Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour from Kemer

Ancient tombs, blue water, and a long road south. This full-day trip from Kemer brings together Myra’s striking Lycian tombs and a boat ride past Kekova’s partly submerged ruins. I especially like the fresh Turkish lunch and the chance to swim from the boat, two touches that make the day feel like more than a history lesson. The main catch is that the day is tightly packed, and entrance fees, especially for St. Nicholas Church, are extra.

At $66.08 per person, the tour offers a useful way to reach several hard-to-connect sites without arranging transport yourself. You get hotel pickup, a guide, lunch, and the Kekova cruise, but you should expect about nine hours on the road and on foot. Bring swimwear, water, sun protection, and patience for possible shopping stops.

Key points at a glance

• See Kekova from a boat: The cruise passes the remains of the ancient settlement, though underwater views depend heavily on the clarity of the boat’s glass panel.
• Myra is the strongest historical stop: The rock-cut tombs and ancient theater area are memorable, but hot weather and limited time can make the visit feel rushed.
• Swimming is part of the real appeal: A break from the boat lets you cool off in the sea, so pack a swimsuit even though it is not highlighted in the main tour details.
• St. Nicholas Church costs extra: The church entrance is not included, with the stated entrance budget listed as €30 and individual accounts citing prices around €17 to €20.
• Lunch earns high marks: The meal is included, drinks are not, and the food is served at a Turkish restaurant in Demre.
• The guide can make or break the day: English guides such as Alp have been praised for clear stories, humor, and local information, but multilingual departures are possible.

Why this day trip works from Kemer

Kemer is a good starting point for this excursion because the trip reaches places that are awkward to visit independently in one day. The pickup begins around 8:00 am at your hotel security gate, and the drive to the boat departure point takes roughly two hours, including a break.

I like the fact that hotel pickup and drop-off are included. You do not need to find a bus station or work out connections between Myra, Demre, and the coast near Kekova. The group limit is 35 people, though some departures have been much smaller, around 10 to 20 people. That smaller size makes the boat and walking stops easier to manage.

The trip is not a quick outing. You will spend a fair amount of time in a minibus or coach on curving coastal roads. Some vehicles have been reported as comfortable and air-conditioned, while others have had narrow, worn seats or weak air-conditioning in hot weather. If you are sensitive to heat or motion, this is worth considering before you book.

The drive itself gives you mountain and seaside views, and several people have found the route enjoyable. Still, this is a day of movement. I would choose it for access to the sights, not for a slow, relaxed pace.

Myra’s Lycian tombs deserve your best attention

Myra is the historical high point for many people on this tour. The ancient site is known for its rock-cut tombs, carved into the cliff face above the ruins. These tombs are visually unusual and immediately understandable, even if you are not an archaeology specialist.

The stop is scheduled for about two hours, but the actual time at the site can feel shorter. One account described only about 45 minutes at Myra, while other departures allowed more time. Timing may be affected by the church visit, lunch, traffic, or an unscheduled shopping stop.

I would make Myra your priority. The tombs are best seen in the cooler part of the day, and the site can feel very hot, especially in August. Wear shoes with a firm sole, carry water, and use a hat or sunscreen. The area is described as manageable with a stroller, although the Church of St. Nicholas is less suitable for one.

The ancient remains do not need much decoration from a guide. You can appreciate the scale and position of the tombs simply by looking up at the rock face. Still, a good guide adds the context that turns carved stone into a story about the Lycian past.

Kekova by boat: lovely coast, modest underwater ruins

The Kekova portion lasts about two hours in the stated itinerary, though some departures spend roughly two and a half hours on the water, including a swimming break. The boat passes the sunken city area and other historic points along the coast.

The best part is the setting. The water, rocky shoreline, and ruined structures create a memorable boat ride, and several people have spotted sea turtles near the harbor. The swimming stop is another major plus. You can get into the sea from the back of the boat, so bring a swimsuit, towel, and a bag for wet clothes.

