Ultimate Sea Kayaking Tour of Kekova

Kekova is best seen from the water, where ancient stonework sits beside quiet coves and the coast feels wonderfully open. This tour puts you in a tandem kayak for several hours of easy-paced paddling, with time to swim, explore, and visit the small village of Simena.

I like the small groups, capped at 14 people, and the way guide Barbaros adjusts the pace for beginners. I also like the mix of activity and culture: you get clear water and rocky bays, then a lunch stop and a walk through Simena. The main consideration is that drinks cost extra, lunch is simple, and you need basic swimming ability and a moderate level of fitness.

At a glance

• Learn in a sheltered bay: Beginners receive a short lesson before heading toward Kekova Island.
• Paddle beside ancient ruins: The route combines natural coves, rock formations, and archaeological remains.
• Stop in Simena: Lunch and optional sightseeing break up the time on the water.
• Expect a small group: The tour runs with at least four people and no more than 14.
• Bring very little: Kayak hatches are small, and dry bags are limited and shared.
• Plan for a full day: The experience lasts about 7 to 8 hours, including transport and stops.

Why Kekova works so well by kayak

The Kekova coast gives you a rare blend of sea, archaeology, and quiet outdoor travel. From a kayak, you sit close to the water and move slowly enough to notice details that are easy to miss from a larger boat. You can look into clear shallows, scan rocky inlets, and hear your guide explain the remains along the shore without the noise of a large group.

The tour takes place in the National Park of Kekova. The main stop is Kekova Island, but the day also includes a visit to Simena, a coastal village reached by boat. The route is not only about paddling from one point to another. It is built around short stretches on the water, swimming breaks, lunch, and optional walking.

That rhythm matters. You do not need to be an experienced kayaker or spend the entire day paddling hard. The operator says that anyone comfortable walking for about an hour can usually manage the physical side of the outing, provided they also have basic swimming skills and a moderate level of fitness.

Starting gently in the bay

If you have never used a kayak, the first lesson takes place in a picturesque bay opposite Kekova. This is a sensible place to learn because you can focus on balance, steering, and working with your partner before heading into more open water.

Most boats are tandem kayaks, so you will share with another person. A limited number of single kayaks are available, but you should not assume one will be assigned to you. If kayaking alone is important, ask about availability before booking.

The strongest part of the instruction is the calm, patient approach associated with Barbaros, also called Barbi or Barbie by past participants. He is described as encouraging with first-timers and quick to help people find a comfortable rhythm. One account notes that the group felt at ease with the kayak after about 10 minutes, though your own learning time may vary.

You will still need to paddle, steer, and work with your partner. Tandem kayaking can be awkward at first if both people pull in different directions. Listen closely to the guide, keep your strokes steady, and do not worry about matching the pace of stronger paddlers. The small-group format makes it easier for the guide to keep everyone together.

Paddling around Kekova Island

Once the basic lesson is over, the route heads toward Kekova Island and the surrounding coast. This is the heart of the day. You will pass secluded harbors, rocky passages, and underwater ruins that are best viewed from the kayak.

The archaeological remains give the outing its special character. You are not simply paddling along a pretty shoreline. Ancient traces appear beside wild coastal scenery, and Barbaros explains what you are seeing while also answering questions about local plants, animals, and the area’s past.

The exact amount of paddling depends on the group and conditions, but the tour is designed around only a few hours of actual kayaking. That makes it more approachable than a demanding sea-kayak expedition. You still need to be comfortable sitting in a kayak and using your upper body, but the day includes pauses rather than one long push.

Expect some sun exposure. Bring a hat, sunglasses with a neck strap, and plenty of sun cream. A wind jacket is useful in spring and autumn, when conditions can feel cooler on the water. The tour operates in all weather conditions unless poor weather forces cancellation, so dress for the forecast and bring a change of clothes.

