Kas: (Small Group) Day Trip to Kekova Island, Demre & Myra

Turquoise water, ancient ruins, and a calm boat day. This 10-hour small-group trip from Kaş strings together Kekova Island, the Sunken City, and the Roman-Lycian sights around Demre in a way that feels practical, not rushed. I really like the mix of sightseeing and swimming time, plus you get lunch and snorkel gear as part of the plan. One thing to watch: not all site costs are included, and you should also plan for paid drinks.

I also like that the day is built around multiple bays, so you get more than one good swim spot instead of a single stop-and-go moment. The possible snag is spending extra money for entry fees at Myra, and if your time there is short, that can feel annoying.

Quick take on Kaş to Kekova, Demre, and Myra

• Sunken City on Kekova Island: you cruise past the submerged ruins of Dolchiste from the boat and snorkel-friendly areas.
• Kaleköy (Simena) hilltop viewpoints: castle ruins plus village wandering with big panorama payoffs.
• Three bay swim rhythm: Esmeralda Bay lunch and swimming, then cooler spring-fed Burç Bay, plus another swim stop at Gökkaya Bay.
• Pirates Cave: a natural coastal feature known for its large, curved entrance.
• Karemlik Bay sea turtle chances: the bay is known for sea turtles, and the area matters for multiple species.
• Myra’s Roman theater and rock-cut tombs: one of Lycia’s key sites, with a short on-site window that you should plan around.

Price and what you really get for $71

At $71 per person for a 10-hour day trip, you’re paying for transport, a guided small-group boat plan, lunch, and water gear. That package is often good value here because Kekova and Demre are easier by boat than by trying to stitch together buses and taxis yourself.

Here’s the part to keep your calculator open for: the tour does not include the archaeological site entrance fee. Myra’s admission can be pricey for the time you have on-site, and at least some stops can feel short compared with what’s possible when you explore independently.

Also, drinks and extra snacks are not included beyond the lunch. I’d treat it like a bring-your-own attitude for water and other personal extras, or at least bring cash to cover the things you want during the day.

From Kaş to Demre Harbor, why the morning start helps

This is a pickup from Kaş city center, then a morning transfer to Demre Harbor. From there, you board a boat with your small group and begin the Kekova cruise.

That morning structure matters for two reasons. First, it gets you on the water while conditions are usually calmer, which helps the comfort of the day. Second, it protects your time for the real center of gravity, which is the coastline cruise plus multiple swim and sightseeing breaks.

If you’re sensitive to timing, keep your phone ready. Your pickup time can shift by season, and you’ll be notified the day before by WhatsApp or email.

Cruising Kekova Island and the Sunken City of Dolchiste

The headline is the Sunken City. You cruise along Kekova Island to see the submerged remnants of the ancient city of Dolchiste. From the boat, you get the big-picture view: the underwater ruins that rise out of the sea in patches, with water depth and visibility doing most of the work.

One practical tip: if you want to understand what you’re looking at, don’t wait for a perfect explanation. Ask quick questions when the group pauses. The value here is in recognizing how the ruins relate to the coastline, not just spotting shapes under the surface.

Also remember that the Sunken City is an experience of angles and observation. You might get one of your best views without doing anything fancy, just by standing in the right spot on the boat and looking carefully as you pass.

Kaleköy (ancient Simena) and its castle ruins with sea views

After cruising, you drop anchor near Kaleköy, also known as ancient Simena. This is where the trip shifts from open water to a genuine village walk.

You get time to wander Kaleköy, explore castle ruins, and take in views over the Kekova region. The hillside vantage points are the kind of thing you remember later because they show how the coastline and islands fit together.

In good weather, this stop is also a natural reset for people who want to stretch their legs between water activities. Even if you’re not a ruins-and-rocks person, the village atmosphere and the panorama usually land well.

Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay, and Gökkaya Bay swims that actually fit the day

The boat day builds in multiple water breaks, and that’s a big reason this tour works. You’re not stuck doing one quick dip and then watching from the sidelines.

• Esmeralda Bay is your lunch-and-swim moment. You get lunch here plus a chance to swim in the serene bay.
• Burç Bay is known for cool water fed by underwater natural springs. You can take your time in the water and enjoy a quieter, more relaxed feel.
• Gökkaya Bay offers another swim break with dramatic scenery around you. There’s also an option for water sports for anyone who wants extra action.

The inclusion list matters here: you get snorkelling equipment, plus floating mats and inflatable rings. That combination makes it easier for more people to join the water part comfortably, even if you’re not a hardcore swimmer.

If you want the best experience, treat the bays like “short vacations.” Get in, take a slow look around, then come up and rejoin the group without rushing.

Pirates Cave: a natural feature with an unmistakable shape

One of the more memorable non-beach stops is Pirates Cave. It’s known for being large and for a distinctive curved entrance that tends to catch your attention as you approach by boat.

This isn’t the kind of site where you stand and read plaques. It’s more about spotting the form in the coastline and realizing it’s a natural structure that has shaped how people imagined the area through time.

If the cave shows well and your timing works, it’s an easy win because it’s visual, quick, and doesn’t demand climbing or long walking.

Karemlik Bay sea turtles, watching the right way

Karemlik Bay is where you get your sea turtle chance. The bay is known for sea turtles in their natural habitat, and it’s associated with three of the seven known sea turtle species.

I’d handle this stop with a patient mindset. You’re not guaranteed a sighting. But you’re in the right area, and the boat plan positions you for a good shot if turtles are active.

The best approach is simple: keep your voice low, stay aware of where others are looking, and avoid thrashing around in the water. Quiet observation usually gives you more than frantic searching.

Demre Harbor, the Santa Claus Museum, and how Myra fits in

After the cruise, the itinerary anchors at Demre Harbor. Then your small group continues with a visit to a nearby museum, plus time at St. Nicholas Church, often discussed as the Santa Claus Museum, before heading to the main Myra site.

St. Nicholas Church is tied to the remains of an earlier church honoring St. Nicholas of Myra. Even if you’re not deeply into religious sites, it’s a meaningful stop because it links a familiar name to a specific place and a specific set of ruins.

Then comes the Ancient City of Myra, one of Lycia’s big names. You see major remains including a Roman-style theater, plus rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs.

Plan your expectations: the archaeological time can feel brief. If you want to see everything, get clear on priorities fast, because you may only have about half an hour at the main area.

Ancient City of Myra: Roman theater and rock-cut tombs

Myra’s star attractions are easy to identify on-site. You’ll see the Roman-style theater, described as the largest in Lycia, and you’ll also see the cliff tombs carved directly into rock.

The theater gives you that classic sense of scale, even without a full restoration. The tombs do something different. They show you how people used the landscape as a monument, and you can read the cliff edge as a timeline of sorts.

Here’s the practical caution: the archaeological entrance fee can be high, and if your visit is short, you might feel you’re paying mainly for access to a portion of what you can already see from outside. If that would bother you, decide ahead of time what you want to focus on, and don’t let the clock steal your attention.

Water gear, lunch, and comfort details that make the day work

This tour includes a few “small but important” things that make the day smoother.

Included comforts and extras:

• Lunch on board, served at Esmeralda Bay
• Snorkelling equipment
• Floating mats and inflatable rings
• Time to swim at several bays, not just one

On food, the lunch gets strong marks for being satisfying, with salads that include chicken, plus fruit later in the afternoon. That matters because this is a long 10-hour day. You want energy that doesn’t require you to hunt for snacks.

One more comfort point: the water stops can stack up quickly. Bring a towel and sunscreen and don’t assume you’ll have time for a full reset between swims.

And about drinks: the tour does not include additional food and drinks. If you’re used to having bottled water handed to you all day, you may end up paying for what you need. I’d bring cash and expect drinks to cost extra.

Who should book this Kekova and Demre small-group boat trip

This one fits best if you want:

• A boat day that includes several swim breaks
• A plan that mixes coastline scenery with major historical stops
• A small-group pace, which usually means more time to ask questions and fewer distractions

It’s also a good match if you like snorkeling but don’t want to plan equipment, transport, and route details yourself.

It may not be ideal if:

• You hate paying separate fees for sites, especially if your on-site time feels short
• You need a heavy commentary focus while seeing underwater ruins
• You’re traveling without cash and prefer not to pay for extra drinks

One clear limit: it’s not suitable for people over 95 years.

Should you book this Kaş to Kekova, Demre, and Myra day trip?

Yes, book it if your idea of a perfect Antalya-area day is a boat cruise with real swimming time, plus Myra’s theater and tombs. The value is strongest because lunch and snorkel gear are included, and the day is built around multiple bays rather than one long slog.

Think twice before booking if you’re very fee-sensitive. The archaeological site entrance fee at Myra can change how you feel about the money, especially if your on-site window is brief. Also, if you prefer lots of commentary at the underwater ruins, be ready to ask questions quickly and use your own eyes.

If you do book, pack smart: sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash. And when you’re at the Sunken City stretch, slow down. Good views here are more about observation than about speed.

FAQ

How long is the Kaş to Kekova, Demre & Myra day trip?

The tour lasts 10 hours.

What is included in the price?

Pickup and drop-off from Kaş city centre, lunch, snorkelling equipment, floating mats and inflatable rings, the Sunken City highlights on the boat, wandering in Kaleköy, Lycian history including a museum visit, and the rock-cut tombs of Myra.

Do I need to pay any extra entrance fees during the day?

Yes. Archaeological site entrance fees are not included.

Does the tour include snorkelling equipment?

Yes, snorkelling equipment is included.

Where does pickup happen, and how do I know the exact time?

Pickup is from Kaş city centre. Pickup times can vary by season, and you are notified one day before the tour via WhatsApp or email.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Is alcohol allowed on the tour?

No, alcohol is not allowed. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted.