Sunken ruins make a great day trip. This full-day outing strings together Myra’s Lycian tombs, the boat scenery of Kekova’s sunken city, and a visit to the church connected to St. Nicholas. It’s a strong mix of land and sea, with the kind of views that make the early start feel like it pays off.

I especially like the clear route structure: you get guided stops on the Lycian side of the coast, then you’re on a boat over turquoise water for the Kekova portion. Add the included lunch, and you’re not constantly hunting for food between sites. The main catch: if you’re staying in the wider Antalya area, expect a long transfer and an early morning, which can be a stretch if you’re traveling with kids.

Key things I’d watch for before you go

• Kekova sunken city from the boat: You’ll see the underwater ruins from the water, then get time to swim and snorkel.
• Myra stop is the Lycian highlight: Rock-cut tombs plus a Greek-style amphitheater make it a satisfying history-and-views break.
• Teimiussa and Simena ties it together: These stops keep the focus on the coast’s Lycian presence and dramatic shoreline scenery.
• Lunch is included but basic: It does the job, yet it’s not a food-focused experience.
• You might get a standout guide: One guide named Alp has a reputation for being organized, honest, and very good at explaining what you’re seeing.

Demre, Myra and Kekova in One Day: what the route really delivers

This tour is built for people who want the Turkish Riviera’s “big three” in a single go: Myra, Kekova, and Demre. The order matters, because it keeps your energy in the right places. You start on land, where walking is straightforward enough to enjoy the ruins without feeling rushed. Then the day shifts to the coast, where the boat portion does most of the work for you: views, sea breeze, and the famous sunken city.

The appeal isn’t just that you’ll check boxes. It’s that the Kekova area hits from multiple angles: you’re on the water, you’re near the shoreline ruins, and you’re also getting in the water for a swim/snorkel window. That combination is what turns this from a drive-and-look tour into something more memorable.

The best part for most people is that you’re not stuck figuring things out. A live guide handles the story, the timing, and the site flow. You also get entrance fees for Myra and Demre included, plus the boat trip to the sunken city of Kekova. That’s a lot of “small costs” bundled together.

Getting there from Antalya Province: early starts and real time on the road

The itinerary is a full day (about 9 to 10 hours), and the timing is set around reaching the Myra and Kekova zones smoothly. Pickup is available from hotels in Antalya, Belek, and Kemer. Depending on where you’re staying, pickup can mean a long transfer—especially if you’re closer to central Antalya rather than nearer the coast.

Here’s the practical way to think about it: you’re trading comfort time in the car for a packed, high-impact day. If you’re an adult traveler who likes seeing a lot, it’s a fair trade. If you’re traveling with kids, or you don’t do well with early starts, plan for it. Even with a guide and a comfortable bus, you can’t shrink the driving time.

My advice: book this tour when you’re already settled near the pickup zone. If you can choose between areas, aim closer to Belek or Kemer. You’ll still get the same sites, with less “are we there yet?” time.

Myra: amphitheater views and the Lycian necropolis tombs

Myra is where the land portion earns its keep. You’ll visit the ancient Greek-style amphitheater and then see the rock-cut tombs of the Lycian necropolis. This is the kind of place where it helps to have a guide who can connect the dots for you, since these tombs aren’t just “old rocks”—they’re a whole way of honoring the dead, built into the cliffside landscape.

The amphitheater gives you a nice reset before the tombs. You can get a sense of scale and layout, and it’s easy to take in the setting—big open sky, sharp stone shapes, and the sense that you’re standing on layers of time. Then the necropolis becomes the more intimate, up-close part of the stop. The tomb faces are carved with details, and you can move along the area at your own pace for photos and slower looking.

One more practical note: you’ll want comfortable shoes. Even if the walking isn’t extreme, the terrain around ancient sites can be uneven and dusty. A good pair of shoes keeps your attention on the scenery instead of your feet.

Lunch before the boat: simple fuel, not a gastronomic mission

Lunch is included and served before the boat portion. The vibe is functional: you eat, you hydrate if you can, and you’re ready for the Kekova stretch. The tour includes lunch, but drinks are not included, so don’t assume you’ll be able to order beverages on top of the meal.

I’d treat lunch as a “bridge” meal. Eat enough to feel steady through the boat time, then save your big appetite for dinner after you return. If you’re the type who likes extra snacks, it can be smart to bring a few small items with you—this isn’t a food tour, and included meals can be basic.

Also: if sun is intense that day (it usually is in this region), timing matters. You want sunscreen on and water nearby so you’re not scrambling later once the sea time starts.

Kekova sunken city by boat: what you’ll actually see

The heart of the day is the boat ride to the Kekova sunken city. This isn’t a “stand at a viewpoint” experience. You’re sailing across the coast, and you get the chance to see underwater ruins from the waterline perspective.

That viewpoint shift is huge. From the boat, the ruins and shoreline feel connected in a way they don’t from land. You’re seeing how the sea and the rock shapes line up, and you get a clearer sense of why this coastline has such strong visual impact.

Then comes the time to swim and snorkel around the island area. That’s the moment where the tour turns from sight-seeing into active experience. Even if you don’t plan on snorkel gear perfection, the water time is worth it because the visibility in this area tends to be what people talk about—crystal clear conditions when the day cooperates.

My practical take: if you want a calm snorkel session, plan to move at your own pace and use the time efficiently. The boat stops are time-boxed, so don’t waste the first minutes figuring out what’s what.

Teimiussa and Simena: the Lycian layer on the water’s edge

After lunch and into the Kekova portion, you’ll explore Simena’s underwater ruins and then visit the Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa. These stops keep the theme consistent: the coast isn’t only scenic; it’s also archaeological.

Simena is the underwater ruins piece. On the boat and shoreline context, you start to see how the coastline tells a story of earlier settlements. This is where the landscape becomes part of the evidence—what’s submerged, what’s exposed, and how the shoreline forms the backdrop to everything.

Teimiussa adds another angle. A necropolis stop on land can feel different from the underwater sites because you’re now looking at the Lycian forms directly. It also helps break up the day. You’re not only on a boat looking outward; you’re getting back on land for a guided look and a closer sense of the Lycian presence here.

If you like photos, these are the moments. The light on the stone shapes plus the sea background can turn a normal snapshot into something that looks like it belongs in a travel brochure—even on a busy day.

Demre (Kale) and St. Nicholas: your last site and its practical wrinkle

You’ll end the day in Kale (Demre) and visit the church associated with St. Nicholas. This is one of those stops that many people recognize by name, so it tends to land well even if you’re not deep into early Christian history.

The tour information says St. Nicholas Church isn’t included in the price, even though entrance fees to Demre are included. In plain terms: you may need to pay the church admission separately at the site. It’s worth keeping that in mind so there’s no last-minute surprise.

If you’re traveling with limited time, here’s how I’d handle it: treat this as a respectful, quick-and-satisfying finale. You’ve already had a full day of tombs, ruins, and boat scenery. St. Nicholas is a good closing note because it connects the coast to a famous person many travelers know—even if your visit is short.

Price and value: is $78 a fair deal?

At $78 per person, this tour is competing with other “classic coast” day trips. What makes it potentially good value is how many paid components are bundled: a live guide, entrance fees for Myra and Demre, and the boat trip to the Kekova sunken city, plus lunch.

In other words, you’re not just paying for transportation and a story. You’re also paying for access and the sea portion, which can be the most expensive part of a day like this in many coastal destinations.

That said, the value depends on your priorities. If you mainly want relaxing beach time, this might feel too packed. If you want the “one-day best-of” route—Myra’s tombs, Kekova’s sunken city, and a St. Nicholas finale—then the pricing can make sense.

Also watch the “drinks not included” detail. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it can add a bit to your day if you drink a lot of bottled water or soft drinks while you’re out.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a full-day highlight reel of the Turkish Riviera without planning transfers and ticket lines yourself.
• Enjoy ruins and coastal scenery, especially the mix of Lycian tombs and Kekova underwater ruins.
• Like getting some time in the water with swim and snorkel as part of the day.

You might think twice if:

• You’re traveling with kids who need shorter car time and later starts. The drive from the wider Antalya area can be long.
• You hate “scheduled days.” This is structured and site-focused, with limited slack.

Tips to make the day smoother (small things that help a lot)

A few practical moves can improve your comfort and enjoyment:

• Bring sunscreen and plan to reapply during the day. The sun comes fast on the coast.
• Hydrate. Drinks aren’t included, so keep water in mind.
• Pack comfortable shoes because ancient sites can mean uneven ground.
• If you care about photos, go steady. Don’t sprint between stops. Let the boat and shoreline views do the heavy lifting.

Should you book this Demre, Myra & Kekova boat trip?

If your goal is to see Myra, Kekova’s sunken city, and Demre/St. Nicholas in one day, this is a strong choice. The included structure—guide, entrance fees for the main land sites, the boat portion, and lunch—makes it a convenient way to get the highlights without extra planning.

I’d book it if you can handle an early start and you like active sightseeing. I’d skip it or choose a closer-to-coast hotel if you want a more relaxed day or you’re traveling with young kids who struggle with long drives.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 9 to 10 hours. Exact starting times depend on availability.

Where is pickup offered?

Pickup is available from hotels in Antalya, Belek, and Kemer (including pickup coverage for nearby resort areas).

What languages are the guides?

The live tour guide is available in English and Russian.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a guide, lunch, entrance fees to Myra and Demre, and the boat trip to the sunken city of Kekova.

Is the St. Nicholas Church visit included?

St. Nicholas Church is not included in the tour price.

Can I get a refund if I change plans?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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