From Kalkan: Private Tour to Demre, Myra and Kekova Island

If you’re planning a visit to Turkey’s Antalya Province and want to see some of the most striking sights along the coast, this private tour from Kalkan to Demre, Myra, and Kekova Island might catch your eye. It’s a full-day experience that promises a blend of stunning scenery, fascinating history, and relaxing boat rides. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on the details we’ve gathered, it seems like an excellent way to get a comprehensive taste of this region’s highlights in one go.

What we love about this experience is the combination of land and sea – a boat cruise through the Sunken City and stops at inviting bays for swimming and snorkeling. Plus, the chance to explore historical sites like Myra’s rock-cut tombs and St. Nicholas Church adds a cultural layer that makes the trip more meaningful.

On the flip side, the price per person is around $687, which is on the higher side, especially for travelers on a tighter budget. While the inclusion of lunch, snorkeling gear, and door-to-door transfers adds value, it’s worth considering whether the full itinerary fits your pace and interests. This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a luxurious, all-in-one day experience with a focus on natural beauty and history.

Key Points

• All-day private experience with flexible, personalized attention
• Boat ride through Kekova’s Sunken City for excellent photo opportunities
• Historical visits to Myra, St. Nicholas Church, and Lycian Civilizations Museum
• Multiple swimming and snorkeling stops at scenic bays
• Includes lunch and snorkeling gear, but additional fees and personal items are extra
• Ideal for those who enjoy a mix of history, scenery, and leisure in one trip

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-depth Look at the Tour Experience

This private tour from Kalkan offers a thoughtfully curated way to explore some of Turkey’s most captivating coastal sights and ancient ruins. From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel, it feels like a personalized journey. The transport is smooth, with a one-hour van ride that gets you from Kalkan to Andriake Harbour, offering scenic views along the way. The tour then transitions seamlessly into a boat cruise, which is a real highlight—especially the visit to Kekova’s Sunken City.

The Boat Cruise & Kekova Sunken City

Once on the boat, you’ll cruise around the Sunken City, which is famous for its submerged ruins that tell stories of a once-thriving settlement. The boat passes by this fascinating site for around 20 minutes, giving plenty of opportunity for photos and to get a sense of the area’s history. Travelers who love unique landscapes and coastal panoramas tend to find this part particularly memorable.

Afterward, the boat anchors at several bays for swimming and snorkeling, including Esmaralda Koyu, Gökkaya Bay, and a “hidden gem” spot. These stops seem ideal for cooling off, enjoying the warm Mediterranean waters, and soaking in gorgeous views. The inclusion of snorkeling gear is a nice touch, making it easier to explore marine life. As one review mentioned, “You’ll love the views and the opportunity to swim in clear, inviting waters.”

Visiting Simena Castle and Other Coastal Spots

The tour includes a photo stop at Simena Castle—a medieval fortress perched above the bay. You get about an hour here for sightseeing and self-guided exploration. The castle offers panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding islands, making it a photogenic spot that’s worth the visit.

Next, the boat makes a quick pass by Pirates Cave, a famous photo spot on the coast, and Karemlik Bay, where marine life viewing is possible. These stops add a bit of variety to the day and let you enjoy the natural beauty from different angles.

Land Adventures: Myra, St. Nicholas, and the Museum of Lycian Civilizations

After lunch and a brief break at Andriake Harbour, the tour shifts to land-based explorations. You’ll visit the Lycian Civilizations Museum, which is a good chance to learn more about the area’s ancient cultures. The museum’s self-guided tour lasts about 30 minutes, offering a concise but enriching insight into Lycian history.

Next, you get to see St. Nicholas Church—the site where the real Saint Nicholas (the inspiration behind Santa Claus) is believed to have been bishop. It’s a quick visit, but if you’re interested in religious and historical sites, it’s a meaningful stop.

Finally, the highlight for many is the Myra Ruins—an ancient city with impressive rock-cut tombs and an amphitheater. The ruins provide a tangible connection to the past, and the panoramic views from here are quite striking. One traveler noted, “The rock tombs are fascinating; you can almost feel the history beneath your feet.”

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Duration and Pacing

This tour spans roughly 11 hours, which means a pretty full day. The itinerary is packed, with only short breaks, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of activity and relaxation, without expecting much downtime. The timing is flexible, but check availability to see the start times that work for you.

Practical Details and Cost

At $687 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience, including hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and snorkeling gear**—which adds to its value considering the full day of activities. However, you’ll need to cover additional expenses like entrance fees for certain sites, and you might want to bring your own beach towel or extra snacks if you’re particularly hungry or prefer specific drinks.

The group is private, which means more personalized attention, and the host speaks English, making communication smooth. Cancelation is flexible—up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—which offers some peace of mind if your plans change.

What the Reviews Say

The only review we found was a straightforward “Good” from Shakir, but it hints that the experience meets expectations without being overhyped. Travelers seem to appreciate the stunning views and the opportunity to explore both natural and historic highlights in one day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal if you’re after a luxurious, all-in-one day with a private guide, especially if you enjoy boating, swimming, and historical sites in one go. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the Sunken City and the Myra ruins without the hassle of organizing separate excursions.

If you’re into history, stunning scenery, and don’t mind a full day of activities, this will suit you well. However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer more relaxed, less structured days, it might feel like a long day packed with too much.

Final Thoughts

This private tour from Kalkan offers a balanced mix of adventure, history, and leisure, all wrapped into one day. The boat cruise through Kekova’s famous Sunken City is a standout feature, offering truly eye-catching views and fun swimming stops. The land visits to Myra and St. Nicholas add cultural depth, making the day well-rounded.

The experience is best suited for those who want a comfortable, guided exploration that takes care of all logistics, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery. It’s a pricier option, but for the convenience and variety it provides, many travelers find it worth the investment.

If you’re eager to tick off key sights with a guide who handles the details, this tour could be just the thing. Just be ready for a full day—and don’t forget your sunscreen and towel!

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
It can be, especially if your family enjoys boat trips and outdoor activities. Keep in mind the full day’s length and the need for comfortable clothing and sunscreen.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a towel, and possibly some extra snacks or water. The tour includes snorkeling gear, but personal items are up to you.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, you’ll need to pay for archaeological site entrance fees separately, as they aren’t included. The tour covers transportation, lunch, and snorkeling gear.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

What is the duration of the boat cruise?
The boat cruise lasts about 20 minutes at the Sunken City and includes several stops for swimming and sightseeing, with additional time allocated for other activities.

How early should I book?
It’s best to reserve in advance to secure your preferred date and time, especially during peak seasons.

This private tour from Kalkan offers a thoughtfully planned way to see some of Turkey’s most photogenic and historically rich spots, all in one memorable day. It’s perfect if you enjoy a mix of scenic boat rides, archaeological exploration, and laid-back swimming stops.

You can check availability for your dates here: