From Kas: Day Trip to Kekova, Demre and Myra

Planning a day trip from Kas that combines history, natural beauty, and a touch of adventure? This tour, priced at around $77 per person, offers just that. Spanning roughly 10 hours, it’s a well-organized way to explore some of Turkey’s most captivating sites without the hassle of planning each step yourself. From boat trips across turquoise waters to ancient ruins and scenic bays, this journey offers a lot for those keen on authentic experiences.

What we really love about this tour is its balance between sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural insight. The boat trip through Kekova’s sunken city and the overnight ruins of Myra make for a memorable day. Plus, the included lunch and hotel pickup/drop-off make it quite a practical choice. That said, some travelers note that the group size and the itinerary’s pace might not suit everyone, especially those looking for a more personalized experience.

This trip is best suited for history buffs, water lovers, and those wanting to see Turkey’s coastal treasures without the hefty price tag. If you’re looking for a full-package day that hits major highlights and offers a mix of activities, this tour deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Kekova, Demre, and Myra in one day
• Shared group tour offers affordability and social vibes
• Boat cruise with underwater ruins creates unforgettable photo opportunities
• Includes lunch and hotel transfers for convenience
• Authentic sites like the Sunken City, Santa Claus Museum, and rock-cut tombs
• Moderate pace with multiple stops, some requiring walking or light hiking

The Experience: What to Expect

This tour kicks off early in the morning, with hotel pickups from Kas. The 45-minute drive takes you to Demre harbor, where the boat awaits. The boat is described as clean and comfortable, with reviewers mentioning that it’s not overly crowded—this means you can enjoy the scenery without feeling cramped. Interestingly, some reviews mention the crew, particularly the captain and his brother, as being friendly and professional, adding a personal touch to the day.

Once on board, you’ll set sail toward Kekova. The highlight here is the Sunken City, a fascinating archaeological site formed after an earthquake in the 2nd century submerged parts of the ancient city of Dolchiste. The boat cruise allows you to admire the underwater ruins from above the waterline, capturing striking photos of the submerged walls and pathways. Although swimming isn’t permitted in Kekova itself due to protected status, the boat cruise provides excellent vantage points for photos.

Next, the boat anchors at Kaleköy (also called Simena), a charming village with a castle and necropolis. Here, you have about an hour to explore on your own. Reviewers appreciated the authenticity of this spot, describing it as a small, quaint village with a castle ruin and interesting tombs carved into the cliffs. You might also use this time to hike up to the castle for panoramic views or stroll through narrow streets.

The tour then moves to Gökkaya Bay for a two-hour swim and relaxation session. This part of the day is highly praised for its natural beauty, with options to swim, sunbathe, or even try water sports. Reviewers mention the water feeling cooler in Burç Bay because of natural springs, making it a refreshing stop during the hot day.

In the afternoon, the trip continues along the coast to the ancient city of Andriake and Karemlik Bay, where the chance to see sea turtles in their natural habitat is an added bonus. The boat then heads toward Demre, with a stop at the Santa Claus Museum and the Church of St. Nicholas. These sites offer a glimpse into Turkey’s Christian heritage, with the museum built on the site of the original church dating back to 520 AD.

The last leg of the tour takes you to Myra’s rock-cut tombs and Roman theater. Reviewers highlight the significance of these ruins, with one mentioning that the theater is the largest in Lycia. You’ll get about 30 minutes here to walk among the ancient tombs carved into the cliffs, providing a tangible connection to the past.

Finally, the journey winds down with a return to Kas, where the tour concludes. The entire day is paced to balance travel, exploration, and leisure, though some reviews note that the pace can be quite busy, especially for those less inclined to long days on the water.

The Value and What to Know

While the tour covers many key sites, it’s important to consider the entrance fees not included in the price—visiting Simena Castle, Myra’s ruins, and the Church of St. Nicholas will cost extra (approximately $4, $9, and $12 respectively). Budgeting for these adds makes sense if you want the full experience.

The lunch included is generally described as delicious and plentiful, with some reviews mentioning the quality of the food as a highlight. It’s served at a small restaurant, offering fish or chicken options, and includes some fresh fruit later in the day.

Regarding transportation, the air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup/drop-off are convenient, especially after a long day of sightseeing. The tour is capped at about 75 travelers, which helps keep the atmosphere lively but not overcrowded.

Most travelers find this experience to be good value for the price, especially considering the boat cruise, multiple sites, and included lunch. It’s ideal for those eager to see the Lycian coast’s archaeological and natural highlights in one day without the hassle of self-organizing.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and friendly boat crew, which enhance the experience. One shared that their boat captain and his wife made the day special, combining professional service with warm hospitality. The scenic views, particularly from Simena Castle and during the boat cruise, get frequent mention as breathtaking and photogenic.

However, some point out minor issues, like the boat not being a “small glass-bottom” vessel as initially promised, or communication hiccups regarding pick-up times, but these seem to be outweighed by the overall enjoyment of the day.

While not every detail is perfect, such as Santa Claus Museum being under renovation during some visits, the core experience remains compelling—combining history, scenic beauty, and aquatic fun.

Final Thoughts

This day trip from Kas is a solid choice for travelers wanting an immersive, varied experience packed into one day. You’ll see ancient ruins, float over a sunken city, snorkel in bays, and learn about the legendary Santa Claus—all with the convenience of hotel transfers and an included meal.

It’s particularly well-suited for visitors who crave a mix of adventure and culture but are comfortable with a somewhat busy itinerary. If you’re after a more intimate or personalized experience, you might find the group size and schedule less flexible. Still, for the price, it offers a fantastic overview of Turkey’s coastal riches, especially if you’re short on time but eager to see the highlights.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to start and end your day without additional arrangements.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat cruise lasts several hours, with stops for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing in bays, totaling around 10 hours including transfers.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch is included, offered at a small restaurant with options like fish or chicken, plus some fresh fruit later in the day.

What sites do I visit in Demre?
You’ll visit the Santa Claus Museum and the Church of St. Nicholas, both rich with local history. Entrance fees are extra.

Is swimming allowed in Kekova?
No, swimming isn’t permitted in Kekova’s Sunken City area because it’s a protected site, but you’ll get excellent views from the boat.

What about entrance fees?
Entrance fees for sights like Simena Castle, Myra’s ruins, and the museum are not included in the tour price and should be budgeted separately.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 75 travelers, which keeps the group lively but still manageable for guided interactions.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely, yes, especially for families comfortable with boat trips and walking. Light hiking at some sites might be required.

To sum it up, this full-day Kas trip balances cultural discovery, scenic beauty, and relaxation, making it a worthwhile choice for those eager to maximize their time exploring the Lycian coast. Whether you’re into ancient ruins, wildlife, or just relaxing in beautiful bays, this tour packs a lot into one memorable day.