Sunken Secrets: Dive into Kekova, Turkey's Ancient City

Jan 10

Exploring the sunken city of Kekova

The sunken city of Kekova and its history

Kekova is located in the Antalya province of Turkey and is known for its beautiful clear waters and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. However, it is also home to a unique historical site – the sunken city of Kekova.

The sunken city of Kekova was once a bustling trading centre during the Lycian period of Turkey's history. An earthquake later destroyed it, and is now submerged in water. Today, it can be seen by those who dive into the waters off the coast of Kekova.

The underwater city contains many ancient artefacts and structures, including temples, homes, and a theatre. Divers can get an up-close look at the ruins and the marine life that now calls the area home.

How to reach Kekova for diving

To explore the sunken city, visitors can take a diving tour from one of the nearby towns. Most tours depart from the towns of Kas or Demre and offer diving trips to the Kekova region.

If you're not an experienced diver, don't worry. Many tour companies offer beginner courses or guided dives to ensure that everyone can enjoy the underwater city's beauty.

When planning your trip to Kekova, bring the necessary diving gear or inquire about rentals with your tour company. And don't forget your camera – you'll want to capture the unique experience of exploring an underwater city.

Overall, visiting the sunken city of Kekova is a must-see for those interested in history and diving. Its unique mixture of ancient ruins and marine life makes for a truly unforgettable experience.

The Ancient City of Simena

Exploration of the Ancient City of Simena underwater

Are you ready for a unique underwater adventure? The ancient city of Simena, located in the Turkish province of Antalya, awaits exploring. This fascinating site, dating back to the Lycian period, has been underwater for centuries and is now a popular destination for divers.

As you dive beneath the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, you'll discover the remnants of an ancient city, including homes, temples, and public buildings. You may also encounter colourful marine life, such as sea turtles and schools of fish, as you navigate the waters.

For those who aren't experienced divers, don't worry. Many tour companies offer beginner courses and guided dives to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Bring your camera and capture the unique experience of exploring an ancient underwater city.

Simena Castle and its significance

While in the area, visit Simena Castle, located in the nearby village of Kaleköy. The Knights Hospitaller built this well-preserved castle in the 14th century on the remains of the ancient city. It offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coastline.

The castle also provides insight into the region's history and its various conquerors. Visitors can explore the castle's ruins, walk along its walls, and climb its towers. It's a great way to end your day of exploring the ancient city of Simena.

Overall, visiting the ancient city of Simena and its castle is a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you're an experienced diver or a beginner, there's something for everyone to discover in this fascinating historical site. Plan your trip today and get ready to dive into history!

Sunken Ruins and Underwater Wonders

Scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities at Kekova

Want to experience a unique and unforgettable diving adventure? Look no further than the Kekova region in Turkey, home to the ancient city of Simena. With its crystal-clear waters, colourful marine life, and fascinating sunken ruins, Kekova is a dream destination for any diving and snorkelling enthusiast.

If you're new to diving, don't worry. Many experienced instructors can guide you through the basics, and you can even take a certification course to become a certified diver. Once you're ready, you can explore a range of dive sites in the region, where you'll discover the incredible underwater landscapes and the remnants of centuries-old civilizations.

Exploring the city's sunken ruins

One of the most fascinating sites to explore in Kekova is the sunken city of Simena. As you descend beneath the waves, you'll discover the remains of ancient homes, temples, and public buildings, all preserved in their underwater setting. You may even see ancient tombs and relics from the Lycian period, adding to the site's mystique.

But the city is more than just a historical artefact. It's also a thriving ecosystem, teeming with colourful marine life. You may spot sea turtles, schools of fish, and even the occasional octopus as you navigate the waters. Be sure to bring your camera and capture the unique beauty of this underwater wonderland.

In addition to the diving opportunities, be sure to visit Simena Castle nearby. The Knights Hospitaller built this 14th-century castle on the remains of the ancient city and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Overall, visiting Kekova is an experience you won't want to miss. With its sunken ruins, clear waters, and abundant marine life, it's a perfect destination for anyone looking for an adventure in history and nature. Explore the fascinating world beneath the waves at Kekova and create unforgettable memories.

The Underwater Museum

Kekova's protected marine area and safety measures for divers

If you're a scuba diving enthusiast looking for a new adventure, Kekova's protected marine area is the perfect destination. As a protected area, the waters around Kekova are home to a diverse range of marine life, making it an ideal location for an underwater museum. But before you dive in, ensure you follow the safety measures, including having an experienced instructor guide you through the basics.

Overview of the Underwater Museum

The underwater museum at Kekova is a fascinating glimpse into the past. As you explore the sunken ruins of the ancient city of Simena, you'll discover submerged ancient homes, temples, and public buildings alongside ancient tombs and relics from the Lycian period. But it's not just a history lesson- the underwater ecosystem is also a thriving environment home to colourful marine life, including sea turtles and schools of fish.

At the underwater museum, there are plenty of dive sites to explore, all with varying degrees of difficulty. Experienced instructors can accompany beginner divers, ensuring everyone can safely enjoy the incredible underwater landscapes and the remnants of centuries-old civilizations. The great thing is that the museum has put in place measures to ensure that divers and their equipment do not cause harm to the sea life or the submerged structures.

In addition to diving at the underwater museum, don't forget to visit Simena Castle, which is located nearby. The view of the Mediterranean Sea from the 14th-century castle is breathtaking and an excellent way to end a day full of exploring.

Overall, visiting the underwater museum at Kekova is an unforgettable experience. With its fascinating sunken ruins, clear waters, and abundant marine life, scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts are in for a treat. With adequate safety measures, divers enjoy every minute of their adventure in history and nature.

