Demre,Myra,Kekova With Sunken City Boat Tour & St. Nicolas Church

If you’re craving a day that combines history, scenic views, and a splash of adventure, this Demre, Myra, Kekova boat tour offers just that. Priced at $60 per person, this full-day experience packs a lot into roughly 11 to 12 hours, including visits to ancient Lycian sites, a sunken city, and the famous Saint Nicholas Church. The tour is designed to offer a balanced mix of guided storytelling, boat cruising, and free time to explore at your own pace.

One of the things we love about this experience is the well-structured itinerary, which allows you to see some of Turkey’s most unique historic sites without feeling rushed. The boat trip to Kekova, with its crystal-clear waters and submerged ruins, is undoubtedly a highlight. On the flip side, a potential consideration is some variability in guide commentary, which might leave certain visitors wanting more detailed explanations—particularly during the sunken city visit.

This tour suits history buffs, curious travelers looking for authentic scenery, and those who enjoy relaxing on a boat while soaking in turquoise waters. If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive day exploring the region’s highlights, this experience is worth considering.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary combines ancient ruins, boat trips, and religious history.
• Guided tour offers valuable insights, though review comments suggest some guides may vary in detail.
• Excellent value for the price, including lunch, transfers, and a boat cruise.
• Ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, history, and a full-day adventure.
• Flexible options include hotel pickup and mobile tickets for convenience.
• Note on logistics: moderate physical activity required, and the tour is suitable for most travelers with comfortable shoes and sun protection.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Antalya

Your day begins early with a hotel pickup around 7:00 am from a designated meeting point at McDonald’s in Antalya. Traveling in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll be comfortably transported towards your first stop. The ride sets the tone for a relaxed, hassle-free day—no worries about navigating or parking, just sit back and look forward to what’s ahead.

Stop 1: Myra Antik Kenti

The first major stop is Myra, an ancient Lycian city with striking rock-cut tombs and an impressive amphitheater. This spot is a favorite among history lovers because of its well-preserved archaeological features. Your guide will share stories about the significance of these tombs and the amphitheater, though some reviews mention that English descriptions could be more detailed during the site visit. Expect about an hour here—a good amount of time to wander around, take photos, and get a sense of the grandeur of Lycian architecture.

Tip: Bring comfortable shoes—there’s uneven terrain—and a camera for those iconic tomb pictures.

Stop 2: Demre (Kale)

Next, the tour stops in Demre for about an hour, which includes a lunch break at a local restaurant. The meal features freshly prepared dishes, giving you a taste of local cuisine. This break is a welcome opportunity to relax before heading to the boat.

Stop 3: Kekova – The Sunken City

The highlight for many travelers is the boat trip in Kekova, lasting approximately two hours. You’ll cruise on a glass-bottomed boat, which offers a chance to peer beneath the water and see ruins of ancient structures submerged in the sea. It’s a surreal experience—imagine gazing through the clear waters and spotting walls, stairs, and even a small church resting beneath the surface.

The boat’s upper deck provides plenty of space for sunbathing and taking in the scenery. The calm waters and gentle breeze make it a relaxing part of the day, especially if you’re just looking to unwind.

A reviewer noted that the boat trip is an ideal setting for relaxing and enjoying the views, but also pointed out that some guides may not provide in-depth commentary during this part, which could detract if you’re eager for more historical context.

Stop 4: Church of Saint Nicholas

After the boat cruise, the tour continues with a visit to Saint Nicholas Church in Demre. Known for its marble sarcophagus, this site is believed to be the tomb of the original Saint Nicholas—who inspired Santa Claus. Today, it functions as a museum drawing thousands of visitors annually.

Visitors can learn about the connection between Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus, adding a nostalgic touch to the trip. The guided commentary here is generally informative, although some reviews mention that you may need to explore independently to fully understand the significance.

Return Journey to Antalya

After an enriching day, you’ll board the bus for the journey back to Antalya, arriving around 5-6 pm. The return trip gives you time to reflect on the day’s discoveries, perhaps sharing photos and stories with fellow travelers.

What We Appreciated About the Tour

Value for money is clear—lunch, transportation, boat trip, and guided insights are included, making it a cost-effective way to see multiple sites in one day. The diverse itinerary offers both culture and relaxation, which appeals to a broad range of travelers.

The guides are generally knowledgeable, providing historical context and local insights. One reviewer highlighted a guide’s effort during the Myra visit, though they also noted that the descriptions at the sunken city could be more detailed. Still, the overall guided experience helps make sense of what you’re seeing, especially when exploring ancient ruins and religious sites.

The scenic boat cruise is truly a standout, with many visitors remarking on the peaceful waters and stunning underwater views. The opportunity to swim or sunbathe adds a fun, leisurely element to the trip.

Logistics like hotel pickup and mobile tickets contribute to a smooth experience, removing the stress of planning transport on your own.

Possible Drawbacks & Considerations

Some guests note that guidance during the sunken city could be more comprehensive or engaging; if detailed historical storytelling is your priority, you might find the commentary during this segment somewhat lacking. Plus, the tour group size caps at 40 travelers, which is generally manageable but can feel crowded during busy periods.

The tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking around archaeological sites and some uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Also, be prepared for a full day outdoors, so sun protection—sunglasses, hat, sun cream—is essential.

Weather can impact the experience, especially the boat cruise, so checking the forecast beforehand is wise. The tour is only confirmed in good weather, and refunds or rescheduling are offered if conditions are poor.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This full-day excursion offers a well-rounded taste of Turkey’s coastline, history, and natural beauty. For travelers who enjoy learning about ancient civilizations, appreciating scenic landscapes, and relaxing on a boat, it presents excellent value. The inclusion of lunch, transfers, and guided insights makes it convenient and budget-friendly.

However, if you’re seeking deeply detailed historical explanations or prefer a more leisurely pace, you might find some parts of the tour less satisfying. The boat cruise is a gorgeous highlight, especially for those who love water-based adventures, but some visitors wish for more engaging commentary during the sunken city visit.

This tour is a fantastic option for active, curious travelers eager for a full, varied day that blends history, nature, and leisure in Turkey’s stunning coastal region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the total tour?
The entire tour lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours, starting early in the morning with hotel pickup and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers hotel transfer, guiding service, lunch, and the boat trip to Kekova. Entrance fees to sites are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, most of the tour involves minimal strenuous activity, but some walking at archaeological sites and on uneven terrain is necessary. Moderate physical fitness is recommended.

Can I swim during the boat trip?
While the main focus is sightseeing, the boat provides time to relax and possibly swim if you bring your swimsuit and towel. Be sure to follow the guide’s instructions.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuits, sunglasses, towel, sun cream, hat, comfortable shoes, and a camera to capture the moments.

Is there an option to cancel?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time, providing flexibility in case of weather changes or other plans.

This Demre, Myra, Kekova tour offers a captivating mix of ancient ruins, scenic boat rides, and cultural insight, making it an excellent choice for travelers wanting a full day of discovery in Turkey’s beautiful coastline.