From Alanya: Kekova, Demre, and Myra Day Trip with Boat Tour

Our review of the Kekova, Demre, and Myra Day Trip with Boat Tour from Alanya offers a look at a full-day adventure packed with history, scenery, and a splash of swimming. For around $90 per person, you’ll spend roughly 15 hours exploring some of Turkey’s most fascinating archaeological sites and stunning coastlines, with a mix of guided tours and boat excursions. It’s a busy itinerary, but one that promises plenty of memorable moments—especially if you’re keen to combine history with relaxing sea time.

Two features stand out positively: the chance to see the sunken city of Kekova from the water, with its eerie underwater ruins visible through the boat’s glass panels, and the visit to Myra’s rock-cut tombs and ancient amphitheater. Both are highlights that make this trip feel like a glimpse into a different world. Plus, the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters at Kekova Island adds a refreshing touch to the day.

One aspect to keep in mind is the length of the day—at 15 hours, it’s quite packed, and some travelers, like Mirella, mentioned that timing and pace could be improved—more time at each stop and clearer communication about pickup times would make the experience smoother. Also, some may find the English-speaking guides slightly difficult to understand, though both guides are praised for their helpfulness and knowledge.

Overall, if you are comfortable with long days of sightseeing and enjoy a mix of history, scenic boat rides, and swimming, this tour offers a compelling way to see several key sites at a good value. Just be prepared for a busy schedule and variable communication, and you’ll likely come away with plenty of great memories.

Key Points and Takeaways

• Stunning underwater views of Kekova’s sunken city make the boat trip a highlight.
• Myra’s rock-cut tombs and theatre offer an authentic glimpse into ancient Lycian civilization.
• Tour guides are knowledgeable and helpful, despite occasional language barriers.
• Long day with multiple stops requires good energy and patience.
• Good value for money with included lunch and transport, but watch for additional costs.
• Timing and communication could be improved, as some travelers experienced late pickups and rushed sightseeing.

Exploring the Full Experience: What to Expect

Starting your day early from Alanya, you’ll board a comfortable bus that takes you through the scenic Antalya Province, with pickup options at multiple locations. The day begins with a 30-minute break in Antalya, where you can stretch your legs and grab a quick breakfast. From there, the journey leads to the Myra Ruins, a site packed with history. Expect a guided tour of about an hour, where your guide will point out the rock-cut tombs and the antique theater. As Mirella pointed out in her review, the guides are quite knowledgeable, though some visitors find their English a little hard to follow.

After the initial sightseeing, you’ll have a break for lunch—buffet style and reported as tasty by many—and then it’s time for more exploration. The focus shifts to the coast, where you’ll board a boat from Ucagiz Village to visit Kekova Island. This boat cruise, lasting about two hours and fifteen minutes, is the centerpiece of the day. You’ll get a chance to see the sunken city’s ruins beneath the water’s surface through glass panels on the boat, which is a unique feature. Many travelers enjoy the opportunity to swim in Kekova’s clear waters, so bring your swimwear and towel.

Next, the boat will take you to the Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa, where ancient tombs are carved into cliffs, and you’ll have some free time to explore or relax on the boat. The day wraps up with a return trip to Antalya Province for a quick rest before heading back to your pickup point. The entire experience is designed to maximize sightseeing in a tight schedule, which some reviews note can feel rushed—especially at sites like the Sinterklaasmuseum (as one traveler mentioned).

Pickup and transportation logistics are smooth, with timely drivers and comfortable coaches, but a few reviewers have noted that timing of pickup was sometimes late or poorly communicated—so be ready for some flexibility. The group sizes tend to be moderate, allowing for a more personal experience, and guides speak multiple languages including Russian, German, Turkish, and English.

The Highlights and Why They Matter

Kekova’s sunken city isn’t just a pretty view; it’s a rare chance to see archaeological remains that have been underwater since an earthquake in the 2nd century. The boat’s glass panels make the experience accessible, even for those who aren’t confident swimmers.

Myra’s rock-cut tombs and theater provide a real sense of the ancient Lycian civilization, with structures carved directly into the cliffs. The Church of St. Nicholas, built on the site of the saint’s original church, adds a layer of spiritual history to the visit because St. Nicholas was the bishop of Myra—yes, the Santa Claus connection is real.

The boat cruise offers more than just views; it’s a chance to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. Many travelers appreciate that they can swim or just enjoy the scenery aboard. The Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa completes the historical picture, with tombs and ruins that speak to millennia of history.

Value-wise, the tour includes lunch, guide, insurance, and transportation, making it a good deal for what you get. However, some reviews mention additional costs for activities or confusion about what’s included, so it pays to ask about extras before you pay.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience suits travelers who enjoy a full day of sightseeing and don’t mind a packed schedule. It’s ideal if you’re keen on history and archaeology, especially because the sites are quite accessible and well-organized. If you’re looking for a relaxing, slow-paced day, this might not be the best fit due to the number of stops and the long duration.

It’s also a good choice if you want good value—especially since the tour includes a boat cruise, lunch, and multiple major sights. But be prepared for some timing issues and language barriers—the guides are knowledgeable but not always crystal-clear in English.

Finally, this trip is perfect for adventurous swimmers and those eager to see underwater ruins, as Kekova offers a rare opportunity to glimpse a sunken city without diving gear.

The Sum Up: Is the Kekova, Demre, and Myra Day Trip Worth It?

If you’re interested in combining history, scenic boat rides, and a splash of swimming, this tour delivers a satisfying experience for a reasonable price. The ruins, the boat cruise, and the natural beauty are genuine highlights that many travelers cherish. It’s best for those who enjoy learning on the go and don’t mind a full, sometimes rushed day.

The long hours and communication hiccups are minor inconveniences in exchange for access to some of Turkey’s most captivating sites. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, and the included lunch is a bonus. Be prepared for a busy, energetic day, and you’ll likely come away with plenty of photos and stories.

This trip offers a solid value for travelers eager to see a mix of ancient ruins and stunning coastlines—an experience that’s both educational and fun, with enough flexibility to enjoy some swimming and relaxing moments along the way.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about 15 hours, starting early from Alanya and returning late in the evening. Check your pickup time after booking.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, and your camera are recommended. There’s time for swimming, so don’t forget your essentials.

Are the guides fluent in English?
Yes, guides speak multiple languages including English, Turkish, German, and Russian. However, some travelers find the English occasionally hard to understand.

Is pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with multiple pickup points available. Exact pickup times depend on traffic and your location.

Are there any additional costs?
Entrance tickets for some sites and activities might not be included in the basic price. Also, some reviews mention extra charges for activities not covered.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking is flexible with a pay-later option.

This full-day journey from Alanya balances adventure, history, and scenic beauty. If you’re prepared for a busy schedule and eager to see some of Turkey’s most treasured sites, it’s a worthwhile choice that offers a good glimpse into the region’s past and present.