Kas: Day Trip to Kekova, Demre and Myra

Kas: Day Trip to Kekova, Demre and Myra — A Detailed Review

Introduction
This full-day tour from Kas promises a compelling mix of history, nature, and relaxing sea vistas. For around $76, you’ll spend roughly 10 hours exploring ancient ruins, underwater sites, and beautiful bays aboard a boat with a knowledgeable crew. The trip’s highlights include the famous Sunken City of Kekova, the charming Kaleköy (Simena) village, and the historic ruins of Myra and St. Nicholas Church.

What really shines about this experience is the way the boat journey allows you to see the coastline from a different perspective—gliding past stunning bays and ancient ruins that make for fantastic photos. Plus, the lunch onboard and swimming breaks in crystal-clear waters add a leisurely touch that balances out the sightseeing.

However, travelers should note that some reviews mention a lack of detailed guiding or language support. If you enjoy having a guide explain the historical background and local stories, this might feel a bit limited. But for those seeking a relaxed, scenic day with enough history to spark curiosity, this trip offers excellent value and a memorable adventure suited particularly well for couples, families, or solo travelers who want a mix of travel, culture, and chill-out time.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Multiple stops including Kekova Sunken City, Simena Castle, and Myra ruins.
• Beautiful Scenery: Crystal bays, underwater ruins, and scenic village views.
• Inclusive Value: Lunch, snorkeling, and pickup/drop-off included for a reasonable price.
• Limited Guided Commentary: Some reviews mention minimal explanations, so bring a guidebook or be prepared to explore independently.
• Wildlife Spotting: Karemlik Bay is noted for providing opportunities to see sea turtles in their natural habitat.
• Ideal for Relaxed Sightseeing: Plenty of swimming and lounging time makes it perfect for sun seekers and water lovers.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point & Transfer

The adventure begins with a pickup from Kas’s city center, usually arranged the day before, which keeps things simple and hassle-free. The first leg involves a short transfer to Demre Harbor, where the boat awaits. This initial step ensures everyone is comfortably gathered before setting sail, and it’s a good chance to get your bearings with the local scenery.

Kekova Sunken City & Island

Once onboard, the boat cruise kicks off with a view of Kekova Island—famous for its underwater ruins and Sunken City. We loved the way the boat glides past the submerged remains of the ancient city of Dolchiste, offering excellent photo opportunities, especially from the deck. Reviewers mention that while you can view the ruins from the boat, there’s no real opportunity to dive or snorkel directly over them, which disappointed some. Still, the sight from the boat is striking enough to satisfy most curiosity about the site’s submerged history.

Simena Castle & Village

Next stop is Kaleköy, a charming village perched on a hillside. Here, you get about an hour of free time to explore the castle ruins and wander through narrow streets with local shops. The scenic views from the castle are a highlight, as you look down on the turquoise waters and the bay below. One reviewer mentioned that the time to explore was somewhat limited, but the experience of wandering this authentic village still feels genuine and relaxed.

Pirates Cave & Swimming Spots

The boat then heads to Pirates Cave, a natural wonder with its curved, cavernous entrance. It’s perfect for snorkeling and swimming—and yes, many travelers seize the opportunity for an underwater selfie or two. The crew usually provides snorkel gear, and some reviews praise the crystal-clear waters and interesting rock formations.

Following that, you’ll stop at Gökkaya Bay and Karemlik Bay, the latter being notable for its potential to spot sea turtles in their natural habitat. Reviewers appreciated the chance to swim in tranquil waters and even see marine life, making these breaks a highlight for water enthusiasts.

Marine Life & Natural Beauty

The tour emphasizes the chance to spot sea turtles at Karemlik Bay, with some reviewers excited about the possibility of seeing three of the seven known turtle species. The natural beauty of these bays, combined with the warm waters, makes the swimming stops a relaxing and memorable part of the day.

Demre & Myra Archaeological Site

After a full day at sea, the boat docks at Demre Harbor, where the tour continues on land with visits to St. Nicholas Church—the site of the Santa Claus Museum—and the ancient city of Myra. The ruins here include a well-preserved Roman-style theater and rock-cut tombs, carved directly into the cliffs. Visitors often find this part of the tour particularly fascinating, especially if they’re interested in history.

One reviewer noted that the rock tombs are eerie but beautiful, and the theatre is the largest in Lycia, giving a strong sense of the area’s ancient grandeur. The brief stop allows enough time to soak in the atmosphere and snap some photos, even if guided commentary is minimal.