Ruins, rock corridors, and quiet coves

The route’s appeal comes from variety. One stop may focus on old stone remains near a small bay, while another gives you a chance to look into the water or paddle around a rocky headland. The coast is full of narrow shapes and natural turns, so the kayak gives you a more direct view than a road-based sightseeing trip.

Some of the archaeological sites are viewed from the water rather than entered on foot. That is worth knowing if you want a traditional ruin visit with extensive walking. Here, the reward is the setting: you see the remains in relation to the sea, the cliffs, and the old coastal settlements.

The walking is limited and optional, with a maximum of about 30 minutes listed for the activity. You might explore part of a village or a nearby site, but this is not a long hiking tour. Wear water shoes or secure sandals rather than flip-flops. They are more useful on uneven ground and around the water.

Swimming is another important part of the schedule. Past participants describe several opportunities to stop in warm Mediterranean water during the warmer months. Bring a swimsuit and towel, and consider taking a snorkeling mask if you want to look beneath the surface. A mask is not listed as provided, and it can add a lot to a swim stop when the water is clear.

Lunch and a break in Simena

A stop in Simena provides the day’s main land-based pause. The village can only be reached by boat, which gives the visit a pleasant sense of separation from the road network. You will have lunch there and time for additional sightseeing.

Lunch is included in the price, which helps the tour’s value. The meal is described as tasty and filling by some people, while another account found it basic and too salty. That is a fair expectation: think of lunch as a practical included meal, not a reason to book a food tour.

Drinks are not included. Water and other drinks are available to purchase, and alcoholic drinks can also be bought. Carry some small change for drinks and souvenirs. Since the day is spent in the sun, you should not rely on lunch alone for hydration.

Simena also gives you a chance to stretch your legs after the kayak. The walk is optional, but the village stop adds cultural context to a day that could otherwise feel like a pure beach outing. Depending on the time available, you may also see historical features in and around the village. Entrance to Simena Castle costs 140 TL and is not included.

If the castle matters to you, budget for the extra fee and bring suitable footwear. The walking portion is short, but the area can still be uneven. If you would rather keep the day relaxed, you can skip the castle and use the time for lunch, a village stroll, or a break.

The guide makes a real difference

Barbaros is repeatedly praised for making the tour feel easy to follow. His role is not limited to steering the group. He explains the area’s archaeology, Turkish culture, geography, plants, and animals, and he welcomes questions throughout the day.

His background knowledge is especially useful during the transport sections. Hotel transfers can take time, particularly from Kalkan, but the ride gives you a chance to hear more about the region. One account describes an hour-long transfer filled with conversation rather than dead time.

The guide also keeps the group together on the water. That matters when people have different skill levels. A strong paddler may want to move faster, while a beginner needs more time to steer. The small-group setup lets Barbaros encourage new paddlers without turning the day into a race.

The tour may operate with a multilingual guide, so language arrangements can vary. English is specifically praised in the supplied accounts, but you should confirm the language you need at booking if that is important to you.

What the $68.36 price includes

At $68.36 per person, the tour is priced as a full-day outdoor and sightseeing activity rather than a short kayak rental. The cost includes a professional guide, tandem kayak use, minivan transport, selected hotel pickup and drop-off, and lunch.

That package has good value if you need transport from your hotel and want instruction rather than simply renting equipment. It also saves you from planning a separate boat trip, lunch stop, and visit to Kekova’s coastal sites.

The value is less clear if you already have your own transport and only want a brief paddle. This is a 7 to 8 hour experience, so you are paying for the guide’s time, instruction, transfers, food, and a full route with several stops. It is not designed as a quick morning activity.

The price does not include drinks or the 140 TL Simena Castle entrance fee. Add those costs if you plan to visit the castle. You should also budget for any equipment you bring yourself, such as a snorkeling mask, since that is not listed as included.

