Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour from Antalya

A Complete Look at the Sunken City Kekova, Demre, and Myra Day Tour from Antalya

Taking a day to explore Turkey’s historic coastlines by boat offers a unique mix of ancient ruins, stunning sea views, and peaceful bays. This full-day tour from Antalya covers some of the most iconic sites, including the legendary Sunken City of Kekova, the rock tombs of Myra, and the Church of St Nicholas in Demre. It’s an adventure that appeals to history buffs, seaside lovers, and those simply wanting a break from city hustle.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the combination of guided storytelling and free time to soak in the scenery—it’s well-paced for a full-day trip. Plus, the boat cruise along the Mediterranean coast offers plenty of chances to snap photos and relax with a swim.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a long day with a fair amount of driving and boat time, so it’s best suited for active travelers with a keen interest in history and natural beauty. If you’re after a laid-back, sightseeing-heavy experience with no surprises, this could be just right.

Key Points

• Convenient pickup and transportation make the day smooth from start to finish.
• Guided insights enhance understanding of ancient sites and local legends.
• Boat trips with glass-bottom views offer a unique perspective of underwater ruins.
• Opportunity to swim and relax at Esmeralda Bay.
• Entry fees to archaeological sites are included if booked accordingly, but some spots require additional tickets.
• Long but rewarding day with a variety of cultural, historical, and scenic highlights.

An In-Depth Look at the Full-Day Tour from Antalya

Starting Point and Transport

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Antalya, which is a real plus if you’re staying in the city. The group size is capped at 40 travelers, generally making the experience comfortable without feeling crowded. After a roughly 2.5-hour drive, you arrive at Demre harbor, a scenic starting point for the boat adventure.

The transportation is arranged by Arbek Travel, known for smooth logistics. The driver picks you up early in the morning, ensuring you’re on the boat for the day’s highlights, and returns you to Antalya in the late afternoon. This timely, organized start helps maximize your sightseeing hours.

The Kekova Sunken City

Once aboard the boat, the first stop is the Sunken City of Kekova. The ruins of Dolchiste lay submerged due to an earthquake in the 2nd century, and today, you can view the ancient remains through the boat’s glass-bottom windows.

As we learned from previous reviews, the underwater ruins are quite impressive, and cruising alongside them provides a different experience than walking through ruins. Since swimming isn’t permitted here—due to protected status—the boat cruise offers a great way to see the site up close without risking damage.

The boat remains anchored for some time at this spot, giving you the chance to take photos of the rocky coast and ruins, or simply marvel at how history is just beneath the surface. Keep in mind, the boat is designed for viewing the site rather than diving or snorkeling here.

The Rock Tombs of Myra

Next, the journey takes you to Myra, an ancient port city famous for its rock-cut tombs carved into cliffs—some dating back as far as the 5th century B.C. According to one reviewer, the Myra ruins are a highlight, with the ancient Greek amphitheater still visible and spectacular Lycian rock tombs that seem to hang in the air.

These tombs are part of the Myra Archaeological Site, which you can explore for roughly an hour. Keep in mind, admission tickets to the site aren’t included in the standard package, but you might find it worth paying the extra to get full access.

The guide provides context about the Lycian civilization, adding depth to the visit. We loved the way the guide, Mutlu, kept the mood lively and answered questions throughout—his engaging commentary turned what could be a simple stroll into a memorable experience.

The Church of St Nicholas

Later, the tour visits Demre, where the Church of St Nicholas—the burial site of the real Saint Nicholas—awaits. Built atop his tomb, this basilica is a UNESCO tentative site and holds immense religious and historical significance.

The church’s interior is modest but filled with stories of Saint Nicholas (the inspiration for Santa Claus), and it offers a serene atmosphere. Visiting this site adds a layer of spiritual history to your trip, and it’s especially meaningful if you’re intrigued by the origins of festive legends.

While entrance fees aren’t included, you’ll likely want to spend about 45 minutes here. Many visitors find the combination of history and quiet reflection a fitting end to the archaeological portion of the tour.

Lunch and Relaxation at Esmeralda Bay

Midday, it’s time to unwind at Esmeralda Bay. This beautiful, tranquil spot is perfect for a leisurely lunch and a swim. The bay’s calm waters and scenic surroundings make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy some downtime before heading back to the boat.

The reviews mention that the bay offers an opportunity to enjoy peaceful scenery away from crowds, which is a real draw for those wanting a break from the busy sightseeing spots. The bay is free of charge, and the time allocated is roughly an hour—just enough for a quick dip, some sunbathing, or a simple picnic.

Exploring Myra’s Ancient Ruins

After the Bay, the tour continues with a visit to Myra Archaeological Site. Here, you’ll see some of the most significant ruins, dating back to the 5th century B.C. The site is packed with ancient Greek and Lycian relics, including the amphitheater and rock tombs.

This stop is perfect for history buffs wanting to connect the dots between ancient civilizations and modern Turkey. The site is approximately an hour long, and although entry isn’t included, many visitors find the cost reasonable compared to the value of the experience.

Final Stop: Saint Nicholas Church

No visit to Demre would be complete without seeing the Church of St Nicholas. Spending about 45 minutes here allows you to soak in the history of this iconic site, which also functions as a museum and offers a tangible link to stories of Saint Nicholas, the original Santa Claus.

While some costs are extra, many travelers feel the visit is well worth the modest expense, especially given its UNESCO status and historical importance.

Returning to Antalya

After a full day immersed in history, scenic views, and seaside relaxation, the tour concludes with a 3-hour transfer back to Antalya. The journey provides time to reflect on the day’s sights, share photos, or simply enjoy the scenic drive through Turkey’s coastal landscape.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Guided storytelling is a major plus. Our guide, Mutlu, was praised for being funny and attentive, which made the day more engaging. His knowledge about the sites, combined with his approachable manner, significantly enhanced the experience.

The boat cruise, especially the glass-bottom viewing, creates a special perspective on the underwater ruins. We loved the way the tour balanced organized visits with free time at the bay to relax and enjoy the environment.

The inclusion of lunch and hotel pickup adds convenience, saving you time and hassle. The overall value, considering the comprehensive itinerary and scenic highlights, makes this a solid choice for those interested in a mix of history, culture, and seaside fun.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

The trip is quite long—around 12 hours—so it’s best for those comfortable with full-day excursions. The driving distance from Antalya to Demre is about 2.5 hours each way, which might feel tiring for some.

Swimmers should note that swimming at Kekova isn’t permitted due to protected status. If swimming is your main goal, you might prefer a different type of boat tour focused solely on beaches or snorkeling.

While entrance fees to sites like Myra and St Nicholas are not included, the overall cost remains reasonable when you consider the boat trip, guided commentary, and scenic stops. Just be prepared for some additional expenses if you want to explore sites more deeply.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts eager to see archaeological sites and learn their stories. It’s also great for sea lovers who enjoy boat rides and scenic views, especially those who appreciate a relaxing swim in a quiet bay.

Travelers seeking a guided experience with meaningful commentary will find the guide’s insights invaluable, and those who like a balanced mix of activity and leisure will enjoy the pace.

If you’re after a full-day adventure that combines cultural discovery with natural beauty, this tour offers excellent value. However, if you prefer shorter outings or are sensitive to long travel times, you may want to consider alternative options.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, boat trip, guidance, and lunch. Entry fees to sites like Demre and Myra are included if you book the package that covers those, but some tickets such as St Nicholas Church and Myra ruins may cost extra at the site.

How long is the boat ride to Kekova?
The boat cruise around Kekova lasts approximately 90 minutes, offering views of the submerged city from a comfortable boat with glass-bottom sections.

Can I swim at Kekova?
Swimming isn’t permitted at Kekova itself because of protected status, but you can enjoy swimming at Esmeralda Bay during the midday break.

What are the timings of the tour?
The total duration is about 12 hours, starting early in the morning with hotel pickup and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers, including families, can participate, provided they’re comfortable with the long day and the boat rides.

Are entrance fees to sites included?
Some entrance fees are included if you select that option during booking, but others like St Nicholas Church and Myra require additional tickets.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear for the Bay, a camera, and some cash for optional extra tickets or souvenirs.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking around archaeological sites and some uneven surfaces, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

This full-day boat tour offers a well-rounded experience of Turkey’s ancient coast—combining history, scenic boat rides, and seaside relaxation. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an authentic, engaging, and scenic day out from Antalya, especially if guided storytelling and underwater views appeal to you.