Final Return & Overall Experience

The day wraps up with a return to Kas, leaving travelers with a sense of having covered a stunning stretch of coastline and history-rich sites in one day. The overall sentiment from reviews is that this tour offers excellent value—combining scenic boat rides, historical sights, and swimming opportunities, all in a comfortable, well-organized way.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Value for Money
Many reviews highlight that at $76 per person, the trip is a great deal considering the diverse activities—from boat cruising, snorkeling, visiting historical sites, and a hearty lunch. The inclusion of pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics, making the experience accessible without additional hassle.

Scenic & Relaxing
The boat rides are the core of the experience, offering breathtaking views of the coastline, bays, and underwater ruins. Multiple swimming stops mean you can cool off and unwind, especially in the beautifully transparent waters of Esmeralda Bay or Gökkaya Bay.

Family & Solo Friendly
The mix of sightseeing, swimming, and gentle walking suits all ages. The small group size—generally about fifteen people—keeps the experience intimate and manageable for families or solo travelers seeking a relaxed pace.

Authentic Touches
Visiting the authentic village of Kaleköy and exploring Myra’s rock-cut tombs keeps the trip culturally meaningful. Some reviews mention the delicious onboard lunch, which is described as plentiful and tasty, adding to the overall value.

Potential Drawbacks
A few travelers noted the lack of a detailed guide or comprehensive commentary. While some felt this didn’t detract significantly, others missed the context that guided explanations would provide. If you’re a history buff, consider bringing a guidebook or app to enhance your experience.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring a towel for swimming and sunbathing.
• Pack sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses—the sun can be intense during the long hours outdoors.
• Consider your swimming ability—the bays are generally calm, but if you’re a strong swimmer, you’ll get the most out of the water stops.
• Arrive early for the pickup to ensure smooth boarding and to avoid missing the boat.
• Prepare for limited guided commentary—a guidebook or app can fill the gaps if you love detailed historical stories.
• Watch for wildlife—the opportunity to see sea turtles adds a special touch to the day.

The Sum Up

This Kas day trip to Kekova, Demre, and Myra offers a well-rounded experience that combines sea adventure, ancient ruins, and authentic village exploration. The tour’s focus on scenic beauty and relaxed swimming breaks makes it ideal for those wanting a break from busy sightseeing to just enjoy the surroundings.

The included lunch and transfers add significant value, especially when compared to similar tours that may charge extra for meals or transportation. While some may wish for more guided commentary, the overall balance of activities, scenery, and cultural sites makes this trip a fantastic choice for water lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to savor the best of the Turkish coast in one day.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a mixture of relaxation and exploration, enjoy stunning seascapes, and want to discover key historical sites without the hassle of organizing multiple activities separately. If you’re after a memorable day out that offers both scenic beauty and cultural insights, this trip from Kas hits the spot.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting with a pickup from Kas and ending back there in the late afternoon or early evening.

What is included in the price?
The $76 per person fee covers pickup and drop-off from Kas, the boat cruise, lunch onboard, snorkeling gear, and visits to main sites such as Kekova Sunken City, Simena Castle, and Myra.

Are guide explanations provided during the trip?
The reviews suggest that guided commentary might be minimal. Some travelers mention a lack of detailed explanations, so you may want to bring your own guidebook or app for context.

Is swimming and snorkeling safe?
Yes, most bays have calm waters suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Karemlik Bay, in particular, is noted for marine life, including sea turtles, making it an exciting spot for wildlife viewing.

What should I bring?
A towel, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are recommended. If you plan to snorkel, bring your gear or use what’s provided onboard.

Can I visit the historical sites on my own?
Yes, the stops at St. Nicholas Church and Myra are self-guided, giving you some flexibility to explore at your own pace.

How crowded does it get?
The tour generally operates with small groups, around fifteen participants, which helps keep the experience intimate and comfortable.

Is this trip suitable for children?
Most likely, yes. The mix of boat rides, swimming, and light walking makes it family-friendly, provided children are comfortable with the water and boat travel.

Overall, this day trip from Kas offers a thoughtful blend of scenery, history, and relaxation, making it a worthwhile addition to your Turkish coast adventures. Whether you’re a history buff eager to see Myra’s ruins or a water lover looking for a tranquil escape, you’ll find plenty to enjoy—and plenty of photo-worthy moments—to take home.