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

This full-day tour from Antalya offers a fascinating blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural highlights. With visits to the submerged ruins of Kekova, the Lycian city of Myra, and the church of Saint Nicholas in Demre, it’s a trip packed with stories, scenic boat rides, and ancient sites. The tour’s highlights include a glass-bottom boat cruise, a delicious included lunch, and insightful guides that bring the history to life.

One of the most appealing aspects of this experience is the boat trip over Kekova’s sunken ruins, which offers a unique view of what remains of the ancient Lycian city beneath the water. The tour also provides a chance to walk through the well-preserved ruins of Myra’s rock tombs and amphitheater. However, a possible snag is the lengthy transfers, especially with multiple hotel pickups, which can eat into your overall enjoyment if you’re eager to start exploring right away.

This tour is best suited for history buffs, lovers of scenic landscapes, and those interested in discovering the roots of Santa Claus. It’s a full-day commitment but packs in enough variety to make it worthwhile for anyone comfortable with long bus rides and eager to learn about Turkey’s ancient past.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines boat trips, archaeological sites, and cultural visits in one day.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Value for Money: Includes entrance fees, lunch, and transportation, making it a cost-effective way to see multiple sights.
• Long Transfers: Expect several hotel pickups and drops, which can be time-consuming.
• Authentic Sightseeing: Opportunities to swim, explore ruins, and see historic churches.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before, offering peace of mind.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Kekova Island & Sunken City

The day kicks off early with hotel pickup around 7:00 am, followed by a scenic drive to the coast. The highlight here is the 1-hour boat trip over Kekova’s sunken ruins. You’ll cruise on a glass-bottomed boat, allowing you to glimpse the submerged Lycian city with minimal effort—viewers especially enjoy the partially submerged walls and ancient structures visible beneath the water’s surface. Reviewers describe it as “absolutely stunning,” with the water clarity making the ruins appear even more surreal.

One guest noted, “The boat trip to Kekova was amazing, with breathtaking views of the sunken city and crystal-clear waters.” This experience combines a relaxing boat ride with an educational glimpse into the past, with some boats featuring glass panels at the bottom for a more immersive view.

Demre & Saint Nicholas Church

Next stop is Demre, where you’ll visit the Church of Saint Nicholas. This site is especially meaningful for those interested in Christmas traditions, as Saint Nicholas’s tomb is here. Entrance fees are not included, so you might find yourself paying a small fee to enter. The church itself is modest but holds significant historical and religious importance.

While some reviews mention that the church can be crowded, especially with Russian pilgrims, the atmosphere remains reverent. You can imagine the devotion of visitors touching the glass-covered tomb, as one reviewer observed, “A wait to get close, but worth it to see the roots of Santa Claus.”

Myra Ancient Site & Rock Tombs

From Demre, you’ll head to the Lycia-era city of Myra, home to impressive rock tombs and a historic amphitheater. The tombs carved into the cliffs are intricate, and the amphitheater offers a good sense of how ancient civilizations enjoyed entertainment. Reviewers highlight the well-preserved rock carvings and the opportunity to climb around these structures.

Guide commentary brings the site to life, with one reviewer praising a guide named Natalija for her “sincerity and excellent storytelling.” Expect about an hour exploring these ruins, feeling both awe at the craftsmanship and appreciation for their resilience.

Optional Stop & Extra Sights

Some reviews mention an unplanned visit to a gem shop, which can be a bit of a disappointment if you’re eager to focus solely on historical sites. However, these stops are usually brief, and some travelers enjoy the chance to browse local crafts and souvenirs.

What to Expect from the Transportation and Guides

The tour is conducted by a comfortable bus, with most participants in the English-speaking group. However, some reviewers noted that the bus can be small and outdated, with tight seats and limited air conditioning. The journey from Antalya can take a significant chunk of the day due to multiple hotel pickups—sometimes over two hours before the itinerary officially starts.

