From Kas: Day Trip to Kekova, Demre and Myra

The best part of this day is the mix: you glide past the Sunken City of Kekova in the morning, swim in clear bays, then walk among the rock-cut tombs and theater of ancient Myra. It is a lot of Turkey in one long day, but the contrast keeps the trip moving.

I like the easy Kaş pickup and the generous time on the water. I also like the chance to visit Kaleköy, where Simena Castle gives you wide views over the islands and coves. The main drawback is the length: ten hours, with several stops, can feel full if you want a slow beach day.

The day at a glance

• Kekova’s ruins from the water: The boat passes the remains of Dolchiste, an ancient settlement partly lost beneath the sea. You view the ruins from the boat rather than entering the water beside them.
• Kaleköy and Simena Castle: You get about an hour to walk through the village, browse, swim, and climb toward the castle for views across the Kekova area.
• Several proper swim breaks: Pirates Cave, a quiet bay, Gökkaya Bay, and other coastal stops give you repeated chances to get in the water.
• Lycian and Roman sites: Myra brings rock-cut tombs and a large Roman-style theater, while St. Nicholas Church adds another layer of Demre’s past.
• Sea turtles at Karemlik Bay: Keep watch for turtles in an area where three of the seven known sea turtle species can be found.
• Good value for a full day: At $57 per person, the price covers Kaş transfers and the boat program, though site entrance fees and extra food or drinks are not included.

From Kaş to Demre Harbor before the boat leaves

Your day starts with pickup from Kaş city center, with the exact time sent by WhatsApp or email one day before departure. Seasonal timing can change, so keep your morning flexible rather than arranging an early activity right before this one.

The transfer takes you to Demre Harbor, where the boat begins the coastal portion of the trip. This setup matters because you avoid finding your own way to the harbor, yet still get a full day on the Kekova side of the coast.

The activity is led in English or Turkish. No individual guide name is provided, so if you want detailed archaeological explanation at every site, ask how much commentary will be given on the boat and at the ruins. The program is strongest as a blend of sightseeing, swimming, and self-guided exploring.

Karemlik Bay and the first look at Kekova

Karemlik Bay appears in the route as both a cruise stop and a later break. Its main draw is marine life, especially sea turtles. The bay is linked with three of the seven known sea turtle species, so you should keep your eyes on the water rather than treating this as only a scenic pause.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the information provided does not promise a dedicated turtle-watching session. Still, the stop gives you a real chance to look for turtles in their natural setting. Bring patience, and do not expect a zoo-style encounter.

From there, the boat heads toward Kekova Island. The famous sunken city is viewed from the water, with about 30 minutes set aside for a guided cruise, sightseeing, and photographs. The remains belong to ancient Dolchiste, and the boat route lets you see the submerged ruins without turning the stop into a long archaeological walk.

This is one of the most distinctive parts of the day. You are not simply looking at ordinary ruins on a hill. You are watching a coastline where parts of an old settlement sit below the waterline. Keep your camera ready, but also listen for the guide’s explanation, since the shape of the ruins can be hard to read from a moving boat.

Kaleköy and the climb toward Simena Castle

At Kaleköy, the ancient site of Simena, you have roughly one hour of free time. The village is described as authentic, and the stop combines a short walk, shopping, sightseeing, and a swim in clear water.

Simena Castle is the reason to make the uphill walk. From above, you can look across Kekova’s coves and islands. The views are the reward, but the route is not presented as a flat stroll, so wear shoes that can handle uneven ground and bring water from the boat.

An hour is enough for a focused visit, not a leisurely exploration of every corner. You will need to choose between spending more time in the village, swimming, and climbing toward the castle. I would make the castle views the priority, then use any remaining time for the water.

Kaleköy also gives the day a human scale. After seeing ruins from a boat, you get to walk through a living settlement and see how the present-day village fits around the old site. That makes this stop more rewarding than a quick photo pause.

Pirates Cave and the first serious swim stop

The boat continues to Pirates Cave, a natural opening known for its large size and curved entrance. The stop lasts about 40 minutes and includes swimming, snorkeling, and food onboard.

The boat enters the cave area far enough for you to appreciate its shape, but the supplied details do not promise that you will go ashore. Treat it as a boat-based natural sight with time in the water nearby.

Snorkel goggles were available on at least one outing, which is a useful touch, but equipment should not be assumed unless the operator confirms it. Bring your own mask if snorkeling matters to you. A towel is specifically listed as something to bring.

This is also where the day’s food arrangement needs a little care. The route includes a meal onboard, while extra food and drinks are not included. Ask what the included meal covers before departure, and bring any additional drinks or snacks you may want.

Quiet coves, cold springs, and Gökkaya Bay

After Pirates Cave, the boat pauses at another quiet bay for around 40 minutes of swimming. The stop is described as a hidden coastal spot, but no official name is supplied. That makes it a pleasant break without giving you a landmark to plan around.

Burç Bay is known for cold underwater natural springs. The water can feel noticeably cooler here than at other stops, which some people will enjoy after sitting in the sun. If you dislike cold water, you can treat this as a short scenic pause rather than forcing yourself to swim.

Gökkaya Bay brings another 40-minute swim break, with water sports available if you want more activity. The schedule lists Gökkaya twice, so expect repeated time in this area or more than one water stop connected with the bay. The precise activity offered is not specified, so ask the crew what is available on the day.

