Kekova Boat Tour (myra St.nicholas Church)

Exploring the Kekova Boat Tour: An Honest Look at What You Can Expect

If you’re considering a day trip to explore the coastal treasures near Antalya, the Kekova boat tour might catch your eye. It offers a chance to cruise along shimmering waters, visit historic sites like the Church of St. Nicholas, and enjoy some refreshing swimming in a picturesque bay. While it’s a popular choice, it’s worth knowing what’s truly included and what you might want to keep in mind before booking.

What we love about this tour is the scenic boat cruise, which promises beautiful views of Kekova Island, and the opportunity to swim at Burç Bay, a relaxing half-hour break in the water. Also, the visit to historical sites like Myra and the Lycian rock tombs adds a cultural touch to the day. However, a potential drawback is that the tour doesn’t quite match some travelers’ expectations around timing and group size, which can affect the overall experience.

This tour could be a good fit if you’re after a mix of scenery, light adventure, and history, especially if you enjoy boat trips and don’t mind a busy schedule. It’s suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive day out without too much fuss, but it’s advisable to go in with realistic expectations about the pace and the number of fellow travelers.

Key Points

• Cruise along stunning waters with stops at Kekova Island and Simena village.
• Includes visits to Myra Antik Kenti and the Church of St. Nicholas, offering cultural and historical insights.
• Swim and relax for about half an hour at Burç Bay on the way back.
• Enjoy a included lunch in Demre, with all fees and taxes covered.
• Group size is limited to 15, promoting a more intimate experience.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

What to Expect from the Kekova Boat Tour

We’ll start with the basics: this is a full-day adventure, roughly 8 to 10 hours long, which takes you from Antalya to some of the most notable sights in the region. The tour is operated by White Wolf Travel, and it’s designed to give you a blend of scenic cruising, historical exploration, and relaxing swim stops.

The journey begins at Üçaz port, where you’ll board a boat to start your cruise. The boat itself is a traditional wooden vessel, capable of accommodating around 30 to 40 people, which means it’s not an overly crowded experience but still lively enough to feel social. The boat’s capacity is important to note since larger groups can sometimes influence the vibe and the level of personal attention from the guide.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Myra Antik Kenti

Your day kicks off with a visit to the ancient city of Myra, where you’ll have about an hour to explore archaeological remains. Among the highlights are the well-preserved Lycian rock tombs and the Roman theater, which give a tangible sense of the area’s long history. Entrance is included, so you just need to enjoy the walk and absorb the ancient atmosphere.

From reviews, we know that the inclusion of Myra is appreciated, as it provides a meaningful glimpse into the past. If history appeals to you, this stop offers a chance to walk among ruins and imagine how life once was.

Stop 2: Church of St. Nicholas

Next, the tour takes you to the famous Church of Nicholas, where the real St. Nicholas—later Santa Claus—once served as bishop. This site is a highlight for many, especially those interested in religious history or just curious about the origins of Santa. The visit lasts about an hour, giving you enough time to see the church and learn some of its stories.

One reviewer mentioned that the guide shared interesting facts about Turkey’s history and regulations, which added to the experience. Keep in mind that entrance to the church isn’t included in the tour, so you’ll need to pay at the site if you want to go inside.

Stop 3: Kekova Island and Wreck City

The centerpiece of the trip is the boat cruise around Kekova Island, famous for its partially submerged ruins and the wreck city beneath the water. The boat ride lasts around two hours, offering plenty of chances to appreciate the scenery, snap photos, and perhaps even spot some marine life.

The trip highlights the unique landscape of the area, with calm waters, limestone formations, and the famous sunken ruins. This segment is often cited as the most memorable part of the day, especially for those who enjoy scenic boat rides or underwater history.

Swim Break at Burç Bay

On the way back, you’ll stop at Burç Bay for approximately half an hour. This is your chance to unwind, paddle, or just float around in the water. Several reviews note that this is a relaxing part of the tour, though some felt the timing and the quality of the swim could be better managed. Still, it’s a nice way to cool off after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Lunch and Additional Details

After the boat trip, the tour continues with a tasty lunch in Demre, included in the price. This is a solid feature, especially considering the overall cost, as it provides a convenient way to refuel without extra expenses.

All fees and taxes are covered, and transportation to and from your accommodation is arranged, making it fairly hassle-free. However, bottled water and other drinks are not included, so if staying hydrated is important to you, plan to bring some.

What’s the Experience Like?

We understand that some travelers’ experiences vary. For example, one person mentioned that the tour was misrepresented—they expected more swimming time and a smaller group but found the reality different. The boat can hold up to 40 people, and the times are somewhat fixed, which may not suit everyone’s pace.

On the positive side, another traveler appreciated the smooth pickup process and the guide’s interesting commentary, which made the day engaging. It’s worth noting that the guide’s knowledge can add value, especially when exploring historical sites like Myra and the church.

While the boat itself is a traditional wooden vessel, the experience is more about the scenic cruise and historical stops rather than exclusivity or luxury. If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate adventure, this might not be the perfect fit, but if you’re happy to share the experience with a small group and enjoy a mix of sights and water-based relaxation, it can be quite rewarding.

Pricing and Value

At around $95.78 per person, the price covers quite a bit: transport, lunch, entrance fees, and a full day’s worth of activities. Considering that you’re visiting multiple sites and spending several hours on the water, it’s a fair deal for travelers who want an all-in-one experience.

However, it’s important to keep expectations realistic. The tour is not a private or luxury cruise—think more on the casual, group tour side. If your priority is a laid-back day with beautiful scenery and some cultural exposure, you’ll likely find it worthwhile.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This tour is a good choice if you enjoy mixed activities: a bit of history, a scenic boat cruise, and some swimming. It’s suited for travelers who like the idea of covering multiple highlights in one day without the hassle of organizing each stop separately.

It’s not ideal if you’re expecting a very personalized experience or if your priority is a quiet, secluded trip. The group size is limited to 15, which is nice for a small group, but the boats themselves can still get crowded.

If you’re traveling with a flexible mindset, interested in history, and enjoy light outdoor activities, this tour can be quite satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to and from my hotel included?
Yes, pickup is offered, and transportation is included in the tour price, making logistics easier.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 to 10 hours, giving you a full day of activities and sightseeing.

Do I need to buy additional tickets for sites like Myra or the Church of Nicholas?
Admission tickets for these sites are included in the tour fee, but the Church of Nicholas may require an additional fee if you want to go inside.

What should I bring for the swim at Burç Bay?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and possibly some water shoes if you prefer, but note that the boat is a traditional wooden vessel, so water shoes aren’t necessary.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the tour’s nature—scenic, educational, and with swimming—can suit families with older children comfortable with boat rides and walking tours.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, which helps keep the experience more intimate and manageable.

How flexible is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, and if weather conditions cancel the trip, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Kekova boat tour offers a snapshot of Turkey’s coastal beauty and ancient history in one manageable package. It’s a good pick if you want a full day of sightseeing without the complications of organizing multiple excursions yourself. While it might not be perfect for everyone—especially those seeking a more exclusive or relaxed experience—it strikes a nice balance between adventure and cultural discovery.

If you’re looking for a tour that combines scenic water views with some historical highlights, and you’re comfortable with a lively group and a structured schedule, this trip can add a memorable chapter to your Antalya visit. Just go in with clear expectations about the size and pace, and you’ll likely come away with some great photos and stories to share.

Feel free to weigh the pros and cons, and consider what kind of experience you’re after. Whatever you choose, Antalya’s beautiful coast and ancient sites won’t disappoint.