Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour

Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour offers a full day of exploring antique ruins, Byzantine churches, and submerged remnants off the Turkish coast. For $127.21 per person, you’ll spend approximately 10 to 11 hours soaking in history and stunning scenery. This tour is designed for cultural explorers and water lovers, with hotel pickups, a professional guide, and a boat cruise included, making it a well-rounded experience.

What we particularly appreciate about this trip is the combination of land and sea — you get to walk through ancient sites and then relax by sailing over one of Turkey’s most intriguing underwater archaeological sites. Plus, the guided commentary from a specialist art historian adds a layer of insight that boosts the value of the experience. On the downside, some travelers have found the early start and long drive a bit tiring, especially if you’re not a big fan of early mornings or lengthy bus rides.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenic coastal views, and a touch of adventure. Especially if you have a day to spare in Antalya and want to see something beyond the city, it offers a good blend of culture and relaxation, making it ideal for varied interests.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and a boat tour of a sunken city.
• Expert Guide: Led by a knowledgeable art historian, adding context and depth.
• Beautiful Scenery: Coastal drive and scenic boat ride showcase the Turkish Riviera’s natural beauty.
• Good Value: Includes transportation, lunch, entrance tickets, and a memorable boat cruise.
• Travel Flexibility: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics easier.
• Consider Timing: Early start and long duration might not suit all travelers.

An In-Depth Look at the Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour

Starting with the Highlights: A Day Filled with History and Water

This tour whisks you away from the bustling streets of Antalya toward the quieter, historical treasures of Demre, Myra, and Kekova. With a cost of $127.21, it may seem like a splurge, but considering it includes transportation, guided insights, a boat ride, and lunch, it provides a decent value — especially if you’re eager to learn about the region’s layered past.

The full-day duration (about 10-11 hours) means you’ll get plenty of time to appreciate each site without feeling rushed. A key perk is that hotel pickup and drop-off are included, saving you the hassle of navigating unfamiliar streets or arranging transportation.

First Stop: Kekova Island — The Sunken Marvel

The tour kicks off with a visit to Kekova Island, famous for its submerged ancient ruins. A boat anchors near Tersane Village, where you can see the remains of Byzantine churches and houses underwater, with foundations, stairs, and shop remains visible beneath the surface. The story here is one of natural and human history colliding — a stretch of coast where centuries-old structures now rest beneath the sea.

What makes this stop particularly engaging is the chance to see actual underwater remnants without diving — foundations, walls, and stairs tell stories of a once-thriving village. The two-hour visit offers ample time to explore the boat’s surroundings, take photos, and marvel at the submerged architecture.

Visiting the Church of St. Nicholas — A Touch of Religious Heritage

Next, you’ll visit St. Nicholas Church, an important religious site. While entrance tickets are not included (costing around 17 euros), the guide will share detailed stories about this historic church, which is linked to the saint famed for his generosity and kindness. This stop appeals especially to those interested in early Christianity or religious history.

The Ancient City of Myra — Walking Among Roman Ruins

The highlight for many is the Ancient City of Myra, famed for its Roman theater, Lycian tombs, and early Christian history. Walking through Myra’s ruins, you’ll see the impressive theater, carved into the hillside, and the famous rock-cut tombs, which are both visually striking and historically significant.

The admission ticket is included, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The guide’s commentary enriches this experience, helping you understand the significance of the Roman architecture and the city’s role as a cultural hub.

Scenic Coastal Drive — A Feast for the Eyes

The route along the coast offers spectacular sea views and charming villages, making the long drive (about 6-7 hours including stops) part of the experience. Several travelers, like Faraz_S, have noted that the journey can be long and tiring, especially with an early start at 5 am. However, many find that the scenery makes it worth the effort, with the coastal vistas providing a relaxed backdrop to the day.

The Boat Tour — A Unique Perspective of Kekova

The boat cruise around 2 hours takes you over the sunken city of Kekova, offering a close-up view of submerged ruins. You’ll enjoy relaxing on deck, with water splashing nearby, and have the opportunity to swim if you wish. The boat ride is a peaceful way to connect with the area’s maritime history while soaking in the breathtaking coastlines.

Although some reviews mention that underwater wrecks weren’t visible, the experience remains engaging due to the visual contrast of submerged structures and the surrounding scenery. The guided narration enhances your understanding of this archaeological site, adding context to the views.

Food and Comfort — What’s Included?

Lunch is provided, offering a break to refuel and relax. The tour’s inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics, and the small group size (maximum 15 travelers) ensures a more personal experience. Drinks are not included, so bringing water is recommended.

Considerations and Drawbacks

A common concern is the early start and lengthy travel time, which can be exhausting, especially if you’re not used to long bus journeys. One review pointed out that the drive to Demre and Myra is about 6-7 hours, making it important to consider your stamina. Also, entrance to St. Nicholas Church costs extra, so budget accordingly if you wish to visit.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy historical sites with a mix of Roman and Byzantine influence, this tour offers a comprehensive look at ancient civilizations intertwined with scenic coastal views. It’s especially suitable for culture buffs, curious travelers, and water lovers who want a bit of everything — history, boat rides, and stunning scenery — all in one day.

However, if you prefer shorter, more relaxed outings or dislike early mornings, this may feel a bit long. Travelers who appreciate guided commentary and value the chance to learn from an expert will find this tour particularly enriching.

Final Thoughts

This Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour is a solid choice for those wanting an immersive, full-day experience packed with history, scenic beauty, and unique water-based sightseeing. It offers good value, given the inclusion of transport, entrance fees, lunch, and a memorable boat cruise, all led by a knowledgeable guide.

While the long hours and early start might be a challenge for some, the chance to stand above ancient Roman theaters, peer into submerged ruins, and cruise along Turkey’s stunning coast makes it worth considering. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to combine history, culture, and seaside relaxation in a single memorable day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient for travelers staying in Antalya.

How long is the total tour duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 to 11 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and boat time.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs around $127.21 per person, which covers transportation, guided tours, lunch, and entrance tickets to Myra.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, so you might want to bring water or other beverages for the day.

Can I visit the Church of St. Nicholas?
Yes, but the entrance fee (around 17 euros) is not included, so you’ll need to pay separately if you wish to go inside.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the length and early start may be tiring for some. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

How much time is spent at each site?
You’ll spend about 2 hours at Kekova Island, 1 hour at Saint Nicholas Church, and explore Myra for about an hour.

Are there opportunities to swim?
Yes, during the boat cruise, you can swim if you’d like, weather permitting.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
The highlights include exploring underwater ruins at Kekova, the Roman theater and tombs at Myra, and enjoying scenic coastal views during the drive and boat ride.

What do reviewers say about this tour?
Most reviews are positive, praising the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and good value. Some mention the long drive and early start as less ideal but agree that the overall experience is worthwhile for history and scenery enthusiasts.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from the Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour, helping you decide if it fits your travel style and interests.