Kekova Sunken City, Glass-Bottom Boat, Demre & Lycian Ruins

Kekova Sunken City, Glass-Bottom Boat, Demre & Lycian Ruins: An Authentic Day in Turkey’s Coastal History

If you’re looking for a way to combine history, stunning scenery, and a touch of adventure, this day tour from Antalya might just be your best bet. For $65 per person, you’ll spend around 10 hours exploring some of Turkey’s most captivating ancient sites — from the legendary sunken city of Kekova to the historic church of St. Nicholas in Demre, topped off with a scenic yacht cruise.

What we love about this tour is how it balances storytelling with visual delight. The glass-bottom boat allows you to peer beneath the water to see ancient ruins, giving a real sense of what was lost and preserved beneath the waves. Plus, the guide, especially noted as knowledgeable and friendly, helps bring the history alive with engaging commentary.

One potential consideration is the length of the day. As one reviewer pointed out, starting early at around 6:55 am and returning after 8 pm, this is quite a long outing — perfect if you want a full experience, but maybe tiring if you’re traveling with small children or prefer a more relaxed pace.

This trip suits history enthusiasts, curious travelers wanting an authentic taste of Turkey’s coastal past, and those who love scenic boat rides. If you’re eager to see Kekova’s sunken city and learn about Saint Nicholas in one day, this tour hits many of those marks.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary including Lycian ruins, Demre’s St. Nicholas Church, and Kekova Island.
• Scenic yacht cruise with views of the sunken city through glass-bottom windows.
• Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, making history accessible and engaging.
• All-inclusive price of $65 covers transportation, lunch, and the boat tour, offering good value for a full day.
• Long day with early start and late return, perfect for full experience seekers but possibly tiring for families or those with limited stamina.
• Authentic local food served for lunch, praised by travelers for its quality.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Route in Detail

Starting Point: From Antalya to Ancient Lycia

The tour begins with a hotel pickup, usually in the early morning, with transportation arranged through a professional guide. The early start means you’ll be on the move before most travelers, giving you a peaceful drive along the coast with views of the sea and mountains. Expect a comfortable bus ride with regular stops, which is appreciated by travelers of all ages — even elderly participants and young children find the organization well-suited to their needs.

Lycian Tombs and Greco-Roman Theaters

Your first stop is at a Lycian rock tomb, carved into the cliffs, which visually narrates the ancient civilization’s funerary practices. These tombs are striking, and we loved that the guide explained their significance in a way that made the history accessible without overwhelming. Next up, a visit to a Greco-Roman amphitheater offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient world, with some reviews mentioning how well-preserved and atmospheric it feels.

Demre and Saint Nicholas Church

A short drive takes you to Demre, where the Church of Saint Nicholas is a highlight. This site is more than just a church; it’s a place layered with history and legend, sitting atop the 4th-century burial site of the saint who inspired Santa Claus. You’ll see the tomb, and the atmosphere here is akin to walking through a living museum. One traveler noted that the church “felt like stepping into a museum,” and while there’s a gift shop, many find the experience a meaningful encounter with history rather than just souvenirs.

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Lunch Break — A Taste of Local Flavors

The tour includes a sit-down lunch, which many travelers describe as one of the best meals they’ve had in Turkey. Usually an open buffet, it offers a variety of local dishes, giving you a true taste of regional cuisine. Some reviews mention that the food exceeded expectations, making the day not just educational but delicious as well.

The Scenic Yacht Cruise to Kekova Island

The heart of the tour is the yacht cruise, where you’ll sail across turquoise waters to Kekova Island — famous for its sunken city. The boat features glass-bottom windows, so you’ll see ancient ruins submerged just beneath the surface, a stunning visual that makes history feel surprisingly immediate. Travelers have raved about the cruise, praising the “incredible” views and how the boat ride alone was a highlight of their trip.

