Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour from Kemer

Kekova’s old city is best understood from the water: the boat passes a stretch of shoreline where ancient ruins lie partly submerged, then offers a chance to swim in the clear coastal water. I like that this day pairs that boat cruise with Myra’s striking Lycian tombs, rather than making the trip only about one site. I also like the included lunch and hotel pickup, which make a long day easier to manage.

The trade-off is time. Kemer is a drive from the coast and the historic sites, so expect a full day with several hours in a vehicle. The boat’s glass-bottom viewing may not be clear, and entrance fees are extra, so budget beyond the advertised $66.08 price.

What to know before you go

• The boat is the day’s coastal highlight: See Kekova from the water, with a possible swim stop. The glass-bottom view is not always clear.
• Myra’s tombs reward a closer look: The rock-cut facades and ancient necropolis are among the most striking sights on the route.
• St. Nicholas Church costs extra: Entrance fees are not included, and the church’s separate admission has been cited at about €17 to €20.
• Lunch is included, drinks are not: Expect a meal in Demre, with drinks billed separately.
• Pickups begin at 8:00 am: Your hotel pickup is at the security gate. The full outing lasts about nine hours.
• Group size is capped at 35: Some departures may be much smaller, but the tour can also use a multilingual guide.

From Kemer to the Lycian coast

This day trip connects three very different places: Myra’s ancient burial ground, Kekova’s coastal ruins and Demre’s Church of St. Nicholas. Each stop has its own appeal, and the mix is a good reason to make the long day out from Kemer.

The tour price is $66.08 per person. Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch and the Kekova boat cruise are included. Entrance fees, listed as €30, and drinks are not. That makes the starting price appealing, but it is not the full cost of the day if you plan to enter every site. Check the current fee details before booking, especially for St. Nicholas Church.

The tour runs for about nine hours and starts at 8:00 am. The drive from Kemer toward the boat departure point takes around two hours, according to the tour details and accounts of the route. Add the return journey, site visits and meal, and you have a substantial day. The ride also takes you past mountains and stretches of coast, but the vehicle time is still worth weighing carefully.

Pickup is from your hotel’s security gate. This is useful in Kemer, where arranging your own transport to the meeting point would add another task to an already busy morning. The maximum group size is 35, although some departures have had groups closer to 10 or 15. That variation can affect how personal the day feels.

Myra’s tombs and ancient city

Myra’s rock-cut tombs are the kind of sight that gives the day its strongest sense of place. Cut into the rock above the ancient city, the tomb facades make a dramatic first impression and give you a close look at Lycian burial customs. The site also includes remains of the ancient settlement, so it is worth taking time to look beyond the tombs themselves.

The itinerary allows two hours at Myra, but actual visit times can be shorter. One account describes only about 45 minutes at the site, which is a tight window if you want to explore at a measured pace. The guide’s explanation can help you focus on the main features, but I would not count on having unlimited time to wander.

The site is exposed to the sun, and the heat can make a short visit feel strenuous, especially in August. Bring water, sun protection and shoes you are comfortable walking in. If you have a strong interest in archaeology, or prefer to study each site slowly, ask the operator how much time is planned at Myra on your departure.

Kekova by boat, with a possible swim

The boat trip is the part of the day that changes the view completely. From the water, you pass Kekova Island and the remains of the ancient settlement often called the sunken city. Parts of the ruins are visible along the shore, while the submerged remains can be difficult to make out from the boat.

The tour describes the vessel as glass-bottom, but do not book on the assumption that you will get a clear view through the floor. Some boats have had a standard viewing window, and the glass can be too dirty to see much. The more dependable pleasure is the coastline itself: the boat route brings you close to the water and historic shoreline in a way a road trip cannot.

A swim stop may be offered, often from the back of the boat. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you would like to take advantage of it. This opportunity is not always obvious from the tour description, so packing swimwear is a sensible precaution. The water break can be a welcome change after time on the road and around ancient sites.

Allow about two hours for the boat stop in the itinerary, though some accounts describe a cruise and swimming break lasting around two and a half hours. The boat may be roomy, but the vessel and equipment can vary. One group had to transfer to a replacement boat after a breakdown, while another reported that the glass viewing was disappointing. These are reasons to keep expectations flexible, not reasons to dismiss the coastal trip.

Sea turtles have been spotted around the harbour, but there is no guarantee you will see them. Treat that as a lucky extra, not the main reason to go. The key draw is the combination of water, coastline and a look at the remains around Kekova.

Demre and St. Nicholas Church

Demre is closely tied to St. Nicholas, the fourth-century bishop whose story helped inspire the modern figure of Santa Claus. The Church of St. Nicholas is the central stop for that connection, and it gives the day a different focus from the ruins at Myra and Kekova.

Admission is not included in the tour price. The general fee information lists entrance fees at €30, while church admission has been cited at about €17 to €20. Since the amounts vary in the available information, confirm the current charge before you go. If you choose not to enter, you may have a waiting period while the rest of the group visits. Some people use that time for a nearby café or a short break, but there is limited to do immediately outside.

If this church matters to you for religious, historical or architectural reasons, the extra cost may feel worthwhile. If you are mainly interested in the ancient sites, you may prefer to put that money toward a longer visit elsewhere. It is better to make that choice before the day than to feel pressured at the entrance.

Lunch, guides and the pace of the day

Lunch is included and served in Demre. The meal has been described as fresh and generous, with a choice of dishes offered by the guide. Drinks are extra, so bring some spending money and do not assume the meal price covers them.

Guides can make a big difference on a route with several stops and a lot of history. Alp has been named as an engaging guide who explained the sites and local history clearly, but a particular guide is not guaranteed. English is offered, yet the tour may be operated by a multilingual guide. There has also been a departure where the language did not match the English booking, so if a clear English commentary is essential, confirm this with the operator in advance.

The day generally includes comfort or refreshment breaks during the drive. Some departures have also stopped at a semi-precious-stone or souvenir shop. Such stops may give you a chance to browse, but they are not the reason most people book this outing, and they can use time you might rather spend at Myra or by the water. Purchases are optional. If you want to avoid shopping stops, ask the operator whether they are planned for your departure.

Is the price good value?

At $66.08, the tour offers a lot of ground for the price: transport from Kemer, a guide, lunch and the boat cruise. Booking each piece separately would take planning, and hotel pickup is especially helpful when you are starting far from the coast. The included meal also removes one decision from a day that is already tightly scheduled.

The real comparison is not simply the ticket price against a list of sights. Add the admission fees and drinks, then consider how much time you want at each place. If you want a guided introduction to the region and are happy to see several sites in one day, the package is practical value. If you prefer long, unhurried visits or want to avoid extra costs, it may feel too compressed.

The boat is a scenic cruise, not a guaranteed underwater viewing session. Myra is a compelling stop, but time on site may be limited. Those two details matter more to value than the headline price: book for the overall mix of history and coast, not for a long archaeological visit or a perfectly clear view through the boat floor.

Who will enjoy this day trip

I would consider this tour if you are staying in Kemer and want to see Myra, Demre and Kekova without arranging transport yourself. It suits you if you enjoy guided context, can manage a full day out and like having a boat trip and a swim as part of a land-based excursion.

Families can make the day work, but the long drive, heat and multiple stops require some patience. A family with a young child has managed the outing, including the stroller-accessible portions, but the church itself was not suitable for a stroller. The sites can be hot, and the schedule is not built around lengthy rests.

I would hesitate if you are staying in Antalya and are sensitive to time on the road. One account from an Antalya-based visitor found the transfer too long for the time spent at the sites. From Kemer, the route is more practical, though it remains a full day. If you are based in Antalya, check the travel time and departure arrangements carefully before paying.

Should you book the Kekova, Demre and Myra tour?

Book it if you want one organized day that combines a coastal cruise, Lycian tombs and the history of St. Nicholas. The best reasons to go are the variety, the included lunch and pickup, and the chance to swim from the boat. Expect a busy schedule and treat the sunken city’s glass-bottom view as a bonus, not a promise.

Before booking, confirm the language, ask about the current entrance fees and find out how much time is planned at Myra. Pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection and money for drinks and admissions. If you are comfortable with those trade-offs, this is a useful way to connect three memorable places from Kemer without organizing the route yourself.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about nine hours, with an 8:00 am start.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is offered at your hotel’s security gate in Kemer.

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch and the Kekova boat cruise are included.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are not included. The tour information lists fees at €30, and St. Nicholas Church admission has been cited at about €17 to €20. Confirm current charges before you go.

Are drinks included with lunch?

No. Drinks are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

English is offered, but the tour may be operated by a multilingual guide. Confirm the language for your departure if this is important to you.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 35. Some departures may be smaller.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.