From Kas: Guided Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour

Imagine gliding across crystal-clear waters, paddling alongside ancient ruins, and soaking in some of Turkey’s most stunning coastal scenery—all for around $68. Starting from Kas, this 6-hour guided sea kayaking experience takes you to Kekova’s top sights like the Sunken City of Kekova, Tersane Bay, and Simena Castle. You’ll enjoy a day packed with gentle adventure, cultural sights, and crystal blue waters, led by knowledgeable guides who make everything accessible—even if you’re new to paddling.

What we particularly love about this tour is how well it balances adventure and comfort. The first is the chance to see historic ruins from the water—something that photos just can’t capture—plus the opportunity to relax at scenic swimming spots. The second is the small group setting, limited to 15 participants, which means more personalized attention and a friendly vibe. The only thing to consider is that paddling can be a bit tiring, especially in warm weather, so it’s best suited for active travelers who want a mix of sightseeing and physical activity.

A potential drawback is the need to join the tour early in the morning, with pickup around 8 a.m., which might be a challenge if you’re not an early riser. Still, the promise of a full day exploring some of Turkey’s most beautiful coastlines makes it worthwhile for many. This tour is perfect if you enjoy being outdoors, are curious about ancient history, and want a day that’s both active and scenic—without the crowds of larger boat tours.

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Key Points

Accessible for beginners: Paddling is described as similar to a long walk, with instructions provided.
Rich in sights: Includes the Sunken City of Kekova, Simena Castle, and Lycian sarcophagi.
Includes lunch and transfers: Great value for a full-day experience with all logistics covered.
Small group size: Limited to 15 participants, fostering a friendly, more personalized environment.
Support vessel: A motorized boat accompanies the group, ensuring safety and assistance.
Authentic experience: Visit a charming village, hike up to scenic viewpoints, and paddle along ancient ruins.

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A Deep Dive Into the Experience

Convenient and Well-Organized Starting Point

Your day begins with a pickup in front of Smiley’s Restaurant in Kas, typically around 8 a.m., depending on the season. From there, it’s a comfortable 45-minute bus ride to Uçaiz village, a quiet spot that sets a relaxed tone for the day ahead. Knowing your transportation is arranged removes the stress of navigating the area yourself, allowing you to focus on the adventure.

Safety and Introductory Session

Once at the starting point, you’ll receive a safety briefing and paddle instructions—important whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a first-timer. The guides are experienced and friendly, making sure everyone feels comfortable before entering the water. The initial paddle from Uçaiz is a short practice session to get used to the kayaks, which are stable and easy to handle.

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Paddling Along the Lycian Coastline

The core activity involves paddling along the beautiful Lycian coast, with the support vessel escorting the group. This support boat is a thoughtful touch, especially if conditions become challenging or if you need a break. The route takes you southwest toward Kekova Island, with the first major stop at Tersane Bay for swimming and a quick paddle stop.

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Exploring the Sunken City

Paddling past the Sunken City of Kekova is one of the tour’s highlights. Since swimming isn’t permitted here—due to conservation rules—you’ll get an up-close view of the ruins from your kayak, which many find more intimate than boat tours. Several reviews mention how breathtaking the sight is, with Felicity recalling how “kayaking in beautiful blue water between ancient ruins” made for one of her best days.

Visiting Simena Castle and Authentic Village Life

Next, your group heads to the charming village of Kaleköy (Simena), where you’ll have about 45 minutes to explore. The castle ruins atop the hillside offer panoramic views—perfect for photos—and the village itself has a few shops and cafés. Some opt to hike up to the castle for the best view, while others prefer to relax and take in the scenery from below. It’s a genuine spot that feels untouched by mass tourism, which reviewers really appreciate.

Exploring Lycian Tombs at Theimussa

Later in the afternoon, the tour takes you near Theimussa, where ancient Lycian sarcophagi are prominent. It’s a quiet, yet impressive site, and you’ll have time to observe the stone tombs up close. This part of the tour offers a nice blend of nature and history, with scenic views and archaeological intrigue.

Lunch in Üçaiz

After a busy morning of paddling, you’ll return to Üçaiz for a lunch at around 1:15 p.m.. The included meal adds great value, letting you refuel for the remaining part of the day. The food is typically simple but fresh, and the setting—in a small seaside village—is charming.

Returning and Reflecting

The last leg of the trip involves paddling back along the coast, with plenty of photo opportunities. The tour concludes at the starting point in Uçaiz around 3:30 p.m., giving you the rest of the afternoon free to relax or explore Kas further.

The Experience from the Eyes of Past Travelers

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly guides like Yasar, who is described as enthusiastic and full of knowledge. Many mention how the scenery exceeded expectations, with Noeleen Padayachee describing the water and surroundings as “breathtaking,” and others noting how kayaking allowed them to see the ruins in an intimate, personal way that bigger boat tours can’t match.

The value of the experience is also emphasized. For $68, you’re getting a full day of activity, sightseeing, and lunch, which many reviews say is worth the price. Felicity sums it up well, noting how even teenagers enjoyed the day, and most found the mix of paddling, sightseeing, and swimming to be just right.

Some mention the moderate physical effort, especially in warm weather, but the support boat and clear instructions help mitigate any worries. The small group size makes for a more relaxed atmosphere, avoiding the crowded feeling of larger tours.

Practical Considerations

While this tour offers excellent value, keep in mind the early start time and the physical activity involved. Make sure you’re comfortable with some paddling—though it’s described as similar to a brisk walk—and prepare for the warm sun. Wearing a hat, sunscreen, and bringing plenty of water will keep you comfortable.

The tour includes everything you need except for the entrance ticket to Simena Castle, which costs about 4 euros. That’s a small expense for the chance to explore a historic site with stunning views.

Who Will Love This Tour

This experience is perfect for active travelers who want an authentic way to see Kekova’s coastal treasures. It’s suited for those with a moderate level of fitness, eager to combine physical activity with sightseeing. History buffs will enjoy paddling past the Sunken City and exploring the Lycian tombs, while nature lovers will appreciate the unspoiled scenery and the turquoise waters. Families or groups of friends seeking a memorable day out will find the small group setting both friendly and engaging.

The Sum Up

The From Kas: Guided Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour offers a well-rounded day of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural discovery. The guides are knowledgeable, the scenery is stunning, and the experience feels both authentic and accessible. While it requires some physical effort, the support boat and clear instructions make it suitable for most active travelers. The inclusion of lunch, transfers, and a small group size makes it a great value for the price.

If you’re looking for a day that combines gentle adventure with the chance to see Turkey’s striking coastlines and ancient ruins from a unique perspective, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially ideal for those who want more than just a boat cruise—who prefer feeling the wind in their hair, paddling past history, and stopping in charming villages. For travelers seeking an active, scenic, and culturally enriching experience, this sea kayaking tour is a memorable choice.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, guides provide safety briefings and paddle instructions, and paddling is described as similar to a long walk, making it accessible even for novices.

How long do we kayak each day?
You’ll enjoy approximately 4 hours of sea kayaking during the tour, with stops for swimming, sightseeing, and breaks.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, transfers from Kas to Uçaiz village and back are included, taking the hassle out of logistics.

What are the main sights I will see?
The tour takes you past the Sunken City of Kekova, Tersane Bay, Simena Castle, and Lycian sarcophagi at Theimussa.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch is provided after the kayaking, in a scenic seaside setting, adding great value to the experience.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 15 participants, fostering a more personalized, friendly atmosphere.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
You will need to buy a small ticket (around 4 euros) to visit Simena Castle, but other major sights are included.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, water, and comfortable clothing suitable for paddling and warm weather. The tour provides kayaks and safety gear.

This guided sea kayaking adventure from Kas promises a day of scenic splendor, history, and gentle activity—ideal for travelers eager to see Kekova from a fresh perspective.