These repeated swimming stops are a strength if you want a boat day rather than a history-only outing. They are less appealing if you prefer a tightly scheduled archaeological tour. Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a dry bag for small valuables.

Passing Andriake Harbor and pausing at Esmeralda Bay

The route passes Andriake Harbor for a short photo stop. You should not expect a full visit here. It is part of the wider Demre setting and helps connect the boat route with the ancient port area, but the scheduled pause is only about ten minutes.

Esmeralda Bay offers a calmer break, with time for lunch and swimming in a peaceful setting. The spelling may appear as Esmaralda or Esmeralda, but it refers to the same bay in the supplied route.

This is likely one of the day’s easiest moments. You can eat, swim, and enjoy the coast without needing to climb toward a ruin or keep up with a walking group. If you are choosing where to slow down, use this stop for a proper rest rather than rushing back into the water.

St. Nicholas Church in Demre

After the boat portion, the tour continues with an optional stop at St. Nicholas Church, also presented as the Santa Claus Museum. The church was built in memory of St. Nicholas of Myra, the historical figure connected with the later Santa Claus tradition.

You have about 40 minutes for photographs and sightseeing. That is enough for a focused visit, though not a long museum study. The site contains remains of the old church, giving you a chance to see the religious side of Demre after a day centered on coastal ruins.

Entrance fees are not included in the tour price. This applies to archaeological sites and should be kept in mind when comparing the $57 base cost. The stop itself is optional in the supplied description, so confirm the day’s exact plan and ticket arrangements before you set out.

Myra’s tombs and Roman theater

The final major historic stop is the ancient city of Myra. The visit lasts about 40 minutes and is described as a self-guided tour, with time for photographs, sightseeing, and shopping nearby.

Myra is best known here for two features. First come the rock-cut tombs, carved into the cliffs in the Lycian tradition. Their placement high on the rock face makes them easy to notice and gives the site its strongest visual identity.

Then comes the Roman-style theater, described as the largest in Lycia. The theater adds scale to the visit, showing how a major ancient city entertained and gathered its population. With only about 40 minutes, focus on the tombs and theater rather than trying to inspect every remaining stone.

Because this portion is self-guided, it helps to read a little about Myra before leaving Kaş or ask the host for basic orientation. The tour provides access and time, but it may not provide a detailed archaeological lecture at the site.

What $57 really gets you

At $57 per person, this is a strong value for a ten-hour day that combines transport from Kaş, a long boat route, several swim breaks, Kaleköy, Kekova, Myra, and St. Nicholas Church. Booking your own car, boat, and site visits would take more planning and could cost more once fuel and transport are added.

The price does not cover archaeological entrance fees, additional food, or extra drinks. Those costs are important because the day includes historic sites where tickets may be required. The route includes a meal onboard, but clarify exactly what is provided so you can budget properly.

The value is highest for someone who wants variety. You are paying for a complete day with transport and a boat, not for a private guide devoted to one ruin. If you want a quiet, private charter or deep archaeological detail, this is not the right format.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this trip if you want to see the Kekova coast but also care about the ancient sites around Demre. It suits people who like alternating between short walks, boat viewing, swimming, and photography.

It also works well for visitors staying in Kaş who do not want to arrange transport to Demre Harbor. The included city-center pickup and return remove a practical headache.

You may want to skip it if ten hours feels too long, if you dislike moving between many stops, or if you want to spend most of the day on one beach. The schedule has several 40-minute water breaks, but it is still an active sightseeing day with a morning transfer and afternoon site visits.

The boat has a roof area comfortable for sunbathing, according to the supplied experience details. That gives you a choice between shade, open air, and the water, though the exact seating layout is not specified.

Booking advice and final verdict

Reserve this trip if your ideal day includes sunken ruins, warm-water swimming, village walks, and major ancient sites in one package. The strongest features are the smooth Kaş pickup, the range of coastal stops, the excellent value at $57, and the chance to see sea turtles at Karemlik Bay.

Go in with sensible expectations. The sunken city is viewed from the boat, Myra is self-guided, and entrance fees are extra. The ten-hour schedule is full, and the exact pickup time arrives only one day before departure.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps if your Kaş plans may shift. For most visitors who want a broad taste of Kekova and Demre without organizing several separate trips, I would book it.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

Pickup and drop-off are provided from Kaş city center. The activity returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

How long does the tour last?

The full activity lasts about 10 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability and wait for the pickup time sent by WhatsApp or email one day before departure.

Is transport from Kaş included?

Yes. Pickup and return from Kaş city center are included, with transport to and from Demre Harbor.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter is available in English and Turkish.

Can I see the Sunken City of Kekova?

Yes. The boat cruises past the underwater ruins of ancient Dolchiste near Kekova Island. The ruins are viewed from the boat.

Do I have time to visit Simena Castle?

Yes. The stop at Kaleköy, ancient Simena, provides about one hour for free time, sightseeing, shopping, swimming, and views toward Simena Castle.

Are archaeological entrance fees included?

No. Archaeological site entrance fees are not included in the tour price.

Is food included?

The route includes a meal onboard, but additional food and drinks are not included. Confirm the exact meal and bring anything extra you may need.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. Since the day includes several swimming and snorkeling stops, swimwear and sun protection are also practical choices, though only a towel is specifically listed as required.