Kekova Sunken City, Glass-Bottom Boat, Demre & Lycian Ruins

The best part of this 10-hour day is the way it links three very different sights: Lycian tombs and a Greco-Roman theater, St Nicholas Church in Demre, and a boat trip past Kekova’s half-submerged ruins. You get archaeology, local food, and open water in one long sweep along Turkey’s southern coast.

I like the scenic coastal drive and the chance to see places that are awkward to reach without your own car. I also like the boat portion, especially the view toward Simena Castle and the chance to jump into the clear Mediterranean water. The main drawback is simple: this is a very long day, and a large group can eat into your time at Kekova.

Key points to know before booking

• Myra and its Lycian tombs: See rock-cut tombs and a Greco-Roman theater connected to the ancient Lycian city.
• St Nicholas Church in Demre: Visit the church built above the 4th-century burial place of St Nicholas, the figure linked to Santa Claus.
• Kekova by glass-bottom boat: Look toward the remains of the earthquake-damaged city from the boat, though the glass panels are limited rather than a full glass floor.
• Swimming stop: Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to swim near Kekova. The sea can be cold in spring.
• Very early start: Pickup from Antalya can begin around 6:30 a.m., with the return sometimes after 8 p.m.
• Good value, with extras: The $64 price includes transport, lunch, the boat, and an English-speaking guide, but entrance fees of 30€ and drinks are extra.

A long road to ancient Lycia

This outing begins with hotel pickup in Antalya or Kemer and a drive south toward Demre and Kekova. The road itself is part of the experience. You pass along the coast, with winding sections and broad sea views, but you need to be ready for a lot of time in a vehicle.

The schedule can vary by pickup point. If you stay near Antalya’s old city, you may be collected around 6:30 or 6:55 a.m. and returned after 7 p.m. or even after 8 p.m. Pickup from Lara can add more driving time, and the group may include people from several hotel areas.

That early start helps fit the sights into one day, but it also shapes the whole experience. I would not book this expecting a relaxed morning. You are covering a large distance, and the best reason to accept the long ride is that Demre, Myra, and Kekova are far easier to combine with organized transport than to reach independently in a single day.

The bus has air conditioning, though the quality of both the vehicle and the cooling can vary. One practical complaint concerns fixed-back seats, which may feel tiring on such a long route. Regular bathroom and refreshment stops help, and the driver and guide can usually adjust when you ask.

A larger departure had about 47 people, with some coordination between language groups. Smaller groups have also been used, including a group of roughly 12 people. That difference matters. A smaller group usually means less waiting when people get on and off the bus, while a large group may provide a livelier atmosphere but reduce free time.

Lycian tombs and the theater at Myra

The first historical stops introduce you to Lycia, an ancient region known for its distinctive rock-cut tombs. The tombs are carved into the cliffs, and their position makes clear how strongly the Lycians connected burial places with the surrounding hills.

You then stop at the remains of a Greco-Roman amphitheater. This gives the tour a useful change of mood. The tombs speak to Lycian customs, while the theater reflects the later Greek and Roman periods that shaped the cities of the region.

I find this part valuable because the guide can connect the stones to the wider story of the area instead of presenting each ruin as an isolated photo stop. Guides named Ali, Alp, Natalia, and Ozie have been singled out for clear explanations, friendly manners, and a good sense of humor. The quality of the guide matters here. Without explanation, a tomb and a ruined theater can blur together. With a good guide, you get a better sense of how the city changed over time.

Do not expect hours of quiet exploration at Myra. This is a packed day, and the ruins form one part of a larger route. You will see the main archaeological sights, hear their background, and then continue to Demre. If ancient sites are your main reason for visiting southern Turkey, a dedicated Myra visit would give you more time. If you want a broad introduction, this stop works well.

St Nicholas Church in Demre

The next major stop is St Nicholas Church, also known as the Church of St Nicholas the Miracle Worker. It sits above the 4th-century burial place of St Nicholas, the Christian bishop who later inspired the Santa Claus tradition.

The church offers a different kind of historical experience from the open-air ruins. Inside, you can see the remains of an early Christian place of worship and learn how St Nicholas became associated with generosity and gift giving. The site feels more like a museum than a casual sightseeing stop, with a gift shop that can feel expensive.

Entrance fees are not included. The activity information lists an additional total of 30€, while one detailed account recorded 17€ per person at St Nicholas Church. Since fees can change or be applied differently, check the current amount when booking and keep extra cash available.

I like this stop because it gives the day a human story. You are not only looking at carved stone or submerged walls. You are visiting a place tied to a figure whose reputation traveled far beyond Lycia. If you are especially interested in Christian history, this may be the most meaningful stop of the day. If your priority is scenery and swimming, it may feel less exciting than Kekova.

Lunch in Demre

Lunch comes before the boat trip. It is generally served as an open buffet, allowing you to choose as much as you want. The quality can vary, but the strongest accounts describe the meal as some of the best food of the holiday, while another called it poor.

That contrast is worth taking seriously. I would value the meal as a convenient local-style break rather than book the tour because of lunch alone. It saves you from finding a restaurant during a tight schedule, and the open buffet format is useful when a group contains people with different appetites.

Drinks are not included, so budget for them separately. If you have dietary needs, tell the guide early. The supplied information does not promise special menus, so you should not assume that every requirement can be handled on the spot.

The glass-bottom boat to Kekova

After lunch, you board a glass-bottom yacht and head toward Kekova Island. The boat ride is the star of the day for many people, and I can see why. The water is clear, the coast is beautiful, and the ruins appear in an unusual setting, partly above the surface and partly beneath it.

