Paddle beside ruins, with nothing but sea air. On this guided Kekova sea kayaking trip from Ucagiz, you get close to the Sunken City of Kekova from the water, plus views and ruins around Simena. I really like the way it’s paced: lots of time on the kayaks, not just standing around. One thing to plan for: the day can feel a bit busy, and you’ll want to pack smart because timing and swim time can be tight.

My favorite part is kayaks as your viewing platform. You glide along the protected ruins, where swimming isn’t allowed, but photos are easy because you’re right next to the limestone blocks and Lycian remains. I also like the combo of water time and a short hillside effort at Kaleköy/Simena, since that’s where the region suddenly looks huge.

The main consideration is that you have only about 45 minutes at Simena Castle/Kaleköy. If you spend extra time wading or snorkeling near the castle area, you may feel rushed for the village ruins and viewpoints. (That doesn’t ruin the tour, but it changes how you should choose what to do with your limited time.)

Key highlights worth your attention

• Sunken City from a kayak, not a boat pass-by
• Protected ruins with no swimming, so you get respectful access and clear sightlines
• Kaleköy/Simena Castle viewpoint hike for wide Kekova panorama photos
• Simena Castle area views from down below, plus the chance to cool off
• Motorized support vessel escort for a calmer experience out on the water

Getting to the water: Ucagiz departure, boats, and how the guide keeps you moving

This is a half-day tour built around one idea: you’ll spend most of your time on the sea, paddling between ancient sites. You depart Ucagiz at 09:30, and you’re escorted by a motorized support vessel. That matters. It means the trip stays manageable even if you’re new to kayaking, because help is nearby and the route is controlled.

The guide is part of the value. You’ll paddle with a live guide in English and Turkish, and a lot of the comfort comes from clear rules and a steady rhythm. In at least one case, the guide is also known for taking photos during the trip for a fee, so it’s smart to decide early whether you want that or not. Either way, the tour works best when you follow the guide’s instructions and don’t fight the sea conditions.

Logistics can be the only weak spot. One person noted that the map coordinates to get to the meeting point weren’t straightforward. If you’re driving yourself or meeting from a nearby hotel, do yourself a favor: confirm the exact pin with the operator before you go, and give yourself extra buffer time so you’re not stressed right at check-in.

Tersane Koyu swim break: your first taste of Kekova’s calm water

After departure, you reach Tersane Koyu around 10:15. The plan is simple: a short kayaking block, then a swimming break. This is where you test your comfort level in the water before you approach the ruins.

Why this stop is useful: it gives you a warm-up. You’ll get a sense of how the kayak tracks, how to hold your paddle, and how to adjust when the boat glides differently than you expect. Also, a swim break right at the start keeps the experience from feeling like a long paddle slog before you get to the fun.

A practical tip: bring swimwear and a towel (you’re told to), and consider swimming shoes if you’re prone to getting annoyed by rocky entry points. At least one review specifically called out rocky beaches and recommended shoes. That’s not glamorous advice, but it’s the kind that saves your feet and keeps you in good spirits.

Kayaking the Lycian Sunken City: close ruins, no swimming, better photos

The big reason people book this is the Sunken City of Kekova. You slowly paddle over and alongside the ruins after arriving from Tersane bay, and you get a photo-focused experience. This is a protected area, and swimming isn’t permitted. Instead, the tour leans into the main advantage of kayaking: you’re close enough to look carefully and photograph well, without the distance you’d get from a larger boat.

What I like about this approach is that it makes the ruins feel real. When you’re floating near the structures, the ruined blocks don’t look like a distant postcard. They read as something built for daily life—walls, steps, and the edge of what’s been reclaimed by water and time.

One nuance: water visibility can vary, and from any boat the sea can blur the details a bit. Still, from a kayak you can angle yourself for better sightlines. If you want photos, this is your moment. Move when the guide signals, not when you feel like it. Safety and spacing keep the group from turning into paddling chaos.

Simena Castle (Kaleköy): 45 minutes to park, see, and choose your tempo

Around 11:30, you arrive at Simena. You park in Kaleköy, which is tied to the ancient Simena Castle area. The time allocation is 45 minutes, which is enough for the key moments but not enough to do everything leisurely.

Here’s how to think about the stop. You have three possible priorities that compete for time:

• A small hillside hike for views over the Kekova region
• Exploring the authentic village area with castle ruins and a necropolis
• Using leftover time for a dip in the blue waters (if the schedule allows)

If you’re a photo person, the hillside hike is usually the payoff. From that height, the Kekova coastline and islands look bigger and more connected, and it clicks why this region has so many ruined landmarks clustered in one place.

If you’re more about the ruins on foot, you’ll appreciate the chance to walk among the remnants and see how the castle area sits above the water. Just remember: the tour is still time-boxed. One review described how the water-wading portion near the castle area could feel like walking in the water and exploring leftovers around tombs and houses, and that it can cut into time you expected to spend visiting the castle itself. Translation: decide what you want more—views from up top or extra time near the waterline—and commit early.

