Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour from Kemer

Kekova’s ruins feel close-up. This day trip strings together Kekova and the Lycian sites of Myra and Demre, with a boat cruise that shows history both under and near the water. It’s a fun mix of coastal scenery, tombs, and the real story behind St. Nicholas.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off in Kemer because it keeps the day simple. I also like that lunch is included, not just a quick snack. One drawback to plan for: entrance fees and optional add-ons (like the St. Nicholas Church ticket) can cost extra, and there can be extra shop stops that eat into sightseeing time.

Key things to know before you go

• Glass-bottom boat time is the star moment, but the underwater view can vary with boat window condition
• Myra rock-cut tombs are the best “land” history stop, and they’re usually worth the heat
• St. Nicholas in Demre is tied to extra entry, so decide in advance if you really want to go inside
• Lunch is included and tends to be a highlight, with drinks typically extra
• There may be swim time from the boat, so pack a swimsuit even if it is not front-and-center
• The day can feel long, mainly because you’re spending real time on the road from Kemer

Price and Logistics: what $66.08 really buys

At $66.08 per person, this is a solid value for a long day that combines transport, a boat cruise focused on Kekova, and a guided circuit through Myra and Demre. You’re not just getting a bus ride and a quick look. You’re paying for a full route, plus lunch, plus the boat segment that makes Kekova famous.

That said, the price is not “everything included.” Entrance fees are listed as not included (30€ is noted), and drinks are extra. The St. Nicholas Church visit is also commonly treated as a separate ticket on the ground, so you should expect to budget a little more if you want the inside visit.

What I like for planning purposes is that the tour gives you a clear start time and includes pickup and drop-off in Kemer. That matters, because you do not want to spend a day hunting down buses on a busy coast.

Getting to Kekova: the early start and the long road from Kemer

The tour starts at 8:00 am, with pickup from your hotel security gate. This is one of the reasons the tour works for most visitors: you show up early, then the day runs on the operator’s schedule.

From Kemer, the transfer can take a while. You should treat this as a “full-day road trip,” not a quick excursion. In feedback, people describe long stretches on curvy roads and day heat that can feel heavy, especially in summer.

A practical tip: if you get motion sickness, plan for it. Also, pack something simple for shade and comfort. Even when the coach has AC, you’ll still be exposed during site walks and waiting around for the next leg.

Myra’s rock-cut tombs: why this stop is the real anchor

Myra is the part of the itinerary that delivers the most consistent “wow” on land. The necropolis and its rock-cut tombs give you that unmistakable Lycian look, where tombs are built into cliffs and you can see the design work in stone.

This is also the stop where timing matters. Some days feel rushed depending on how the rest of the schedule flows, and you might get limited walking time. Still, even a shorter visit can be worthwhile if you focus on what you’re seeing instead of trying to photograph everything.

When you’re there, keep your eyes on:

• the cliffside tomb shapes and carved details
• how the tombs sit in their landscape
• how the necropolis relates to the wider ancient settlement area

If you like archaeology, or you just want a clear “ancient site” that doesn’t depend on boat window clarity, Myra is where this tour earns its reputation.

Kekova Island by boat: glass-bottom hopes vs real viewing

The Kekova segment is why most people book. You get a boat trip timed for viewing the sunken city area, and the tour is built around the idea of a glass-bottom experience.

Here’s the practical reality to plan for: the quality of what you see can depend on the boat and the condition of the glass. In feedback, some people could not see much clearly because the window was dirty. Others still found plenty to enjoy, including turtles in the harbor area, and views of ruins that aren’t only underwater.

So I suggest you go in with two mental frames:

1. Treat the glass-bottom as a bonus, not a guaranteed close-up masterpiece.
2. Enjoy the bigger picture too, because the coastline and the way ruins sit near the shore make Kekova feel real even when the underwater details are faint.

Another useful detail: the boat portion can include a swimming window. That’s the kind of break that turns “history tour” into “history plus vacation.” If you want that, bring your swimsuit and a small towel.

Swim break: bring a swimsuit, and plan for quick moments

You may get a chance to swim off the back of the boat during the cruise. This shows up in feedback as a memorable part of the day, especially because the water refreshes you after travel and sun.

The catch is simple: if you pack like it’s just a sightseeing day, you might miss it. Some guests said this swimming chance was not clearly highlighted in the tour information they received, so they arrived unprepared.

If you think you’ll want to swim:

• pack a swimsuit in your day bag
• bring something to cover up quickly on return
• wear footwear that works for boat steps and rocky edges, if offered

Even if you don’t swim, having that break often makes the boat time feel less tiring.