Guides across reviews are praised for their knowledge, with some speaking multiple languages, including Turkish, German, Russian, and English. Guests appreciate guides like Mustafa, who went out of his way to keep the group engaged and organized. A reviewer called Mustafa “engaging and arranging a delicious lunch,” which adds value considering the included meal.

The Boat Trip

The boat ride stands out as the memorable highlight for many. The glass-bottom boat allows a close-up view of the submerged ruins, with some guests feeling the limited windows in the hull meant they didn’t get as much underwater visibility as expected. Still, the scenery and the chance to swim in the Mediterranean are big positives.

Lunch & Other Inclusions

Lunch is included in the tour price, and most travelers find it satisfying, with some calling it “a good break in a long day.” Entrance fees to Demre and Myra are covered, adding to the overall value.

Authentic Experiences & Practical Tips

Based on reviews, the boat cruise is a major draw—so bring your swimwear and towel if you’re keen to cool off. The water can be inviting, and some guests loved the opportunity to relax after exploring ruins. Be aware that the Sunken City of Kekova is no longer visible in its original form due to natural erosion and earthquakes, a fact mentioned by some travelers. The boat trip still offers stunning views, but it’s good to have realistic expectations.

The hotel pickup process can be lengthy, especially if you’re staying in central Antalya but the tour provider picks up from many hotels across the city or nearby. It’s worth arriving early to avoid missing the start time, and be prepared for a full day with numerous transfers.

For those with mobility issues, walking around the site might be challenging, especially at Myra’s rocky tombs and amphitheater.

The Impact of Weather and Cancellations

Weather plays a role—bad weather can cancel the boat trip, as one reviewer experienced with a rain-related cancellation. However, the tour operator offers flexibility by rescheduling or providing full refunds if weather conditions are unsuitable.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip offers a solid mix of history, scenery, and cultural touches, making it ideal for history enthusiasts, boat lovers, and those curious about ancient civilizations. The inclusion of guided commentary and the boat cruise makes it a more engaging experience than a self-guided visit. However, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with long bus rides and eager to see multiple sights in a single day.

If you value well-organized tours with knowledgeable guides and a good variety of activities, this experience ticks all those boxes. The value is substantial given the included entrance fees, the boat trip, and lunch, especially considering the high-quality insights from guides like Mustafa and Natalija.

On the flip side, if you dislike lengthy transfers or prefer exploring at your own pace, this tour might feel a bit rushed. Also, if your main interest is the sunken city itself, it’s worth knowing that the original ruins are no longer visible, and the boat trip offers a more scenic than archaeological experience.

This tour provides an engaging snapshot of Turkey’s coastal history and scenic beauty, perfect for travelers seeking an enriching day out with plenty of stories and photo opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package, making travel hassle-free.

How long is the drive from Antalya?
The drive involves several pickups, which can take over two hours, so prepare for a longer start to the day.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, entrance fees to Demre and Myra are covered, but the charge to enter Saint Nicholas Church is not included.

What should I bring for the boat trip?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. The boat offers some glass-bottom viewing, but it’s limited, so don’t rely solely on it for underwater views.

Can I swim during the boat trip?
Yes, you’ll have opportunities to swim and cool off in the Mediterranean after the boat ride.

Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Generally, yes, but be aware of the long bus rides and walking involved at sites like Myra.

What is the guide’s role during the tour?
Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, providing historical insights and helping the group stay organized.

Is there enough time at each site?
Most sites receive about an hour, which is enough to explore, but some reviews mention feeling rushed at certain locations.

What is the typical group size?
The tour accommodates up to 45 travelers, with many reviews mentioning a well-organized group experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled or rescheduled for poor weather conditions, especially if the boat ride is affected.

This full-day tour from Antalya offers a well-rounded mix of scenic beauty, history, and cultural richness. With knowledgeable guides, a scenic boat trip, and visits to iconic sites, it’s a great way to deepen your understanding of the region’s past while enjoying some of Turkey’s most beautiful landscapes. Just remember to factor in the long transfers and be prepared for a full, engaging day.