Kayaking Kekova beats the big-boat version. I love the mix of guided history with real time on the water, and I especially like how the route pairs ruins with swim stops. One possible drawback to plan for is that Simena Castle entrance is not included and costs 4 euro.

I also like that the trip keeps safety in the foreground. The group travels with a powered support boat, and your belongings are stored with that escort, so you are not juggling bags every time you want to take a photo.

If you are a true beginner, you are not expected to be a fitness hero. The day starts with a safety briefing and paddle instruction, then you get time to practice before the longer scenic sections.

Key things I’d circle before you go

• Small group (up to 15), which makes instructions easier to follow
• Beginner practice paddling from Üçağız so you get your bearings fast
• Tersane Bay swim stop, with enough time to cool off
• Sunken City kayaking alongside the ruins, while swimming is not allowed there
• Simena Castle time in Kaleköy, including a short hike for wide views
• A support boat escort for belongings and help if conditions change

Kaş to Uçağız: the ride that sets the tone

This tour starts with a pickup in Kaş, right in front of Smiley’s Restaurant. Expect the morning timing to shift a bit with the season, but the day generally begins around 8:00 a.m. You then drive about 45 minutes to the Uçağız area.

Why I like this setup: you are not dropped at the water and expected to figure it out. You arrive, you settle, and the first part of the tour is focused on getting everyone comfortable. That matters a lot on sea kayaking days, because the ocean looks calm from shore until you’re actually paddling.

You also get a bit of bonus context before the first strokes. The guide, often Yaşar (based on multiple guest accounts), keeps things lively while explaining what you are looking at along the coast. If you care about why the ruins matter, this is a big part of the value.

Getting your bearings: Üçağız paddle practice and safety brief

Once the group is outfitted, you begin with a safety briefing and paddle instruction. Then you head into the water for your first paddling session from Üçağız. This is not a “jump straight into the deep end” plan, and that is the difference between a fun day and a stressful one.

What you should expect, even if you feel unsure: it is physically similar to a long brisk walk. That wording may sound mild, but it’s honest. You will use your arms and core, and you will likely be a bit winded, especially if the breeze picks up.

A detail I really appreciate is how the trip handles gear. Guests note the equipment is in great condition, including life vests, and that the support boat stays close enough to help if needed. There’s also mention of snorkelling equipment, which is handy because you will have swimming time later.

The route to Tersane Bay: southwest paddling with escort support

After leaving Uçağız, you depart around 9:30 a.m. A motorized support vessel escorts the group as you paddle southwest along the Lycian coastline. You are aiming to reach Tersane Bay at about 10:15 a.m., where the day shifts from “learn your kayak” to “experience the coastline.”

The paddle sections are paced. You are not racing. You are moving steadily while the guide points out landmarks. And because the escort boat is nearby, you are not alone if you misjudge a turn or your kayak feels a little off.

If it matters to you, here is the practical reality from a guest perspective: the wind can pick up, making the paddling more challenging. That does not ruin the day, but it is worth mentally budgeting for extra effort on the water.

Tersane Bay swim stop: the payoff for your first hour

Tersane Bay is your first big “stop and enjoy” moment. You arrive around mid-morning, and then you get a swimming break with about 40 minutes set aside.

This is a smart choice for a guided kayak day. You get to cool off early, and you also get a chance to reset your muscles before the longer, more scenic parts of the route. The water in this area is known for its color, and the stop is timed so you are still fresh enough to enjoy it.

A good practical tip from real experience: bring a change of clothes. Even with careful paddling, you will splash, and after a sea kayaking morning, having dry clothes for later makes lunch and the afternoon feel a lot easier.

Kayaking alongside the Sunken City of Kekova (no swimming allowed)

Here is the iconic moment: you slowly paddle over the ancient Lycian Sunken City of Kekova. You are not cruising past it at a distance. You are close enough to appreciate the ruins from the water, and close enough to make your photos feel like you are part of the scene.

One important rule shapes the experience: this is a protected area, so swimming is not permitted in the Sunken City. That can be surprising if you are imagining a swim in the ruins. It’s still a great stop though, because the kayaking viewpoint gives you a different kind of connection than a bus or big-boat tour.

Time is short here, about 10 minutes for the Sunken City segment, but that’s exactly right for a working day on the water. You get to witness it without turning the whole trip into a long, cold wait.

Simena Castle at Kaleköy: views, ruins, and a self-guided break

After the Sunken City portion, you head toward Simena and arrive at about 11:30 a.m. You park in Kaleköy, the ancient Simena Castle area. You get around 45 minutes to explore, and in practice the break can run closer to an hour depending on how the schedule lands.

What makes this stop worth it is the mix of options:

• You can wander around the small village area
• You can visit castle ruins and a necropolis
• If you want the best viewpoint, there is a hike up the hillside

And if you prefer to stay closer to the water, you may have time to take another dip in the blue waters below, assuming conditions and timing allow.

Here is your one extra cost to remember: Simena Castle entrance is not included. The ticket is 4 euro. On the bright side, the tour notes that you can skip the ticket line, which helps keep your break from feeling rushed.

