Sunken City Kekova, Demre & Myra Day Tour

Kekova’s half-submerged ruins are the star here. You’ll sail across clear Mediterranean water, look down toward the remains of ancient Simena, and have time for a swim or snorkel. I also like the way the day links three very different places: Myra’s rock-cut tombs, the Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa, and Demre’s St. Nicholas Church.

The scenic coastal drive is another strong point, especially when the road curls along the sea. The trade-off is time: this is a 10-hour outing, and an early pickup from Antalya can mean leaving around 6:30 a.m. and returning after 8 p.m. Large groups and language changes can make the day feel even longer.

Key points to know before booking

• Kekova is the main event: Sail over turquoise water and view the sunken remains of Simena from the boat.
• Myra combines tombs and theater: You’ll see an ancient Greek amphitheater beside Lycian rock-cut burial chambers.
• Swimming is part of the appeal: Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to use the clear water around Kekova.
• St. Nicholas Church costs extra: Its entrance fee is not included in the $78 tour price.
• Guides can shape the day: Guides such as Natalia and Alp have been praised for clear explanations and friendly service.
• Expect a very long outing: Transportation, sightseeing, lunch, boat time, and group coordination fill the full day.

Why the Kekova day trip is worth your time

This tour gives you a useful slice of Antalya Province in one day. Instead of seeing only a beach resort, you’ll reach the quieter Demre area, where ancient Lycian remains, early Christian history, and a boat trip fit into one route.

I like this combination because the stops do not all feel alike. Myra is an archaeological visit with dramatic stonework. Kekova is about water, ruins, and the pleasure of being outdoors. Demre adds the story of St. Nicholas, the bishop later linked with the Santa Claus tradition.

At $78 per person, the price covers transportation, insurance, a professional guide, Myra’s entrance fee, lunch, taxes, and the boat portion of the day. You still pay separately for St. Nicholas Church and drinks, so budget for those extras. For a first visit to the area, the package offers reasonable value because arranging the long drive and boat trip independently would take more planning.

The catch is the distance. The tour is described as a full-day trip from Kemer to Demre, while pickup information also lists hotels in Antalya. Your exact pickup time depends on location, but you should expect a long road day. If you dislike early starts, extended bus rides, or organized group touring, this may feel tiring.

The coastal drive from Antalya or Kemer

The road to Demre is part of the experience. You travel in a comfortable, non-smoking, air-conditioned bus, and the route includes scenic stretches along the Mediterranean. One account describes a winding coastal road with excellent sea views, so keep your camera ready when the bus is not moving too quickly.

That scenery helps break up the distance, but it does not make the journey short. An early pickup from Antalya Old City was around 6:30 a.m., with the return coming after 8 p.m. The exact timing can vary, yet you should plan your day around the tour rather than trying to fit another major activity before or after it.

The group may be large. One outing had 47 people, with bus transfers used to handle different language groups. That arrangement can work, but it may slow departures and reduce the time available at each stop. A smaller private tour would offer more flexibility, but it would also cost more.

Tourmania provides English and Russian-speaking guides. The quality of the guide matters on a history-heavy day, and named guides Natalia and Alp have been praised for friendly attitudes, clear explanations, and strong organization. Your guide may be different, but the tour includes live guiding rather than only transport between sights.

Myra’s tombs and ancient theater

Myra is the first major historical stop, and it gives you an immediate introduction to the Lycian world. The ancient town lies by the Myros River, and its most striking feature is the necropolis cut into the cliff face.

The tombs are not grand buildings in the usual sense. They are carved directly into the rock, with facades that echo the look of houses and temples. From below, the grouped tombs create an impressive wall of stone. Your guide can help explain how Lycian burial customs and architecture differed from the Greek and Roman remains you may have seen elsewhere in Turkey.

Myra also has an ancient Greek amphitheater. Its curved seating and stage area show how public entertainment and civic life were organized in the ancient town. The theater is easier to appreciate with a guide who can point out its design, use, and place within the wider site.

The included entrance fee makes Myra one of the better-value parts of the tour. You do not need to arrange a separate ticket, and the stop brings together two memorable features in one compact visit: the rock-cut tombs and the theater.

Wear practical shoes. The tour involves archaeological ground, and you will get more from the site if you can move around comfortably. You should also expect sun exposure, especially in warmer months, so water, a hat, and sunscreen are sensible.

Lunch before the boat trip

Lunch is included, which keeps the day simple and helps the $78 price make more sense. One meal was described as an open buffet, allowing you to choose as much as you wanted. Another account found the food excellent, while a different experience described the restaurant meal as poor.

That mixed picture is worth taking seriously. The meal may be convenient and filling, but you should not book this trip mainly for the food. Quality can vary by day, restaurant, or personal taste. Beverages are not included, so carry some Turkish lira or another accepted form of payment for drinks.

The timing also matters. Lunch comes before the boat portion, so you can eat before swimming or sitting in the sun. If you have dietary needs, the supplied information does not confirm specific options. It is sensible to tell the tour provider in advance rather than rely on the buffet to meet every requirement.

Sailing across Kekova’s clear water

Kekova is where the day changes pace. After the land-based ruins at Myra, you board a boat and move across clear Mediterranean water toward the island and the remains of the sunken city of Simena.

The ruins are partly submerged, so this is not a conventional walk-through archaeological site. You see the remains from the boat, with the water giving you a different view of ancient construction. The guide explains what happened to the settlement and helps you identify the visible structures along the shore and below the surface.

The boat ride is repeatedly described as a major strength of the excursion. It offers open views, fresh air, and a welcome break from the bus. Even in April, when the sea was too cold for some people to swim, the ride remained worthwhile. That is useful advice: the boat trip does not depend entirely on getting into the water.

If conditions and timing allow, you can swim or snorkel in the clear water around Kekova. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a waterproof pouch for valuables. The supplied details do not promise rental equipment or a specific amount of time in the water, so treat swimming as an included opportunity rather than the sole purpose of the trip.

The water is likely to be most appealing in warm weather, while spring visitors may prefer to stay on board. You can still enjoy the view, the ruins, and the boat ride without swimming.

Teimiussa and the Lycian necropolis

The Kekova area also includes a visit to the Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa. This stop adds another look at Lycian burial architecture, but in a different setting from Myra.

At Myra, the tombs form a dramatic rock face beside the theater. At Teimiussa, the necropolis connects the ancient settlement more directly with the coast and the island setting. Seeing both helps you compare how the Lycians marked burial places in different towns.

Do not expect a modern museum-style presentation. Much of the appeal comes from the remains themselves and from the guide’s explanation. The site is best for you if you enjoy ancient places that require a little imagination rather than polished displays and long indoor exhibits.

The visit also shows why a boat tour alone would leave something out. Kekova is beautiful, but the ancient settlements around it give the water and ruins their meaning. Myra and Teimiussa turn a scenic cruise into a fuller archaeological outing.

Demre and St. Nicholas Church

The final major stop is Demre, also called Kale in the tour details. Here you visit the church of St. Nicholas, associated with Nicholas of Myra.

The church is an important stop for two reasons. It connects the ancient Lycian town with the later Christian story of St. Nicholas, and it gives you a look at a place of worship rather than another open-air ruin. The interior and surviving details are the focus, while your guide can explain the connection between Nicholas of Myra and the later Santa Claus tradition.

The entrance fee is not included. That is a small but important cost to remember when comparing the advertised price with the final amount you will spend. If you have little interest in religious sites, you may find the extra ticket less compelling than the boat ride or Myra. If you are interested in early Christianity or the origins of the St. Nicholas story, it may be one of the most meaningful stops.

Because the church comes after a long day, your energy level may affect how much you take in. Listen closely to the guide and allow yourself time to notice the building rather than treating it as a quick final stop.

Group size, guide quality, and pacing

The guide is central to this experience. Myra, Teimiussa, and the sunken ruins are easier to understand when someone explains what you are looking at. Strong guides such as Natalia and Alp have been praised for being friendly, clear, and positive, and early contact from the local operator helped some people feel confident about the pickup arrangements.

The group structure can be less satisfying. A group of 47 is large for archaeological sites and boat transfers. Different language groups may require separate explanations or bus arrangements, which can reduce efficiency. You may spend time waiting for people to return to the bus or boat.

That does not mean the tour is poorly run. Pickup was reported as punctual, and the air-conditioned bus and organized transfers provide comfort on a demanding route. It simply means you should expect a group itinerary rather than a relaxed private outing.

The tour offers English and Russian guiding. Confirm the language available for your departure when you book, especially if detailed historical explanations are important to you.

What to pack for the 10-hour outing

You can make the day easier with a few practical items:

• Comfortable walking shoes for Myra and the ancient remains
• Swimwear and a towel for the Kekova stop
• Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
• Water and money for beverages
• A light layer for the early bus ride or boat
• A phone or camera for the coastal views and ruins

The bus is air-conditioned, and the boat portion exposes you to sun and wind. Conditions can feel different at the start and end of the day, so a light extra layer is useful.

You should also keep your schedule clear. The tour lasts about 10 hours, but long pickups and return traffic can stretch the day. One Antalya outing began in the early morning and ended after 8 p.m.

Who should book this Demre and Kekova tour?

I would choose this tour if you have limited time and want to combine Myra, Demre, and Kekova without arranging separate transport. It suits history fans, first-time visitors to the region, and anyone who likes mixing ruins with a boat trip and a swim.

It also works well if you want a guide to explain the sites. The ancient remains are much easier to place in context when you have someone pointing out the Lycian tombs, theater, necropolis, and sunken structures.

I would think twice if you want a slow, quiet day. The route is long, the start may be early, and the group can be large. You should also be comfortable with the possibility that lunch is merely adequate, even though some people have found it very good.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less risky if your plans are still changing. The tour includes hotel pickup in Antalya according to the provided details, while the experience is also described as departing from Kemer, so confirm the pickup area and time before paying.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the most sights from one long day and value convenience over a leisurely pace. The combination of Myra’s tombs, Kekova’s boat ride, Teimiussa, and St. Nicholas Church is hard to match in a single organized outing at $78.

Skip it if a large group, early departure, or long return journey would spoil your day. For the right person, the boat ride and the chance to see the sunken remains of Simena make the effort worthwhile. Just budget for the church ticket and drinks, pack for both ruins and swimming, and keep your expectations realistic about lunch and timing.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 10 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

Hotel pickup is included, and the provided details list hotels in Antalya. The tour is also described as a full-day trip from Kemer, so confirm your exact pickup location and time before departure.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Russian.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and one meal arrangement was described as an open buffet. Beverages are not included.

Is the St. Nicholas Church entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee to St. Nicholas Church is an additional cost.

Can I swim or snorkel at Kekova?

Yes. The tour includes an opportunity to swim or snorkel in the clear water around Kekova Island. Swimming conditions can vary, and the sea may be cold at some times of year.

Is the Myra entrance fee included?

Yes. Entrance to Myra is included in the tour price.