The name Sunken City can create unrealistic expectations. You should not expect to see a complete underwater town through the glass. The visible remains are limited, and the quality of the view depends on the boat and the cleanliness of its window. Some boats have had a useful glass-bottom panel, while others had cloudy or dirty glass through which little could be seen.

That difference matters. The boat ride can still be beautiful even if the underwater viewing is disappointing, but I would treat the glass-bottom feature as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. The ruins can also be seen partly above the water from the boat, giving you something to look at even when the glass does not help.

The boats used for this outing have varied. Some groups have had a spacious vessel to themselves, while other accounts describe a more basic boat. One boat reportedly broke down and was replaced after about 20 minutes. The problem was resolved, but it shows that a little flexibility helps on a full-day excursion.

Lunch in Demre is one of the tour’s best values

Lunch is included, and it is served at a Turkish restaurant in Demre. This is more than a minor convenience. After the morning drive, boat ride, and time outdoors, a proper meal gives the day a welcome pause.

The food has received especially warm praise, with descriptions of fresh, generous portions that felt better than a standard tour buffet. On at least one departure, the guide offered a choice of meals. Drinks cost extra, so keep some Turkish lira or another accepted payment method ready.

I like this arrangement because lunch is built into the tour price rather than left to chance. You do not have to spend your sightseeing time hunting for a restaurant. The trade-off is that you have little control over the restaurant or the timing, which is normal for a group excursion.

St. Nicholas Church is worthwhile only if the extra fee suits you

The Church of St. Nicholas in Demre is linked with Nicholas of Myra, the Christian figure who inspired the later Santa Claus tradition. The site is important for religious and historical reasons, and the interior has been described as impressive.

The entrance fee is not included. The tour information lists entrance fees at €30, while individual accounts cite an additional charge of about €17 or €20 per person. Prices can change, so check the current amount when booking or before departure.

This extra charge is the clearest value issue in the day. If you want to see the church, you pay more after already paying for the excursion. If you skip it, the group may continue inside while you wait nearby, sometimes in the shade with a café or shop available. That waiting time can feel awkward, particularly when Myra has already received less time than you hoped.

My advice is simple: decide before the morning begins. If the church matters to you, include the extra fee in your budget. If it does not, use the pause to rest, cool down, or have a drink, but do not expect a second major attraction outside the church.

Shopping stops can take time from the ancient sites

Some departures include a stop at a semi-precious stone or zultanite shop. Buying something is optional, but the stop is not always clearly explained in advance. One group spent close to an hour there, which is a significant portion of a day that already includes long transfers and several paid attractions.

Other departures had only a short stop, and some groups appear to have skipped unwanted sales visits after agreeing as a group. I would not count on that. If you dislike shopping stops, ask the guide early about the schedule and how long the stop will last.

Bathroom and refreshment breaks are useful on the drive. A shop stop is a different matter. The distinction is important because a nine-hour tour has very little spare time. Every extra stop can reduce time at Myra or create a longer return journey.

The guide sets the tone

The strongest guide feedback centers on clear English, good stories, and an easy manner. Alp is specifically praised for being friendly, entertaining, and able to explain the history of the sites along with details about Turkish life and the region.

That kind of guide is valuable here. The sunken city is not visually obvious, and the ruins at Myra need explanation to make sense. A guide who points out what you are seeing can turn a brief boat passage into a useful lesson.

The tour may operate with a multilingual guide. One serious complaint came from someone who booked an English departure but ended up on a tour conducted entirely in Russian. That is not a small inconvenience. If English commentary is essential, confirm the language close to the travel date and speak up at pickup if the arrangement is unclear.

Sound quality has also been uneven. A weak microphone can make explanations hard to follow in the minibus, especially when the road is noisy. Sitting near the guide may help, but this is not guaranteed.

How much time will you spend on the road?