Transport, group size, and timing

Transport is by minivan, with hotel pickup and drop-off available from selected hotels. Pickup details depend on where you stay. Some people have joined from Kalkan, with a transfer to the meeting point before the minivan continues toward the Kekova coast.

The minimum group size is four, and the maximum is 14. A group of 14 is still fairly manageable for a guided water activity, though the experience will feel more personal when fewer people book. If you prefer quiet outings, ask how many people are expected on your date.

The tour is commonly booked about 16 days ahead, which suggests that popular dates can fill in advance. I would reserve early during the warmer months, especially if you need a particular pickup location or want to ask about a single kayak.

The activity runs in all weather conditions, but poor weather can lead to cancellation. In that case, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Keep your packing list practical. Kayak hatches are small, and only a few dry bags are available to share. Leave valuables at your hotel and bring only what you need for the water.

Pack:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Water shoes or secure sandals
• A change of clothes and shoes
• Sun hat and sunglasses with a neck strap
• Sun cream
• Wind jacket in spring or autumn
• Waterproof phone or camera
• Small change for drinks and souvenirs
• Any emergency medication, such as an asthma inhaler

A plastic bag works for sun cream and towels, while the shared dry bags are better saved for phones and cameras. Do not bring a regular camera or phone into the kayak unless it is waterproof or protected properly.

You should also know that basic swimming ability is required. This is not a boat sightseeing trip where you can simply remain seated and dry. You will be close to the sea, and swimming stops are part of the experience.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This is a strong choice for first-time kayakers, couples, families with older children, and active visitors who want more than a beach day. The route has enough paddling to feel like an adventure, but it also includes lunch, swimming, and history.

Children must be at least five years old with their parents. Children aged 14 can participate with written permission. The adult accompanying a child should be comfortable helping with a tandem kayak and managing sun, water, and a full-day schedule.

The tour may also suit pregnant participants who are already comfortable with the activity. One five-month pregnant participant completed the kayaking without difficulty, but that is personal experience rather than a medical guideline. If you are pregnant or have a health concern, get medical advice before booking.

You may want a different activity if you dislike sitting in a kayak for extended periods, cannot swim, or want a hard training session. This tour is active, but it is not built around speed or distance. Its strength is the balance of paddling, sightseeing, swimming, and conversation.

Should you book the Kekova kayak tour?

I would book this tour if you want to see Kekova from the water but do not have much kayaking experience. The instruction, small group, hotel transport, included lunch, and flexible pace make it easier than arranging the day on your own.

The best reasons to go are the mix of ancient coastal remains and natural scenery, the chance to swim from quiet coves, and Barbaros’s patient guiding style. The main tradeoffs are the simple lunch, extra cost for drinks and Simena Castle, limited storage, and the need to handle a full day in the sun.

Book early for a preferred date, pack lightly, protect your phone, and bring water shoes rather than flip-flops. If you can manage moderate activity and basic swimming, this is a well-priced way to experience Kekova at sea level, where the coast’s old stones and wild corners make the most sense.

FAQ

How long does the Kekova kayaking tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, including kayaking, stops, lunch, sightseeing, and transport.

Where does the tour take place?

The activity takes place around Kekova Island in the National Park of Kekova, with a stop in the village of Simena.

Is the tour suitable for first-time kayakers?

Yes. Beginners learn the basic kayaking skills in a sheltered bay before paddling toward Kekova Island.

What type of kayak is provided?

Tandem kayaks are provided, with a limited number of single kayaks available.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour requires a minimum of four participants and accepts a maximum of 14 travelers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, but drinks are not included and must be purchased separately.

Is the entrance to Simena Castle included?

No. The Simena Castle entrance fee is 140 TL and must be paid separately.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, water shoes or secure sandals, sun protection, a change of clothes, and a wind jacket in spring or autumn. Waterproof your phone or camera.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Basic swimming knowledge is required because swimming stops are part of the tour.

Can I cancel the tour for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants cancels the tour, you will be offered another date or a full refund.