Kaş is the Turkish coast at its most laid-back and beautiful — a bohemian little town of cobbled lanes and Lycian tombs, perched above some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. It’s the country’s diving and sea-kayaking capital, the gateway to the famous sunken city of Kekova, and a launch pad for everything from paragliding to ancient ruins. This isn’t a place of giant party boats; it’s for travellers who want nature, history and adventure. Here’s a local’s honest pick of the best excursions from Kaş in 2026 — what each involves and who it suits. Most include free cancellation.
| Excursion | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Kayaking over Kekova’s Sunken City | Half/full day | The Kaş must-do |
| Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip (with lunch) | Full day | Relaxed sea day |
| Discover Scuba Diving | Half day | First-time divers |
| PADI Open Water Course | 2–3 days | Getting certified |
| Tandem Paragliding | ~1–2 hours | Adrenaline & views |
1. Sea Kayaking over the Sunken City of Kekova
This is the single most magical thing to do in Kaş — and our top pick. You paddle a sea kayak across crystal-clear water directly above the Sunken City of Kekova, gazing down at the submerged walls, staircases and pottery of an ancient Lycian town that slipped beneath the sea after an earthquake. You’ll glide past half-sunken tombs, the castle village of Kaleköy (Simena), and hidden bays for swimming. It suits all levels, even total beginners. For the full breakdown, see our Kekova guide.
2. Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip (with lunch)
Prefer to stay dry? A full-day boat trip from Kaş harbour cruises the Kekova archipelago, passing the sunken ruins, the Lycian sarcophagi rising from the water, and the castle at Simena, with swim stops in beautiful bays like Aquarium Bay and a lunch served on board. It’s the relaxed, scenic way to see the same wonders — perfect for families and anyone who wants a gentle day on the water. (Note: swimming directly over the protected sunken ruins isn’t allowed, but there are plenty of swim stops nearby.)
3. Discover Scuba Diving
Kaş is the best dive destination in Turkey, with warm, gin-clear water and a coastline of reefs, walls, caves and wrecks. This beginner-friendly “discover scuba” experience lets you try diving for the first time with a personal instructor — no certification needed — exploring a shallow dive site teeming with marine life. If you’ve ever wanted to try diving, this is the place to do it.
4. PADI Open Water Diver Course
If you want more than a taster, Kaş is a brilliant (and affordable) place to get your full PADI Open Water certification. Over a few days you’ll learn with a qualified instructor and complete your training dives in the area’s superb dive sites — leaving with a licence that lets you dive anywhere in the world. A genuinely worthwhile holiday investment for water lovers.
5. Tandem Paragliding over Kaş
For the best views of the coast, launch off Asas Mountain on a tandem paraglide with an experienced pilot and soar high above Kaş, the turquoise bay and the Greek island of Meis. No experience needed — you’re strapped in with a professional — just the thrill of flight and an unforgettable panorama. A bucket-list adventure with a soft landing back in town.
More excursions worth considering
Beyond the headliners, Kaş is a great base for more. A Saklıkent–Kaputaş–Patara jeep safari combines a dramatic gorge, Turkey’s most photogenic beach and the country’s longest sandy beach with ancient Patara in one day. A short ferry takes you to the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) for a taste of Greece and a passport stamp. And walkers can pick up a stretch of the famous Lycian Way coastal trail right from town. Plenty to fill a relaxed week.
Tips for booking excursions in Kaş
Kaş is smaller and more weather-dependent than the big resorts, so book a day or two ahead and choose free cancellation — sea trips can be moved for wind. For kayaking and diving, bring swimwear, a hat, sunscreen and water shoes. The sun is strong on the water, so reef-safe sunscreen and a rash vest help. And don’t over-pack your days: half the joy of Kaş is slow mornings in the cafés and lazy swims off the rocks.
FAQ
What’s the best excursion from Kaş?
Sea kayaking over the Kekova sunken city is the iconic Kaş experience. For non-paddlers, the Kekova boat trip sees the same wonders from the deck.
Can you see the sunken city of Kekova?
Yes — by kayak or boat you glide right over the submerged ruins. Swimming or diving directly on them is banned to protect the site.
Is Kaş good for scuba diving?
It’s the best dive destination in Turkey, with clear water, reefs and wrecks — great for both first-timers and course students.
Do you need to be fit to sea kayak?
No — the Kekova tours are beginner-friendly and suit all levels, with guides on hand.
When is the best time for excursions in Kaş?
May to October. June and September give warm, calm seas with fewer crowds.
Planning your Kaş trip? See our Kekova sunken city guide, things to do in Kaş, the Kaputaş Beach guide, and the best hotels in Kaş.