Antalya: Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip w/ Lunch

Kekova’s sunken ruins are the star here: you’ll cruise slowly over the clear water, looking down at the remains of ancient Simena before stopping to swim and snorkel. It is a full day of Lycian history and Turkish Riviera scenery, not a quick half-day outing.

I like the way this trip joins three very different sights: Myra’s rock-cut tombs and theater, the boat ride around Kekova, and the Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa. I also like that transport, guide services, entrance fees to Myra and Demre, the boat, and lunch are bundled into the $78 price.

The tradeoff is the long road journey. From the Antalya area, the drive can take more than three hours each way, with an early start and a total day of nine to ten hours. Lunch is included but basic, so bring water, sunscreen, and perhaps a snack.

Key points to know before booking

• Kekova is the main event: Cruise over the sunken city of Simena and see underwater ruins from the boat.
• Myra combines theater and tombs: You’ll visit the ancient Greek amphitheater and the striking Lycian necropolis.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included: Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, and extra drinking water.
• The road day is long: Pickup from Antalya-area resorts can mean an early departure and several hours on the bus.
• Lunch saves money but keeps expectations modest: The meal is complimentary, though portions and restaurant standards may be plain.
• St. Nicholas Church costs extra: The church visit comes at the end of the day and is not covered by the tour price.

Why Kekova makes the long journey worthwhile

This is really a coastal archaeology trip with a boat ride attached. The finest moment comes at Kekova, where the remains of the ancient settlement of Simena lie partly below the water. Since the boat passes over the ruins, you can look through the clear sea and pick out traces of walls and other structures beneath the surface.

The sight is unusual because you are not simply walking through a preserved ruin. You are seeing history from the water, with the coastline and small island around you. That gives the visit a quieter, more visual quality than a standard archaeological stop.

The boat also gives you time to swim and snorkel in the clear water around Kekova. You should bring your own equipment if you have favorite mask and snorkel gear, since the tour information only confirms the swimming and snorkeling stop, not equipment rental. Pack sunscreen and water as well. The Turkish sun can be strong, and drinks are not included in the price.

You will want to keep your expectations sensible. This is not a private yacht outing or a long snorkeling expedition. The boat trip is one part of a packed day that also includes road transfers, ruins, lunch, and Demre. Still, the combination of ruins beneath the sea and a swim in the Turquoise Coast makes this the most distinctive part of the trip.

Myra’s tombs and theater tell the first story

The first major stop is Myra, an ancient town on the banks of the River Myros. The visit focuses on two impressive remains: the Greek amphitheater and the Lycian rock-cut tombs.

The tombs are carved into the cliff face above the old settlement. They are among the most memorable sights in the area because they are not detached monuments sitting on a lawn. The burial chambers are cut directly into the rock, giving the hillside a strong vertical presence. Your guide can help explain the Lycian customs and the role of the site within the ancient region.

The amphitheater offers a different view of Myra. Its curved seating and stage area show how public life once worked here, with performances and gatherings taking place in a purpose-built venue. Allow yourself time to look up at the stonework and across the old site rather than rushing straight to photographs.

Entrance to Myra is included, which improves the value of the day. A guided visit also matters here because the ruins are easier to understand when you know what you are looking at. If your guide is Alp, expect clear explanations and a direct style. He has been singled out for being well informed and refreshingly honest, qualities that help on a long sightseeing day.

Wear shoes with a good grip. The tour specifically recommends comfortable footwear, and that is sensible for uneven archaeological ground. You will also be outside for much of the visit, so a hat and sunscreen are useful additions even though they are not listed as required items.

Lunch is practical, not a reason to book

Lunch comes before the boat trip to Kekova. It is included, so you do not need to budget for a separate midday meal, and that is helpful when the day already has a fixed schedule.

You should treat the meal as fuel rather than a food experience. The meal has been described as basic, with modest portions, and the restaurant may not meet the cleanliness standards you prefer. That does not make it a deal breaker, but it does change how you should prepare.

Bring a snack if you tend to get hungry between meals. You should also carry bottled water because drinks are not included. A small supply of food and water can make a real difference during a nine to ten-hour excursion, especially with an early start and time outdoors.

The lunch stop also provides a useful pause between the land visits and the boat. You can sit down, eat, and prepare for the swimming portion rather than trying to manage food on the boat. Just do not expect a leisurely restaurant meal with a wide choice of dishes.

Teimiussa adds a quieter Lycian stop

The itinerary includes the Lycian necropolis of Teimiussa, giving you another look at the burial traditions of the ancient region. This stop is less about a large theater or a famous church and more about seeing how Lycian memorials fit into the coastal setting.

The remains help connect Myra with Kekova. You are not visiting isolated attractions. You are following a wider Lycian story across the Demre area, from the tombs and public buildings of Myra to the coastal settlement around Kekova.

Your guide’s explanations are particularly useful at a site like this. Without context, a group of ancient tombs can be easy to pass through quickly. With some background, you can pay attention to the form and placement of the tombs and understand why this area matters.

Do not expect Teimiussa to fill a large part of the day. The main visual rewards are Myra and Kekova, while Teimiussa works as a shorter historical stop along the route. That balance suits you if you want several different sites in one outing. It may feel rushed if you prefer to spend a long time at each archaeological location.

The boat ride changes the pace

After the land-based ruins and lunch, the boat trip gives the day a welcome change of rhythm. Instead of walking among stones and cliffs, you move across open water toward Kekova Island.