The advertised duration is about nine hours. From Kemer, the drive to the boat departure point takes around two hours, and the return journey adds another substantial stretch. Depending on your hotel location and traffic, the day can feel longer than the headline duration.

For a Kemer-based visitor, the transfer is reasonable for the number of places covered. You get the coast, Kekova, Demre, Myra, lunch, and an optional church visit in one outing. From Antalya, the same tour may be less appealing because the transfer takes up a larger share of the day.

The coach or minibus usually has air-conditioning, but comfort varies. I would dress lightly, bring water, and avoid assuming that the vehicle will feel cool all day. The road is curvy in places, so motion sickness medicine may be useful if you need it.

What to pack for this particular excursion

The basic packing list is short, but it matters:

• Swimsuit and towel for the Kekova swimming stop
• Water, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes for Myra
• Extra money for drinks, entrance fees, and optional purchases
• A light cover-up for the church visit
• Motion sickness medication if winding roads affect you

I would also bring a small bag for wet swimwear and avoid carrying anything valuable onto the boat. The tour includes a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at booking, so you do not need to print a voucher unless you prefer paper.

Price, group size, and overall value

The base price of $66.08 per person is fair for a full day that includes hotel transport, a guide, lunch, and a boat cruise. The value is strongest if you want several experiences in one package and do not want to rent a car or arrange separate transfers.

The price needs a footnote. Drinks are extra, entrance fees are extra, and St. Nicholas Church can add a noticeable amount. If you also buy something at a shopping stop, the day can cost much more than the advertised fare.

The group limit is 35, but smaller departures are possible and have been reported. A small group improves the boat ride and makes it easier to hear the guide. A larger group can still work, though boarding, meals, and site visits may take longer.

The tour is recommended by 90 percent of customers and has a 4.6 rating from 50 reviews. That points to a generally strong experience, but the lower scores identify real concerns: limited time at Myra, unclear extra costs, inconsistent vehicles, shopping stops, and occasional language problems.

Who should book this Kemer day trip?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a broad introduction to the Demre and Kekova area in one day. It suits families, first-time visitors, history fans, and anyone who prefers an organized trip with lunch and transport included.

It is also a good choice if swimming appeals to you. The sea break adds a welcome change after the road journey and historic sites.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet, carefully paced visit. Independent travelers who prefer long hours at one archaeological site may feel rushed. You may also be disappointed if you expect to see a large underwater city through a perfectly clear glass floor.

Final verdict: book it with realistic expectations

I think this is a worthwhile day from Kemer, especially for the combination of Myra, Kekova, a Turkish lunch, and a swim. The scenery is beautiful, the main sights are genuinely interesting, and a strong guide such as Alp can add plenty of useful context.

Book it if you can accept a long day, variable vehicle comfort, optional shopping stops, and extra payment for St. Nicholas Church. Before you go, confirm the tour language, ask about the church fee, and pack swimwear. With those details sorted, the trip offers good value and a lively look at Turkey’s southern coast.

FAQ

What is included in the Sunken City Kekova, Demre and Myra tour?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Kemer, lunch, a guided experience, and the Kekova boat cruise past the sunken city area.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are not included. The tour information lists entrance fees at €30, and the Church of St. Nicholas requires an additional payment.

Is the Church of St. Nicholas included in the tour price?

The church visit is part of the planned itinerary, but entry is not included in the base price. Additional accounts place the church fee at around €17 to €20 per person, although prices may change.

Is swimming included during the boat trip?

A swimming break is included during some departures of the boat trip. Bring swimwear and a towel because swimming is not clearly highlighted in the main tour description.

What time does the tour start?

Pickup begins at approximately 8:00 am. You should wait at your hotel security gate for collection.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served at a restaurant in Demre. Drinks are not included and cost extra.

Is the tour available in English?

English is offered, but the tour may use a multilingual guide. Confirm the language before departure if English commentary is important to you.