Sea Kayaking Kekova: Paddle Over Sunken Ruins

Five hours paddling over a city that sank underwater

Sea kayaking near Kas takes you over the sunken city of Kekova, where you paddle a small group across historical sites, stop to swim above submerged ruins in Shipyard Bay, and explore Simena Old Town by water. The tour includes a sea kayak, life jacket, paddle and a live guide in English, Russian or Turkish; transportation from Kas is available on the option you choose at checkout.

The Experience

Five hours on the water means you cover the main sites without rushing through them. The day starts with a briefing on your kayak and paddle, then you launch into water shallow enough to see the ruins below as you paddle. Simena Old Town sits on the coast reachable only by sea, so the kayak gets you there without a road or a hike. The ruins themselves—walls, tombs and structures from an ancient settlement—lie just below the surface in Shipyard Bay, where you stop to swim and look down at them from above.

Small groups change how the day feels. Unlike the crowded commercial tours that fill a beach, this one keeps numbers low enough that the guide can watch each paddler and adjust the pace if someone needs a break. You get individual attention and a chance to ask about what you are looking at without shouting over a crowd. The guide speaks English, Russian or Turkish depending on the group, and knows the history of each site—what sank, when, and why it matters.

Swimming breaks happen at the best spots. You can leave the kayak and float above the sunken ruins, or just cool off in the bay between paddles. The water is clear enough to see down, and the stops are built into the schedule so nobody feels rushed back to the boat.

What’s included

• Sea kayak and paddle.
• life jacket.
• five hours on the water with a live guide in English, Russian or Turkish.
• stops at Simena Old Town and Shipyard Bay for swimming over the sunken ruins.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Tatil Sihirbazı Travel Agency

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle yourself instead of watching from a boat, and if you prefer a small group where the guide can adjust the pace and answer questions. The five-hour duration and moderate fitness requirement mean it suits paddlers comfortable spending a morning on the water; if you want a shorter outing or have limited upper-body strength, look for a different option.

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Top questions

What exactly am I paddling over when I'm out on the water near Kas?

The sunken city of Kekova sits underwater in the bay, with ancient walls, tombs and building remains visible from the surface. You paddle directly over these ruins in Shipyard Bay and can swim above them to see them up close.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No prior experience is required. The guide briefs you on the kayak and paddle before you launch, and the small group size means the guide can help anyone who needs it. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for five hours of paddling.

Is Simena Old Town worth the paddle to get there?

Simena Old Town is only reachable by sea, so the kayak is the way to see it. The settlement sits on the coast with a history stretching back centuries, and paddling there is part of what makes this tour different from land-based visits to the area.

What's included, and do I need to arrange my own transport to the starting point?

The kayak, life jacket, paddle and a live guide are included. Transportation from Kas is available on the option you select at checkout; if you choose the no-transfer option, you arrange your own way to the launch point.

Can children come on this kayaking trip?

Children are welcome from age 7 and up. They should be comfortable in the water and able to paddle for the five-hour duration with breaks built in.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The tour operates in normal sea conditions. If conditions become unsafe for paddling, the operator will reschedule or offer an alternative; check the booking confirmation for the specific policy.