Antalya: Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Guided Tour

Myra, Kekova, and St. Nicholas in one long day. That mix is why this tour works so well on the Turkish Riviera. You start with ancient Lycian sights on land, then switch gears to a boat ride over vivid water for the sunken city of Kekova.

I especially love the combo of Myra and Kekova. Myra gives you the rock-cut tombs and an ancient amphitheater, then Kekova delivers the kind of scenery you expect from postcards, only you get to be right there in the water. I also like that lunch is included, so you are not scrambling for food mid-day.

One possible drawback: this is listed as 9 to 10 hours, but it can run long depending on where you’re picked up and traffic. Plan your day like a “whole-day” commitment, not a quick sightseeing block, and bring patience for the ride.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Boat time to Kekova: You get to sail out specifically for the sunken city area, not just see it from shore.
• Swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water: The tour is built around water time once you reach the island.
• Myra’s Lycian necropolis: Expect rock-cut tombs plus the ancient Greek amphitheater around the River Myros area.
• Complimentary lunch before sailing: Food lands before you head out to the turquoise water.
• St. Nicholas Church in Kale (Demre): You finish with a major local landmark tied to St. Nicholas of Myra.
• Skip the ticket line: You’ll spend less time queueing at key entry points.

A Full-Day Demre Circuit with Hotel Pickup from Multiple Resorts

This tour is designed as a true day trip, with pickup from hotels in Antalya Province areas like Antalya, Belek, Kemer, Side, and Alanya. That matters because the Demre region is not something most people can comfortably stitch together on their own without a lot of planning.

You start with a transfer to Myra, then the day evolves into boat sightseeing around Kekova, and finally it loops back through Kale (Demre) for the church visit. In other words, it’s built for people who want one organized route that hits the biggest visual hits without having to coordinate transport between sites.

What I find practical here is the pacing choice: land first, water second, church third. It helps you mentally switch modes, instead of spending the whole day in a tiring “always in motion” blur.

Myra on the River Myros: Amphitheater Views and Rock-Cut Tombs

Myra is where the history starts feeling real. You transfer to the ancient town on the banks of the River Myros, and you begin with two classic features: the ancient Greek amphitheater and the Lycian necropolis of rock-cut tombs.

The amphitheater is one of those places where you can almost visualize the seating and the scale, even if you only spend a short time there. And the necropolis is the opposite mood: fewer broad panoramas, more close-up stone work. The Lycian tombs are carved into the landscape, so you get a sense of how people used the cliffs and rock formations for long-term burial spaces.

Why I think this stop is valuable for your trip: you’re not just taking photos. You’re seeing two different eras of architecture and burial culture in one area, and the guide experience helps you make sense of what you’re looking at.

A practical note: wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking around outdoor ruins and uneven stone surfaces. If your feet are happy, the day feels easy. If not, everything starts to feel like work.

A Complimentary Lunch That Keeps the Boat Part Stress-Free

Right before you sail, you stop for a complimentary lunch. This is a small detail, but it changes the whole day. Kekova’s boat segment tends to be the part you remember most, so it helps to arrive with food already handled.

Lunch also means you’re less dependent on convenience stores or last-minute searches for something that fits your preferences. Drinks are not included, so you’ll still want to plan hydration, especially in warmer months.

This is also where you can reset your personal schedule. If you tend to feel rushed on tours, lunch gives you a predictable break before you transition to the water.

Kekova Island and the Sunken City of Simena from the Best Angle

Then comes the part most people book for: the sail to Kekova. The highlight here is the sunken city of Simena and the underwater ruins you can see around the area.

From a visitor’s perspective, the big advantage of a boat tour is simple: you can’t truly replicate this view from the shoreline. Seeing sunken remains up close in water adds a different layer of scale and atmosphere. You’re not just looking at a site, you’re experiencing the sea level relationship between land and ruins.

You also get time to swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters around the island. That turns a scenic tour into a hands-on one. If you like water time, this is where the day shifts from sightseeing mode to “active break” mode.

One thing to consider: snorkeling inclusion can be less clear in practice. The day is described as including snorkeling time, but gear or the exact setup may not be what you expect. If snorkeling is a priority for you, I’d recommend confirming at booking whether snorkel equipment is provided versus you needing to bring your own.

Teimiussa and Lycian Necropolis: A Land Stop That Balances the Sea

After the boat portion, the tour adds a land-based stop at the Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa. This is a smart contrast. You’ve spent time looking outward across water and ruins, then you shift back to rock-cut burial spaces on land.

