Kalkan: Day Trip to Demre, Myra and Kekova Island

Traveling through Turkey’s Antalya Province offers a treasure trove of historic sites, stunning seascapes, and charming villages. This full-day guided tour combines boat rides, ancient ruins, and picturesque stops, giving you a comprehensive taste of Turkey’s coastline and history in one smooth package.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances scenic boat excursions with cultural exploration, meaning you get to enjoy the best of both worlds—beautiful natural sights and fascinating archaeological sites. Plus, the itinerary includes unique highlights like the Sunken City of Kekova and Gökkaya Bay, which are sure to leave lasting impressions.

A potential consideration is that the day is quite packed, which might be tiring for some travelers, especially if you’re not used to long excursions. The trip is aimed at those who enjoy adventure, history, and nature, making it ideal for active families, couples, or solo travelers eager to see the region’s highlights without any guesswork.

This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a well-organized, value-packed day that offers both educational and recreational moments. If you want a comprehensive experience that covers scenic boat rides, ancient ruins, and charming villages, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary: Combines boat rides, historical sites, and scenic stops for a well-rounded day.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding with engaging insights.
• Beautiful scenery: Expect stunning views at Kekova, Simena Castle, and surrounding bays.
• All-in-one experience: Includes lunch, transportation, and multiple activities for great value.
• Authentic sites: Visit ancient ruins of Myra and the famous Sunken City of Kekova.
• Flexible options: Stops for swimming, snorkeling, exploring, or relaxing depending on your mood.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The day begins with a pickup from a designated meeting point—usually a petrol station in Kalkan—making logistics straightforward. From there, you’ll travel comfortably in a group, with the entire journey facilitated by friendly guides. The drive to the boat launch area is about an hour, giving you time to settle in and get excited.

The tour keeps group sizes manageable, allowing for personal interaction with guides. You might find that the transportation is smooth and punctual—reviews praise the well-organized pickup and relaxed return, which helps set a positive tone for the day.

The Boat Cruise and Kekova’s Sunken City

Once aboard the boat, you’ll notice the vessel is equipped with luxury sun beds, perfect for relaxing during the cruise. The boat crew is described as “wonderful,” providing a friendly atmosphere. The first major highlight is the Sunken City of Kekova—a fascinating site where an entire town was submerged after a powerful earthquake.

Travelers have shared that the underwater ruins are truly astonishing, especially when viewed through snorkeling or just from the boat. The cruise along the ruins offers scenic views and a chance to appreciate the historical significance of the area. The boat cruise is also a good opportunity for photographers, with plenty of picturesque moments.

Kaleköy (Simena) and Castle Exploration

Next, the boat anchors at Kaleköy, also known as Simena. This charming village is famous for its castle ruins perched on the hillside and a necropolis, both of which offer sweeping vistas of the region. With about an hour to explore, you can wander the narrow streets, browse local shops, or hike up to the castle for some of the best views.

Travelers say that the vistas from the hillside are “spectacular,” making the hike worthwhile if you’re up for it. Alternatively, you can relax by the water or admire the view from below, which is equally charming.

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Pirates Cave and Water Activities

One of the tour’s most fun stops is the Pirates Cave, a naturally formed rock arch with a curved entrance that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Tourists have loved the chance to dive into the crystal-clear waters and explore marine life, with some mentioning the presence of sea turtles in Karemlik Bay, adding an element of wildlife spotting.

The approximately 40-minute stop here is enough to cool off and indulge in some underwater exploration, making it ideal for those who enjoy water-based activities.

Gökçe Bay and Marine Life

Gökkaya Bay follows as another highlight, where you can swim, relax, or even participate in water sports if available. The natural environment here is stunning—a peaceful bay with calm waters, perfect for a break from the busy sightseeing.

The tour’s focus on natural beauty and tranquility is evident in this part of the trip, and reviewers mention how these stops feel like little slices of paradise.

