Kekova Sea Kayaking: Paddle the Sunken City, Simena Castle & Lycian Tombs
Trace the drowned footprints of ancient Lycia by kayak—paddle through the Sunken City, swim at Tersane Bay and walk to Simena Castle in Kaleköy. This guided half-day tour blends calm paddling with focused history, ideal for first-time kayakers and families.
The Experience
Before You Go
Arrive early for the paddling clinic
A short pre-tour skills session builds confidence; arrive 10–15 minutes early to make the most of it and avoid rushing.
Bring a dry bag and waterproof camera
You’ll encounter shallow ruins and swim stops—protect electronics and carry snacks or medication in a small dry bag.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
The Aegean/Mediterranean sun can be intense on flat water—apply sunscreen liberally and reapply after swims.
Wear sturdy water shoes
Exits and shore breaks are rocky; reef boots or sport sandals protect feet when stepping in and out of shallow coves.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk the narrow lanes of Üçağız village after lunch for authentic seaside cafés
- •Snorkel a shallow bay near Tersane to see mosque-era masonry and fish life up close
Wildlife
- •Mediterranean shearwaters
- •occasionally loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)
Conservation Note
Visitors are asked to use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching ruins and to carry out all trash; local guides work with small groups to limit impact on fragile underwater sites.
Kekova sits on Lycian ground—its submerged streets are mostly the result of earthquakes and gradual sea-level changes; visible sarcophagi are Lycian funerary markers dating back over 2,000 years.
Photographer's Notes
- • Paddle through the Sunken City for submerged masonry shots
- • The beach at Tersane Bay for underwater-to-sky reflections
- • Walk up to Simena Castle for panoramic coastline vistas
What to Bring
Personal flotation device (provided)Essential
Required for safety and supplied by the operator, but bring a comfortable one if you prefer your own.
Water shoes / reef bootsEssential
Protects feet on rocky beaches and makes getting in/out of kayaks easier.
Dry bag (5–10L)Essential
Keeps phone, wallet and camera dry during paddling and swim stops.
Mask/snorkel
Water clarity makes snorkeling rewarding—bring your own for better fit and hygiene.
Common Questions
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No—guides provide a short training session and the route stays in sheltered waters suitable for beginners.
Can non-swimmers join the tour?
Life jackets are required for everyone; non-swimmers can participate but should notify guides so they can place you in a stable tandem or close to the group.
Is the swim stop suitable for children?
Yes; Tersane Bay is shallow and swimmable, but children should be supervised and wear life jackets during boat transfers and swims.
What is included in the price?
Kayak, paddle, life jacket, short skills training, guided route, and a concluding lunch are included per the operator’s listing.
Are the archaeological sites protected? Can I touch the ruins?
The ruins are protected and fragile—guides will point out features for viewing; avoid climbing or removing artifacts and follow guide instructions.
What happens in bad weather?
The operator cancels tours in rough or unsafe sea conditions; check the 24-hour cancellation policy and contact them for rescheduling or refund.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Üçağız, Antalya
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for people in light to moderate fitness—short instruction and sheltered paddling mean no prior experience is required.
Ready to Explore Üçağız?
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