Paddle where the ruins sit under water. This Kaş sea kayaking outing turns a scenic morning into a guided route over the Kekova Sunken City, with time set aside for photos and a real sense of place.

I especially like the round-trip transfers from your Kaş meeting point, which makes the day feel easy before you even touch the water.

I also love how the tour is paced for seeing more than just coastlines. A guide such as Yasar (and other guides like Ibrahim) helps you understand what you’re looking at, so the ruins feel readable instead of random.

One possible drawback: if you want to visit Simena Castle at Kaleköy, you’ll need cash for the entrance fee, since it is not included.

Key things I’d watch for before you go

• Small-group feel (max 15 people): you’ll spend less time waiting and more time actually moving.
• Escort support on the water: a motorized support vessel follows along while you paddle.
• Sunken City rules: swimming is not permitted in the protected Kekova area.
• Snorkeling gear is included: you’ll have equipment on board for the swim break.
• Simena Castle entrance costs extra: bring a few euros just in case.

Why Kaş and Kekova work so well for sea kayaking

Kaş sits on Turkey’s south coast, and the coastline in this region is made for sea kayaks: lots of bays, clear sightlines, and ruined layers of history just off the shore. Kekova adds the wow factor. You’re not only kayaking past cliffs and coves. You’re paddling along the edge of a Lycian Sunken City and watching archaeology meet the sea.

The tour also smartly keeps you from feeling rushed. Even though it runs about 4 to 6 hours, the schedule has breathing room: short paddling segments, planned breaks, and a couple of stops where you can step off and look around. That matters, because in a place like this, you want time for photos and for your guide to point out details.

Price and what you actually get for around $60.07

At $60.07 per person, this is not a “cheap and basic” kayak ride. You’re paying for a full half-day structure: transport in Kaş, guided time on the water, lunch, and included snorkeling equipment.

Here’s where the value shows up:

• Lunch is included. You won’t have to hunt for food mid-route.
• Snorkeling equipment is included. Even if you only use it during the swim break, it’s a perk that saves money and hassle.
• Round-trip transfers are included. Getting to the start area without juggling taxis is a big quality-of-life win.

What’s extra is simple: Simena Castle entrance fee. It’s €4.00 per person, so it’s not huge, but it’s the kind of cost you want to budget for ahead of time. Bringing some cash keeps the day friction-free.

Morning logistics: 8:00 am start, Kaş to Uçağiz, and a friendly group size

The tour starts around 8:00 am when everyone boards a bus in Kaş for the drive to Uçağiz. The ride is about 45 minutes, and the timing sets you up to reach the water area in time for a proper paddling window.

This is a group trip with a maximum of 15 travelers, which is the sweet spot for comfort. You get the social side of meeting people, but you still move as a unit rather than waiting around for a big crowd.

The tour also runs in English, and you’ll receive a confirmation at booking time. One practical touch: you get a mobile ticket, which helps if you prefer not to carry printed papers.

Uçağiz to Tersane Bay: escorted paddling and a swim break

After you arrive in Uçağiz, the day shifts from road to sea. You depart around 9:30 am with a motorized support vessel escorting the group. Then you paddle southwest down the coast toward Kekova Island, arriving at Tersane Bay around 10:15 am.

This stretch matters because it sets the tone. You get into a rhythm without immediately throwing you into the most restricted area. And then there’s a swimming break. Since the tour includes snorkeling equipment, this is a smart moment to use it if the water looks inviting.

A quiet tip: if you’re the kind of person who likes photos, Tersane Bay is a good time to take them before everyone spreads out for the water break. Once people start swimming, the best shots can require timing and coordination.

Kekova Sunken City: why the protected zone changes everything

From Tersane Bay, the group slowly paddles over the ancient Lycian Sunken City of Kekova. This is where the tour earns its reputation, because the shoreline ruins are the main event.

But there’s a key rule: since it’s a protected area, swimming is not permitted here. That affects your mindset. You’re not in a swim-and-play zone. You’re in a look-and-paddle zone.

For you, that means two things:

1. Bring your camera ready for longer sightlines. You’ll likely be shooting while seated or slowly gliding.
2. Listen closely to your guide. Since you can’t go into the water, the explanation becomes part of the experience. Guides like Yasar are known for pointing out what you’re seeing and why it mattered historically.

Kekova Island ruins: short paddle time, big photo payoffs

After that protected-city segment, you continue toward Kekova Island. This is another paddling stop focused on getting alongside the ruins for great photo opportunities.

It’s not a long landing-and-wander moment. Instead, it’s kinetic and scenic: you’re moving along the coast with ruins in view, which often gives you angle variety—wide shots, close shoreline frames, and “waterline” photos that show the scale of what’s submerged.

If you care about photos, I’d plan to do your biggest shots here. The combination of proximity and open visibility tends to make your camera work easier than at spots where you can’t see as much from the kayak.

