Demre,Myra,Kekova With Sunken City Boat Tour & St. Nicolas Church

The most unusual part of this long day is the boat ride over Kekova’s sunken city, where submerged walls and ruins appear beneath clear water. You’ll also visit Myra’s dramatic rock-cut tombs and St. Nicholas Church, the place tied to the Santa Claus story.

I like the way this tour joins three major sights in one outing, and I like that lunch, guiding, transport, and the boat trip are included in the $60 price. The drawback is the schedule: up to 12 hours on the road, with entrance fees extra and some reports of weak English explanations at Kekova and the church.

Key points to know

• Kekova by boat: You view the sunken ruins from the water, with time to sit upstairs, sunbathe, and enjoy the sea.
• Myra’s ancient theater: The rock-cut tombs and amphitheater provide the strongest land-based stop.
• St. Nicholas connection: The church contains a marble sarcophagus believed by many to be the saint’s original tomb.
• Long transport day: Expect about three hours each way between Antalya and the sights.
• $60 value: Lunch, hotel transfer, guiding, and the boat are included, but entrance fees, breakfast, and drinks are not.
• Pickup details matter: Meet at your hotel’s main entrance, not reception, and confirm the exact return point before departure.

Three ancient sights in one very long day

This is not a quick coastal outing. It is a full-day trip from Antalya, usually lasting 11 to 12 hours, with about three hours of driving in each direction. That makes the tour a practical choice if you want to see Myra and Kekova but do not plan to stay in the region.

The reward is variety. In one day, you move from Lycian tombs and a Roman-era theater to a church linked with Saint Nicholas, then out onto the water above a submerged settlement. Few day trips offer such different sights in one package.

The pace is active but not extreme. A moderate level of fitness is advised, and you should be comfortable getting on and off a bus and boat, walking around ancient ruins, and spending much of the day away from your hotel. The heat can make the schedule feel harder, especially in summer.

Leaving Antalya at 7:00 am

The day begins at 7:00 am. Hotel pickup is offered in the Antalya region, but the meeting instructions deserve close attention. You are asked to wait at the main entrance gate of your hotel, not at the reception desk, because many hotels have strict access rules.

The stated meeting point is McDonald’s AntalyaBarbaros on Atatürk Cd. If you are not using hotel pickup, confirm whether you should go there and where the day ends. There has been confusion over return arrangements, including a drop-off at a bus station or another point rather than directly at a hotel. I would settle this before departure, especially if you are traveling without a car or do not speak Turkish.

The ride is in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. That matters here. The route is long, and air conditioning turns the first and final three-hour stretches into rest time rather than a test of endurance. Still, breakfast is not included, so bring something to eat or arrange it in advance.

Myra’s tombs and ancient theater

Myra Antik Kenti is the first major archaeological stop. You have about an hour here, and the entrance fee is not included in the tour price. Budget for that separately.

Myra is best known for its rock-cut Lycian tombs, carved into the cliff face above the ancient city. The tomb fronts are the sight that gives the stop its character. Even with limited time, look upward and study the carved details rather than rushing straight toward the theater.

The amphitheater adds a second layer to the visit. Its curved seating and broad stage area give you a clear sense of how public performances once worked. The ancient theater is also one of the more praised parts of the day, partly because it provides that classic old-arena feeling without needing a long walk through a huge site.

The guide is meant to explain the history and importance of Myra. With only one hour, you will not have time to explore every corner, so stay near the guide during the opening explanation. If you prefer to take photographs, save that for the final part of the stop.

Comfortable shoes are important. Ancient stone surfaces can be uneven, and the heat can build quickly. A hat, sun cream, sunglasses, and water are sensible choices, though drinks are not included.

Demre and the included lunch stop

Demre, also known as Kale, follows the Myra visit. The stop lasts about an hour and includes a lunch break at a local restaurant. Lunch is part of the tour price, which helps keep the $60 cost under control.

The meal is described as freshly prepared local food, but no fixed menu is provided. Drinks are not included, so bring extra money for them. This is a small point, but it matters on a hot day when you may want more than the drink supplied with lunch, if any is provided.

Lunch also gives you a pause between the archaeological visits and the boat ride. The timing can vary with traffic and the day’s conditions, but the basic plan places food before the return journey. Do not expect a long free period in Demre. This is a meal stop, not an open-ended town visit.

St. Nicholas Church and the Santa Claus story

The Church of St. Nicholas is one of the most meaningful stops for anyone interested in early Christianity or the origins of the Santa Claus tradition. The church now functions as a museum, and the tour guide explains how Saint Nicholas became connected with the figure known around the world as Santa Claus.

Inside, the main object of interest is a marble sarcophagus believed by many to be Saint Nicholas’s original tomb. The site offers a more personal connection to the saint than a general lecture about him would. You are looking at a specific place tied to his life and later memory.

The entrance fee is not included, so plan to pay separately. The visit lasts about an hour, but the quality of the stop depends heavily on how much explanation you receive. English descriptions have sometimes been limited, and you may find yourself needing to stay close to the guide or read the available information yourself.

That is worth knowing before you book. The church is important, but it may not feel fully explained if the group is spread out or the commentary is brief. If this stop matters most to you, ask questions while the guide is present rather than waiting until the group moves on.

Kekova’s sunken city from the water

The boat trip is the centerpiece of the day. After the road transfer, you reach a harbor and board a boat for about two hours. From the water, you look down toward the submerged ruins of Kekova, including the remains of old structures that disappeared beneath the sea.

This is a viewing trip rather than a shore excursion into the ruins. The boat gives you a good angle on the underwater remains, but you should not expect to walk through the sunken settlement. You may also not get time to explore Simena on foot, which is a drawback if you hoped for a village or castle visit.

The upper deck is available for sunbathing, while the surrounding water and quiet coastline provide a welcome change from the bus. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to make the most of the boat, along with sun cream, a hat, and sunglasses. A camera is useful, but protect it from spray and strong sunlight.

The boat commentary may be less detailed than the explanations at Myra. English descriptions have not always been strong during this section, so sitting near the guide can help. A basic sound system or music may be used, but the main attraction is the view below and the calm setting around you.

I would treat this as a scenic archaeology cruise, not a full guided exploration. The ruins are fascinating because you see them from an unusual angle, but the boat itself does not replace time on land. If you want a long swim, a quiet sunbathing session, or a close look at every structure, the group schedule may feel restrictive.

How much does the $60 price really cover?

At $60 per person, the tour includes several costly pieces: transport from Antalya and back, a guide, lunch, and the Kekova boat trip. For someone staying in Antalya, that is a fair package if you want to cover all three main sights without arranging separate buses, meals, and boat tickets.

The price looks less complete once you add the exclusions. Breakfast, drinks, and entrance fees are extra. Myra and St. Nicholas Church both list separate admission charges, so the final cost will be higher than the advertised amount.

Still, comparing the price with the distance is useful. You are paying for a long day of transport as well as the attractions. A private trip would offer more control, but this shared outing keeps the cost down. The group may contain up to 40 people, so you should expect a standard coach-style experience rather than personal attention at every stop.

The best value comes if you want convenience. You do not need to plan the route, find the harbor, arrange lunch, or book a separate Kekova boat. The weaker value comes if you dislike early starts, long road transfers, or group schedules.

The practical points that can shape your day

The tour requires only moderate physical fitness, but the heat is the bigger issue. Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, and carry sun protection. Swimsuits and towels are useful for the boat, even though the trip is primarily for viewing the ruins.

The tour is offered in English. No guide name is provided, so you cannot choose a particular guide in advance. The quality of the day may depend on how clearly the guide handles a group of up to 40 people, especially at the church and on the boat.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. For a normal cancellation, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund. Changes made inside that period are not accepted.

The return arrangements deserve one more warning. The planned finish is back at your hotel, but the stated meeting information also names a central meeting point, and drop-off instructions have caused confusion. Confirm the exact return location in writing before you set out.

Who should book this Antalya day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you have limited time in Antalya and want to see Myra, St. Nicholas Church, and Kekova without arranging several separate journeys. It is also a good fit if the idea of viewing an ancient city from a boat appeals to you more than spending a full day at one archaeological site.

Families with older children may like the changing pace: bus, ruins, lunch, church, and boat. The day is less suitable for very young children who struggle with early starts or long drives. It also may not suit anyone who needs a slow, flexible schedule.

History fans should enjoy Myra and the church, but you need realistic expectations about the commentary. If you want detailed archaeological interpretation at every stop, a smaller private tour may be a better choice. If you mainly want to see the major places and let someone else handle the transport, this shared tour makes sense.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priority is coverage and convenience. For $60, you get a lot in one day: long-distance transport, lunch, a guide, and the Kekova boat ride, with three distinctive sights included in the route.

Skip it if you dislike long bus rides, need a guaranteed hotel drop-off without further confirmation, or want extensive time at Simena, Myra, or the church. I would also set aside money for admission fees and drinks, arrive prepared for the heat, and confirm the pickup and return points before paying.

FAQ

How long does the Demre, Myra, Kekova, and St. Nicholas tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours, including the journey from Antalya and the return trip.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 7:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfer in both directions is included. You should wait at your hotel’s main entrance gate rather than at reception.

Can I meet the group at a central location?

The listed meeting point is McDonald’s AntalyaBarbaros, Atatürk Cd. No:38, Muratpaşa, Antalya. Confirm the exact meeting instructions before departure.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour price.

Are drinks and breakfast included?

No. Breakfast and drinks are not included.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are separate. The Myra and St. Nicholas Church visits both list admission as not included.

Is the Kekova boat trip included?

Yes. The boat trip to view the sunken city of Kekova is included.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The activity is offered in English.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, sunglasses, towel, sun cream, hat, comfortable shoes, and a camera. A moderate level of physical fitness is advised.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour can have a maximum of 40 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.