The afternoon shift toward Theimussa sarcophagi

After Simena, the pace changes from exploration to another targeted sightseeing beat. In the afternoon, you head back toward Theimussa for an up-close view of Lycian sarcophagi, then you return to the kayak base.

This is one of those “small timing, big effect” parts of the day. You are already warm from paddling and you’ve had your swim breaks, so the afternoon feels more like a focused continuation rather than starting over. The sarcophagi viewpoint is also an easy reminder that this coastline is more than scenery. It’s an ancient burial landscape, sitting right at the water’s edge.

Wind and effort can still be factors later in the day, and the support boat matters even more then. You are not just paddling into your own sunset fantasy. You’re doing it with a plan.

Lunch in Üçağız: fuel after 4 hours on the water

Lunch arrives at about 1:15 p.m. back in Üçağız. Lunch is included in the price, which is a nice way to keep this from turning into a “pay for everything all day” outing.

Why lunch placement is smart: you finish the kayaking and sightseeing, then eat while you’re still thinking clearly. If you have paddled for hours, you will appreciate that you are not hunting for food with wet hair and sandy feet.

One more value note from guest reports: the lunch is described as delicious. That may sound subjective, but it matters because it affects your whole mood for the final stretch back.

What $65 gets you, and where the value really comes from

At $65 per person for a 6-hour tour with about 4 hours of sea kayaking, this can be good value in the Antalya Province region, especially if you care about seeing Kekova’s signature sites from the water.

You are paying for three things that are hard to replicate on your own:

1. Guided routing and pacing along the coast
2. Safety and escort support, including the powered boat that stays with you
3. Time at key landmarks without the hassle of figuring out logistics

Then there are the extras that can affect your real cost. Simena Castle entrance is 4 euro and is not included. Still, when you look at what you are getting, that small add-on is reasonable.

My practical take: if you want the Kekova Sunken City viewpoint but dislike big-boat crowds, this format is often worth it. Sea kayaking is slower than a cruise, and that slowness is the point.

Who this tour suits best, and who should think twice

This is a great fit if you:

• Want an active day that is not a full-on endurance challenge
• Are comfortable trying kayaking as a beginner (instruction comes first)
• Like landmarks with context, not just photos
• Want time to swim and cool down, not only sightseeing

It may be less ideal if you:

• Get frustrated with wind and water conditions, since conditions can make paddling feel more work
• Do not want any extra ticket costs (Simena Castle entry is separate)
• Prefer totally relaxed touring with no physical effort at all

Also, keep group dynamics in mind. The tour is capped at 15 people, which is good, and most people benefit from that size. Still, if you are sensitive to waiting for the group or keeping pace, you should expect a guided schedule.

Tips to make your day smoother (based on what guests report)

A few simple moves can save you from an uncomfortable afternoon:

• Bring a change of clothes for after swimming time.
• Use your life vest and snorkeling equipment as provided, since the day includes swim stops.
• Plan your energy for about 4 hours of sea kayaking, with more effort if the wind rises.
• Bring a camera mindset. The Sunken City stop is short, so be ready to grab photos quickly while you have the moment.

If you go in expecting a long brisk walk with ocean views, you will feel more confident when you start paddling.

Should you book the Kaş to Kekova sea kayaking tour?

Yes, if you want Kekova’s best-known sights with an active, close-up viewpoint. This is the kind of day that pairs beginner-friendly coaching with the actual rewards of kayaking: ruins you can look at from the water, swim breaks that feel earned, and a small group that keeps the experience personal.

Hold off if you strongly prefer passive sightseeing, or if you hate the idea of extra entry fees at Simena Castle. And if wind tends to make you anxious on the water, you should be honest with yourself about how you handle changing conditions.

If your goal is to see the Sunken City of Kekova, Tersane Bay, and Lycian sarcophagi along the coast, while still getting lunch included at the end, this one is a solid match.

FAQ

Where does the tour pick you up in Kaş?

Pickup is in front of Smiley’s Restaurant in Kaş. The exact pickup time may vary by season, and the operator notifies you one day before via WhatsApp or email.

What is the total duration of the tour?

The tour runs for about 6 hours.

How long will I be sea kayaking?

You get 4 hours of sea kayaking as part of the day.

Is this tour okay for a complete beginner?

Yes. There is a safety briefing and paddle instruction first, and then you start with a practice paddling session from Üçağız. It is described as a physical activity similar to a long brisk walk.

Do we get any swimming time?

Yes. There is a swim break at Tersane Bay, and there may also be time to swim again when you stop in the Simena area, depending on timing and conditions.

Can you swim in the Sunken City of Kekova?

No. Swimming is not permitted in the protected Sunken City area, but you can kayak alongside the ruins and take photos.

Do I need to pay for Simena Castle?

Yes. The Simena Castle entrance ticket is not included and costs 4 euro.

Is the guide provided in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live guide in English and Turkish.

Is it a small group?

Yes. The group is limited to 15 participants.

Is cancellation and payment flexible?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It also offers reserve now and pay later, so you can book without paying immediately.