That contrast helps you process what you saw earlier. On the boat, your eyes track movement, turquoise water, and sunken structures. On land at Teimiussa, your eyes slow down and focus on carving, stone shapes, and the physical layout of the necropolis.

For value, this stop matters because it keeps the day from being only “one long ride and then back.” You’re still getting a structured sightseeing element that contributes to why Demre is famous in the first place.

Ending in Kale (Demre): St. Nicholas Church as a Emotional Finish

The tour ends in Kale (Demre, where you visit the church of St. Nicholas before the ride back to your hotel.

This last stop is meaningful because St. Nicholas of Myra is directly tied to this region. So instead of finishing with a generic viewpoint, you’re closing your day at a landmark with a clear local connection.

I like how this ending works for most people’s energy. By the time you reach Kale (Demre), you’ve already done heavy walking during Myra and water time around Kekova. A church visit can feel calmer, less physically demanding, and more reflective.

What You Actually Get for the Price, and What Costs Extra

The price is listed at $64 per person, and on paper it covers a lot: guided tour, lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the boat trip to the sunken city area.

That’s the key for value. Boat transport and guided logistics are usually the expensive parts of tours in this region. So if you’re trying to avoid piecing together separate tickets, this bundled approach can feel like a bargain.

What’s not included is equally important. Entrance fees are not included (30€), and drinks are not included. There’s also mention of skipping the ticket line, which helps time, but it does not replace the fact that entry fees still apply.

Price reality check: the tour can feel like a great deal if the $64 rate is what you’re paying, especially since lunch and the boat are part of the package. If you’re seeing a significantly higher price at checkout, it’s worth weighing the entrance fees and the fact that the day can run long.

Timing, Pacing, and How to Avoid the Common Frustration Points

This is a long day trip. The duration is listed as 9 to 10 hours, but it can stretch depending on pickup points and road time. One example from real-world experience shows a much earlier pickup and a late return to the hotel. That’s not a guarantee for every group, but it’s enough to remind you to plan your evening like it might run behind.

Here’s how I’d prepare:

• Eat the included lunch even if you’re not starving. Boat time can make you forget to eat again.
• Wear shoes that handle uneven outdoor surfaces.
• If you’re sensitive to long rides, bring something to pass the time, because transfers are a big part of the day.

Guide style is also a factor. Some people love the explanations and patience, and others have said the experience can feel overly talkative at times. The guide will be doing live commentary in English and Russian. If that is your preference, you’ll likely enjoy it more. If you dislike constant narration, you may want to treat certain stops like a photo and walk-through, then step back to listen only when it matters to you.

Who This Tour Fits Best

I think this tour is best for you if:

• You want one organized day that covers Myra, Kekova, and St. Nicholas without switching companies.
• You care about both land ruins and water experiences.
• You like the idea of snorkeling or at least swimming at a famous coastal stop.
• You value a guided approach enough to tolerate a full-day schedule.

It might feel like the wrong choice if:

• You strongly dislike long days or long bus transfers.
• You’re expecting everything to be included beyond lunch, especially anything related to water gear.
• You want a shorter itinerary that stays close to the beach area only.

Should You Book This Demre, Myra, and Kekova Guided Tour?

If you’re looking for a high-impact day with Myra’s necropolis and amphitheater, a proper boat trip over to Kekova’s sunken city ruins, and a meaningful finish in Kale (Demre) at St. Nicholas Church, I’d say it’s a solid booking. The biggest reasons are practical: pickup and logistics are handled, lunch is included, and the boat component is the kind of thing that’s hard to DIY without extra hassle.

I’d book it when you can get the advertised price and when your schedule can handle a full day. If you’re price-sensitive, or you’re very picky about snorkeling gear and tour narration, do a quick confirmation before you pay so you know what’s covered.

Bottom line: this is the kind of tour that gives you three memorable settings in one day, and it does it in a way that saves you time and stress.

FAQ

How long is the Antalya Demre, Myra & Kekova guided tour?

It runs about 9 to 10 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included are a live guide, lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the boat trip related to the sunken city at Kekova.

What is not included?

Entrance fees are not included (listed as 30€). Drinks are also not included.

Where do they pick you up?

Pickup is available from hotels in Antalya, Belek, and Kemer, and the tour also mentions pickup from areas like Alanya and Side.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live guide language options listed are English and Russian.

Is lunch included?

Yes. There is a complimentary lunch before the sailing portion.

Is there time for swimming or snorkeling at Kekova?

The experience includes time to swim and snorkel in the waters around the island.

What should I bring for the day?

Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.