From Kas: Day Trip to Kekova, Demre and Myra

Kekova’s Sunken City is the star here. From the boat, you glide beside the ruins of ancient Dolchiste, where stone walls and foundations disappear beneath clear Mediterranean water. The view is best understood from the deck, not from land, and the slow pass gives you time for photos.

I like the mix of sea and archaeology: one hour you’re looking at Lycian tombs and a Roman theater, the next you’re swimming in a quiet bay. I also like that the boat stops often, with snorkeling gear available and a comfortable roof area for sunbathing. The trade-off is a long, tightly packed day, and archaeological entrance fees and extra food or drinks cost more.

Key points at a glance

• See Kekova’s ruins from the water: The boat passes the Sunken City for about 30 minutes, with time for photos and sightseeing.
• Walk through old Kaleköy: You get about an hour near Simena Castle, with hillside views over the Kekova region.
• Several swimming stops: Esmeralda, Burç, Gökkaya, Pirates Cave, and other bays break up the sightseeing.
• Look for sea turtles: Karemlik Bay is home to three of the seven known sea turtle species.
• Add two major land sites: The route continues to St. Nicholas Church and the ancient ruins of Myra near Demre.
• Good value for a full day: At $57 per person, the price covers Kaş transfers and the boat trip, but not site admission or extra refreshments.

Why Kekova makes this a special day from Kaş

Kaş is a fine base for exploring the southwest Turkish coast, but the Kekova region feels different from town. The water is calm and clear, the shore is dotted with old stone remains, and small settlements are reached by boat rather than by road.

This trip combines the best parts of that setting. You get a sea day with swimming breaks, but you also reach ancient sites that would be hard to connect on your own in one outing. The transfer from Kaş to Demre Harbor takes you to the boat, then the return journey brings you back to Kaş after the land visits.

You should allow the full 10 hours. This is not a quick cruise with one photo stop. It is a full-day outing with a morning pickup, a long boat section, several swim breaks, and visits to major ruins and a church.

Pickup is from Kaş city center, with the exact time changing by season. The operator sends the pickup details by WhatsApp or email one day before departure, so keep an eye on both.

On the boat past Karemlik Bay and Kekova Island

The first sea section takes you along the Kekova coast toward the Sunken City. Karemlik Bay is part of the route, and it is also the place to watch for sea turtles. Three sea turtle species are found in this area, so keep your eyes on the water rather than treating the stop as only a swimming break.

The Sunken City of Kekova is viewed from the boat. Ancient Dolchiste was damaged by earthquakes, and parts of its remains now sit below the surface. You should not expect to walk through the ruins or swim among them. The value comes from seeing the submerged walls, steps, and foundations from the water while the boat moves slowly along the shore.

Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from spray. The clearest pictures may come from the upper deck, though that is also the most exposed spot in the sun. A roof area provides a useful choice if you want shade or a break from the heat.

The boat ride is not just transport between ruins. The repeated change between open water, rocky coves, and old coastal settlements gives the day a relaxed rhythm. Still, if you dislike being on a boat for much of the day, this may feel too long.

One hour in Kaleköy and Simena Castle

The stop at Kaleköy, ancient Simena, is the cultural heart of the boat section. You have about an hour to walk through the village, see the castle remains, browse small shops, and take in the view from the hillside.

Simena Castle is not presented as a polished museum complex. Its appeal is the setting and the sense of an old settlement still connected to the coast. From higher ground, you can look across the Kekova region and see why the area was important to ancient coastal communities.

Wear shoes with a firm sole. The route includes a hillside and old ruins, and the ground may not feel as easy as a paved town street. The time is enough for a useful look, but not for a slow archaeological study of every stone.

You also have the chance to swim in clear blue water near Kaleköy. That combination is one of the strongest features of the day: you can spend part of the stop among castle ruins, then cool off in the sea.

Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay, and Gökkaya Bay

After Kaleköy, the boat continues to several bays. Esmeralda Bay is used for lunch and swimming, giving you a quiet setting to eat and rest. The supplied meal is onboard, but additional food and drinks are not included, so bring money for anything extra.

Burç Bay is known for cold underwater springs. That may make the water feel noticeably cooler than at the other stops. It is a pleasant change after time in the sun, though some people may prefer the warmer feel of a more sheltered cove.

Gökkaya Bay provides another swimming stop, with water sports available if you want more than a simple dip. The schedule lists repeated time in and around Gökkaya Bay, which suggests that swimming is a major part of the day rather than a brief extra.

You may use snorkeling goggles at the swim stops. Equipment was lent out during the boat trip, which is useful if you do not want to pack your own mask. A towel is specifically listed as something to bring, and you should take that advice seriously. With several water stops, you will use it often.

The main drawback is the stop-heavy schedule. Swimmers will appreciate the variety, but anyone who wants long, quiet time at one beach may find the repeated departures a little brisk. The bays are included to keep the day active and varied, not to provide a full beach afternoon at one location.

Pirates Cave and the coast by Andriake Harbor

The boat passes into or near Pirates Cave, known for its large size and curved entrance. This is a natural feature rather than an excavated site, and the boat’s approach lets you see the shape of the cave from the water.

The stop also includes swimming, snorkeling, and a meal onboard. The cave is a good example of how the trip balances ancient places with natural scenery. You are not looking at ruins all day, and you are not spending the whole time on open water either.

Andriake Harbor appears later as a short photo stop and pass-by. It helps connect the sea portion with Demre, the area that holds the day’s two major land visits.

