Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour from Kemer

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast, you’ll likely want a mix of history, scenery, and unique experiences. This Sunken City Kekova, Demre, and Myra tour offers just that. It’s a well-reviewed full-day adventure that takes you from the comfort of your hotel in Kemer to some of the most iconic sites in the region.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the blend of boat and land explorations, allowing you to see history from multiple angles, and the inclusion of local cuisine during lunch. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the boat trip might be short and not as immersive as some might hope, especially if you’re excited to see more of the sunken city.

This tour is ideal if you’re interested in historical sites, scenic boat rides, and getting a taste of local culture. It’s especially suited for those who don’t mind a full day on the move and appreciate guided insights into Turkey’s ancient past. If you enjoy learning while exploring, this experience could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary of boat, land, and cultural sites
• Value for money with lunch, transfers, and entrance fees included
• Knowledgeable guides with positive reviews about their friendliness and expertise
• Small group feel with a maximum of 35 travelers
• Opportunity for swimming (bring your gear), though it’s not heavily advertised
• Long but manageable day, with some reviews noting the trip can be lengthy depending on your pickup location

An Honest Look at the Experience

When considering a full-day tour like this, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for. We’re talking about roughly a 9-hour trip that covers some of Turkey’s most intriguing historical sites—perfect if you love history, scenery, and a bit of adventure.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Rock Tombs of Myra

We start our day exploring the ancient city of Myra, famous for its rock-cut tombs. As you walk among these centuries-old structures, you get a real sense of the past. From the reviews, travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides who share stories about the tombs and the Lycian civilization. One reviewer mentions, “Our guide was very skilled and I learned a lot about the history of the places,” which highlights how much you can gain from expert commentary.

While entrance fees to Myra aren’t included, the site itself is impressive, with its hillside tombs carved directly into the cliffs. It’s a major highlight for history buffs and anyone looking to connect with Turkey’s ancient peoples. Be prepared for a fair bit of walking and some uneven terrain—good sneakers are a must.

Stop 2: Kekova Island and the Sunken City

After Myra, it’s time for the boat ride to Kekova Island. The highlight here is the glass-bottom boat cruise that reveals the remnants of the sunken Lycian city beneath the water. The boat trip lasts around two hours, and many reviews praise it as “beautiful” and “amazing,” with some lucky travelers spotting turtles or other marine life. One review mentions, “We actually saw turtles in the harbor—it was very unexpected,” which adds a fun element to the trip.

However, some travelers have noted that the visible part of the sunken city is quite small and not as extensive as they imagined. One reviewer said, “There’s not much to see of the sunken city,” so if you’re hoping to explore a large underwater archaeological site, you might find this part less impressive than expected. Still, the boat ride offers fantastic views and a relaxing atmosphere, especially if you enjoy being on the water.

Note: If you want to take advantage of the opportunity to swim, bring your swimwear. Some reviews mention that swimming is possible off the boat, and it’s a peaceful way to cool off amid the day’s sightseeing.

Stop 3: Demre and the Church of Saint Nicholas

Next, you visit Demre, home to the church of Saint Nicholas, the real-life inspiration for Santa Claus. Entrance fees here are also not included, and some reviews note that the church visit involves an extra charge. Whether you decide to explore the interior depends on your interest—many find the church’s history fascinating and worth the small extra fee.

In Demre, you also get a chance to wander around and soak in the local vibe, perhaps stopping at a café for a cold Ayran or some local treats. The reviews reflect that the site is quite beautiful, and the guide helps bring the stories to life, making the visit engaging.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price of $56.89 per person offers good value considering lunch, hotel transfers, and entrance fees (for Myra and Demre) are all included. The lunch is generally praised as delicious, giving you a chance to enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine after a busy morning.

However, some extras like entrance fees to St. Nicholas Church and drinks are not included, so plan for a bit of extra cash if you want to visit the church or buy beverages during the day.

Transportation and Group Size

Most travelers are picked up from their hotels in Kemer, with punctuality praised in reviews. The coach ride from Kemer to Demre takes about two hours and is described as comfortable enough, with some reviews mentioning the coach has air conditioning. The group size is usually around 10-20 people, which is small enough to feel personal but large enough to meet fellow travelers.

The Guide and Overall Organisation

Reviewers consistently highlight the guides as friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging. One reviewer says, “Alp was very skilled and kind, sharing a lot of interesting facts,” which shows how good guides can enhance the experience. On the flip side, a few reviews point out the need for better descriptions of timings and a clearer outline of what to bring, especially if you want to swim or visit extra sites.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Well-organized with hotel pickup and drop-off
• A nice mix of history, scenery, and leisure
• Guides who are friendly and informative
• Opportunity to see turtles and potentially swim
• Good value considering the inclusions

Cons:

• The boat trip may be shorter and less immersive than some expect
• The day can feel long, especially if you’re not used to full-day excursions
• Some extra costs (church entrance, drinks) are not included in the base price
• The boat isn’t the newest, and the advertised transparent floors aren’t guaranteed

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day of exploring historic sites and enjoying scenic boat rides without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and transfers. It’s ideal for history enthusiasts, families with older children, or anyone who appreciates a guided experience that covers the main highlights of the Kekova region.

If you’re looking for a relaxed day with opportunities to swim and take in beautiful views, this trip offers that too—just remember to bring your swim gear and sunscreen. If you’re after a more in-depth or extensive underwater exploration, you might want to look for a dedicated diving or diving-adjacent tour.

The Sum Up

This full-day Kekova, Myra, and Demre tour offers a solid way to get acquainted with Turkey’s historic treasures while enjoying a scenic boat ride. The combination of expert guides, good logistics, and included meals makes it appealing for those who want to make the most of their day without too much hassle.

The experience strikes a nice balance between sightseeing and leisure, with enough flexibility to make it enjoyable for most travelers. It’s especially suited for those curious about Turkey’s past, lovers of scenic boat trips, or families looking for a well-organized day out.

While some might find the boat trip a bit brief or wish for more archaeological exploration underwater, most reviews confirm the tour’s overall value and enjoyable pace. Just be prepared for a full day, and consider bringing extra cash for optional extras.

If you’re after a laid-back, informative, and scenic day on the coast, this could be just the trip to check off your Turkey bucket list.

FAQs About the Tour

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, most travelers are picked up and dropped off at their hotels in Kemer, making logistics simple.

How long does the entire tour last?
The trip lasts approximately 9 hours, giving you plenty of time to see all the sites without feeling rushed.

Are entrance fees included?
Entrance fees to Myra and Demre are covered, but fees for St. Nicholas Church and drinks are extra.

Can I swim during the boat trip?
Yes, some reviews mention opportunities to swim off the boat, so bring your swim gear if you’d like to cool off.

What is the group size?
The tour generally has no more than 35 travelers, with some reviews mentioning groups of around 10-20 people.

Is the boat comfortable?
Most reviews find the boat comfortable, though it isn’t the newest vessel, and the transparent floor feature isn’t guaranteed.

What language are the guides?
Guides often operate in multiple languages, including English, with many travelers praising their knowledge and friendliness.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially for older children, as the tour involves walking and boat trips that are manageable for most.

How should I prepare?
Bring sunscreen, hats, comfortable shoes, and swimwear if you plan to swim. Also, carry some cash for optional extras.

How do I book?
You can reserve the tour online in advance, typically about 23 days ahead, to secure your spot.

This is a well-rounded day that offers a good mix of history, scenic views, and local flavor. It’s a solid choice for travelers looking to tick off Turkey’s highlights without overcomplicating their itinerary.