Antalya: Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Guided Tour

That turquoise water has a way of grabbing your attention. This full-day tour strings together Myra’s Lycian rock-cut tombs, a boat trip to the Kekova sunken city, and the church of St Nicholas in Demre. You get a good mix of land history and sea views, without having to plan transport yourself.

I particularly like the order of the day. You start with Myra’s major sites on the River Myros, then slow down with a complimentary lunch before sailing. The rhythm matters when you want the day to feel like sightseeing, not a constant rush.

One thing to consider is the day length. It’s listed at 9 to 10 hours, but with pickups and travel time in the region, it can run long depending on where you’re staying and traffic.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Myra first: Greek amphitheater plus Lycian necropolis tombs, grouped for maximum value
• Complimentary lunch, then sailing: you eat before you go out on the boat, which saves energy
• Kekova sunken city views: you see the underwater ruins as you cruise the coastline
• Swim and snorkel time: you get water time around Kekova Island, weather permitting
• St Nicholas in Kale (Demre): a memorable finish with a famous church stop

Demre, Myra, and Kekova: the day-trip recipe that actually works

If you’re staying along Antalya’s coast, this is one of those trips that turns a long drive into something meaningful. Demre Province sits on the Turkish Riviera, but it feels different from the busier beach strips. On this tour, you spend real time at named ancient sites, then shift to the coast for sea views and swimming.

You’ll also enjoy the practical setup. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, plus a live guide. That means you can focus on what matters, the ruins, the boat route, the church visit, and the swim stop, instead of trying to coordinate tickets and timing on your own.

The tour is built around two themes: Lycian heritage on land and the sunken city on the water. That mix helps a lot because you don’t just stare at ruins. You also get that wow factor when you’re out on the water and see how the coastline and submerged remains shape the scenery.

One more small but important detail: entrance fees are not included (listed as 30€). I always think about entrance fees as part of the real cost, even when the base price looks friendly.

Myra on the River Myros: amphitheater and Lycian rock-cut tombs

Myra is the big land-history stop, and it’s a smart start. You’ll transfer from your hotel pickup to Myra, located on the banks of the River Myros. That positioning helps the day feel connected, not like you’re hopping randomly between sites.

In Myra, you’ll visit the ancient Greek amphitheater. It’s the kind of place where you can picture ceremonies and gatherings just by looking at the shape and siting. Then you move to the Lycian necropolis area, including rock-cut tombs. These tombs are one of the main reasons people come here, because the stone-carved forms show how the Lycians marked burial places in the landscape.

What I like about this sequence is pacing. Amphitheater first gives you a broad overview of public space. The necropolis stop follows with more intimate, detailed sights. If you prefer to keep your brain engaged, this order helps.

Practical tip: wear comfortable shoes. Even if the walking isn’t described as extreme, you’ll still be moving around uneven ancient-site surfaces, and you’ll want your feet to feel good long before you reach the boat.

The complimentary lunch that keeps the boat day from feeling rushed

After Myra, you get a complimentary lunch, then you head toward the boat ride. This matters more than you might think. When tours skip food until after the main attraction, people end up cranky or snack-deprived during the part that actually needs focus, like time on the water.

From there, you’ll sail over turquoise waters to Kekova Island and surrounding areas. You’re transitioning from ancient stone to coastline and sea views, so lunch is your buffer. It gives you energy before you get to the part that often becomes the highlight for first-timers, the sunken city region.

Since drinks are not included, plan to buy water if you need it. Bring a bottle if that’s allowed where you’re picked up. On a hot day, staying hydrated keeps you from turning your swim stop into a forced sit-and-wait.

This is also a day where you should manage expectations about time. The tour is listed as 9 to 10 hours, and you will be on a moving schedule. If you’re the type who hates long travel days, pack your patience early.

Kekova sunken city and the Simena underwater ruins

The boat portion is where Kekova earns its reputation. You’ll sail and explore the extraordinary underwater ruins of the sunken city of Simena. Even if you’ve seen photos before, seeing the remains from the water changes the scale and gives you a better sense of how the coastline and seabed interact.

This stop is valuable because it’s not just a viewpoint. You’re moving along the coastal section, so you get multiple angles. That’s one reason boat-based ruins work better than land viewpoints alone. You can spot how the submerged structures break the waterline and how the ruins relate to the present-day shore.

You’ll also have a chance to visit the Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa. This keeps the tour’s theme consistent, even once you’re on the water. It’s like the guide is reminding you that the story here is both terrestrial and maritime.

If you love photos, this is where you’ll want to slow down and frame carefully. Look for spots where the ruins contrast with the shoreline. And if you’re prone to seasickness, you might want to bring whatever you normally use, since you’ll be out sailing as part of the day trip.

