From Demre: Guided Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour

Explore the Kekova Coastline by Kayak with Guided Insight

This guided Kekova sea kayaking tour from Demre offers a unique way to experience the stunning scenery and ancient sites of Turkey’s Antalya Province. Priced at $57 per person and lasting 5.5 hours, the tour combines active paddling with opportunities to see historic landmarks like the Sunken City of Kekova and Simena Castle. It is particularly suitable for those who enjoy gentle physical activity in scenic surroundings, with a pace comparable to a brisk walk.

While the tour includes 4 hours of sea kayaking with a support vessel escort, it also provides cultural stops, swimming opportunities, and a hearty lunch. The experience is designed to be accessible for beginners and novices, making it a good choice for families or those new to kayaking. An important note is that swimming near the Sunken City is not permitted, but kayaking alongside the ruins offers excellent photo opportunities. This tour suits travelers seeking a balanced mix of adventure, history, and local culture in a small-group setting.

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Key Points

• Affordable price: At $57 per person, this tour delivers a comprehensive experience of the Kekova region.
• Accessible activity: It involves gentle paddling similar to a long walk, suitable for beginners.
• Detailed itinerary: Stops include Tersane Bay, Kekova Island, Simena Castle, and Theimussa Ancient City.
• Includes transportation and lunch: Round-trip pick-up/drop-off from Demre and a lunch break at Kaleüçaz.
• Small group: Limited to 15 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• All necessary equipment is provided, along with safety briefings and paddle instruction.

Starting Point and Transportation Logistics

This tour begins at SAILNSTAY, the main meeting point where you’ll be picked up and later dropped off in Demre. The journey to Uçaiz village takes about 45 minutes via scenic drive, setting the stage for a day immersed in Turkey’s coastal beauty. The transportation ensures a smooth start and end to the adventure, allowing you to relax and focus on the experience itself.

The Morning Paddle: Safety and Technique

The tour kicks off early, with a safety briefing and paddle instruction for those new to kayaking. The group departs around 9:00 a.m. with a support vessel escort, making paddling easier and safer. From Uçaiz, paddlers glide southwest along the coast toward Kekova Island, with brief practice sessions to get accustomed to the kayak handling.

This gentle introduction is perfect for those who want to enjoy the scenery without strenuous effort. The tour’s pacing allows for plenty of stops, photo opportunities, and time to soak in the surroundings before reaching the first major stop, Tersane Bay.

Swimming and Photos at Tersane Bay

Around 10:15 a.m., the group reaches Tersane Bay for a swimming break and photo session. The bay’s calm waters make it an ideal spot for a refreshing dip. Kayaking around this area provides a chance to see the coastline from a different perspective, with the support vessel nearby in case anyone needs assistance.

While swimming is permitted here, it is important to remember that swimming near the Sunken City of Kekova is not allowed due to protected status. Nonetheless, paddling close to the ancient ruins offers an excellent chance for memorable photos and close-up views of the submerged structures.

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Kayaking Past the Sunken City of Kekova

One of the main highlights is paddling along the Lycian Sunken City of Kekova. The ruins lie beneath the water’s surface, visible from the kayak, creating a striking contrast between ancient history and natural beauty. The protected area means no swimming is allowed in the Sunken City, but kayaking offers a fantastic vantage point to observe the submerged remains.

This part of the tour emphasizes the combination of physical activity with cultural exploration, allowing you to see the ruins from up close while steering your kayak along the coastline.

Visiting Simena Castle and Authentic Village Life

At 11:30 a.m., the group arrives at Simena Castle in Kaleköy. You’ll have about 45 minutes to explore the small, authentic village that sits beneath the ruins of the castle and features a necropolis. Climbing up the hillside provides spectacular views of the Kekova region, perfect for photos and sightseeing.

If preferred, visitors can stay below and enjoy the blue waters for a quick swim or relaxation. The village offers a glimpse into local life, with options for shopping or just taking in the scenery, before heading back to the kayak base.

Exploring Theimussa and Lycian Sarcophagi

Following the castle visit, the tour continues with a stop at Theimussa, an ancient city site rich in Lycian sarcophagi and historic ruins. This stop offers a closer look at more archaeological relics, with ample opportunities for photography and sightseeing.

Afterward, the group paddles back towards the kayak base, with scenic views and a relaxed pace, wrapping up the active part of the day.

Lunch and Rest at Kaleüçaz

At 1:15 p.m., after returning to Üçaiz, the tour offers a lunch break at Kaleüçaz. This is a good time to relax, enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine, and reflect on the morning’s kayaking adventure. The meal is included in the tour price, ensuring a satisfying end to the active morning.

Tour Ending and Return to Demre

After lunch, the group is transported back to Demre, completing the 5.5-hour experience. The return trip allows travelers to unwind and take in the Turkish coastline from the comfort of the vehicle, concluding a day filled with scenic paddling, cultural discovery, and leisure.

Practical Details and What to Bring

Participants should bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and sunscreen to stay comfortable during the day. The tour is conducted in English with a live guide, and the small size (up to 15 participants) fosters a friendly, personalized atmosphere.

The activity includes pick-up and drop-off services in Demre, along with all necessary kayaking equipment. It is important to note that additional food, drinks, or entrance tickets for Simena Castle are not included in the price, except for the provided lunch.

Summary of the Kekova Sea Kayaking Experience

This tour offers a well-rounded day combining physical activity, cultural exploration, and scenic beauty. The guided instruction makes it accessible for beginners, while the stops at Kekova’s famous landmarks enrich the experience. The small group size and personalized service from SAILNSTAY enhance the trip’s appeal.

While swimmers can enjoy Tersane Bay, visitors should remember that swimming near the Sunken City is restricted, so kayaking is the best way to see the ruins. The lunch break provides a good rest point, and the overall pacing is comfortable, making this tour suitable for most travelers seeking an active yet relaxed day on Turkey’s coast.

Kekova Guided Sea Kayaking Tour from Demre: Final Thoughts

This $57 tour delivers a balanced mix of adventure, history, and scenery. It suits those who are comfortable with light physical activity and want to see Kekova’s top sights from a different perspective. The inclusion of transportation, instruction, and lunch offers good value, especially in a small-group setting.

The scenic stops and archaeological highlights make it a memorable day, perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, or anyone wanting to enjoy Turkey’s coast from the water. While it’s not a strenuous tour, the paddling and sightseeing pace allow for a leisurely experience that can be enjoyed by most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed for beginners and novices, with paddle instruction and safety briefings provided at the start.

How long do I kayak each day?
You will kayak for about 4 hours during the main activity, with stops for swimming and sightseeing.

What is included in the price?
The tour price includes pick-up and drop-off, kayaking equipment, safety briefing, and lunch.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, entrance tickets for Simena Castle are not included (costing around 4), and additional food or drinks are not covered.

What should I bring for the tour?
Participants should bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and sunscreen for comfort and sun protection.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, swimming is permitted at Tersane Bay but not at the Sunken City area of Kekova due to protected status.

What is the group size limit?
The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring personalized guidance and attention.

What is the duration of the entire tour?
The total experience lasts approximately 5.5 hours, including transportation, paddling, stops, and lunch.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be done with a free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now, pay later options are available for flexibility.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at SAILNSTAY, the main office in Demre, with transportation included in the package.

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