Also note the cost detail. The Castle of Simena entrance ticket is not included. The price given is 4 euros, so bring a little cash or be ready to pay on site. The tour does say you skip the ticket line, which is helpful when the site gets busy, but you still need that ticket.

Pirates Cave and Theimussa: more ruins, a change in scenery, and a slow return

After Simena, you head back toward Theimussa ancient city for more sightseeing and an up-close look at Lycian sarcophagi. This part feels like a transition: you’re no longer chasing the main showpiece, and instead you get to appreciate the smaller moments, like what the sea leaves behind as it rises and falls.

You also get a look at Pirates Cave, listed as a highlight. Even if you don’t get a long stop for it, it’s the kind of landmark that works well from the water, because you’re seeing it from the direction it was meant to be approached.

This section is also when the tour starts to feel like a complete story arc. You started with a warm-up swim, you then visited the dramatic ruins of the Sunken City, you had a land-and-view moment at Simena, and now you connect it all with more Lycian remains around Theimussa. When the paddling rhythm stays steady, it helps you feel like you didn’t just “visit sites.” You moved through them.

Lunch and the end of the day: included food and how it matches the pace

You’ll wrap the kayaking portion and return to your kayak base, then head toward Üçağiz for lunch at about 13:15. Lunch is included in the tour price.

What I like here is the practicality. After a few hours of paddling and sunlight, you don’t want to negotiate a meal plan. One review specifically said the included lunch was simple but tasty, and another noted fresh fish, which is exactly what you want in a coastal region. It’s not trying to be a gourmet restaurant day. It’s fueling you so you can enjoy the rest of your afternoon without thinking about logistics.

Expect the pacing to be “active but not extreme.” Reviews describe the kayaking as fun and guided, and the best mindset is follow the guide rules and let the kayak do its job. If you come in thinking it’s a race, you’ll probably feel more tired than you need to.

What you’re really paying for: value at about $47

At $47 per person for roughly 4 hours, the value is strongest if you care about two things:

1) seeing multiple Kekova landmarks in one shot, and

2) doing it from the water with a guide, not self-organizing.

You’re getting guided kayaking, a support vessel escort, lunch, and access to key areas where a normal walking tour wouldn’t give you the same perspective. The extra cost you should factor in is the Simena Castle entrance ticket (4 euros).

If you’re comparing options, ask yourself what you’d pay for separately:

• kayak rental + safety support,
• a guide to handle timing and route,
• and a meal.

When those are bundled, this tour often feels fair, even though half-day days can feel pricey compared with longer land tours. The kayaking portion is the product. The lunch is a nice bonus that keeps you from spending the energy you saved on finding food.

Tips to make it smooth: packing and small safety choices

This is where you can turn a good day into a comfortable day.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Swimming shoes if you expect rocky or uneven entries
• A way to protect your phone. One helpful suggestion is a transparent waterproof case or a floating bag if you have one

The day can feel a bit chaotic for some people, mostly around figuring out what to bring and when to use it. So aim for “ready from the start.” Put your towel and swim items where you can reach them fast after you get settled. Keep your phone secured before you start paddling, not after.

And keep your expectations real about time. You’ll get dips and views, but you won’t have unlimited wandering time at every stop. If you treat the itinerary like a highlight reel and choose your priorities at Simena, you’ll leave happier.

Should you book this kayaking tour from Ucagiz?

I’d book this tour if you want a hands-on way to see Kekova’s landmarks—especially if the Sunken City is on your list and you’d rather get close by kayak than watch from a distance. It’s a good fit for couples, solo travelers, and families who can handle a short hike and a few hours on the water.

I’d think twice if you need long, unhurried time in one place. With only 45 minutes at Kaleköy, you’ll feel the clock. Also, if you’re sensitive to confusion around what to pack or meeting details, plan ahead: confirm directions for the meeting point, pack early, and bring the practical items that protect your feet and your phone.

Overall, the value sits in the combination: Sunken City ruins close-up, a Simena viewpoint moment, and included lunch in one tight half-day. If that matches your style, this is one of the better ways to experience Kekova without turning your trip into a logistics puzzle.

FAQ

How long is the Kekova sea kayaking tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

What time does it start from Ucagiz?

It departs Ucagiz at 09:30.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch is included. You also have a live guide in English and Turkish and motorized support while kayaking.

Is the Castle of Simena entrance ticket included?

No. The Castle of Simena entrance ticket costs about 4 euros and is not included.

Can you swim at the Sunken City of Kekova?

No. The Sunken City is a protected area, and swimming is not permitted there.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. It’s also a good idea to prepare for rocky entry points with swim shoes, and consider keeping your phone protected in a waterproof case.

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