Underwater Exploration: Diving Routes in Kaş, Kekova and Side

The Antalya coast transforms the sea from a mere place for swimming into a world of discovery where history, nature and adventure are experienced together. The clear waters of Kaş, the sunken past of Kekova and the underwater museum of Side offer routes with distinctly different characters for those who want to know the Mediterranean from its different sides. The DON'T JUST VISIT THE AEGEAN, LIVE IT category, which brings these experiences together, guides those who want to add movement and meaning to a coastal holiday.

Scuba diving in Kaş: A first real encounter with the sea

At the center of these routes is the Kaş: Scuba Diving Experience and Underwater Wonders. This five-hour experience offers the chance to explore 21 different dive sites around Kaş by boat. The main advantage of the tour for those who want to get to know the underwater world of Kaş is that it suits both beginners and certified divers.

While the spacious and comfortable dive boat travels to suitable sites, professional dive instructors accompany participants throughout the experience. For those diving for the first time, detailed briefing and an introductory dive are carried out before entering the water. Diving equipment, a safety briefing and insurance are included in the price, and tea and coffee are also served on board.

The underwater clarity of Kaş opens a field of exploration different from the coastal scenery seen from the surface. Therefore, the focus of the tour is not only diving; it is about meeting the sea in a safe environment, experiencing the silence beneath the surface, and seeing firsthand why Kaş is one of Turkey's leading diving destinations. The next departure dates are stated as 10, 11 and 12 October 2026.

Kekova: Understanding the Sunken City from the sea

The 5 Bays, Kaleköy and Lunch Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour departing from Kaş is a suitable complementary route for those seeking a sea experience focused more on swimming, coastal exploration and history than on diving. The eight-hour tour sails through the turquoise waters of Kekova, with swimming stops at places such as the Five Islands, İnönü Bay, Yağlıca Bay and Akvaryum Bay.

The most striking aspect of Kekova is the meeting of natural beauty and the past in the same landscape. The Sunken City is explored panoramically from the boat, while the visit to Kaleköy provides an opportunity to closely experience the cultural fabric of the region. The day also includes a lunch offering of fish or chicken, five types of Turkish meze, tea, coffee and watermelon. This route offers a balanced day plan for those who want to feel the historical atmosphere of the coast as much as swim in it.

From Side to the Lycian heritage and the Kekova shores

For those planning an Antalya trip from Side, the Side: Demre, Lycian Heritage Tour and Kekova Boat Trip combines the sea experience with archaeology. On this twelve-hour day tour, the journey from Side follows the coast to reach the ancient city of Myra. The rock-cut Lycian tombs and Roman-era theatre ruins are visited with a licensed guide, who provides information about the historical importance of Lycian civilization.

The program continues with a visit to the ancient city of Limyra and a 1.5-hour Kekova boat tour. In this way, both the cultural heritage of the ancient cities and the sea views of Kekova can be seen within the same day. Hotel pick-up and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, a professional licensed guide and lunch are included in the tour. The next dates for this route are 11, 13 and 15 October 2026.

Two dives at the Side Underwater Museum

For those who want to focus on historical and artistic elements beneath the sea, the Side Diving Tour: 2-Dive Experience at the Underwater Museum offers a different option lasting seven to eight hours. The tour begins with hotel pick-up, followed by transfer to the Ancient Side Harbour and departure by boat at 10:00 a.m. Participants are divided into groups by language preference: Turkish, English, Russian or German.

The first dive takes place at the Side Underwater Museum, at a depth of 8-10 meters and lasting 15-20 minutes, accompanied by an instructor. After observing ancient statues and natural marine life, lunch and a swimming break are held at Kumköy Bay. Necessary diving equipment, guidance, boat and diving insurance, lunch and pomegranate tea in the morning are included in the tour.

Practical tips for choosing a route

Those diving in Kaş for the first time can begin the experience in a controlled way thanks to the safety briefing and introductory dive. Certified divers, on the other hand, can plan a more comprehensive exploration of the sea across the 21 different dive sites. Kekova routes appeal to those who prefer swimming in the bays and seeing the sunken past panoramically rather than diving, while the Side options suit those who want to fit history and sea experience into the same day.

For the period of 10-12 October 2026, departures are available for the Kaş dive tour and the Kekova boat tour. For the two different experiences in Side, the dates stated for 10-12 October and 11-15 October should be considered. When planning your program, you can evaluate the duration of the tour, the starting area and your diving level together, and begin to explore the Antalya coast from within the sea rather than just watching it.