Swim and snorkel around Kekova Island, plus a smart gear check

One of the stated highlights is time to swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters around Kekova Island. This is the part that turns the day from sightseeing into something active and memorable.

The tricky part is that snorkeling setups are not detailed in the included list. The tour includes the boat trip, but snorkeling gear itself is not explicitly spelled out as included. So my advice is simple: before you go, confirm whether snorkeling equipment is provided during your departure. If you don’t want to risk it, bring your own mask if you have one, and you’ll feel confident no matter what.

Also, remember that the day includes ancient-site walking, then water time. That mix means you should plan for changing conditions. Bring something you can wear comfortably on the boat and in the water, and be ready for the sun to do its job fast.

Finally, this is a good moment to be flexible. Water conditions can affect how long you’re able to swim and snorkel. If you’re traveling with someone who only wants the water time, you’ll still be happy, but you’ll want to go with the flow.

Kale (Demre) and the church of St Nicholas

The finish is in Kale (Demre), and the key stop is the church of St Nicholas. This is a famous religious site connected to the story of St Nicholas of Myra, and it’s the kind of visit that feels like the day has meaning beyond ancient stones and sea views.

There’s something calming about a church stop at the end of a long day. You’ve already climbed into the past at Myra and looked at the remnants of Simena from the water. Now you’re stepping into a different kind of atmosphere, the one that draws pilgrims as well as history lovers.

For many people, this church visit is a practical payoff. You end with a recognizable anchor point, so the day doesn’t just blur together into a checklist of ruins. And because the tour is structured to take you here before returning to your hotel, it’s a clean wrap-up.

If you’re sensitive to sun and heat, this is also a nice change of pace. You can take your time, slow down, and let the day settle a bit before the ride back.

Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for

The price is listed at $64 per person, for a 9 to 10 hour guided day trip with hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, lunch, and a boat trip to Kekova. When I judge value, I ask one question: does the price cover the hardest parts? In this case, it does. You get transport, a guide, and the boat ride. Those are exactly the components that usually cost time and stress if you DIY.

Now the costs that are not included matter. Entrance fees are listed as 30€. Drinks are also not included. So yes, your total day cost will be a bit higher than the base price.

There’s also the real-world comfort factor. In a long, pick-up-heavy day, vehicles can feel tight, especially if you’re tall. If that’s you, pick a seat early during pickup and try to bring a little extra comfort mindset. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it can change your experience.

Timing is the other concern. The day is described as 9 to 10 hours, but long pickups and travel time can stretch it. I’d plan for a long day, not a half-day. If you hate late returns, you might find it stressful.

One last logistics note: the tour includes skip-the-ticket-line. That can save time when you’re moving between multiple stops, and it helps keep the schedule from feeling constantly behind.

Who should book this Demre, Myra and Kekova tour

This is a great match if you want a single guided day that covers the big names: Myra, Kekova, and St Nicholas in Demre. It’s also ideal if you like variety. You’ll be on land for ancient sites, then on a boat for the sunken city, then back on land for the church.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• You’re visiting Antalya Province and want an organized route through Demre sites
• You like guided explanations rather than reading everything yourself
• You want at least one active break, the swim and snorkel time
• You’d rather pay for the structure than spend your holiday figuring it out

If you’re the type who needs a very strict schedule, or if long days drain you, this might feel like too much. And if snorkel gear matters to you, double-check what’s provided so you’re not surprised on the boat.

Should you book it? My honest take

I think this tour is worth considering because it combines three strong moments in one day: Myra’s Lycian sites, the boat-based views of the sunken city near Simena and Teimiussa, and the St Nicholas church stop in Kale (Demre). The included lunch is also a genuine quality-of-life upgrade for a full-day itinerary.

I’d still do two things before booking. First, budget for entrance fees (30€) and plan for drinks. Second, confirm snorkeling gear details if that’s central to your plan. If you do those two, you’re set up for a satisfying day that feels like the Turkish Riviera with a real change of pace.

FAQ

How long is the Antalya Demre, Myra & Kekova tour?

It lasts about 9 to 10 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where does hotel pickup happen?

Pickup is available from hotels in Antalya, Belek, and Kemer, and also from areas like Alanya and Side as part of the Antalya Province pickup area.

What is included in the price?

Included are a live guide, lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the boat trip to the sunken city of Kekova.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are listed as 30€ and are not included.

Are drinks included with lunch?

No. Drinks are listed as not included.

Is the guide language English or Russian?

The tour offers a live tour guide in English and Russian.

Do I get time to swim and snorkel?

Yes. The tour highlights swimming and snorkeling time in the clear waters around Kekova Island.

Does the tour include skip-the-ticket line?

Yes, skip the ticket line is included.

What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes are recommended.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.