Kas: (Small Group) Day Trip to Kekova Island, Demre & Myra

Kekova’s half-submerged ruins are the star here. From the boat, you’ll pass the remains of ancient Dolchiste, then stop at Kaleköy, the old village of Simena, where castle ruins rise above the water. I like the mix of history and swimming, and I like that lunch, snorkel gear, and floating mats are included. The tradeoff is a long day, with extra archaeological fees and limited time at Myra.

The boat crew sets a friendly tone. Captain Arif even went down repeatedly to recover a dropped phone in deep water, a small story that says something about the care you may receive on board. Still, bring cash and your own water bottle: drinks cost extra, and one recent booking specifically noted that bottled water was not provided.

Key points at a glance

• Kekova’s Sunken City: See submerged streets and buildings from the boat, where swimming is not the point, but the views are.
• Kaleköy and Simena Castle: Walk through a living village with castle ruins, hilltop views, and clear water below.
• Three separate swim areas: Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay, and Gökkaya Bay break up the sightseeing with time in the sea.
• Myra’s rock-cut tombs: See one of Lycia’s most striking ancient sites, including a large Roman-style theater.
• Small-group format: The day feels more personal than a large coach-and-boat outing, with English service and a flexible booking policy.

Why this Kaş day trip is worth a full day

At $71 per person, this is a strong value if you want several different experiences in one outing. You get road transport from Kaş to Demre, a boat trip around Kekova, lunch, swimming stops, basic water equipment, and visits connected with Lycian history.

The price does not cover archaeological entrance fees, food beyond lunch, or drinks. That matters most at Myra, where a recent booking reported an entrance cost of 13 euros for about 30 minutes inside the site. You can see many of the rock-cut tombs from outside, so decide in advance if entering the archaeological area is worth the added cost for you.

The tour lasts about 10 hours. That is not a quick coastal cruise. You leave Kaş in the morning, spend much of the day around Kekova, return to Demre Harbor, and then make the trip back to Kaş. The long schedule works well if you have one free day and want to combine coast, ruins, and swimming without arranging separate transport.

From Kaş to Demre Harbor

Your day begins with pickup in Kaş city center. The exact time changes by season, and the operator sends the pickup information by WhatsApp or email one day before departure.

The road transfer takes you to Demre Harbor, where you board the boat. This setup is practical because Kekova is easier to reach from Demre than from Kaş by water. You avoid arranging a separate bus and boat connection, and the day moves directly from road travel to the coast.

English is the stated tour language. Since the trip includes several historical places, it is worth checking how much spoken explanation will be provided. One useful criticism of the experience is that commentary can be thin, especially at the Sunken City. You may get the best value from the trip if you read a little about Kekova and Myra before leaving.

Seeing Kekova’s Sunken City from the water

The boat cruises along Kekova Island beside the remains of ancient Dolchiste, often called the Sunken City. Earthquakes and rising water left parts of the old settlement below the surface, so you look down from the boat at submerged walls, steps, and other traces of the town.

This is a sight for patient eyes. The ruins are not presented like a fully excavated city, and the water can make details difficult to pick out. The boat route gives you a broad view, but it also means you cannot walk among the remains. Swimming in this protected archaeological area is not the purpose of the stop.

Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from spray and glare. The best pictures come when the boat slows near the ruins. If you want a detailed explanation of exactly what you are seeing, ask the crew directly. The sightseeing is memorable, but the interpretation may be brief.

Kaleköy, ancient Simena, and the castle climb

At Kaleköy port, you can leave the boat and wander through the small village. This is ancient Simena, a place where everyday life sits beside old stonework. The village setting gives the stop a more genuine feel than a fenced archaeological site, though the paths and hillside route require comfortable shoes.

The castle ruins sit above the village. From the hillside, you get wide views over the Kekova area and the boat-filled coves below. The climb is one of the most worthwhile parts of the stop, but it can be tiring in strong sun. Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and carry water.

You also get time for a swim in the clear water near Kaleköy. That combination is the appeal: you can spend part of the stop looking at old walls and part of it cooling off in the sea. The village itself is not a long museum visit. It is better understood as a compact historic settlement with a scenic walk and a swimming break.

Lunch and quiet water at Esmeralda Bay

Esmeralda Bay provides the main lunch and swim break. The setting is quieter than the historic stops, giving you time to slow down after the morning’s boat route and village walk.

Lunch is included, and the food has been one of the strongest parts of the day. A typical meal described for this trip included chicken, salads, and fruit later in the afternoon. That is useful on a long day, since you are not left to find food at each stop.

Drinks are not included. Bring cash for purchases, and do not assume that bottled water will be supplied. One person specifically found the lack of free water disappointing, so a reusable bottle or purchased water is a smart addition.

The bay is also where the day’s rhythm becomes clear. This is not nonstop sightseeing. You will alternate between short historic stops and longer periods on the boat, with several chances to swim.

Burç Bay, Gökkaya Bay, and the Pirates Cave

At Burç Bay, cool water from underwater springs adds a refreshing touch to the swim. The stop is simple: get into the sea, float, and enjoy the quiet surroundings. Snorkel equipment, floating mats, and inflatable rings are supplied, so you do not need to pack your own gear unless you prefer to.

Gökkaya Bay brings another swim break. The bay also offers the option of water sports activities, though the available choices and prices are not specified. Ask what is offered before paying for anything extra.

The Pirates Cave is a short but memorable sight from the water. Its large size and curved entrance give it a dramatic shape, and the boat provides the natural viewpoint. This is not a long exploration stop. Think of it as a scenic pause along the cruise, with time to take pictures rather than walk inside.

