join this sea kayaking trip?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and beginners are welcome.

Are meals included in the tour?

A traditional homemade meal is included on the extended version of the tour.

Is pickup offered for this day trip from Epidavros?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

What wildlife might we see during kayaking?

You may encounter sea turtles along the coastline or near the secluded beach stop.

Are photos provided after the tour?

A waterproof camera is provided during snorkeling; photos and videos will be sent to you later.

What sites do we visit during this kayak tour?

You’ll visit the Little Theatre of Epidavros and snorkel at an ancient sunken city site.

What’s included

Your day includes all sea kayak safety gear plus first aid equipment carried by your guides, bottled water to keep you going under that Greek sun, snacks for energy between stops, snorkels and masks for exploring underwater ruins (with a waterproof camera thrown in), personal insurance throughout—and if you choose the longer version—homemade Greek lunch served right by the pines before heading back with salt still in your hair.