Kayaking Kekova Island from Kas: Sunken City & Simena Castle

Paddle past the Sunken City of Kekova without leaving your kayak

A guided sea kayaking tour from Kas that paddles the Kekova coastline, passing the submerged Lycian ruins, Simena Castle and Tersane Bay with a motorized support vessel, swimming breaks and lunch. The tour suits beginners and experienced paddlers alike, with hotel pickup from Kas and all snorkelling gear included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour

• Bus from Kas to Uçağiz village
• Depart Uçağiz with motorized support vessel
• Paddle to Tersane Bay and swim break
• Kayak over Lycian Sunken City of Kekova
• Explore and photograph Sunken City ruins
• Arrive at Simena and visit Kaleköy village
• Hike hillside or swim near Simena Castle
• Visit Theimussa for Lycian sarcophagi view
• Return to kayak base and have lunch in Üçağiz

The experience

The day starts with a 45-minute drive from Kas to Üçağiz village, where you board a kayak at 9:30 am alongside a motorized support vessel that travels with the group. You paddle southwest down the coast toward Kekova Island, reaching Tersane Bay in under an hour for a swimming break. The route then takes you over the Sunken City of Kekova itself (a protected Lycian settlement submerged centuries ago), where you can paddle directly alongside the ancient ruins and photograph them from the water, something swimmers cannot do from the shore.

By mid-morning you arrive at Simena, where you spend 45 minutes exploring Kaleköy village and the castle ruins perched on the hillside. A short hike rewards you with views across the Kekova region, or you can swim in the water below if you prefer. The afternoon leg heads toward Theimussa to view more Lycian sarcophagi before returning to the kayak base. Lunch waits at Üçağiz around 1:15 pm, and the full outing runs four to six hours depending on conditions and the group's pace.

Snorkelling equipment comes with the tour, and the motorized escort means you're never paddling alone. The trip is designed for anyone trying kayaking for the first time or returning to it after years away: no prior experience required, and all fitness levels are welcome.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Kas.
• motorized support vessel escort.
• snorkelling equipment.
• lunch at Üçağiz.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 4.54

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SAILNSTAY

Is this one for you?If you're staying in Kas without a rental car, the included pickup and bus transport settle the logistics before you arrive at the water. The motorized support vessel means you paddle at your own pace without worrying about keeping up or falling behind: a comfort for first-time paddlers and anyone returning to the sport after time away.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Sunken City of Kekova and why can't you swim there?

The Sunken City of Kekova is a submerged Lycian settlement from ancient times, now protected by Turkish law. Swimming is prohibited to preserve the ruins, but kayaking directly over them lets you see the structures from your seat and photograph them close up. An advantage swimmers don't have.

Do I need kayaking experience to join this tour?

No. The tour is designed for beginners and anyone paddling for the first time. A live English-speaking guide leads the group, and a motorized support vessel travels alongside throughout the day.

How do I get from Kas to where the kayaking starts?

Hotel pickup from Kas is included. You'll travel by bus to Üçağiz village, about 45 minutes away, where the kayaks and guide are waiting at 9:30 am.

What happens at Simena Castle and how much time do you spend there?

Simena Castle sits above the village of Kaleköy, and you have 45 minutes to explore. You can hike up the hillside for views of the Kekova region or stay by the water for another swim. Both options are available during your time there.

Is lunch included, and what about snorkelling gear?

Yes to both. Lunch is served at Üçağiz around 1:15 pm after the paddle, and snorkelling equipment is provided throughout the tour at no extra cost.