Kas: Day Trip to Kekova, Demre and Myra

Kas: Day Trip to Kekova, Demre, and Myra
Location: Antalya Province, Turkey
Price: $76 per person
Rating: 4.6/5 from 30 reviews
Supplier: SAILNSTAY

A Perfect Day for Lovers of History and Nature
This day trip from Kas packs in a lot: cruising along the coast to see the Sunken City of Kekova, wandering through the ruins of Myra, and exploring Demre’s St. Nicholas Church. For $76, you get a good balance of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxed seaside dining, making it a popular choice for those wanting an authentic taste of Turkey’s Lycian coast.

We really appreciate how this tour combines spectacular scenery with ancient ruins—it’s not just a boat ride but a chance to step back into history while enjoying the turquoise waters. The fact that you can swim in multiple bays, including Esmeralda Bay and Karemlik Bay, adds a refreshing element to the day.

One potential downside is the lack of a guide on board, as many reviews mention that the crew barely spoke English and no detailed commentary was provided during stops. If you’re someone who loves a storyteller or detailed historical insights, you might find this part a bit disappointing.

This tour is ideal for travelers craving a combination of scenic boat cruising, ancient ruins, and beach time, especially if you enjoy relaxed days with plenty of opportunities to dip into the sea.

Key Points

Stunning Scenery: The cruise along Kekova Island offers breathtaking views of underwater ruins and colorful bays.
Historical Sites: Visit Myra’s rock-cut tombs and the ancient theater, rich with Lycian history.
Authentic Village Experience: Kaleköy (Simena) offers a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life with castle views.
Wildlife Watching: Karemlik Bay is known for sea turtles, giving nature lovers a special treat.
Good Value: The price includes lunch, snorkeling, and multiple swimming stops—great bang for your buck.
Limited Guided Commentary: Some travelers felt the lack of detailed explanations impacted the experience.

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Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

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Starting in Kas and Headed to Demre Harbor

The tour begins with a pickup from Kas, a charming town known for its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant markets. The transfer to Demre Harbor is straightforward, and once aboard, the boat sets out along the coastline. Expect a relaxed start, with the boat crew generally friendly, but be prepared for limited English spoken by staff—some reviews mention that the guides do not provide much narration during the cruise.

Cruise to Kekova and the Sunken City

One of the tour’s standout features is the cruise past Kekova Island, where you’ll see the Sunken City of Dolchiste. From the boat, the underwater ruins are clearly visible, giving you a sense of what it would be like to snorkel or dive — though unfortunately, the tour doesn’t include underwater exploration. As one reviewer pointed out, “we only saw them from the boat,” which might disappoint those expecting more submerged adventure. Still, the views from the deck are fantastic, especially with the sunlight bouncing off the turquoise waters.

Exploring Simena Castle and Kaleköy Village

The boat anchors at Kaleköy, also known as Simena, a small, authentic village with narrow streets and a fortress perched on the hill. You get around 50 minutes here, which some say is a bit rushed, especially since the views from the top of the castle are spectacular. The opportunity to wander through the old village, peek at local homes, and see the ruins of the castle adds a tangible sense of history. Some reviews express regret that they didn’t get more time or detailed info about the site.

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Lunch and Swimming Breaks at Esmeralda Bay and Others

After exploring the castle, the boat moves on to Esmeralda Bay for lunch and swimming. The meal is generally described as delicious and plentiful—many travelers enjoyed the fresh Turkish fare served onboard. The bay offers a peaceful place to relax, swim, and take in the scenery. Subsequent stops include Burç Bay and Gökkaya Bay, both fantastic for cooling off and sightseeing.

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Karemlik Bay and Sea Turtle Watching

One of the highlights, especially for nature lovers, is Karemlik Bay, where you might spot sea turtles in their natural habitat. According to reviews, up to three varieties of sea turtles can be seen here, making it a memorable encounter with local wildlife.

Pirates Cave and the Final Stop at Demre

The tour includes a visit to the Pirates Cave, a large, curved entrance natural wonder, perfect for photos and exploring from the boat. Afterward, the boat docks at Demre Harbor, where the tour continues on land with a visit to the Santa Claus Museum and the ancient city of Myra.
Myra features impressive rock-cut tombs and a large Roman theater, offering a real sense of Lycian history. The site is well-preserved and offers a tangible connection to the past.

What’s Missing and What Travelers Say

While many find the trip worthwhile, some reviews highlight key issues. Several mention the lack of a knowledgeable guide during the cruise, leading to somewhat sparse explanations of the sites. As Liliana puts it, “The staff on the boat barely spoke English, which was a shame because it would have been interesting to get some tips about the trip.”

Others note that the “underwater ruins” are only visible from the boat, so don’t expect to snorkel or explore beneath the surface unless you arrange your own diving. The timing at Kaleköy can also feel tight, with only about 50 minutes to explore, which some would prefer to extend for a more relaxed experience.

On the upside, the lunch is consistently praised—many call it delicious, with generous portions. The comfort and space aboard the boat also impressed travelers, making the entire cruise relaxing rather than crowded.

Transportation, Duration, and Practicalities

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Kas, which simplifies logistics. Expect a morning start—though exact times vary by season—and a full day of sightseeing that ends back in Kas. The boat ride itself lasts several hours, with multiple swimming breaks, so bring a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera.

Group size tends to be moderate, around 15 participants, which makes for a cozy experience but might lead to some wait times if the tour is busy. The entrance fees for archaeological sites are not included, so you should budget for that if you wish to explore more deeply.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy beautiful scenery combined with ancient sites, this trip hits the spot. The chance to see sea turtles and relax in calm bays appeals to nature lovers, while the ruins of Myra and castle of Simena will satisfy history buffs. The delicious lunch and swimming make it suitable for families or those wanting a leisurely day.

However, if you crave in-depth guided commentary or underwater exploration, this might not be the best fit. Those who prefer more detailed historical insights or snorkeling under the water might want to consider other options or plan a private tour.

The Sum Up

This Kas day trip to Kekova, Demre, and Myra offers a genuine taste of Turkey’s coast—combining scenic boat cruises, ancient ruins, and relaxing swimming stops. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want an accessible, value-packed experience with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and historical sites of the Lycian coast.

While some may wish for more guided storytelling, the overall experience remains memorable thanks to stunning views, delicious food, and the chance to see sea turtles in their habitat. If you’re looking for a laid-back day filled with swimming, history, and scenic vistas, this tour will not disappoint.

This trip suits travelers who enjoy relaxed exploration, are comfortable with limited guided commentary, and want to discover top sights without too much hassle. It’s a memorable way to connect with the coast’s natural and historical treasures, all while enjoying a fun boat ride.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from Kas city center, making it easy to join without extra logistics.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for a full day, with the boat trip, sightseeing, and stops, ending back in Kas in the late afternoon.

Are lunch and swimming included?
Yes, a tasty lunch is served on board, and there are multiple swimming stops at bays like Esmeralda and Karemlik.

Can I snorkel during the trip?
While snorkeling is included, the tour itself only offers views of underwater ruins from the boat; underwater exploration is not part of the package.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, and camera. A hat and water shoes are also recommended for exploring the villages and ruins.

Is there a guide explaining the sites?
The crew offers limited commentary, and reviews note that there was no detailed guide onboard. You might find some useful info from the crew, but don’t expect in-depth historical storytelling.

In the end, this Kas day trip combines scenic sailing, ancient ruins, and beachside relaxation into one manageable, enjoyable package. Perfect for those who want a taste of Turkey’s coastal treasures without overcomplicating the day.

You can check availability for your dates here: