Antalya: Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Guided Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey’s stunning Antalya region and want a taste of ancient history mixed with a scenic boat trip, this Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City tour might catch your eye. While it’s not a perfect experience, it offers a solid way to see some of the most beautiful and historically interesting sites along the Turkish Riviera in one day.

What we like about this tour is how it combines rich history—like the Lycian necropolis of Myra—and spectacular scenery on the boat to Kekova, with opportunities to snorkel and explore underwater ruins. Plus, the guided commentary and included lunch make it a convenient package to see multiple highlights without too much hassle.

That said, there are some potential downsides. Reviews point out that the trip can be quite long, especially the travel time, and not everyone was happy with the transportation or the guide’s conduct. It’s a tour that suits those who enjoy a full day of sightseeing and don’t mind some extra hours on the road. If you’re after a relaxed, leisurely experience, it might not be your top pick — but if you’re eager to tick off some key sites, this tour covers a lot.

This experience is best for travelers who want a structured day with guided insights and are okay with a busy schedule. It’s especially suitable for those interested in history, scenic boat trips, and snorkeling.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines historical site visits, boat trip, and snorkeling in a full day.
• Great Value for Money: At $65, it includes a guide, lunch, and transportation.
• Long Day: Expect around 9-10 hours, including travel time from your hotel.
• Mixed Reviews on Comfort & Guide: Some travelers loved the guide and scenery, others found transportation and commentary less enjoyable.
• Ideal for History & Scenery Lovers: Suitable for those eager to see Myra’s ruins and Kekova’s sunken city.
• Not Perfect for Relaxation: The duration and travel might be tiring, especially for families or those with limited stamina.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Looks Like

This tour is quite comprehensive, covering a range of historical, scenic, and recreational activities. After pick-up from your hotel — whether in Antalya, Belek, Kemer, Side, or nearby — you’ll be transported to the ancient town of Myra. This Lycia city is rich in history, with its Greek amphitheater and rock-cut tombs. The visit here is pretty engaging, especially if you’re into archaeology or ancient civilizations.

You’ll then enjoy a complimentary lunch, offering a break from the sightseeing and a chance to fuel up before the boat trip. The boat takes you over Turquoise waters to Kekova Island, famous for its underwater ruins of the sunken city of Simena. This is definitely the highlight for many — a chance to snorkel and explore underwater remains, which creates a unique blend of history and adventure.

Finally, the tour ends back in Demre with a visit to the church of St. Nicholas, where you can learn about the history of Santa Claus’s hometown. The return trip completes a hefty day filled with varied experiences.

The Historical Stops: Myra and Demre

Our favorite part of the tour is the stop at Myra, which offers a real sense of stepping into history. We loved the Lycia necropolis, with its rock-cut tombs that seem to cling to the hillside. The ancient Greek amphitheater is still pretty impressive, although it’s not huge. This site provides good photo opportunities and a sense of what life was like centuries ago.

The final stop in Demre is the church of St. Nicholas, which many travelers find charming and meaningful. It’s a quick visit but adds a cultural layer to the trip, especially for those interested in the origins of Santa Claus.

Some reviews mention that the guide’s commentary was lively and humorous, making the sites more engaging. Others, however, noted that the guide could be overly talkative with personal opinions, which might not appeal to everyone.

The Boat & Snorkeling Experience

The boat trip to Kekova is often considered the most exciting part. The waters here are incredibly clear, making it ideal for snorkeling. You’ll get the chance to see underwater ruins like no other. The boat itself is comfortable enough, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the scenery.

A few reviews highlight that snorkeling was not always guaranteed — some travelers felt it was not as free-form as they’d hoped, perhaps due to timing or weather. Still, the boat ride offers fantastic views of the coast and the opportunity to capture some great photos of the sunken city.

The sunken city of Simena is a fascinating site, where you can observe the remains of ancient walls and structures just beneath the surface, giving a real sense of history preserved under water.

Transportation & Duration

This is where some travelers hit snags. The tour duration is advertised as 9-10 hours, but many reviews mention that the travel time from Antalya or other pickup points can stretch to over 12-15 hours. For some, this long day was tiring, especially if they weren’t prepared for the hours on a bus or boat.

Transportation quality also varied. While the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, some reviewers felt the vans were cramped or uncomfortable — particularly for taller travelers. The early start can also be a challenge if you’re not a morning person.

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Food & Cost Considerations

The included lunch is a nice touch, with many travelers describing it as tasty and filling. However, once the day extends beyond 9 hours, some felt that dinner should be included or at least offered, especially for those with dietary restrictions or low blood sugar. The entry fee of 30 (unspecified what it covers) is extra, so budget accordingly if you want full access to sites.

Guide & Overall Experience

Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and humor, making the day more enjoyable. Others, however, report that the guide’s personal opinions and lengthy commentary could be a bit much, especially if you’re looking for a straightforward, fact-focused tour.

The overall experience is good value, especially for the price of $65, considering it includes transportation, guide, lunch, and the boat trip. The scenery, historical sites, and underwater ruins offer enough variety to keep most engaged.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves history and scenic boat trips, this tour ticks a lot of boxes. It’s best suited for adventurous travelers comfortable with a long day on the go. Those interested in Snorkeling or underwater ruins will find it particularly appealing.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility issues, this might not be the best fit. The long hours and potential discomfort with transportation are important factors to consider.

Final Thoughts

In the end, this Antalya Demre, Myra & Kekova tour offers a well-rounded day full of history, scenic views, and underwater exploration. It’s a good option for travelers wanting to see a diverse part of Turkey’s coast without organizing each stop independently.

While it’s not without its flaws — mainly the long hours and variable comfort — the inclusion of guides, lunch, and snorkeling makes it a generally good value. Just be prepared for a busy day, and consider your own pacing and interests.

For those eager to see ancient Lycian cities, snorkel in crystal waters, and enjoy scenic boat rides, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially suited for history buffs and adventure seekers who want a guided experience that covers a lot of ground in one day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from all hotels in Antalya, Belek, and Kemer, making it convenient to start the day without extra hassle.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts around 9 to 10 hours, but actual travel times can extend longer depending on pickup points and traffic, with some reviews mentioning days lasting over 12 hours.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking around ancient sites and on the boat. Also, consider bringing sunscreen, a hat, and your snorkeling gear if you have your own.

Are meals included?
Yes, a complimentary lunch is provided, but other meals like dinner are not included. Some travelers felt that dinner should be added, especially for the long day.

What is the snorkel experience like?
Snorkeling is available around Kekova, known for its clear waters and underwater ruins. However, availability may depend on weather conditions and timing.

Are the sites suitable for children?
The tour involves a lot of walking and long travel hours, so it might be tiring for younger children. If your kids enjoy history and boat trips, they could find it fun, but be mindful of the long day.

This tour offers a combination of history, adventure, and scenic beauty, making it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a full, guided day on Turkey’s coast. Just keep in mind the length and comfort aspects, and you’ll have a memorable experience exploring some of the region’s most captivating sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: