Antalya: Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Guided Tour

Antalya: Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Guided Tour — A Deep Dive into the Turkish Riviera’s Hidden Gems

If you’re visiting the Antalya region and craving an authentic day of history, scenic boat rides, and unique underwater sights, this tour offers a compelling option. Priced at around $65 per person, you’ll spend a full day exploring Demre, Myra, and the famous Kekova Sunken City. Guided by knowledgeable locals, this trip is great for those eager to experience the blend of ancient ruins and sparkling waters that make this stretch of Turkey so special.

What we really appreciate about this tour are the two standout highlights: the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters near the sunken city, and the chance to wander through Myra’s ancient Lycian ruins, including the rock-cut tombs and amphitheater. Both offer unforgettable moments you can’t replicate through photos alone. Plus, the lunch included makes the day more relaxed, allowing you to focus on the sights without worrying about meals.

However, a possible downside is that the tour can feel quite long—some reviews mention a 15- to 16-hour day, with a significant amount of travel time. The transportation, especially the van, has drawn mixed reviews, with some travelers finding it cramped or uncomfortable. This may be a consideration if you prefer more spacious, comfortable rides or are traveling with young children.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy combining history, scenic boat rides, and underwater adventures, and who don’t mind early starts or long travel hours. If your focus is on authentic sites, engaging guides, and a well-rounded day on the Turkish Riviera, this tour offers a good balance of value and adventure.

Key Points

Historical sites: Visit ancient Myra and Lycian necropolises.
Unique experience: Sail over the sunken city of Kekova and snorkel in its turquoise waters.
All-in-one day trip: Combines cultural, archaeological, and natural attractions.
Guide quality: Many reviews praise knowledgeable guides with good humor.
Long day: Expect early pick-up and a lengthy journey, with some noting long bus rides.
Value for money: Includes lunch, hotel transfers, and a boat trip, making it a reasonably priced adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at What You Can Expect

Starting from your hotel in Antalya, Belek, Kemer, or nearby, the tour takes you on a scenic drive towards Demre. Expect a comfortable (though some say small) transfer, with pickup early in the morning, often around 5:30 am, which means you’ll need to be prepared for a long day.

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Visiting Myra

Your first stop is Myra, a site that’s more than just ruins—it’s a window into the Lycian civilization. The ancient Greek amphitheater is well-preserved, offering a glimpse of what entertainment and gatherings looked like thousands of years ago. The rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs are striking, with some travelers noting the quiet reverence of the site. One review mentions that the guide, “Alp,” was particularly entertaining and knowledgeable, making the history come alive.

The Lycian Necropolis at Teimiussa

Next, you’ll explore the necropolis at Teimiussa, a lesser-known yet fascinating part of the day. The tombs here are carved into the rocks and tell stories of the Lycian elite. Some reviews note the necropolis as a highlight, especially for those interested in ancient burial practices.

Lunch and the Boat Trip

A complimentary lunch is included, giving you a chance to rest and refuel before heading to the boat. The boat ride itself is a major part of the adventure, sailing over the waters where the sunken city of Kekova lies beneath. The boat trip offers stunning views, and you’ll have opportunities to snorkel and swim around the waters, seeing the submerged ruins of what was once a flourishing Lycian town.

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Kekova and Underwater Ruins

The highlight for many is the Kekova Sunken City. While some tours involve actually visiting the island, this trip emphasizes sailing by and snorkeling in its waters—an experience that’s both scenic and slightly mysterious. Reviewers mention the crystal-clear waters and how the underwater ruins are visible even without diving deep. One guest commented, “We loved the way the guide shared stories about the ruins; it made the experience more meaningful.”

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Final Stop in Demre

The day wraps up in Kale (Demre), where you can visit the Church of St. Nicholas, believed to be the original home of Santa Claus. The church is an attractive and meaningful site, especially for those interested in religious history or festive traditions.

Transportation and Duration

The transportation is a mixed bag based on reviews. While the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, some travelers felt the vans were too small for their long journeys, which can last over 3 hours each way. The total duration can extend beyond the expected nine hours, with some reviews mentioning up to 15 hours on the road. The boat trip itself is about 2 hours, and the site visits are relatively short but packed.

The Long Day

If you dislike early mornings and long bus rides, this might not be the best choice. However, if you’re eager to maximize your time exploring multiple sites, the long day can be justified by the variety of experiences packed into it.

The Value Proposition

For the price of around $65, this tour provides a lot of value. It bundles transportation, a guide, lunch, and a boat trip, saving you the hassle of organizing these activities independently. Many reviewers praise the knowledge and humor of guides, like Alp, which enhances the experience. The scenic boat ride and snorkeling make it especially memorable for those who love water-based adventures.

That said, the long hours and some discomfort in transportation are worth considering. If you’re a traveler who values rich sights over comfort, you might find the journey tiring but rewarding. For families or travelers with limited mobility, the lengthy travel might be less appealing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for history buffs, water lovers, and those eager to see diverse sights in one day. If you enjoy learning about ancient civilizations, exploring Lycia’s archaeological sites, and sailing in waters dotted with underwater ruins, you’ll probably enjoy this. Be prepared for a long day—early start, extended travel, and a lot of walking or standing.

If you’re traveling with kids, consider their patience for the long drive. Also, if comfort is a priority, you may want to inquire about vehicle conditions beforehand or consider alternative options.

Final Thoughts

The Antalya: Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Guided Tour offers a rich blend of history, natural beauty, and adventure. The highlight for many is the snorkeling and viewing the underwater ruins, combined with the chance to walk through ancient Lycian sites. The guides, often praised for their knowledge and humor, add depth to the experience, making history come alive.

While the long hours and transportation issues are drawbacks, the value for money, combined with the chance to see some of Turkey’s most striking sites in one day, makes it worthwhile for those willing to commit to a full-day excursion. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a balanced mix of cultural exploration and scenic adventure.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from all hotels in Antalya, Belek, and Kemer, making logistics easier.

How long is the trip?
The full-day tour can last up to 15 hours, including travel time, site visits, and the boat ride.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for walking at the archaeological sites. Pack swimwear, a towel, and perhaps a hat for sun protection, especially for snorkeling.

Are meals included?
Yes, a complimentary lunch is part of the tour, though drinks are not included.

Is snorkeling safe for beginners?
Most travelers find snorkeling in the calm, clear waters around Kekova enjoyable, even if it’s your first time. Basic swimming ability is recommended.

What’s the best part of this tour?
Many guests point to the boat ride and snorkel in the sunken city as the most memorable, along with the guide’s engaging storytelling.

Can I visit the sunken city without snorkeling?
The tour emphasizes sailing by and snorkeling around Kekova, but you won’t visit an island or dive into the ruins. Viewing from the boat is the main experience.

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Turkey’s ancient past, scenic waters, and charming towns. It’s ideal for those prepared for a long, full day and eager to see a mix of history and nature in one memorable trip.