The trip is designed for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. You can look toward the coast, watch for the submerged remains of Simena, and get into the water when the boat stops. The clear sea is one of the strongest reasons to pack swimwear even if you think you are booking this mainly for archaeology.

The boat portion is not only decoration between historical stops. It shows why Kekova is special. The ruins are tied to the shoreline and water, so seeing them from a boat gives you the proper setting. You can understand the relationship between the ancient settlement and the coast in a way that a land visit alone would not provide.

Bring a towel if you need one, though the tour information does not confirm what the boat supplies. Keep your valuables organized and protect electronics from splashes. These are simple precautions for any swim stop, and they are especially useful when the tour moves on a fixed schedule.

The St. Nicholas visit has an extra charge

The day ends in Kale, also known as Demre, with a visit to the Church of St. Nicholas. The town is closely linked with St. Nicholas of Myra, the historical figure later associated with the Santa Claus tradition.

The church is not included in the tour price, so you should plan for an additional entrance fee if you want to go inside. This is an important detail because the tour includes entrance fees to Myra and Demre, but the St. Nicholas Church ticket is specifically excluded. Ask your guide about the current arrangement and price before entering.

The church adds a different layer to the day. Myra and Teimiussa focus on Lycian and ancient Mediterranean remains, while St. Nicholas connects the area with early Christian history. If you have a strong interest in religious sites, this extra visit may be worth the added cost.

If your main priorities are the sunken city, swimming, and Myra, you can decide based on your time and budget. The church is an optional addition rather than the central reason to book the excursion.

Is $78 a fair price?

At $78 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want several major components handled in one booking. The price includes hotel pickup, a guide, lunch, Myra entrance, Demre entrance, and the Kekova boat trip. Paying separately for transport, a boat, archaeological tickets, and food would take more planning and could cost more.

The value depends heavily on your starting point. From Belek, Kemer, or Antalya, you may spend a large part of the day in transit. From farther resort areas such as Side or Alanya, the road time can be even more demanding. The tour information names pickup from Antalya, Alanya, Side, Belek, and Kemer, while another note specifically confirms Antalya, Belek, and Kemer, so confirm that your hotel is covered before booking.

I would call the price fair for a well-planned introduction to the Demre and Kekova area, not a bargain for a relaxed beach day. You are paying for access to a distant part of the coast, organized transport, a guide, the boat, and several admission costs. The main cost is your time and energy.

The free cancellation option up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later arrangement also give you some flexibility. These details are useful when your Antalya plans may change, but they do not change the basic reality that this is a long day.

Who will enjoy this day most?

You are a good match for this tour if you want history, scenery, and swimming in one outing. It suits you especially well if you are staying in Antalya, Belek, or Kemer and do not want to arrange a separate car, guide, and boat.

The tour also works for first-time visitors to the Demre area. You get a clear route through Myra, Teimiussa, Kekova, and Demre without having to research each site or manage the road connections yourself. A live guide is available in English and Russian.

Families should think carefully about the long schedule. The early start and road journey of more than three hours from the Antalya area may be tiring for young children. The swimming stop is appealing, but it does not cancel out the amount of time spent sitting on the bus.

You may prefer a different plan if you want a slow archaeological visit, a private boat, a substantial meal, or lots of time at the beach. This excursion aims to cover a lot of ground, and its strength is variety rather than depth at one single site.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear comfortable shoes for Myra and the necropolis. Add swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle to your day bag, even though only comfortable shoes are formally listed as required.

Bring a snack because lunch is basic and drinks are not included. If you have dietary needs, the available information does not confirm special meal arrangements, so ask before departure rather than assuming.

Keep some cash available for drinks and the St. Nicholas Church entrance. The included tickets cover Myra and Demre, but the church is separate.

Use the early road journey well. Carry a light layer, headphones, or something to read, since pickup times and driving time make the day feel longer than the headline nine to ten hours. At the same time, do not pack too much. You will move between bus, ruins, restaurant, and boat.

Should you book this Demre and Kekova tour?

Book it if Kekova’s sunken city, Myra’s tombs, and a swim in clear coastal water all appeal to you. The tour gives you a lot for $78, especially with transport, guide services, lunch, entrance fees, and the boat included.

Skip it if you dislike early starts, long bus rides, or simple group meals. The journey from Antalya-area resorts is the main drawback, and the day will feel demanding if you want plenty of free time.

For most active sightseers, I think the mix is worth the effort. Pack water and snacks, budget extra for St. Nicholas Church, wear practical shoes, and treat the lunch as a useful break rather than a culinary highlight. If Alp is leading your departure, you can also expect clear explanations and a straightforward guide style.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately nine to ten hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the departure offered on your date.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

Pickup is available from hotels in Antalya, Belek, and Kemer. The tour information also names Alanya and Side, so confirm your exact hotel and resort when booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, but drinks are not. The meal is basic, so bringing a snack is a sensible idea.

Are the Myra entrance fees included?

Yes. Entrance fees to Myra are included in the tour price.

Is St. Nicholas Church included?

No. Entrance to St. Nicholas Church is not included and requires an extra payment.

What languages are available for the guide?

Live guiding is available in English and Russian.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes. You should also pack swimwear, sunscreen, water, and a snack because the itinerary includes swimming and snorkeling, while drinks are not included.