Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour

Exploring the Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour: An In-Depth Review

If you’re planning to visit Antalya and want a day filled with history, stunning scenery, and a touch of adventure, this Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour might be just what you’re looking for. Offering a mix of land exploration and boat cruising, it combines the allure of ancient ruins with the thrill of discovering a submerged city. The tour lasts roughly 10 to 11 hours, making it a full but rewarding day out. With a solid 4.5-star rating from nine reviews, it seems like many travelers find it worthwhile — though, like any experience, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is its inclusion of hotel transfers and lunch, which adds convenience and value. The professional guides, often described as knowledgeable and engaging, help bring the history to life, especially at sites like Myra and St. Nicholas Church. The highlight, of course, is the boat trip around the sunken city of Kekova, where the chance to swim and explore submerged ruins offers a unique, memorable experience.

However, a review from a traveler named Faraz pointed out that the early start (around 5 am) and the long drive might not suit everyone — especially if you’re looking for a relaxed, shorter day. But for those eager to see a lot in one trip, the itinerary’s depth makes it a compelling choice. This tour is best suited for history buffs, water lovers, or anyone curious about Turkey’s ancient past, willing to spend a day on the road for a mixture of land and sea adventures.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines land visits and boat cruising, giving a well-rounded view of the region.
• Expert Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, especially about historical sites.
• Scenic Coastal Drive: The journey along the coast offers breathtaking sea views before reaching the sites.
• Historic Stops: Includes the ancient city of Myra and the significant St. Nicholas Church.
• Memorable Boat Ride: Sailing around Kekova’s sunken ruins and possibly swimming makes this trip stand out.
• Good Value: Includes lunch, transfers, and entrance tickets, making it a convenient full-day outing.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Kekova Island: Sunken Ruins and Underwater Secrets

Your day begins with a scenic drive to Kekova Island, an area famous for its submerged structures and shipwreck remnants. The island itself isn’t excavated, so what you see when you approach Tersane Village are partially submerged houses, shops, and stairs leading into the sea. The water here is crystal clear, allowing for fantastic views of foundations and house floors below the surface.

Travelers have noted that the boat can dock at Tersane Bay, where you can get close enough to observe the submerged buildings. The two-hour stop offers plenty of time for photos and exploration, making it an ideal spot for fans of underwater archaeology or simply those who love a dramatic coastal landscape.

St. Nicholas Church: A Religious and Historical Treasure

Next, the tour visits the Church of St. Nicholas, a site holding deep significance for Christian history. While entrance tickets to this church aren’t included in the price (costing about 17 euros), guides usually provide thorough explanations about its importance. Travelers often mention how their guides, like Erdem and Ismail, provided detailed stories about St. Nicholas, the real-life figure behind Santa Claus.

Seeing this church adds a spiritual dimension to your day, alongside the historical context. It’s a brief stop (about an hour), but one that enriches your understanding of the region’s religious past.

Myra Ancient City: Roman Ruins and Tombs

The highlight for many history enthusiasts is Myra, an ancient city packed with Roman ruins, an amphitheater, and rock-cut tombs. The site offers an impressive insight into the past, with the theater providing a tangible sense of Roman engineering.

Reviewers have raved about the expert commentary provided here, noting that guides like Muammer are passionate and informative. One traveler mentioned that the tombs of kings and the ancient theater felt surprisingly well-preserved, giving a real sense of walking through history.

Practical Aspects: What You Need to Know

The entire day hinges on a comfortable bus transfer (included in the price), with most travelers agreeing that the journey is scenic and well-organized. The tour operates with small groups (maximum 15), which allows for a more personalized experience and easier interaction with guides.

The boat tour itself lasts about two hours, offering a relaxed cruise around Kekova’s sunken ruins. Many guests enjoy the opportunity to swim or just relax on deck, soaking in the views. You’ll also benefit from lunch, which is described as decent and substantial, giving you energy for the day.

Considerations and Traveler Tips

While this tour offers a lot, it does come with some caveats. The early start (around 5 am) could be a challenge for some, especially if you prefer sleeping in. The long drive (6-7 hours total) might not appeal to everyone, particularly if you’re not a fan of lengthy bus journeys.

One review noted that the boat ride was nice, but no underwater wrecks were visible, highlighting that some expectations might not match reality. Still, the scenic views and historic atmosphere tend to compensate.

Value and Pricing Analysis

At around $127.21 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, guided commentary, entrance tickets to Myra, and the boat cruise. The cost might seem steep for a long day, but for those interested in a mix of history, scenic drives, and water-based exploration, it’s competitive.

The fact that most travelers book 19 days in advance indicates a steady demand, likely because of its reputation for delivering a rich experience. For travelers who want a convenient, all-in-one day trip, this tour minimizes hassle and maximizes sightseeing.

Final Thoughts: Who is This Tour Best For?

This Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour is ideal for history buffs, culture lovers, and water enthusiasts. If you enjoy exploring ancient ruins, hearing expert stories, and experiencing a boat cruise with chances to swim, this trip delivers on those fronts. The small-group format enhances the experience, making it more intimate and engaging.

However, if you’re sensitive to long travel days, early mornings, or prefer shorter, more relaxed trips, this might not be your best fit. The tour’s emphasis on full-day exploration makes it perfect for those eager to see a lot without worrying about logistics.

Overall, it’s a solid option for travelers who value quality guided insights, scenic coastal views, and the thrill of discovering a sunken city. The combination of land and sea offers a well-rounded taste of the Antalya region’s historical and natural treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the tour price?
You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, a boat tour around Kekova, lunch, and entrance tickets to Myra. Drinks and entrance to St. Nicholas Church are not included.

How long is the boat cruise?
The boat tour lasts approximately 2 hours, giving enough time to enjoy the scenery, swim if you like, and explore the submerged ruins.

Is there a guide on the tour?
Yes, a knowledgeable professional guide, often described as passionate and informative, accompanies the group throughout the day.

Can I swim during the boat tour?
Yes, there is an opportunity to swim while on the boat, especially around Kekova’s waters, which are noted for their clarity.

How early does the tour start?
Most tours begin around 5 am, which helps fit in all the activities but might be early for some travelers.

Are entrance fees included?
Entry to Myra is included, but the entrance to St. Nicholas Church (~17 euros) is not part of the package.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat for the boat cruise. Comfortable shoes are recommended for land visits.

How many people are in a group?
The tour operates with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

To sum it up, this boat tour from Antalya provides a well-balanced mix of history, scenic beauty, and water fun, making it a worthwhile day out for those eager to explore Turkey’s coastal treasures. With expert guides, included meals, and the allure of the sunken city, it appeals most to culturally curious travelers ready for a full and immersive experience.