Having several water stops is a major strength of the tour. You are not forced to choose between an archaeological day and a beach day. You get both, though each individual stop may feel brief if you prefer long, quiet swims.

Karemlik Bay and the chance to see turtles

Karemlik Bay is known as a habitat for three of the seven recognized sea turtle species. The boat pauses so you can watch the water and look for turtles in their natural setting.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so treat this as a chance rather than a promise. Keep your expectations sensible, and enjoy the bay even if no turtle appears. The stop adds a different kind of interest to the day, shifting your attention from ruins and castle walls to the coast’s living wildlife.

The information provided does not state how long the boat remains at Karemlik Bay. If turtles are your main reason for booking, ask the crew about the usual timing on the day.

Myra’s theater and Lycian tombs

After the boat returns to Demre Harbor, the land portion continues with a visit connected to the Museum of Lycian Civilisations and the ancient city of Myra. Myra is famous for its rock-cut tombs, carved into the cliff face, and for a large Roman-style theater described as the biggest in Lycia.

The tombs are the visual highlight. Their placement high on the rock makes them easy to appreciate even before you enter the site. You can see many from outside, which is important because the archaeological entry cost is extra and the visit may last only about 30 minutes.

Inside, you get a closer look at the theater and the remains of the ancient city. The limited time means you should focus quickly. If you want a slow archaeological visit with detailed reading and photographs, this tour may feel rushed. If you want a first look at Myra as part of a broader day, the stop adds real value.

The site also gives context to the coastal stops. Kekova shows what happened to a town partly claimed by the sea, while Myra presents Lycia through tombs, public buildings, and theater architecture. Together, they make the history more varied than a simple boat excursion.

St. Nicholas Church as an optional stop

The optional St. Nicholas Church visit adds another layer to Demre. The building was originally constructed as a church dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra, the figure associated with the later Santa Claus tradition.

The stop focuses on the remains of the church and its connection to the area’s past. It is a good choice if religious history interests you or if you want more time indoors after the hot boat ride. Since the stop is listed as optional, confirm whether it is included in your day’s exact plan and ask about any extra entry charge.

Do not expect the Santa Claus reference alone to explain the site. The value comes from seeing the church in its local setting and connecting it to ancient Myra and Demre.

Food, equipment, and what to pack

The practical inclusions are generous for the price. Lunch is provided, and you can use snorkel gear, floating mats, and inflatable rings. These details matter because the day includes three named swim bays plus time in the water near Kaleköy.

Pack lightly but carefully:

• Sun hat and strong sunscreen
• Swimsuit and towel
• Cash for drinks, food, and archaeological fees
• A water bottle
• Comfortable shoes for Kaleköy and Myra
• A phone or camera with protection from water

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The activity is not suitable for people over 95 years old. Beyond that stated restriction, the itinerary includes walking, boat boarding, village paths, and swimming, so you should judge your own comfort with those activities.

What the 4.7 rating means for your decision

The overall rating is 4.7 from 78 reviews, and the praise is consistent in a few useful areas. The boat, organization, food, and balance between swimming and sightseeing receive the strongest approval.

The crew’s hospitality also matters. Captain Arif’s effort to retrieve a phone from about five meters of seawater was far beyond the basic duty of running the boat. You should not expect a rescue story on your own trip, but it suggests a crew that takes care with its passengers.

The weaker points are clear too. Commentary at the Sunken City may not be detailed enough for history fans, bottled water is not provided, drinks cost extra, and Myra’s entrance fee can feel high for a short visit. Knowing those limits makes it easier to judge the tour fairly.

Who should book this Kekova day trip

I would recommend it if you want a full day that combines:

• A boat view of the Sunken City
• A village and castle stop at Kaleköy
• Several chances to swim
• Lunch on board
• Lycian ruins at Myra
• A possible turtle sighting
• Pickup and return transport from Kaş

It suits couples, small groups, and independent visitors who want the route arranged without giving up the relaxed feel of a boat day. Families may like the floating mats and inflatable rings, though the long schedule and archaeological stop may test younger children’s patience.

History specialists should book with realistic expectations. The sites are important, but the tour is designed to cover coast and ruins in one day, not provide a long lecture at every stop. If your priority is expert archaeological explanation, look for a dedicated guide. If your priority is a well-priced mix of scenery, swimming, food, and ancient sites, this is a sensible choice.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want to see the best-known sights around Kekova without piecing together transport, a boat, lunch, and Demre visits yourself. The strongest reasons are the varied route, several swim breaks, good onboard food, and the chance to see both the Sunken City and Myra in one day.

Skip it if you dislike long outings, want free drinks included, or need a slow and detailed visit at every archaeological site. Also budget for Myra and other entrance fees. For most people with one spare day in Kaş, the combination of turquoise water, Kaleköy, Lycian tombs, and a friendly boat crew makes the $71 price worthwhile.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 10 hours, including transportation between Kaş and Demre, the boat trip, and the land visits.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup and drop-off are provided from Kaş city center. The exact pickup time varies by season and is sent by WhatsApp or email one day before the tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with fruit later in the day. Additional food and drinks are not included.

Is bottled water provided?

Bottled water is not guaranteed. Bring your own water bottle and carry cash for drinks.

Is swimming equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, floating mats, and inflatable rings are available for use.

Are archaeological entrance fees included?

No. Archaeological site entrance fees are extra. This can apply to places such as Myra and optional visits connected with Demre.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. English is the listed tour language, and the host or greeter is English-speaking.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, according to the booking terms.