St. Nicholas Church and the Demre land portion

Once the boat returns to Demre Harbor, the day continues on land. St. Nicholas Church, also presented as the Santa Claus Museum, was built in memory of St. Nicholas of Myra. The site contains the remains of an old church and offers a different kind of history from the exposed ruins along the coast.

The visit is scheduled for about 40 minutes. That is enough to see the main remains and take photographs, but you should not expect an extended museum visit at a slow pace.

The tour includes a visit connected with the Museum of Lycian Civilizations, but the exact museum arrangements can depend on the day’s operating plan. The advertised land route includes St. Nicholas Church and Myra, so confirm the precise admission details when you receive the final pickup message.

Remember that archaeological entrance fees are not included. This matters when you compare the $57 price with a self-planned day. The tour covers pickup and return from central Kaş, the boat, and the linked route, but you should budget separately for site tickets and any extra drinks or snacks.

Myra’s theater and rock-cut tombs

Myra is the strongest land sight on the route. The ancient city is known for its Roman-style theater and the rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs. These tombs are the kind of remains that make Lycian history easy to picture because they are still visible high above the old city.

The theater is described as the largest in Lycia. Its scale gives the site more impact than a scatter of foundations would. Look closely at the carved details and the shape of the seating area, then turn toward the cliffs for the tombs.

You get about 40 minutes for sightseeing and a self-guided visit. That is a short window for a major archaeological site, so decide what you most want to see before you arrive. If the theater and tombs are your priority, head there first rather than spending the entire stop browsing.

The limited time is the main weakness for history-minded people. A private visit could give you more space to read signs and study the ruins. On the other hand, reaching Myra after a boat trip and a visit to St. Nicholas Church saves you the work of arranging separate transport from Kaş.

What the $57 price really covers

At $57 per person, this is a strong value if you want both the Kekova boat route and Demre’s main historical sites in one day. Kaş pickup and drop-off add real convenience, since the tour starts at Smiley’s and returns there after the full route.

You are paying for access to several kinds of scenery:

• The Sunken City viewed from the water
• Kaleköy and Simena Castle
• Multiple bays for swimming
• Pirates Cave
• Karemlik Bay and its sea life
• St. Nicholas Church
• Myra’s theater and rock-cut tombs

The price does not cover archaeological entrance fees. It also does not cover additional food and drinks. That is not unusual for a full-day activity, but it means the final cost will be higher than the headline price if you visit both paid sites and buy refreshments.

The best value comes if you would otherwise need to arrange a Demre transfer, a boat trip, and separate site visits. It is less appealing if you only want a short swim cruise or if you prefer to spend a full day at one archaeological site.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this trip if you want a busy day with plenty of variety. It suits you especially well if you like to alternate between swimming, coastal views, village walks, and ancient sites.

It is also a good fit for anyone staying in Kaş without a car. The included city-center pickup removes the need to reach Demre Harbor independently, and the return to Kaş keeps the day simple.

Families and mixed-interest groups may appreciate the balance. Someone who loves ruins can focus on Simena, St. Nicholas Church, and Myra, while a friend who mainly wants the sea gets several chances to swim and snorkel.

You should think twice if you need a slow pace, long time at each ruin, or a quiet beach day. Ten hours is a lot, and the route covers many stops. The boat’s roof is useful for sunbathing, but shade and seating may be in demand during the warmest part of the day.

The host or greeter support is available in English and Turkish. No individual guide names are provided, so do not book this expecting a named specialist historian. The land visit to Myra is self-guided, and the boat portion centers on sightseeing rather than a long formal lecture.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and a phone case that can handle water. The supplied information specifically calls for a towel, and the number of swimming breaks makes it one of the most useful things in your bag.

Keep some money available for entrance fees, drinks, and optional purchases in Kaleköy. The village stop includes free time and shopping, but the main reason to visit is the setting around Simena Castle.

Pay attention to the pickup message sent the day before. Seasonal starting times vary, and the exact pickup point can be arranged around Kaş city center. The activity begins and ends at the meeting point, listed as Smiley’s.

The cancellation terms are flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. That helps if your Kaş plans are still shifting.

Should you book this Kaş to Kekova day trip?

Book it if you want the most varied use of one day: sunken ruins, a castle village, several swimming bays, sea turtles, St. Nicholas Church, and Myra. The $57 starting price is sensible for the boat and transfers, especially if you do not have your own transport.

Skip it if your main goal is a long, unhurried archaeological visit or a quiet day in one cove. The schedule is active, the land stops are short, and extra costs remain for admission and refreshments.

For most people who want to connect Kekova and Demre from Kaş without planning every transfer, this is a practical and memorable choice. Bring a towel, accept the busy pace, and keep your camera ready when the boat reaches the Sunken City.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts 10 hours, including the transfer from Kaş, the boat trip from Demre Harbor, the land visits, and the return to Kaş.

Where does the tour start and finish?

Pickup and drop-off are provided from Kaş city center. The listed meeting point is Smiley’s, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

When will I learn my pickup time?

Pickup times vary by season. The operator sends the pickup time one day before the tour by WhatsApp or email.

Which languages are available?

Host or greeter support is available in English and Turkish.

Is the entrance fee to Myra included?

No. Archaeological site entrance fees are not included in the activity price.

Are food and drinks included?

A meal is served onboard during the boat portion, but additional food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. You should also be prepared for swimming and time in the sun.

Can I swim and snorkel during the tour?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are offered at Pirates Cave and several bays, including Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay, and Gökkaya Bay. Snorkel goggles may be lent out during the boat trip.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.