From Kas: Guided Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour

Explore Turkey’s Stunning Waters with the Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour from Kas

The From Kas: Guided Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour offers an engaging way to experience the natural beauty and ancient sites of Turkey’s turquoise coast. Priced at $64.09 per person, this 4 to 6-hour adventure perfectly balances active exploration with relaxing swims and cultural sights. The tour is highly recommended by 96% of participants, and with a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 23 reviews, it clearly delivers on its promise of a memorable day.

This tour leaves from Kas, including all transport, kayaks, and lunch, making it a hassle-free outing suitable for most travelers. The guides are praised for their knowledge, making the journey both informative and fun. The tour’s well-structured stops, from the sunken city of Kekova to the charming Castle of Simena, provide a diverse experience packed into a manageable day.

While the tour is accessible for most and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and sightseeing, participants should be aware of the entrance fee for Simena Castle, which is $4 per person. The group size is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a friendly and personalized atmosphere. This tour is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities, historical sites, and scenic coastal views.

Key Points

• All-inclusive package: transport, kayaks, and lunch included for $64.09.
• Departure point in Kas: the tour starts at 8:00 am with pickup from your hotel or meeting point.
• Stunning locations: paddle over the ancient Lycian Sunken City of Kekova, visit Simena Castle, and enjoy beautiful viewpoints.
• Flexible stops: swim at multiple spots, explore the Sunken City, and hike to scenic vistas.
• Expert guides: knowledgeable guides like Yasar and Ibrahim explain the sights and history.
• Highly rated experience: consistently receives top reviews for friendliness, scenery, and organization.

From Kas to Ucagiz: Starting the Adventure

The tour begins early at 8:00 am in Kas, with a 45-minute bus transfer to Ucagiz. The convenient pickup service makes getting to the starting point effortless. Once at Ucagiz, the group departs by motorized support vessel around 9:30 am, escorting kayakers along Turkey’s scenic coast.

Traveling southwest, the group paddles towards Kekova Island, reaching Tersane Bay around 10:15 am. Here, a brief swimming break allows participants to cool off in the clear waters, setting the tone for a day filled with water activities. The support vessel offers reassurance and assistance throughout the day.

Paddling Over the Sunken Lycian City of Kekova

After the swim, the group kayaks over the Sunken City of Kekova, a protected archaeological site. Swimming is not permitted here, since it’s a preserved area, but exploring by kayak provides a close-up view of the ancient ruins. This is a highlight for many, as the submerged structures and turquoise waters create a dramatic backdrop for photos.

The next stop involves paddling alongside the Kekova Sunken City ruins, giving an up-close perspective that’s impossible to get from boat tours. Kayaking around these ancient remains offers a unique way to appreciate the history and landscape, with ample opportunities to snap memorable photos.

Visiting the Castle of Simena in Kaleköy

At 11:30 am, the group arrives at Kaleköy, home to the Castle of Simena. The visit lasts around 45 minutes, allowing time to explore the castle ruins and the small authentic village. Walking through this lively, seaside locale reveals traditional architecture, a necropolis, and stunning coastal views.

For those who prefer a relaxed approach, the hillside hike to viewpoints offers spectacular panoramas of the Kekova region. Alternatively, guests can choose to stay by the water and enjoy another swim in the blue depths of the Mediterranean.

Exploring the Lycian Tombs at Theimussa

In the afternoon, the tour visits Theimussa, famous for its Lycian sarcophagi and archaeological remains. Here, the group can admire ancient tombs carved into the hillside, adding another layer of history to the day. The visit provides a closer look at Lycian culture and craftsmanship.

Following this, the group heads back toward Uçagiz for a traditional lunch at 1:15 pm, completing the day’s activities. The included lunch offers a delicious end to the adventure, with options to relax and reflect on the day’s highlights.

Practical Details and What’s Included

The guided Kekova sea kayaking tour includes all transport, kayaks, and lunch, making it a comprehensive and stress-free experience. Travelers should bring cash for the $4 entrance fee to Simena Castle, if they wish to visit. The tour departs from Smiley’s in Andifli, Kas, and most participants find they can join comfortably, as the tour is designed for a wide range of fitness levels.

The tour duration spans approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on pace and stops, providing a good balance of activity and relaxation. The group size is capped at 15, ensuring attentive guides and a friendly atmosphere.

The Experience of the Guides and Group Atmosphere

Participants consistently praise the guides, especially Yasar and Ibrahim, for their expertise and friendly manner. They are known for their explanations of the sites and the region’s history, which enriches the experience without overwhelming. The group setting fosters camaraderie, making it a perfect choice for travelers looking for social interactions alongside adventure.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour involves kayaking and some walking, such as hikes to viewpoints and around the villages. While most travelers can participate, those with mobility issues should consider the physical nature of paddling and walking on uneven terrain. The support vessel offers reassurance, and the pace is flexible enough to accommodate different comfort levels.

Safety, Weather, and Flexibility

The tour is weather-dependent, with cancellations possible in poor conditions. If canceled due to weather, participants are offered a full refund or alternative dates. The cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, with no refunds for last-minute cancellations.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This sea kayaking adventure appeals most to those who enjoy outdoor activities, scenic coastal views, and historical sites. Travelers interested in a day of active exploration combined with beautiful landscapes will find this tour rewarding. The all-inclusive setup and the expert guides make it suitable for most skill levels, provided participants are comfortable paddling.

Final Thoughts on the Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour from Kas

The From Kas: Guided Kekova Sea Kayaking Tour offers a well-organized, scenic, and educational outing along Turkey’s turquoise coast. The inclusive nature—covering transport, kayaking, and lunch—takes the hassle out of planning and lets guests focus on enjoying the stunning scenery and historical ruins.

The expert guides, combined with the beautiful locations like the Sunken City and Simena Castle, make this tour stand out. The limited group size ensures a personalized experience, and the high review ratings reflect the consistent quality of the trip.

This tour is ideal for active travelers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a memorable day on Turkey’s coast. It balances adventure and leisure perfectly, providing enough time for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing in picturesque surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any physical exertion involved in this tour?
Yes, the tour involves kayaking which requires some physical effort, but the pace is adjustable, and the support vessel offers assistance.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring cash for the $4 entrance fee to Simena Castle if you plan to visit, along with sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes suitable for paddling and walking.

Can I participate if I don’t kayak often?
Yes, the tour is designed to accommodate most fitness levels, and the guides provide support and instructions throughout the trip.

What is included in the price?
The tour price includes all transport, kayaks, and lunch. The entrance fee to Simena Castle is not included in the price.

How flexible is the schedule?
The tour duration varies between 4 and 6 hours, depending on the group’s pace and stops, with a structured itinerary but room for relaxation and exploration.

What if the weather isn’t suitable?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a full refund or alternative date.

How many people typically join this tour?
The group is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a friendly, intimate experience with plenty of personal attention from the guides.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While most ages can participate, children should be comfortable with kayaking and outdoor activity; always check your own comfort level and physical ability.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 18 days in advance. To secure your spot, it’s wise to book early, especially during peak seasons.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours will not be refunded.