Antalya’s coast is gorgeous in motion. This day trip links Kekova’s Sunken City with Myra’s Roman theatre and cliff tombs, so you get sea views and big archaeology in one go. I love how the boat keeps you close to the ruined shoreline, and I love walking around Myra’s standout Roman-era remains.

One thing to keep in mind: the Kekova island/port time can feel a bit short if you want more beach-and-photos time, especially around Kaleköy.

Key Highlights You Should Know

• Sunken City views from the boat: you cruise alongside the ruins for photo-friendly angles
• Simena Castle viewpoint: hike up for wide Kekova-region panoramas
• Kaleköy’s small village stop: a short visit with castle ruins and a necropolis
• Gökkaya Bay swim time: an honest chance to get in the water and cool off
• Pirates Cave and turtle chances: see the naturally formed cave and look for local sea turtles
• Myra’s Roman theatre + rock-cut tombs: Demre’s most famous archaeological stop

Why Kekova and Myra Fit Together So Well

This isn’t just a boat day, and it isn’t just a ruins day. The best part is the rhythm: you start with the water, then you switch gears to ancient stone work in Demre.

Kekova’s draw is simple. From the sea, you can really understand what the earthquakes and time did to this coastline. The Sunken City ruins aren’t something you stand behind a fence looking at from far away. You’re close enough for details in the waterline, and that makes your photos look more real.

Then comes Myra. This is the stop that turns the trip from scenic to meaningful. Myra includes a Roman-style theatre (the largest in Lycia) and rock-cut tombs carved into cliffs above town. Even if you’re not a “museum person,” the sheer scale of the theatre and the eerie feel of the cliff tombs make it memorable.

The only “watch this” detail is expectations. If you’re hoping for hours and hours on Kekova, plan for a compact schedule and save your extra wandering for Myra, where you’ll naturally spend more time.

Price and What You Actually Get for $128

At $128 per person, you’re paying for transportation, a full boat block, and a meal—plus you’re not dealing with tickets and logistics between stops.

Here’s what’s included:

• hotel pickup and drop-off in Antalya
• a 7-hour boat trip
• lunch with seasonal salad
• fruit or dessert

Not included:

• archaeological site entrance fees

Value-wise, the key is the mix. If you tried to do this yourself, you’d still need a boat operator, transport to Demre, and a way to cover Kekova + Myra in one day. This tour bundles those pieces and saves you the hassle of coordinating timing between the coastline and the inland ruins.

Also worth noting: the tour lists a skip-the-ticket-line option. That usually matters when you’re dealing with busy daytime crowds at the major stop.

The Early Pickup From Antalya: How to Handle the 13-Hour Day

The schedule starts early. Pickup runs from 06:45 AM onward from several Antalya-area meeting points, including Guzeloba Kipa, Terra City, Dedeman, and more, plus later pickup toward the Kumluca/Finike side.

This timing is the trade-off for seeing Kekova and Myra in one day. You’ll be in transit before most people are fully awake. The payoff is you reach the boat and start cruising while the day still feels calm.

Practical tips that make the day smoother:

• Wear comfortable shoes, not your nicest walking sneakers. You’ll be moving around Myra and climbing in spots.
• Bring swimwear and a towel. The tour includes a real swim stop at Gökkaya Bay, and you’ll want to take advantage.
• Pack light snacks only if you’re someone who hates waiting. Lunch is included, but the day stretches long.

If you get travel-sick on roads or boats, sit where you feel most stable and go easy on heavy food before the ride. It’s not a problem for everyone, but it’s a smart move.

The 7-Hour Boat Trip Around Kekova and the Sunken City

The boat portion is the heart of the day. After the drive to Demre (under 2.5 hours), you head to Demre Harbour and board for a 7-hour cruise built around Kekova’s main sights.

You’ll spend time cruising alongside the Sunken City ruins. This is the part you’ll keep thinking about later because the ruins sit right along the coastline. The view feels more “real-world” than typical ruins-from-a-distance sightseeing.

The itinerary also includes multiple anchor stops, which matters. You’re not stuck onboard for the entire day. Instead, you get short windows to step out, walk a little, or swim, then return to the boat.

One detail to consider: a past booking flagged that a glass-bottom viewing feature wasn’t available as expected. If you care about that kind of thing, it’s worth asking your staff on the day how the boat viewing works.

And about guidance: the tour is set up with an English/Turkish host or greeter, but the style of commentary can vary by departure. If you want strong narration, check in early and ask whether someone will explain what you’re seeing at stops.

Kaleköy Port, Simena Castle Views, and a Strong Necropolis Tip

Kaleköy is your first meaningful landing point on the water route. You’ll drop anchor in Kaleköy port for about one hour.

This stop is short, but it has a lot packed in:

• castle ruins
• a necropolis
• hillside walking with views over the Kekova region

The walk is the point. Even if you don’t do every step, the vantage from higher ground helps you connect the coastline you saw from the boat with what’s on land. You’ll understand why this area is so closely tied to ancient settlement and trade routes.