Lunch and Relaxation at Esmeralda Bay

Midday, the boat anchors at Esmeralda Bay, an idyllic spot with cooler waters thanks to natural springs beneath the surface. The provided lunch, often described as tasty, consists of Turkish salad and perhaps a BBQ, served on board. Many reviewers highlight the deliciousness of the food and the opportunity to unwind in peaceful surroundings.

After lunch, there’s time to swim again or simply enjoy the scenery. This break feels like a perfect balance between activity and relaxation.

Demre and Ancient Myra

Returning to Demre, the tour combines the boat experience with a visit to Myra’s archaeological site. You’ll see Roman-style theatre ruins, the largest in Lycia, and rock-cut tombs carved into cliffs—a vivid window into the past. Nearby, the St. Nicholas Church (connected to Santa Claus) offers a glimpse of religious history.

Reviewers mention how guides enhance the experience, providing context and history that bring these ancient sites alive. The ruins are well-preserved and evoke a tangible sense of history.

Optional Santa Claus Museum

While not included in the core itinerary, many opt to visit the Santa Claus Museum in Demre, which adds a festive, mythic touch to the day. It’s a brief stop but enriches your understanding of the local lore surrounding Santa Claus.

Returning to Kalkan

The day wraps up with a relaxed journey back, allowing time to reflect on the day’s sights and experiences. Travelers appreciate the smooth logistics and the chance to enjoy the sunset on the return drive.

What We Think About the Overall Value

For the cost of around $79 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package that balances natural beauty, adventure, and history. The inclusion of lunch, boat rides, and multiple stops makes it a good deal for travelers wanting a full day without extra planning.

The boat cruise alone is a highlight, with scenic views and the chance to see underwater ruins and marine life. The guided visits to ancient ruins and the charming village of Simena add cultural depth, making it more than just a boat trip.

Reviewers consistently mention the knowledgeable guides, who make the experience more engaging with their insights. The trip’s pace allows for both relaxation and exploration, catering to different energy levels.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

It’s ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy boat rides, history, and swimming. Families with older children and active couples will likely find the day fulfilling. However, those with small children might find the pace a bit too long or the walking strenuous. It’s also suitable for anyone eager to see the most iconic sites around Kekova and Demre in one organized outing.

Final Thoughts

This day trip from Kalkan offers a well-rounded experience blending scenic boat rides, ancient ruins, and charming villages. The highlights—like the Sunken City of Kekova and Myra’s theater ruins—are genuinely memorable, elevating the tour beyond the average sightseeing trip.

The tour’s value lies in its expert guidance, variety of stops, and inclusions like lunch and transport, making it a practical choice for those wanting to maximize their time in the region. The natural beauty of the bays and the intriguing underwater ruins make it a compelling choice for lovers of both history and outdoor activities.

While the itinerary is full and sometimes physically demanding, the overall experience is rewarding, offering a rich blend of culture, scenery, and water fun. For travelers seeking a full day of meaningful exploration with a touch of adventure, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 12 hours, with starting times varying depending on the season. Check availability for exact departure times.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes boat transportation, lunch, and guided visits to sites like Myra and the Sunken City. Optional stops, like the Santa Claus Museum, are separate.

Is there time for swimming and snorkeling?
Yes, there are multiple stops—Pirates Cave, Gökçe Bay, and Esmeralda Bay—where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax in the water.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel and sunscreen. You might also want to bring your own drinks, as the boat has a fridge for storing them.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, guests have praised the guides for their engaging and informative commentary, which makes the historical sites come alive.

Is this suitable for families?
It’s generally suitable for families with older children who can handle a full day of activity. Small children might find some parts strenuous.

Can I visit the Santa Claus Museum?
Yes, there’s an optional stop at the Santa Claus Museum in Demre, which adds a fun, mythic element to your trip.

How is the transportation?
Transport is comfortable and organized, with pickups and drop-offs arranged smoothly, allowing you to focus on enjoying the day.

This well-orchestrated tour delivers a wonderful mix of natural beauty, history, and fun. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a water lover, or simply seeking a memorable day trip, it’s a great way to explore Turkey’s stunning coast.

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