Kekova was an ancient Lycian settlement damaged by an earthquake. From the boat, you can look toward submerged walls, steps, and other remains along the shore. Simena Castle is also visible from the water, adding a dramatic fortified landmark to the view.

The glass-bottom description needs a reality check. The boat has small glass sections or windows in the floor, not a broad transparent deck. You may see parts of the underwater remains through them, but the view depends on water clarity, position, and crowding. Do not picture a full underwater panorama.

One extra charge may apply to the glass-bottom feature, and the activity information lists 30€ in entrance fees overall. Ask the guide exactly what the additional payment covers before handing over money. This is especially important if you feel the glass panels are not worth the cost.

The boat ride is still worthwhile even if you skip the glass-bottom option. The view from the deck, the quiet water, and the sight of ruined structures along the coast are the main pleasures. A short cruise also lets you experience Kekova without walking through a hot archaeological site.

Swimming near Kekova

Before returning, the boat stops for a swim. You can jump from the yacht into cool, clear water near Kekova, weather permitting. Bring a swimsuit and towel, even if you are not sure you will swim.

Spring conditions deserve attention. In April, the water may be too cold for some people, though choosing not to swim does not remove the boat’s main appeal. In warmer months, the swim can be the perfect break after several hours of history and bus travel.

You should also remember that this is a group boat trip. Your swimming time is part of a fixed schedule, not a private beach stop. If you want long, unhurried time in the water, a dedicated boat excursion would suit you better.

The shopping stop and what to expect

A few accounts mention an onyx factory or shopping stop. Some people found it unnecessary, while others simply chose to avoid buying anything. This is worth knowing because it can take time from the historical sights and the boat portion.

I would treat any shopping stop as optional. Do not feel obliged to purchase onyx, and ask the guide how long the stop will last. The most valuable parts of this day are Myra, St Nicholas Church, and Kekova, not shopping.

The formal activity details focus on transport, lunch, the yacht, and the guide, so the exact shopping schedule may vary. If avoiding commercial stops is important to you, confirm the current plan before booking.

Is $64 good value?

At $64 per person, this is a solid price for a day that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, the glass-bottom yacht, and a professional English-speaking guide. The distance alone makes the included transport useful, especially if you are based in Antalya and want to see Demre and Kekova without arranging several separate connections.

The price becomes less attractive once you add entrance fees and drinks. The listed entrance cost is 30€, and the church and other archaeological sites may require payment during the day. You also need to accept the time cost: an early departure, a long drive, and a return that may come late in the evening.

For me, the value is strongest if you have limited time in the region. One booking gives you ancient Lycia, St Nicholas Church, a meal, and Kekova. The value is weaker if you dislike organized groups, want long periods at each ruin, or already have a car and can visit at your own pace.

Who will enjoy this day?

I would recommend it to you if you want a broad introduction to the Antalya coast and prefer having the route, guide, and transport handled for you. It suits people who enjoy mixing archaeological sites with scenery rather than spending a whole day at one monument.

Families can manage the outing, but young children may struggle with the length of the transfer. It has also worked for older people when regular stops were made, though the fixed seats and long hours remain worth considering.

History fans will appreciate the combination of Lycian tombs, Greco-Roman architecture, early Christian heritage, and a settlement damaged by an earthquake. Swimmers and coastal sightseers will like the yacht more than the bus ride.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone who needs a slow pace or dislikes early starts. I would also think twice if the glass-bottom boat is your sole reason for booking. The glass sections are limited, and the main experience is the coastal cruise and the view of the ruins, not a full underwater tour.

Practical advice for a smoother day

• Bring a swimsuit and towel for the Kekova swimming stop.
• Carry money for the 30€ entrance fee and for drinks.
• Expect an early pickup, especially from Antalya’s old city.
• Keep the whole day open. Return may be after 8 p.m.
• Ask about the glass-bottom charge before paying.
• If you want to avoid the onyx stop, tell the guide clearly.
• Choose a seat carefully if possible, since the bus seats may not recline.
• If you need frequent breaks, speak with the driver or guide. Regular stops are part of the route.

Should you book the Kekova tour?

Book this tour if you want the most efficient way to combine Myra, St Nicholas Church, and Kekova from Antalya. The guide can make the ancient sites come alive, the coastal road is scenic, and the boat ride gives the day a welcome change of pace.

Skip it if you want a relaxed boat holiday, extensive time at each ruin, or a true glass-bottom viewing experience. The day is long, the group may be large, and extra fees add to the advertised price.

For most people with only a short stay in Antalya, I think the tour earns its place on the schedule. Go for the complete mix of Lycia, Demre, and Kekova. Treat the glass panels as a bonus, not the main event.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is 10 hours. Pickup can begin around 6:30 or 6:55 a.m., and return may be after 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. depending on your hotel and the group schedule.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

Pickup is available from hotels in Antalya and Kemer. The activity information also specifies pickup from hotels, with exact arrangements provided before departure.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is in English. Some departures may include bilingual groups, including English and Russian speakers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and may be served as an open buffet. Drinks are not included.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are listed as an additional 30€. The exact amount for individual sites can vary, so confirm the current charge before the day.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The yacht makes a swimming stop near Kekova, allowing you to jump into the water. Bring swimwear and a towel, and remember that spring water may be cold.

Does the boat have a glass floor?

The yacht has glass-bottom windows or sections that let you look toward underwater ruins. It is not described as having a completely transparent floor, so the underwater view is limited.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.