Marine Life

Biodiversity in the Kekova Bay

Kekova Bay boasts a great diversity of marine life due to its nutrient-rich waters and protected status, making it a paradise for underwater lovers. Amid the turquoise waters, divers can observe various beautiful fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. The bay is also home to other exciting creatures like octopuses, eels, and beautiful seahorses.

Types of marine life to look out for

Divers and snorkelers can enjoy seeing different colourful fish, including Groupers, Barracudas, and Boxfish. Kekova Bay has many reefs and walls, making it an exceptional place for macro photography, with many small creatures hiding within the coral formations. Other marine life to look for include sea turtles, dolphins, and rays.

Overall, the underwater museum and marine life in Kekova Bay provide an unforgettable experience for divers, with its beautiful sunken ruins, clear waters, and diverse marine life. It's an excellent opportunity to appreciate the underwater charm while learning about history and nature.

Best Diving Spots in Kekova

Popular dive sites and their unique features

Are you planning a diving trip to Kekova? This beautiful destination offers excellent diving opportunities at various locations, providing novice and experienced divers with a fantastic underwater experience. Here are some of the popular dive spots in Kekova and what makes them unique:

Simena Castle: Aside from its beautiful castle and panoramic views, Simena Castle is also an excellent diving spot with many ancient underwater ruins to explore.
The Sunken City: One of the most popular diving spots in Kekova, the Sunken City is a fascinating and historically rich underwater museum with ancient Lycian ruins.
Akvaryum Bay: This diving location is perfect for beginners thanks to its clear waters and shallow depths.
Baba Island: Another popular diving spot in Kekova, Baba Island features beautiful underwater rock formations and coral reefs.

Tips for diving in Kekova

If you're planning to dive into Kekova, here are some tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience:

Dive with a licensed instructor: Whether you're an experienced diver or a beginner, it's always best to dive with an experienced and licensed instructor who can guide you through the basics and ensure your safety.
Respect the marine environment: The underwater ecosystem in Kekova Bay is home to many amazing marine species, so it's essential to respect the environment and not damage any reefs or structures when diving.
Know your limits: If you're a novice diver, start with beginner-friendly spots and work up to more challenging locations only as your diving experience and confidence grow.
Be prepared: Bring all the necessary diving gear and equipment, including wetsuits, masks, fins, and regulators. Also, check the weather forecast before diving to ensure the conditions are suitable.

Overall, diving in Kekova is an incredible experience and an excellent opportunity to explore the underwater charm of this destination. Whether you're interested in history, marine life, or just enjoying the clear waters, Kekova's diving spots have much to offer. So pack your diving gear, book a licensed guide, and prepare for an adventure you'll never forget!

Weather and Climate

The ideal time to visit Kekova for diving

Are you wondering when is the ideal time to visit Kekova for diving? The best time to explore the underwater beauty of Kekova is during the summer months, from June to September. These months have pleasant weather conditions, and the sea temperature is relatively warm, making it perfect for diving.

Weather conditions and climate

The weather conditions of Kekova are typically Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers and mild winters. During the summer, the temperature averages around 30°C during the day, while at night, it drops to around 20°C. The sea temperature during summer stays around 25°C, which is ideal for diving. The winter months in Kekova are generally mild, with day temperatures ranging between 10°C and 15°C, and at night, it drops to around five °C to 10°C.

The best time to plan your diving trip to Kekova is during the summer months. However, you can also visit Kekova during the shoulder season (April to May and October to November) when the weather is still pleasant and tourist crowds are less. Check the weather forecast before planning your diving trip to ensure the conditions are suitable.

Now that you know about the ideal time to visit Kekova for diving and the weather conditions of the destination, pack your bags, prepare your diving gear, and prepare for an unforgettable underwater adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Commonly asked questions about diving in Kekova

Welcome to our diving guide for Kekova! Here are some frequently asked questions about diving in Kekova:

Q. What is Kekova?
A. Kekova is a small island located off the coast of Antalya, Turkey. It is a popular destination for diving enthusiasts due to its beautiful underwater ruins and clear blue waters.
Q. Is Kekova suitable for beginners?
A. Yes, Kekova is an excellent diving destination for beginners and advanced divers. The waters are calm and clear, and there are many dive sites to choose from, ranging in difficulty levels.
Q. Are there any notable dive sites in Kekova?
A. Yes, Kekova has some of the most unique dive sites in the world. One popular site is the Sunken City, an ancient city completely submerged in water. Other sites include the Castle, the Amphitheatre, and the Wall.
Q. What should I expect during a diving trip to Kekova?
A. During your diving trip to Kekova, you can expect to see stunning underwater landscapes, ancient ruins, and a variety of sea creatures such as turtles, octopuses, and colourful fish.

Useful tips and recommendations for diving beginners

If you are a beginner diver planning to visit Kekova, here are some useful tips and recommendations to make the most of your experience:

Tip	Recommendation
1. Get certified	Before your trip, make sure to get certified as a diver. You will feel more comfortable and confident underwater.
2. Book a guided tour	Book a guided tour with a local dive centre. They will take you to the best dive sites and provide the necessary equipment and safety instructions.
3. Be comfortable underwater	Practice breathing and swimming in a pool before your dive. Being relaxed and comfortable underwater will make your experience more enjoyable.
4. Protect the environment	Respect the underwater environment and avoid touching or disturbing marine life. Remember, we are only visitors in their world.

We hope this diving guide for Kekova has answered all your questions and provided you with useful tips for your upcoming diving trip. Remember always to prioritize safety and enjoy your underwater adventure!