Antalya: Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip w/ Lunch

If you want a day that mixes ancient Lycian sites with one of Turkey’s most photogenic boat experiences, this Demre, Myra & Kekova outing hits the sweet spot. You start inland at Myra, then shift to sea time with the sunken city sights around Kekova, plus snorkeling in the clear water.

I especially like two parts: the combination of Myra’s rock-cut tombs and amphitheater, and the chance to see the underwater ruins of Simena from the boat before you get time to swim and snorkel. It is a strong one-two punch of land history and coastal scenery.

One drawback to plan around: it is an early start with a long drive for people based in the Antalya area, and that can feel like a lot if you are traveling with kids.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Myra on the River Myros: Greek amphitheater plus Lycian necropolis tombs
• Kekova sunken city sailing: views of the underwater ruins tied to Simena
• Swim and snorkel time in clear waters around Kekova Island
• Teimiussa necropolis visit after the boat portion
• St Nicholas in Kale (Demre) at the end of the day, with entry not included
• Guide-led pacing with lunch served before you head out on the water

Early pickup and the long drive to Demre

This is a full-day tour, built around a simple idea: go inland first for the major Lycian stops, then use the rest of the day for Kekova and its coastline. You are picked up from your accommodation in Antalya Province areas including Antalya, Belek, and Kemer, depending on where you stay. For some hotels around Antalya itself, the road time can feel substantial, so plan your morning like it matters.

Expect a 9 to 10 hour day. Starting times vary by availability, so check what departure window you get. If you are close to the pickup zone like Belek or Kemer, the experience tends to feel more relaxed. If you are staying in the center of Antalya, the trip can mean an early alarm and a long sit in the bus before you even reach Myra.

Practical tip: get something in your stomach before pickup if you can, because lunch happens before the boat portion, not right at the end. And yes, bring sunscreen and stay hydrated, because the day can run hot even when you start early.

Myra: Greek amphitheater and rock-cut Lycian tombs

Your first big destination is Myra, on the banks of the River Myros. This is the kind of stop that works well even if you are not a hardcore archaeology fan, because the site is visually dramatic. You get a Greek amphitheater experience first, then you move into the Lycian necropolis area with rock-cut tombs.

What makes Myra special for a day tour is how quickly it gives you context. The amphitheater helps you picture the public life of the ancient town, then the necropolis tombs shift the focus to how the Lycians treated memory and status. You are not just passing by, you are getting guided time in the areas that matter.

Also, entrance fees to Myra are included, which keeps the day smoother. You do not have to think about ticket booths when your guide is ready to move the group along.

If you are traveling with comfortable shoes and a willingness to climb a bit, this is a great “first stop.” If you do not love uneven stone, plan on moving slowly and taking breaks when you need them.

Lunch before the boat: simple fuel for Kekova waters

Before the sailing portion, the tour includes a complimentary lunch stop. It is timed so you eat before heading out over the water, which is exactly what you want for a boat day. Food here is practical rather than a highlight.

From what I have seen emphasized by people who took the trip, lunch tends to be basic. Some say it is fine for the day, others wish the restaurant felt cleaner or more satisfying. Either way, it is there to keep you going, not to replace a proper sit-down meal.

My advice: treat lunch as fuel and consider bringing a small snack if you know you get hungry. Also, do not overdo heavy foods right before the boat. Salt air and a moving vessel can make a full meal feel less comfortable.

The Kekova sunken city cruise and Simena underwater ruins

Now for the part most people book for: the boat trip to Kekova. You sail over the turquoise coast toward the area of the sunken city of Simena, and you spend time on the water looking at extraordinary underwater ruins.

From a practical standpoint, this cruise is the best use of time in the itinerary. You get views without needing scuba gear or special equipment. You are seeing the ruins as they are visible from the boat, and that is a huge value add when you want the wow factor without extra costs.

This is also where the scenery starts to take over. The coastline around Kekova looks like it belongs on a postcard, but the real point is that you get to connect the “story” of the ruins to the geography. When you are sitting on the water and looking at the submerged remains, it makes the history feel physical.

If you are sensitive to motion, you might still want to plan ahead. The tour includes the boat experience as a core feature, so you will be spending time on deck.

Teimiussa necropolis visit after sailing

After the boat portion, you visit the Lycian necropolis of Teimiussa. This stop matters because it balances what the cruise gives you. The boat shows you the dramatic effect of the sea on old stone, while Teimiussa brings you back to the land-side burial landscape.

Necropolis sites can feel like the same kind of view if you have only seen one or two, but Teimiussa is positioned as part of the wider Demre and Kekova theme. It keeps you in the Lycian world right when you might otherwise shift fully into swim mode.

You also get a reminder that St Nicholas is not the only draw in this region. Myra and its surroundings sit at the overlap of Greek and Lycian heritage, and the itinerary uses that overlap well.

If you enjoy photos, take a few during the travel breaks and then focus on the tomb shapes and carved details while you are there. That is what turns a quick glance into a memory.

Snorkeling and swimming time around Kekova Island

One of the most valuable parts of the day is the chance to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Kekova. This is not just a quick stop for a dip. You get time in the water, so you can decide how long you want to snorkel and whether you just want to float and swim.

This is exactly the kind of included activity that makes the tour feel like a deal. Many tours show you a destination from the boat and call it a day. Here, the day is structured so you get actual water time.

Bring sensible expectations: you are snorkeling in open water, so you still need to move calmly and watch your footing when you get in and out. But if the water is clear, you will understand why people keep recommending Kekova.

Also, since drinks are not included, you will want to think about hydration. If you sweat during the snorkel or feel overheated after, it helps to have water on hand.

Kale (Demre) and St Nicholas Church at the end of the tour

The day ends back on land in the small town of Kale (Demre). The itinerary includes a visit to the church of St Nicholas, which is a major religious and cultural landmark in this region.

Here is a key detail for your planning: St Nicholas Church is not included. That means you may need to pay entry separately when you arrive. On the other hand, entrance fees to Demre are included in the package, so you will not be starting from zero once you get to the area.

This ending works because it gives you a payoff after the water and tombs. If you are curious about how St Nicholas became a well-known figure in Christian tradition, this is the kind of place that makes the name feel grounded, not abstract.

If you are short on energy at the end of the day, this final stop might be more about the sense of place. Still, it is worth taking your time for a quick look before heading back.

Price and value: is $78 worth it?

At around $78 per person, this tour can feel like good value if you want a packed day with multiple paid components handled for you. The price includes:

• a live guide
• lunch
• entrance fees to Myra and Demre
• the boat trip to Kekova

That combo matters. You are not just paying for transportation and a single site. You are paying for guided time in several locations plus the boat experience, and entrance fees are covered for the main stops. Drinks are not included, so budget a little extra if you plan to buy beverages during breaks.

Where the value can slip is if you are expecting a top-tier lunch or a perfect restaurant stop. Lunch is widely treated as basic, and some people wish it were better. Still, it does the job of keeping you fed before boat time.

Big-picture, I think the value is strongest if you:

• want a full-day program without having to arrange separate tickets and transport
• enjoy both history stops and an actual water experience
• like guided pacing so you do not waste time figuring out what to see first

Who this Demre, Myra and Kekova trip fits best

This itinerary is a strong match for adults and older kids who can handle a full day and an early start. If you enjoy ancient sites, Myra’s amphitheater and tombs will keep you interested. If you are more about sea views, the Kekova cruise and the snorkeling time are the anchors of the day.

If you are traveling with children, I would weigh the long drive carefully. The early start plus road time from the Antalya area can be tough, so this might work better if your pickup location is closer to Belek or Kemer.

This also fits well if you like getting a lot done in one day, but you still want an experience that feels real. The tour does not only point you at ruins, it gives you movement, scenery, and time to get in the water.

Booking this tour: my practical yes or no

I would book this tour if you want a structured day that ties together Myra, Kekova, and Demre without the stress of planning. The boat portion to Kekova and the chance to snorkel are the main reasons to choose it, and the inclusion of entrance fees makes the overall cost feel more predictable.

I would think twice if you cannot handle an early morning and long driving time, or if you dislike crowded bus days and prefer to explore at your own pace. Also consider that lunch is not the star, so come hungry but expect basic rather than special.

If you are ready for a full, active day and you want both history and water, this is a solid way to experience the Turkish Riviera coast around Kekova.

FAQ

What does the tour include?

It includes a guide, lunch, entrance fees to Myra and Demre, and a boat trip to the sunken city of Kekova.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

How long is the day trip?

It lasts 9 to 10 hours, depending on the starting time available.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is available from hotels in Antalya, Belek, and Kemer. Pickup from Belek is specifically noted.

Does the tour include St Nicholas Church?

The visit is included, but St Nicholas Church itself is not included, so entry may require a separate payment.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Russian.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes. It also helps to bring sunscreen and water for hydration, especially with an early start and time outdoors.