Demre and the Church of St. Nicholas: decide how important the inside visit is

Demre adds the spiritual and cultural thread to the day. The Church of St. Nicholas is the major headline, and it’s connected to the historical figure that later inspired the Santa Claus story.

But the biggest planning issue is cost. Entry to the church is not included, and guests report paying an additional fee to go inside. If you choose not to pay, you may spend time waiting outside while the group does the church visit.

So how do you decide?

• If you care about the religious site and want the full experience, budget for the ticket and go in.
• If you’re more focused on ancient ruins and prefer to maximize time at Myra and Kekova, you can consider skipping the inside visit and using the time for a cafe stop or quiet break.

One more thing: keep an eye on timing. When people skip the church, they often appreciate the extra flexibility and can turn that waiting time into a calmer moment instead of feeling stuck in a long line.

Lunch in Demre: included, and usually better than you expect

Lunch is included, and it tends to be a standout compared to the typical tour-buffet reputation. People describe fresh, tasty meals and generous portions, and some say they had options through the guide.

This matters because it’s one of the few parts of the day that is designed to recharge you. With a full 9-hour schedule and heat on the coast, lunch becomes part of the comfort level of the entire tour.

A simple heads-up: drinks are not included. Many tours like this cover food but leave drinks as extras, so bring cash or a card if you want bottled water, soda, or other beverages.

Time, comfort, and the small things that can change your day

This is a max group tour with a stated cap of 35 travelers. In real life, the vehicle and group size can vary, and some guests describe smaller numbers, while others report a larger coach group.

Comfort also depends on the vehicle that day. Some people mention cozy AC, while others mention tighter seats. If you’re tall or travel with a lot of gear, choose clothing and a bag setup that makes sitting for hours easier.

Also, plan for normal travel hiccups:

• One feedback note mentions a boat breakdown and a replacement arriving to keep the day moving.
• Another mentions microphone issues, so you may want to sit where you can hear the guide clearly.

None of these issues are guaranteed. The point is you’re dealing with a 9-hour circuit, so a little patience helps.

Tour stops can feel like a trade-off, especially with shop stops

This route is built to hit multiple sites in one day, which means every stop has a time budget. In feedback, some people were surprised by additional shopping stops, including semi-precious stone stops.

Shopping stops are not necessarily a problem if they are short and clearly explained. The problem is when they feel rushed, expensive, or simply not what you came for, especially when you already feel time pressure between Myra, Demre, and Kekova.

My advice: decide your tolerance for shop stops before you go. If you do not want to shop, stay relaxed. You can still use bathroom breaks and step outside for air without buying anything. But if you hate losing sight time, you’ll want to keep your expectations realistic about how the schedule is managed.

Who should book this Kekova, Demre, and Myra day trip?

Book this tour if you want one guided day that combines:

• a boat cruise for Kekova
• rock-cut history at Myra
• the St. Nicholas connection in Demre
• pickup and drop-off from Kemer so you do not plan transport yourself

It’s also a good choice if you like the idea of a structured day, where someone else handles the route and you focus on the highlights.

Skip it or choose another option if:

• you hate long coach time, because this is a 9-hour day
• you only care about underwater ruins, because the glass-bottom view may not be crystal clear all the time
• you strongly dislike extra paid entrances and would rather spend that money on other things on your own

Should you want the best balance, I’d treat the trip as “coast views plus two ancient stops,” with the sunken-city boat segment as the fun bonus.

Should you book this tour from Kemer?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a classic Turquoise Coast day with a guided mix of boat time and Lycian sites, and if you’re comfortable with the fact that extra entrance fees and optional add-ons can apply. The included lunch and the guided format add real value, and the route makes sense if you’re staying in Kemer and want a meaningful day away from the beach.

Just do one thing before you go: plan your budget for entrance fees and drinks, and pack a swimsuit if swimming from the boat appeals to you. That way you get the full day, not just the history bits.

FAQ

What time does the Sunken City Kekova, Demre, and Myra tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Kemer, with pickup from the hotel security gate.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 9 hours.

What is included in the price?

Lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the Sunken City Kekova boat cruise are included.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are listed as not included, with 30€ noted. The Church of St. Nicholas entry is also described as an extra cost when you want to go inside.

Are drinks included with lunch?

No. Drinks are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English, and guides may be multi-lingual.

Can you swim during the boat trip?

There is a chance to swim from the boat, so bring swimwear if you want to take part.

If I cancel, can I get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.