Simena Castle at Kaleköy: the hillside views and a small authentic village feel

Next stop is Simena, with a key arrival time around 11:30 am. You park in Kaleköy for about 45 minutes. This is the castle base area tied to ancient Simena (a necropolis and village area with castle ruins).

If you want to actually go into the castle area, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee (not included). The tour has the whole thing on your timeline, but it’s on you to bring cash. That’s why this is one of the most practical “do it now” tips.

During this portion, you get a break from paddling. The value here is contrast: ruins underwater give you a different kind of wonder than ruins on land and in a small settlement. You’re also likely to get better views over the Kekova region from the higher spots in the area.

Sunken City ruins of Simena and the hillside hike option

After the castle-area stop, you head to Sunken City ruins of Simena. There’s a hike up the hillside that offers magnificent views over the Kekova region.

If you prefer not to hike, you may still have time to admire Simena Castle from below, and the schedule even leaves room for a quick water moment in the blue waters. This is the part of the day where you can choose what you want more: elevation and sightlines, or water time closer to the base area.

Either way, your goal should be the same: use the view window. This is the kind of place where the light and the coastline geometry can make a simple picture look like a postcard.

Theimussa Ancient City, Lycian sarcophagi, then lunch in Üçağiz

In the afternoon, you head back toward Theimussa Ancient City for an up-close look at Lycian sarcophagi. This stop gives you another layer of the Lycian story, shifting from sunken ruins and castle remains to more direct tomb imagery.

Then you return toward your kayak base and move on to Üçağiz for lunch around 1:15 pm. Lunch is included, so you’re not stuck trying to time food during transit. It also makes the day feel complete: you’ve paddled, you’ve climbed a bit, and then you sit down and recharge before going back.

The pacing is what makes this work. You don’t just repeat the morning route. You get a loop that uses the time efficiently: coast kayaking, ruins viewing, castle-area walking, then tombs, then food.

Guides make the difference: Yasar and Ibrahim’s role

A big reason this tour earns such strong marks is guidance. Guides such as Yasar and Ibrahim are highlighted for steering the kayaking and explaining sights and history while you’re moving through the day.

Why that matters for you: Kekova and Simena can look like a lot of rock, water, and ruins from a distance. With a good guide, you start to connect the story—what you’re seeing, how it fits together, and where to aim your eyes for the meaningful details.

If you’re the type who likes to understand a place instead of just photographing it, this is a strong match.

What to pack and how to avoid small-day hassles

This tour includes snorkeling equipment, but you still want to be ready for a water day and a bit of walking.

Here are smart, practical items to consider:

• Cash for the Simena Castle entrance (if you plan to go in). It’s €4.00 per person.
• Sun protection for morning paddling. You’ll be on the water before the day cools down.
• Water-friendly footwear if you expect to step around coastal areas.
• A camera strap or secure bag so you can shoot without worrying about where gear is.

Also remember: the Kekova area has rules, and swimming is not allowed in the protected Sunken City section. So plan to enjoy the water breaks where they’re scheduled, and think of the protected areas as visual zones.

Who should book this Kekova kayaking day

This is a good fit if you want:

• A guided way to see Kekova’s Sunken City without handling the logistics yourself.
• A half-day that mixes kayaking with walking and views.
• The social ease of a small group capped at 15 people.

It’s also ideal if you like the idea of a morning on the water followed by a castle-and-ruins sequence that keeps changing the scenery. That flow is a big reason people rate this tour so highly.

One thing to consider: the tour requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, it may be rescheduled or refunded. If you’re flexible and you’re in the region for more than one day, that’s easier.

Should you book this Kaş Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour?

If your goal is to see Kekova’s sunken ruins from the water, then this tour is an easy yes. The combination of guided navigation, the escorted setup, included lunch, and snorkeling gear makes the day feel built for visitors who want the highlights without stress.

I’d book it especially if you want history context while you’re on the kayak and you like the idea of a small group. The biggest reason to hesitate is the extra Simena Castle entrance fee and the fact that swimming is restricted in the protected Kekova zone—so your enjoyment will be driven more by views than by full-on water time.

If that sounds like your kind of day, you’ll probably be happy you went.

FAQ

How long is the Kaş guided Kekova Sea Kayaking tour?

The duration is about 4 to 6 hours.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $60.07 per person.

What time does the tour start?

The activity starts at 8:00 am.

Where does the tour begin?

It starts at Smiley’sAndifli, İskele Sk., 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Türkiye.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch is included, and snorkeling equipment is included.

What isn’t included?

The entrance fee for Castle of Simena is not included. It’s €4.00 per person.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

Is swimming allowed everywhere during the kayaking stops?

No. Swimming is not permitted in the protected area of the Kekova Sunken City, though there is a swimming break earlier at Tersane Bay.

What if weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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