Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour from Antalya

Exploring Turkey’s southern coast offers a blend of sun-drenched scenery, ancient ruins, and fascinating stories. The Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour from Antalya provides just that—a full day of adventure through waters and ruins, all wrapped in a comfortable group experience. It’s a trip that seems to appeal to those who appreciate a good mix of history, scenic boat rides, and a touch of leisure with swimming and lounging.

Two things I particularly like about this tour are its well-organized transportation and the knowledgeable guides. The pickup from your hotel saves the hassle of arranging transport, and the guides, like Mutlu, are praised for their friendly, engaging manner—answering questions and keeping the atmosphere lively. Plus, the opportunity to cruise alongside the submerged ruins of Kekova in a glass-bottom boat offers remarkable photo ops without needing to snorkel or dive—great for most comfort levels.

A potential drawback to consider is the long day’s duration—about 12 hours—which might feel a bit hefty if you prefer more relaxed, less packed itineraries. Also, some attractions like the entrance fees to Myra and St. Nicholas Church are optional extras, adding to the overall cost if you wish to fully explore these sites.

Key points / Takeaways

• Comfortable logistics: Hotel pickups and transportation make it simple to start the day without stress.
• Expert guides: Guides like Mutlu enhance the experience with humor and insight, making history more engaging.
• Unique boat cruise: Cruising the waters of Kekova in a glass-bottom boat lets you see underwater ruins without getting wet.
• Historical diversity: Combining ancient Lycian sites, sunken ruins, and Christian landmarks offers a well-rounded cultural experience.
• Worth the extra fees: Entrance fees for certain sites aren’t included in the base price, so budget accordingly.
• Good for active travelers: The day involves a lot of sightseeing and boat time, perfect if you’re up for a full day of exploration.

An In-Depth Look at the Full-Day Experience

Starting Point: Hotel Pickup & Journey to Demre

The tour kicks off with a hassle-free pickup from your Antalya hotel, which I find very convenient. It’s a good way to start the day relaxed, without worrying about local transport. Once aboard the coach, you embark on a roughly 2.5-hour drive that takes you along the scenic Turkish coast. The landscape features the towering Taurus Mountains contrasting with the shimmering sea—a feast for the eyes early in the morning.

The Sunken City of Kekova: Underwater Mysteries

Once you arrive at Demre harbor, the adventure truly begins. The boat awaits for your cruise to Kekova, famous for its partially submerged ancient city of Dolchiste. This city sank after an earthquake in the 2nd century, and its ruins remain visible beneath the clear waters—an eerie and beautiful sight.

Most tours use glass-bottom boats, which are perfect for observing the ruins from above water. Swimming isn’t permitted here, as it’s a protected area, but the boat ride alone offers plenty of opportunities to capture memorable photos of the submerged walls and ancient structures. The guide often shares stories about the city’s history, adding depth to the scenery.

The Ruins of Myra and the Lycian Tombs

After the Kekova cruise, the journey continues to the ancient city of Myra. Here, you’ll explore rock-cut tombs of Lycian kings, perched high on the cliffs, and the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, where you can imagine the crowds cheering centuries ago. This site is considered one of the most significant in Lycia, and the guide’s commentary makes the history come alive.

Many reviewers mention how knowledgeable guides like Mutlu make the ruins more accessible and engaging. “He stayed with us the whole time and answered all our questions,” one traveler notes, emphasizing how a good guide can elevate this part of the tour.

The Church of St. Nicholas: A Spiritual Highlight

Next, the tour visits the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, a UNESCO tentative site built over the saint’s tomb. The church has a long history of religious significance, and it’s fascinating to see how the legend of Santa Claus is rooted in this 4th-century bishop. Entrance fees are not included, so check your budget if you plan to go inside.

This stop is especially meaningful for those interested in religious history or the origins of Santa Claus. Some travelers appreciate that the tour allows a short 45-minute visit, enough to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Esmeralda Bay: Relaxation & Refreshments

Midway through the day, the group stops at Esmeralda Bay for a lunch and swim break. Imagine enjoying a peaceful moment on a quiet beach, with options for swimming in the calm blue waters. It’s a chance to unwind after the morning’s busy sightseeing—many travelers find this the most relaxing part of the day.

Myra Archaeological Site: A Walk Through History

Later, you get to explore Myra’s ancient ruins, with its 5th-century BC remains. Here, the ruins are more extensive, and you can walk around the old city walls, see remains of temples, and spot the rock tombs carved into the cliffs. Entrance fees aren’t included, so again, budget for this if you want to fully explore.

Final Stop: Back to Antalya

After a full day, the return trip takes about 3 hours, allowing you to relax and reflect on the many sights seen. Returning to your hotel in Antalya, you’ll likely appreciate the organized nature of this tour, especially after a long day of discovery.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenic boat rides, and light adventure. If you’re comfortable on a boat for about an hour and are interested in Lycian, Roman, and Christian sites, this trip offers plenty of value. It’s especially good for those who want a organized, guided experience that covers multiple highlights in one day, without the stress of planning each detail.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or dislike long travel days, you might find this tour a bit packed. It’s also worth noting that entrance fees to some sites are extra, so budget accordingly.

Price and Value Analysis

At roughly $62.50 per person, this tour is priced competitively considering its inclusions—hotel pickup, boat trips, a guide, and a full day’s itinerary. On top of that, the experience of seeing underwater ruins, ancient tombs, and St. Nicholas’ church adds cultural richness that can be hard to match at this price point.

While some sites require extra entrance fees, the overall package offers a good balance of guided sightseeing and leisure. If you’re a history buff or someone who loves maritime scenery, this tour packs a lot into a single day and is worth considering.

FAQs

How early do I need to book this tour?
Most travelers book about 6 days in advance, which helps secure a spot and ensures smooth planning.

Does the tour include all entrance fees?
No, some sites like Myra and St. Nicholas Church have extra charges if you wish to enter, and these are not included in the base price.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a lunch is provided during the Bay stop, giving you time to enjoy the surroundings and refuel.

How long is the boat ride?
The main boat cruise around Kekova lasts about 90 minutes, offering plenty of time to enjoy the views and take photos.

Can I swim at Kekova?
No, swimming is not permitted in the protected Sunken City area. However, you can swim at Esmeralda Bay later in the day.

What’s the group size?
The tour typically hosts up to 40 travelers, maintaining a lively but manageable atmosphere.

Is this suitable for children or less mobile travelers?
Yes, the trip is generally suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind the long day and some walking at archaeological sites.

In short, this full-day boat tour from Antalya offers an engaging balance of scenic cruising, ancient ruins, and cultural landmarks. It’s a well-structured experience that provides plenty of opportunities for stunning photos and meaningful exploration, especially if you’re interested in the history of Lycian civilization and the Christian heritage in Demre. Just plan for the extra costs of site entries if you want to see everything, and prepare for a full day of adventure that’s both educational and visually captivating.