There’s also a very practical tip for how to structure your time during the Kaleköy/Simena-related walking:

• visit the castle area first
• then continue toward the top viewpoint
• after that, head down and turn left to reach the necropolis area

If you do it in that order, you tend to get the best views when the light is still good, and you’re not zig-zagging in exhaustion.

Time check: if you’re the type who loves lingering in village corners, the hour can feel tight. Use it to see the viewpoints and the major ruins, then let Myra be your longer exploration stop.

Gökkaya Bay Swim Stop, Pirates Cave, and Turtle-Watching Odds

After Kaleköy, the boat heads toward another highlight: Gökkaya Bay. This is your swim moment, where you can get into the water and cool down. The bay’s water is the kind of blue that makes even a tired person sit up straighter.

The tour also includes:

• time for optional water sports on offer at the stop (you’ll see what’s available once you’re there)
• a naturally formed Pirates Cave, known for its large size and curved entrance
• an anchor at Karemlik Bay with a chance to look for sea turtles

The turtle part is worth mentioning honestly. The tour notes you may spot 5 out of 8 species known worldwide. That’s not a guarantee, but it’s enough to make a careful look through the water worthwhile. If wildlife watching is your thing, bring patience and keep your eyes open rather than expecting a moment on cue.

And here’s the key mindset for this stretch: prioritize comfort. Bring what you need for the water, because the better you feel, the more you enjoy the rest of the day’s walking at Demre.

Demre Port Museum + Getting to Myra

When the boat day ends, you return to Demre port. From there, the tour continues with a visit to a nearby museum.

This museum stop is brief compared to the main ruins, but it can help you place what you’re about to see at Myra. It’s also a useful break after the long water time and the sun.

Then you transition to the big archaeological stop: The Ancient City of Myra, Demre’s most famous site.

Keep an eye on your energy level here. Myra is full walking on uneven ground in places, and the ruins are spread out across areas rather than being one tight photo point. Plan to slow down and take it in, not race through it.

Ancient Myra: Roman Theatre and Cliff-Cut Tombs

Myra is the part of the trip where you stop thinking like a tourist and start thinking like a visitor from two thousand years ago.

Myra includes ruins dating back as far as the 5th century B.C., but the two big “wow” elements are Roman-era:

• the Roman-style theatre, described as the largest in Lycia
• the rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs above

The theatre is the anchor for your imagination. Even without knowing every detail, you can see the scale and the seating logic. It’s the kind of place that makes you picture speeches, gatherings, and daily life.

Then the tombs change the mood. The cliff-cut design feels eerie because you’re literally looking up at stonework made for the dead. The placement above town creates a sense of separation—something like a quiet warning written in rock.

This is also where your “bring good shoes” advice pays off. You’ll want sure footing, especially if paths are slick or worn.

If you want the best experience here, don’t rush. Myra rewards slower walking: stand, look back at the theatre, then walk to the tomb areas and absorb how the cliffs shape the whole town.

Who Should Book This Kekova and Myra Day Trip

This is a strong fit if you want:

• one day that mixes sea views and major archaeology
• a boat format with actual swimming time at Gökkaya Bay
• a day that includes lunch without extra planning

You’ll probably like it most if you:

• enjoy boat trips and want easy access to Kekova’s coastline
• want to see more than one famous Demre stop without doing it in multiple days
• don’t mind an early start in exchange for a packed itinerary

If you’re the type who hates long days, consider whether a 13-hour outing is worth it. You’ll be on the move most of the day, and the Kekova walking stops are time-limited.

Should You Book This Trip From Antalya?

I’d book it if you want a practical, high-value day that covers Kekova’s Sunken City and Myra’s best ruins without juggling transport. The included lunch and the 7-hour boat block make the schedule feel efficient, and the Myra theatre and tombs are the kind of sights that justify the effort.

I’d think twice only if you’re picky about time on Kekova. The island/village windows are tight, so you’ll get the highlights rather than a long beach hang. Also, if you care about special boat features like glass-bottom viewing, ask on the day what’s actually onboard.

If you’re ready for an early start and you love the idea of seeing ruins both on water and in stone above the cliffs, this is a solid bet.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is 13 hours, including travel time and the 7-hour boat trip.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Antalya.

What does the lunch include?

Lunch is included, along with seasonal salad and fruit or dessert.

Are archaeological site entrance fees included?

No. Archaeological site entrance fees are not included.

How long is the boat trip?

The included boat trip lasts 7 hours.

Where does pickup start in Antalya?

Pickup starts at 06:45 AM from Guzeloba Kipa and continues from multiple Antalya meeting points listed by the provider.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. There is a swim stop at Gökkaya Bay, and you may also have other water time during the cruise.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a towel.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour.

You Might Also Enjoy

City of Side: All-Inclusive Boat Ride and Foam PartySailing Day Tour with skipper and private chef in Kas IslandsFrom Alanya, Side, Antalya: The Land of Legends Night ShowFamily Rafting Trip at Köprülü Canyon Incl. Lunch from Belek