Kekova: Sea Kayak Sunken City & Simena Picnic Day Trip

5.00

(374 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“Here, you can still hear the old stones if you listen,” our guide Cem said, tapping his paddle softly on the kayak. I remember squinting at the water near Kekova Island, trying to see what he meant. The sea was so clear that morning—like glass—and you could make out the shapes of ancient walls and steps just below us. It was weirdly quiet except for the slap of paddles and one gull that wouldn’t stop complaining overhead. Cem pointed out where earthquakes had sunk whole streets centuries ago. I tried to imagine living here back then, but honestly, it’s hard when your feet are dangling in warm water and you’re thinking about lunch already.

We started from the mainland with a quick safety chat (I always forget which end of the paddle is up), then crossed over to Kekova by kayak. The sun was gentle at first but got stronger fast—bring a hat, trust me. Paddling over the Sunken City felt surreal; you could see stone foundations right under your boat, sometimes so close it made me nervous to drift too far left or right. Cem told stories about Lycian sailors and pointed out some wild thyme growing on shore—he said locals use it for tea. I tried to say “thank you” in Turkish and got it wrong; he laughed and helped me practice until I sort of got it.

The part I keep thinking about is lunch in Simena Village. We landed our kayaks and walked up past a few sleepy cats sunbathing on stone steps. Cem laid out a picnic with olives, tomatoes that tasted like sunshine, fresh bread, and these little stuffed grape leaves his aunt made that morning (he swore they were better than his mother’s). There was this smell—olive oil mixed with sea air—that just stuck with me all afternoon. Some folks swam again after eating; I just sat watching boats drift by while the breeze rattled old wooden shutters nearby.

After we packed up (and tried not to feed the cats), we wound our way through rocky coves on the way back. My arms were tired but in that good way—you know? Like you’ve actually done something real with your day. The last stretch was quiet except for soft splashes and someone humming behind me. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed out there or to care about ancient ruins at all, but now every time I smell thyme or saltwater, my mind goes right back to Kekova.