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

Kekova’s sunken ruins are the star here: you glide over an ancient city in clear water, then stop for swimming and snorkeling along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. The full day also brings you to Myra’s rock-cut tombs and theater, plus the Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa.

I like the way this trip combines major ancient sites with time on the water, and I like that entrance to Myra, the guide, lunch, and the boat ride are included in the $78 price. Guide Alp has earned special praise for clear, honest explanations. The catch is the road journey: from Antalya, the drive can take more than three hours each way, and lunch is basic.

Key points at a glance

• Kekova is viewed from the boat: You sail over the remains of the sunken city of Simena rather than walking through submerged ruins.
• Myra gives you two major sights: See a Greek theater and the striking Lycian rock tombs cut into the cliffs.
• You get real swimming time: The boat stops in clear coastal water for swimming and snorkeling.
• St. Nicholas Church costs extra: The church visit is part of the Demre stop, but its entrance fee is not included.
• The day starts early and runs long: Allow 9 to 10 hours, with a long transfer from Antalya-area hotels.
• Lunch saves planning, not dining: The meal is included, but pack snacks if you prefer more food or want a better choice.

Why Kekova makes this long day worthwhile

Kekova is not simply a pretty boat ride. Below and beside the water are the remains of an ancient settlement, partly submerged after earthquakes changed the coastline. From the boat, you can see stone walls and other ruins beneath the clear surface.

The boat is not allowed to stop for a walk through the underwater ruins, so keep your expectations in check. This is a viewing experience from the water, with photographs and a sense of the old city below you. If you expect an archaeological swim, you may be disappointed. If you enjoy seeing history from an unusual angle, Kekova is the trip’s most memorable stop.

The surrounding water is also part of the appeal. You get time to swim and snorkel in the clear sea, which breaks up the morning’s sightseeing and makes the day feel less like a string of museum stops. Bring sunscreen, water, and a swimsuit. The sun can be strong on the boat, and shade may not be available exactly when you want it.

Myra: Lycian tombs above a Greek theater

Myra sits on the banks of the River Myros and was once an important Lycian town. The visit focuses on two features: the ancient Greek theater and the Lycian necropolis.

The tombs are carved directly into the rock face. Their fronts were designed to resemble houses or small temples, giving the cliff an unusual, almost theatrical appearance. This is one of those places where a guide adds real value. Without context, you may see a wall of tombs. With a clear explanation, you begin to understand how the Lycians honored the dead and how much effort went into shaping these burial places.

The theater gives you another view of Myra’s past. You can look at the seating, stage area, and surviving stonework while picturing how public performances once fit into civic life. The visit is not just a quick photo stop, but you should expect an outdoor archaeological site rather than a polished visitor center.

Wear comfortable shoes. The day includes walking over historic ground, and the tour’s own advice is to avoid footwear that makes uneven surfaces difficult. A hat and sun protection will also help, though the only required item listed for the activity is comfortable footwear.

Demre and the extra stop at St. Nicholas Church

After Myra, the route continues to Demre, also called Kale. This is where the connection to St. Nicholas becomes part of the day.

St. Nicholas of Myra was the Christian bishop associated with the town, and the church connected with him is one of Demre’s major sights. The building gives the ancient visit a different tone, moving from Lycian tombs and a Greek theater to an important Christian site.

The church entrance is not included in the tour price. That detail matters because the itinerary may feel all-inclusive at first glance, but you should budget separately if you want to go inside. The package includes entrance fees to Myra and Demre as listed, while St. Nicholas Church is specifically excluded.

If religious history interests you, this extra may be worth the added cost. If your main goals are Myra and Kekova, you can decide based on your energy and remaining time. The day is long, so not every stop will matter equally to every person.

Teimiussa, the Lycian necropolis by the sea

The boat portion also includes a visit to the Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa. It is a useful companion to Myra because you see Lycian burial architecture in a different setting, close to the coast and the old settlement of Simena.

The location helps connect the separate pieces of the day. Myra shows a larger ancient town, while Teimiussa brings you closer to the coastal world around Kekova. You are not just collecting ruins. You are seeing how Lycian communities occupied and marked their towns around the region.

The exact pace at this stop can depend on the day’s schedule and boat movements. Keep your camera ready, but listen to the guide first. Guide Alp, in particular, has been praised for explaining the sites clearly and honestly. English and Russian guiding are available.

The boat ride, swimming, and snorkeling

The boat trip is the most relaxed part of the day. After the land visits and lunch, you sail across turquoise water toward Kekova and the submerged remains of Simena.

The sea is described as clear, and swimming and snorkeling are included in the plan. Bring your own mask if you care about fit or clarity, since the activity information does not promise snorkeling equipment. At minimum, pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and drinking water.

The boat ride also gives you a chance to enjoy the coast without another lecture or ruin underfoot. You can watch the shoreline, take photographs, and cool off in the water. I like this balance. Ancient sites can blur together on a long day, while a swim gives your mind a reset.

Still, this is not a private sailing trip. The information provided does not specify the boat size or group size, so do not book expecting an intimate charter. You are paying for transport, sightseeing, and access to the coast, not a luxury yacht experience.

Lunch is useful, but keep expectations modest

Lunch is included before the Kekova boat trip, which is practical. You do not have to search for a restaurant in an unfamiliar area, and the schedule can move along without a long break for ordering.

The meal is basic. One clear piece of advice is to bring snacks, especially if you have a large appetite, dietary needs, or a child who gets hungry between stops. A past meal experience also raised concerns about the restaurant’s cleanliness, so I would treat lunch as a convenient included stop rather than a reason to choose this tour.

Bring a refillable water bottle and extra food from your hotel if possible. Drinks are not included, so you should expect to pay separately for anything beyond the provided meal. Sunscreen and water matter even more because the boat portion puts you out in open coastal conditions.

The long transfer from Antalya

The main practical issue is distance. This is a full-day outing of 9 to 10 hours, and the drive from Antalya can take more than three hours each way. That means a very early start and a late return, depending on your pickup time and traffic.

For me, the road time is justified only if you genuinely want Myra and Kekova. If your priority is a short boat outing near your resort, this is the wrong choice. You will spend a substantial part of the day in the vehicle before reaching the ancient sites.

The coach itself has been described as comfortable, which helps. Pickup is listed for hotels in Antalya, Belek, and Kemer, while the wider tour information also names Alanya and Side. Because the pickup areas are described differently, confirm that your exact hotel is covered before booking, especially if you are staying outside the main Antalya, Belek, or Kemer areas.

The early start also affects families. A long road journey, outdoor heat, ruins, and a boat ride can be tiring for young children. One practical assessment is that the day may not suit children well because of the distance and early departure. Adults and older children who enjoy history will likely manage it better.

What the $78 price covers

At $78 per person, the price is reasonable if you want several separate experiences in one day. The package includes a guide, lunch, Myra entrance, Demre entrance as listed, the Kekova boat trip, and hotel pickup in the stated areas.

You are also paying for transport over a large distance. Arranging Myra, Demre, Teimiussa, and Kekova independently could take more planning, especially if you are not renting a car. The guide is another important part of the value, since the tombs, theater, and sunken ruins make more sense with historical explanation.

The cost does not cover drinks or entry to St. Nicholas Church. Those exclusions are small compared with the overall price, but they should not surprise you. I would carry some Turkish lira or a payment card for drinks, snacks, and the church fee.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those terms are useful if your Antalya plans may change, but they do not alter the basic question: are you willing to spend a long day on the road for the archaeological and coastal stops?

The guide can shape the whole day

A guide matters here because the tour moves through several periods and places. Myra, Teimiussa, Kekova, and St. Nicholas Church are not one single story, and a good explanation helps you connect them.

Guide Alp has been singled out for friendly, clear, and honest guidance. That is especially useful on a packed day, when you need someone to explain what you are seeing without making every stop feel rushed or confusing.

English and Russian guides are available. If you need another language, the provided information does not confirm it, so check before booking. The guide also helps keep the group moving between the road transfers, lunch, archaeological stops, and boat schedule.

Who should book this day trip?

I would choose this trip if you are staying in Antalya Province and want a broad look at the area’s ancient and coastal sights without arranging several transfers yourself. It suits people who enjoy ruins, church history, boat rides, swimming, and a full schedule.

It is especially good for:

• First-time visitors who want to combine Myra and Kekova in one day
• History fans interested in Lycian tombs and ancient theaters
• Swimmers who want a coastal break after sightseeing
• Visitors without a rental car
• Adults and older children who can handle an early start and long drive

I would hesitate if you dislike coach transfers, need a slow schedule, or want a polished food experience. I would also think twice if your only goal is a short swim, since the road journey takes up a large share of the day.

What to bring for a smoother day

Pack comfortable shoes for Myra and Teimiussa, along with swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, water, and a towel. Since drinks are excluded and lunch is basic, add snacks and extra cash for refreshments.

Keep your phone or camera protected around the boat. The route includes water views and the submerged ruins of Kekova, so you will want to take photographs, but sea spray and strong sun are practical concerns.

Do not forget to leave room in your plan for an early pickup and a late return. The 9 to 10 hour duration is an estimate for the full experience, and the drive from Antalya can be especially demanding.

Should you book the Myra and Kekova tour?

Book it if you want the biggest possible day of history and sea, and you accept the long transfer. The combination of Myra’s tombs, a Greek theater, Demre, Teimiussa, St. Nicholas Church, and Kekova’s submerged ruins gives you a lot for $78, especially with transport, guide, lunch, and boat travel included.

Skip it if you want a relaxed resort day, a substantial lunch, or a short journey. For the right person, Kekova and Myra justify the early start. Just pack snacks, confirm your hotel pickup, budget for St. Nicholas Church, and treat the lunch as fuel rather than a highlight.

FAQ

How long does the Demre, Myra, and Kekova tour take?

The tour lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours. Pickup time depends on availability and your hotel location.

Where does hotel pickup operate?

Pickup is listed for hotels in Antalya, Belek, and Kemer. The wider tour details also name Alanya and Side, so confirm coverage for your exact hotel before booking.

Is lunch included?

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

Is the entrance fee for St. Nicholas Church included?

No. St. Nicholas Church is not included in the tour price, even though the church visit is part of the Demre portion of the day.

What languages are available for the guide?

Guiding is available in English and Russian.

Can I swim and snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The boat trip includes time to swim and snorkel in the clear waters around Kekova.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, drinking water, swimwear, and snacks. Comfortable footwear is important for the ancient sites.