Kekova’s Sunken Ruins and Simena Castle

From the boat, you’ll spot the ruins of the Lycian city destroyed by an earthquake centuries ago. The sight of crumbled walls and ancient streets beneath the water is surreal. For those wanting a break from the boat, you can jump into the clear, cool water for a swim — some reviewers say it’s a refreshing way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. You’ll also get to see Simena Castle from the boat’s vantage point, adding to the sense of exploring an open-air museum.

Return Journey

After a relaxing swim and the boat ride, the bus will take you back to Antalya. As one reviewer pointed out, the day is quite long, starting early and ending late, but the overall experience, packed with history and scenic beauty, makes it worthwhile.

The Experience: What It Feels Like

We appreciated the well-organized nature of the tour, with clear instructions and a friendly guide who was eager to share knowledge. Several travelers, including Olga, praised the guide for explaining everything so well, making complex history accessible and engaging. The boat cruise, especially with the glass-bottom windows, offers a unique perspective that few other tours can match — seeing the ruins beneath the water adds a layer of intrigue.

The stops at Lycian tombs and the amphitheater offer tangible connections to ancient civilizations, while the visit to Saint Nicholas’s church grounds brings a spiritual and historical dimension that many find meaningful. And the lunch, often praised as exceptional, provides a delicious break amid the day’s activities.

The main drawback some travelers mention is the length of the day. Starting early and returning late can be tiring, especially for families or those with limited stamina. Plus, the large group size (around 47 people) might mean less personalized attention, but this is balanced by the efficiency and smooth organization that many reviews highlight.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This trip is best suited for those with an interest in history, especially ancient civilizations like Lycia and Greco-Roman culture. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate scenic boat rides and immersive experiences, rather than just quick photo stops. If you enjoy combining cultural sites with a relaxing cruise, you’ll love this combination.

Families with older children or teenagers will find the itinerary manageable and engaging, especially given the boat ride and the visual appeal of underwater ruins. However, those traveling with very young children might find the long day and early start a bit taxing.

It’s a great choice for travelers staying in Antalya who want to avoid the hassle of arranging transportation and guides themselves, as everything is organized for you. And if you’re someone who appreciates good local food, the included lunch will be a pleasant surprise.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For $65, this day trip offers excellent value for a full day of sightseeing, historical insights, and scenic experiences. You get to see real-world remnants of ancient civilizations, enjoy a comfortable boat cruise with underwater views, and learn about Saint Nicholas in the very place where his story began.

The combination of well-organized logistics, knowledgeable guides, and memorable sights makes it a worthwhile choice, especially if you’re eager to combine history with nature in a single day. The comments about the quality of the food and the engaging guides make this more than just a sightseeing tour — it’s a genuine taste of Turkey’s coastal heritage.

While the length of the day might be a consideration, those who love immersive experiences and don’t mind a full schedule will walk away with a sense of fulfillment and plenty of great photos. For travelers with a curiosity for ancient sites, a love of scenic boat rides, or a desire to see Turkey’s legendary sunken city, this tour ticks many boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour starts early around 6:55 am and returns after 8 pm, making it a long but full day of sightseeing and activities.

What is included in the price?
The $65 fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided tour, a scenic boat cruise with glass-bottom windows, and lunch.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, entrance fees are not included and cost around 30, plus beverages if you want any extra drinks during the day.

Is the tour suitable for children and elderly travelers?
Yes, many reviews mention the tour was suitable for elderly and young children, thanks to regular stops and organized transport. But be prepared for a long day.

Can I swim during the boat cruise?
Absolutely. Many travelers enjoyed jumping into the clear waters near Kekova Island for a refreshing swim.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot in advance, especially during peak season, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing, hat, sunglasses, and swimwear are advisable. Bring sunscreen, especially since you’ll be outside most of the day.

Is there time at Kekova for exploring on foot?
The tour mainly focuses on the boat cruise, with the highlight being the views of the sunken city through the glass bottom. There’s limited time for walking around on land.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Turkey’s ancient past and stunning coastal scenery. It’s best for those who want an active day packed with history, scenic views, and good food. If you’re curious about Lycia, love boats, or want to see Saint Nicholas’s birthplace, you’ll find this experience both educational and truly memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: