THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Paddle over the submerged ruins of the ancient Lycian Sunken City on this guided four-hour kayak tour of Kekova. Explore Byzantine remains, Lycian sarcophagi, and charming Kaleköy, blending history with active adventure along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
Paddle over the submerged ruins of the ancient Lycian Sunken City on this guided four-hour kayak tour of Kekova. Explore Byzantine remains, Lycian sarcophagi, and charming Kaleköy, blending history with active adventure along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
Set off from the quiet harbor town of Üçağız, where the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean dare you to explore Kekova’s hidden past and vibrant present. This four-hour sea kayaking route leads adventurers along the crystalline coast, gliding over the submerged ruins of an ancient Lycian city. The water’s surface, clear and steady, reveals the fractured stones of the Sunken City lurking just below—silent witnesses to a seismic shift that swallowed this once-thriving settlement centuries ago.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by YourTourKey · Üçağız, Antalya
Set off from the quiet harbor town of Üçağız, where the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean dare you to explore Kekova’s hidden past and vibrant present. This four-hour sea kayaking route leads adventurers along the crystalline coast, gliding over the submerged ruins of an ancient Lycian city. The water’s surface, clear and steady, reveals the fractured stones of the Sunken City lurking just below—silent witnesses to a seismic shift that swallowed this once-thriving settlement centuries ago.
Beginning with a focused paddling session, guides equip participants with solid technique and safety know-how to navigate these historical waters with confidence. From there, the kayak strokes carry you forward to Tershane Bay, where the remnants of a Byzantine church stand firm on the beach, inviting a swim amid architectural echoes underwater. As the currents nudge you onward, the landscape transitions to Kaleköy, where the imposing Simena Castle rises from rocky outcrops, overlapped by Lycian sarcophagi that float eerily close to shore.
Kaleköy offers both cultural immersion and a chance to stretch tired arms on land. Walking the village’s narrow alleys, travelers encounter a community rooted in ancient traditions, bridging today with the distant Lycian past. After approximately 45 minutes exploring these historic sites and indulging in panoramic views, the tour resumes toward Theimussa, following the coast’s curve where more sarcophagi mark the shoreline.
The adventure concludes back at the starting point with a carefully prepared lunch, showcasing local flavors as the midday sun lifts overhead. Throughout, the interplay of sea, history, and daily life creates a dynamic setting where nature invites engagement and history demands attention.
Kekova’s unique geology, shaped by underwater earthquakes and a rugged Lycian heritage, forms both the backdrop and the subject of this tour. Travelers will find that paddling here means engaging with more than just physical endurance — it’s a dialogue with time and tide.
For those planning this journey, robust swimwear and sun protection are essential, while timing the trip for morning hours can help avoid midday heat and crowds. Although open to all fitness levels, the initial training ensures even novices feel secure. Public transport options make Üçağız accessible, adding convenience to the natural and historical richness on offer.
Ultimately, this sea kayaking experience is a practical passage through a region where every stroke connects water, stone, and story in a seamless rhythm.
easy.
4 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; beginners can participate thanks to pre-tour training
No prior experience is necessary; the tour includes a beginner-friendly paddling and safety session.
Yes, the itinerary includes swimming opportunities in Tershane Bay among ancient remains.
Yes, families can join as long as children can swim and follow safety instructions.
Yes, the tour includes a 45-minute stop to explore Simena Castle and Kaleköy by foot.
The tour is canceled and fully refunded if weather conditions are unsafe for kayaking.
A local lunch is provided at the end of the kayaking tour in Üçağız village.
Kekova’s Sunken City was submerged following an earthquake in the 2nd century AD, preserving Lycian ruins underwater.
The area is a marine protected zone encouraging responsible tourism and preserving underwater archaeological sites.
YourTourKey operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Set off from the quiet harbor town of Üçağız, where the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean dare you to explore Kekova’s hidden past and vibrant present. This four-hour sea kayaking route leads adventurers along the crystalline coast, gliding over the submerged ruins of an ancient Lycian city. The water’s surface, clear and steady, reveals the fractured stones of the Sunken City lurking just below—silent witnesses to a seismic shift that swallowed this once-thriving settlement centuries ago.
Set off from the quiet harbor town of Üçağız, where the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean dare you to explore Kekova’s hidden past and vibrant present. This four-hour sea kayaking route leads adventurers along the crystalline coast, gliding over the submerged ruins of an ancient Lycian city. The water’s surface, clear and steady, reveals the fractured stones of the Sunken City lurking just below—silent witnesses to a seismic shift that swallowed this once-thriving settlement centuries ago.
Beginning with a focused paddling session, guides equip participants with solid technique and safety know-how to navigate these historical waters with confidence. From there, the kayak strokes carry you forward to Tershane Bay, where the remnants of a Byzantine church stand firm on the beach, inviting a swim amid architectural echoes underwater. As the currents nudge you onward, the landscape transitions to Kaleköy, where the imposing Simena Castle rises from rocky outcrops, overlapped by Lycian sarcophagi that float eerily close to shore.
Kaleköy offers both cultural immersion and a chance to stretch tired arms on land. Walking the village’s narrow alleys, travelers encounter a community rooted in ancient traditions, bridging today with the distant Lycian past. After approximately 45 minutes exploring these historic sites and indulging in panoramic views, the tour resumes toward Theimussa, following the coast’s curve where more sarcophagi mark the shoreline.
The adventure concludes back at the starting point with a carefully prepared lunch, showcasing local flavors as the midday sun lifts overhead. Throughout, the interplay of sea, history, and daily life creates a dynamic setting where nature invites engagement and history demands attention.
Kekova’s unique geology, shaped by underwater earthquakes and a rugged Lycian heritage, forms both the backdrop and the subject of this tour. Travelers will find that paddling here means engaging with more than just physical endurance — it’s a dialogue with time and tide.
For those planning this journey, robust swimwear and sun protection are essential, while timing the trip for morning hours can help avoid midday heat and crowds. Although open to all fitness levels, the initial training ensures even novices feel secure. Public transport options make Üçağız accessible, adding convenience to the natural and historical richness on offer.
Ultimately, this sea kayaking experience is a practical passage through a region where every stroke connects water, stone, and story in a seamless rhythm.