Paddling over the partially submerged ancient Lycian city of Kekova near Kaş, peering through crystal-clear water at walls, staircases, and amphoras from a civilization that sank beneath the sea. Guided tours include snorkeling stops.
Sea kayaking at Kekova Island allows paddlers to explore the partially submerged ruins of an ancient Lycian city that sank beneath the eastern Mediterranean during a series of second-century earthquakes. The area lies off the coast of Antalya province between the villages of Üçağız and Kaleköy, and is designated a Special Protection Area under Turkish environmental law. Crystal-clear water — visibility frequently exceeds 10–15 metres — makes Lycian walls, staircases, and household foundations visible from directly above in a kayak, creating an extraordinary archaeological paddling experience impossible to replicate from land or a glass-bottomed boat.
Guided kayaking tours typically depart from Üçağız or Kaş and follow the northern shore of Kekova Island, where the submerged ruins extend for approximately two kilometres. Tours combine paddling with snorkeling stops in designated areas. Anchoring and scuba diving directly above the sunken city is prohibited to protect the remains under Turkish heritage law, but surface swimming with a mask and snorkel is permitted. Paddlers should expect a half day on the water covering eight to twelve kilometres total; the sheltered bay rarely generates significant swell, making conditions manageable for beginners.
No prior kayaking experience is required for guided tours; guides demonstrate paddling technique and safety procedures at the start. Single and double sea kayaks are typically provided, along with buoyancy aids, paddles, dry bags, and snorkeling masks. Participants should bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sufficient water for a half day. In the event of a capsize — rare in the sheltered bay — guides assist immediately and the shallow, calm water poses minimal risk to non-swimmers wearing a buoyancy aid.
The best season runs from April through October, when the Mediterranean is calm and warm enough for snorkeling. Early morning paddles in May–June and September–October offer the best underwater visibility and avoid the midday heat.
Activity facts
- Where
- Kekova Island, Antalya province, Turkey
Highlights
- Paddle directly over partially submerged Lycian walls, staircases, and ruins visible through crystal-clear water
- Guided half-day tours from Üçağız include snorkeling stops along a two-kilometre sunken city shoreline
- Special Protection Area designation ensures the ruins and marine habitat remain largely undisturbed
- Sheltered bay rarely has significant swell, making conditions suitable for first-time sea kayakers
Tips for visiting
- Morning departures (08:00–09:00) catch the best underwater visibility and avoid afternoon gulet boat traffic over the ruins.
- Reef-safe sunscreen is important in a protected marine area; some operators request it specifically or sell it on-site.
- Bring water shoes — the launch and landing beaches at Üçağız have uneven pebbles and rocky shallow areas.
- Double kayaks are more stable and easier for beginners; request one when booking if paddling experience is limited.
- A waterproof phone case or action camera mounted on the bow of the kayak captures the underwater ruins without leaving the boat.
When to visit
May, June, and September for calm water, excellent visibility, and manageable temperatures. April and October are feasible but the sea is cooler. Avoid peak July–August afternoons when gulet boat traffic is heaviest over the ruins.
Accessibility
Sea kayaking requires the ability to board a low-sided kayak from a beach, paddle for several hours, and re-board after snorkeling stops. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Glass-bottomed boat tours of the Kekova ruins offer an accessible alternative for visitors who cannot kayak.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors dive underwater to explore the Kekova ruins?
Scuba diving and anchoring above the sunken city are prohibited under Turkish heritage protection law. Surface swimming with a mask and snorkel is permitted in designated areas. Guided kayaking and snorkeling tours operate fully within these legal boundaries.
How far are the kayaking tours from Kaş?
Most operators depart from Üçağız village (approximately 35 km east of Kaş) or from Kaş harbour with a water taxi to the kayak launch point. Journey time from Kaş to the start of the paddling section is roughly 45–60 minutes by road or 30 minutes by boat.
Is prior kayaking experience needed?
No prior experience is required. Guides give a brief paddle technique lesson at the start, and the sheltered nature of Kekova Bay means conditions are manageable for first-time sea kayakers. Children aged eight and above can participate in double kayaks with an adult.
What is the best time of year for sea kayaking at Kekova?
April through October offers the best combination of calm water, warm sea temperatures, and good underwater visibility. May, June, and September are considered optimal — the water is clear, tourist numbers are lower than in high summer, and the morning light is excellent for photography.
What equipment is provided on a guided tour?
Standard guided tours include a sea kayak (single or double), paddle, buoyancy aid, dry bag, snorkeling mask, and fins. Participants should bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sufficient water for a half day, and a waterproof camera if desired.