From Demre: Guided Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour

If you’ve ever dreamed of paddling along a coast dotted with ancient ruins, stunning bays, and a medieval castle perched on a hillside, this Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour from Demre offers all that and more. For just $57 per person, you’ll spend about 5.5 hours exploring some of Turkey’s most captivating sights—by kayak, no less. The adventure kicks off early, around 8:20 a.m., with a scenic drive from Demre to Uçaiz village, setting the stage for a day packed with history, nature, and a touch of adrenaline.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to paddle right next to the Sunken City of Kekova—an ancient Lycian settlement partially submerged in protected waters—gives you a perspective few other experiences can match. Second, visiting Simena Castle and its quaint village offers a taste of authentic Mediterranean life, complete with castle ruins and breathtaking views.

Of course, no adventure is without its considerations. The tour involves physical activity, but it’s designed to be accessible even for beginners—think of it as a very brisk walk on water. You’ll need to be comfortable with some paddling and swimming, though the latter is optional. This experience appeals most to those craving a mix of adventure, history, and scenic beauty, especially if you’re open to trying kayaking for the first time.

Key Points

• Accessible for Beginners: The tour includes safety briefings and paddle instructions, making it suitable even if you’ve never kayaked before.
• Authentic Marine & Land Views: Paddle alongside ancient ruins, enjoy scenic coastal vistas, and explore a charming village.
• Time-efficient: With a 5.5-hour schedule, it packs a lot of sights into a manageable day.
• Includes Transportation & Lunch: Round-trip transfers from Demre and a delicious local lunch add good value.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people) ensure personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Weather & Equipment: Bring sun protection and swimwear, as the Turkish sun can be intense and swimming breaks are frequent.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Journey to Uçaiz Village

Your day begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Demre, followed by a roughly 45-minute scenic drive through the Antalya Province countryside. Expect picturesque views, perhaps glimpses of olive groves and traditional Turkish villages. This ride sets the mood, giving you a taste of the region’s quiet charm before diving into the day’s active portion.

Safety & Paddle Instruction

Once at Uçaiz, the guide—whose friendly expertise we appreciated—starts with a comprehensive safety briefing. This is crucial, especially for newcomers, but don’t worry: the instructions are straightforward, and the guide ensures everyone feels comfortable before hitting the water. The initial paddling session, from Uçaiz to Tersane Bay, is designed for practice, so you can get a feel for your kayak and navigation.

Paddling in the Sunken City

At 10:15 a.m., the group departs towards Kekova Island, escorted by a support vessel. This escort is reassuring for those wary of paddling in open water, especially since the route covers some distance along the coast. When you arrive at the Sunken City of Kekova, the sight of submerged houses, walls, and ancient pathways from the Lycian era is mesmerizing.

Here, swimming isn’t permitted—not because of safety issues, but because the area is protected—so the best way to explore the ruins is from your kayak. As one reviewer noted, “paddling alongside the ruins allowed us to get incredibly close and take photos that we’ll treasure forever.” The experience of gliding over the submerged city, with ancient stones just beneath your kayak, is truly unique.

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Exploring Simena Castle and Village

Next, the tour takes you to Simena Castle around 11:30 a.m., where you’ll have about 45 minutes to wander. The hillside village of Kaleköy is charming, with narrow streets, small shops, and the castle ruins perched on top. Climbing up to the castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding bays—perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery. Some visitors choose to stay down below, enjoying a swim in the clear waters, which are often described as “gorgeous” and “inviting.”

The Ancient City of Theimussa & Lunch

After the castle visit, the group paddles to Theimussa, famed for its Lycian sarcophagi and ancient ruins. Expect more photo opportunities and a chance to learn about the area’s history from your guide. The quiet landscape here provides a feeling of stepping back in time.

By early afternoon, it’s time to head back for a well-earned lunch at Uçaiz. The included meal offers a taste of Turkish cuisine—fresh, flavorful, and satisfying—before returning to Demre with memories (and photos) to last a lifetime.

Practical Details & Tips

This tour is designed to be accessible, but a few practical notes are helpful. It involves about 4 hours of sea kayaking, so wearing comfortable, quick-drying swimwear and bringing sun protection—like sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses—is essential. The boat ride and paddle will be physically gentle for most, but expect some exertion; a brisk walk’s worth of activity, according to reviews.

The small group size (limited to 15 participants) ensures personalized attention and a relaxed vibe. The tour includes transportation—pick-up and drop-off—to make logistics easier—crucial in a region where you’ll want to maximize your time exploring rather than organizing transport.

The cost at $57 seems reasonable given the inclusions: boat support, safety gear, a guide, lunch, and the experience itself. Paying extra for entrance tickets to the castle isn’t included, but you’ll find the fee is modest, and the overall experience offers good value.

What We Loved

We appreciated the balance of active kayaking with cultural exploration—it’s not just a boat trip, but an opportunity to engage physically with the landscape. The close-up views of the Sunken City from your kayak create an intimacy with history that photos from a boat or shore can’t match.

What to Consider

If you’re not comfortable with water or paddling, this might not be the best fit, as it does require some physical activity. Weather can also influence the experience—wind or rough seas could make paddling more challenging, so check the forecast beforehand.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for active travelers who want more than just sightseeing—those eager to try kayaking, enjoy scenic coastlines, and learn about ancient Lycian history. It’s ideal for small groups and couples or friends who value a personalized, intimate experience. If you’re keen on combining a bit of adventure with cultural discovery, this tour offers a memorable day out.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking a hands-on, scenic adventure that combines history, nature, and some light physical activity, the Demre-guided Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour hits the mark. It offers a well-rounded experience, with the chance to glide past ruins, visit a picturesque hilltop castle, and enjoy a local meal—all with the guidance of friendly professionals. While it’s not for those who dislike paddling or swimming, it’s a fantastic option for those eager to explore Turkey’s lesser-known coastal treasures intimately.

If you’re looking for a tour that provides genuine adventure, historical insight, and a chance to connect with Turkey’s stunning shoreline, this is a terrific choice. Just remember to bring your sun gear, a sense of curiosity, and a spirit ready for discovery.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed for beginners and includes safety briefings and paddle instructions to ensure everyone feels comfortable, even if it’s your first time kayaking.

How long is the kayaking portion?
You will spend about 4 hours kayaking, with the rest of the time spent on transportation, sightseeing, and lunch.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection such as sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses. Swimming attire is recommended, and a towel might be handy for after swimming or relaxing.

Will I get to swim during the tour?
Yes, you can swim at Tersane Bay, and Theimussa offers a chance to enjoy the waters again. Swimming near the Sunken City isn’t permitted due to protections in place.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, safety gear, a guide, 4 hours of sea kayaking, and lunch.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, entrance tickets to Simena Castle cost about 4, which travelers should budget for separately.

What is the group size?
The group is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personal and relaxed experience.

This guided kayaking tour from Demre offers a mix of physical activity, cultural exploration, and stunning scenery—ideal for curious travelers eager to see Turkey’s hidden coastal gems with their own paddle in hand.

You can check availability for your dates here: