The Kekova Odyssey
Sea Kayaking the Islands & Bays
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Escape the crowds and enjoy sea-kayaking for the day. Join our sea-kayak tour of the coast of Kekova Island and the sunken city led by an expert outdoor guide. Beginner friendly and inc. picnic lunch.
A must-do adventure for your trip!
Ellen_D, Sep 2024
This day trip was the highlight of our summer vacation in Turkey. We had absolutely fabulous weather and spent the day kayaking amongst beautiful nature and historical ruins with a friendly, fun, and knowledgeable guide. The delicious lunch that was included exceeded our expectations, as did the stops for snorkeling/swimming, hiking up to an ottoman castle, and getting ice cream in a small village. All for a great value, too - totally worth what we paid! Definitely book this trip!We had 2 guides, with plenty of local knowledge and good English. The group was two families of 4 and another couple. We went in late October and the weather was still fantastic for the kayak and swimming. We have children aged 10 and 13 and we have done a bit of kayaking before. We paired up in 2 double kayaks. Equipment was all in good order and we felt very well looked after. The highlights for me were the morning swim off Kekova Island, seeing the remnants of the Lycean settlement on Kekova, lunch in Simena and the trip up to the old fort in Simena. We all had a great day and were still back in Kas for more swimming before sunset. Thank you
Perfect experience, with small group
Helene_Q, Jul 2024
Barberos is the guide with a great experience, happy to share Turkish's culture and history. It was a great pleasure to discuss with him during th whole day. Great teacher also, everybody feels comfortable with the kayak after 10 minutes.
Fantastic historical kayak trip
Andrew P, Oct 2024
I can certainly recommend this day out and this company. Very easy to arrange via WhatsApp and good, clear instructions on where to meet. We had 2 guides, with plenty of local knowledge and good English. The group was two families of 4 and another couple. We went in late October and the weather was still fantastic for the kayak and swimming. We have children aged 10 and 13 and we have done a bit of kayaking before. We paired up in 2 double kayaks. Equipment was all in good order and we felt very well looked after. The highlights for me were the morning swim off Kekova Island, seeing the remnants of the Lycean settlement on Kekova, lunch in Simena and the trip up to the old fort in Simena. We all had a great day and were still back in Kas for more swimming before sunset. Thank you
About this activity
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 5 - 8 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Instructor
English, Turkish
Itinerary
Kayaking Time
3 x 45 minutes
Total ≅2.30 hrs
Distances
3 + 3 + 2 km
Total ≅ 8 km
For your convenience, we recommend settling payments in cash on the day of the tour. We accept any currency, ensuring flexibility for our guests.
Highlights
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Paddle over Kekova’s clear waters and explore quiet bays
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Follow an easy 8 km route with swim breaks and coastal views
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Enjoy free time in Simena Village with an optional castle visit
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Glide above the Sunken City and learn about its ancient history
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Beginner-friendly tour led by a licensed canoe federation guide
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Start in Üçağız with optional transfers from Kaş and Kalkan
Tour Description (Spoiler Alert !!!)
Explore Kekova from Sea Level — Calm, Scenic & Full of History Sea kayaking is the most peaceful way to discover Kekova. After a short safety briefing, we slip into clear, calm water and paddle along quiet coves, limestone cliffs, and the famous Sunken City. The pace is relaxed, the atmosphere is natural, and the whole day moves with the sea. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you’ve paddled before, this is a gentle, beautiful way to explore the Turquoise Coast. We adapt the route each morning to match the sea conditions, so the tour stays calm, comfortable, and enjoyable for everyone. There’s plenty of time to take photos, enjoy the landscape, and settle into the rhythm of the day. ⸻ Paddle Over the Sunken City of Kekova Kayak slowly above the world-famous Sunken City, where ancient ruins lie just below the surface. Non-motorized kayaks can get closer to the old walls and stairs, making this the most authentic way to explore Dolichiste. Your guide shares the story of the ancient settlement as we glide along the coastline. ⸻ Visit Simena (Kaleköy) Village We dock at the small, car-free village of Simena (Kaleköy). Wander through quiet stone streets, enjoy the sea views, and try the famous homemade ice cream. Those who want a little more adventure can walk up to the medieval castle and necropolis for one of the best panoramas in the region. (Castle visit optional; entry cash only, around 200 TL.) ⸻ Swim at Tersane Bay (Xera) We paddle into the calm, sheltered waters of Tersane Bay, once the old harbor of Xera. It’s a peaceful place to explore the ruins on shore or cool off with a swim in beautiful turquoise water. ⸻ Flexible & Authentic Lunch Lunch is part of the experience. Depending on the day, we may enjoy a picnic in a quiet bay or choose a simple restaurant meal in Simena. All options are fresh and local. Please let us know your dietary preferences before the tour. ⸻ Secret Bays & the Return Paddle On some days, when timing and conditions allow, we add small extras such as a swim at our Secret Bay or a light cliff jump at Adalar. We finish with a relaxed paddle back to Üçağız, passing the Lycian sarcophagi of the Teimiussa Necropolis along the shoreline. ⸻ Tour Details & Logistics Activity Level: Moderate (beginners welcome) Start Point: Üçağız Village (Kekova) Transfers: Optional shuttles available from Kaş and Kalkan
Includes
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Professional, certified guide
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Tandem kayaks (limited single kayaks), paddles, and safety gear
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Short introduction and safety briefing
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Small waterproof containers for valuables
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Lunch (picnic or simple restaurant, depending on the day)
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Optional transfer from Kaş and Kalkan (if selected)
Not Included
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Simena Castle entrance fee (200 TL, cash only)
The Kekova Odyssey
Sea Kayaking across the bay and islands
Small groups • Certified guide • Real local lunch
Prices 2025–2026 (per person)
75 € – Meet directly in Üçağız
85 € – With round-trip transfer from Kaş
95 € – With round-trip transfer from Kalkan
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Discounts (choose one per person)
–10 € Child (ages 6–12)
–10 € Returning guest
–10 € Cash payment on the day
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Payment
Cash preferred on the morning of the tour
(TRY · EUR · USD · GBP accepted)
Know Before You Go
This tour includes about 8 km of sea kayaking in calm, sheltered waters.
• Moderate fitness recommended
• Not suitable for guests over 120 kg
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum age: 6 years (with fit parents)
• Teenagers 14+ can join with written permission
Meeting & Pickup Information
Early departures give you the best conditions: calm sea, gentle sun, and a quiet Kekova all to yourself.
If you are staying in a hotel, please inform them about your early departure.
Most hotels are happy to prepare an early breakfast or a small take-away box.
Kaş Meeting Point
Summer: 07:30 (1 May–31 Oct)
Winter: 08:30 (1 Nov–30 Apr)
Please arrive 5 minutes early.
Driving time: 40 minutes
Location (next to Dilan & Aysun Café):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/K2gHGPSUCBQNHtyz5
Kaş Peninsula Pickups
Pickups on the Peninsula are from the main road near your hotel.
Please send us your hotel name so we can confirm the exact stopping point.
Kekova – Kale / Üçağız Meeting Point
Summer: 08:15 (1 May–31 Oct)
Winter: 09:15 (1 Nov–30 Apr)
Please arrive a few minutes early.
Location: Üçağız Village – Kalealtı Mevkii
(Ask for Kanocu Barbaros)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zuvyq7TMcfH5BGcc9
How to find us:
Walk through Gönül Café Passage. The kayaks are by the water, just before Teimussa Pansiyon, under the large eucalyptus tree.
Parking:
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Paid parking at Üçağız Harbor (with attendant)
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Limited free parking near Koç Pansiyon along the coast (not guaranteed)
Kalkan Transfer
Main meeting point: Just Above Kalkan Taxi Stand
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUxaXdUPwayavxBV9
Summer: 07:00 (1 May–31 Oct)
Winter: 08:00 (1 Nov–30 Apr)
Kalkan’s narrow and steep streets allow pickup only from some safe main-road points.
Please send your accommodation address so we can confirm the nearest suitable spot (supermarket, bank, etc).
Driving time: 70 minutes
You will meet your guide and the rest of the group halfway in Kaş or latest in Üçağız, depending on the day.
What to bring
Think “Beach Bag”
• Comfortable shorts and T-shirt
• Swimwear (please wear it before the tour)
• Towel
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sun cream
• At least 1 litre of water (you can buy more in the villages)
• Any personal medication (e.g., asthma inhaler)
• Small cash for drinks, ice cream, or Simena Castle
• A full change of clothes for after the tour (kept safely in your car or transfer vehicle)
• Light wind jacket in winter
Footwear
• Water shoes or sandals are ideal
• Barefoot is perfectly fine in the kayak
• Flip-flops are okay but not great for walking
• Sneakers/trainers stay dry in the kayak if you’d like more comfort in Simena or Tersane
Equipment & Storage
• Each kayak has a small waterproof container (3–5 L) for essentials like phone, wallet, and keys
• If it doesn’t fit in here, you probably won’t need it on the water
• Towels and shoes fit easily inside the kayak, we have some bags for these
• Please leave tablets, books, and bulky items at your hotel or in the transfer vehicle
• Avoid jewellery
• Passports can stay in the hotel — a passport photo is enough for transfers
