Saltwater ruins, on a private boat. This is a full-day route out of Antalya that pairs the famous Kekova Sunken City with Demre and Myra’s Lycia-era sights, all in one long but well-timed day. You start early, ride by boat along the coast, and spend enough time on land to actually feel the place.

I really like two things here: the private format (it’s only your group), and the mix of scenes—submerged ruins, village walks in Simena, and the stonework of Myra. You also get practical comfort built in: hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and lunch included, so you’re not scrambling all day.

One thing to consider is communication. In at least one case, the boat host/captain did not speak English, so it helps to have a translation app ready and go with a flexible, non-technical attitude.

Key highlights to notice before you go

• Private boat time on Kekova with stops timed for photos and swimming breaks
• Sunken City by cruise, not by swimming, plus a protected-area viewing setup
• Multiple swim options across different bays, with at least one cooler-water stop
• Demre + Myra in one day, including St. Nicholas sites and Lycia monuments
• Lunch included, plus an onboard host who prepares food on the boat in some cases

The value of a private Kekova day from Antalya

If you’re basing yourself in Antalya, this kind of day trip can be a smart use of your time. You get the classic Kekova coast by boat, then you keep going inland to Demre and Myra—places many people only see on separate tours.

The private format matters more than most people expect. Instead of sharing your boat and schedule with strangers, your group sets the pace: you can linger at a viewpoint longer, spend your swim time your way, and take photos without shoulder-to-shoulder pressure. The tour also prices per person based on group size, which can feel less painful if you’re traveling as a couple, small family, or group.

The day runs about 14 hours, so it’s not a quick hit. But it’s also built around a steady flow: transport to Demre, boat time for Kekova, then a land run for Demre and Myra before the final return.

Morning transport: the 7:30 start that makes everything fit

The tour begins early. You’re picked up with a start around 7:30 am, with the meeting time listed as 7:00 am. From there, you transfer by air-conditioned vehicle toward Demre, which takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.

That drive sets expectations. You’ll likely arrive ready for coffee and calm, then transition straight into the boat portion. If you’re the kind of person who hates rushed mornings, plan for a simple breakfast and bring a water bottle so you don’t have to think about it later.

A practical note: because this is a private tour, you’ll generally move as your group moves. If you need restroom stops on the way, it’s worth mentioning that early so the driver can plan around it.

Demre harbor to Kekova: start on the water, not on a map

From Demre harbor, your boat ride begins once the anchor is raised. There’s a short pre-boat window, and then you’re underway—exactly what I like about this itinerary style. You’re not spending the day only in vehicles; the coast portion starts right away.

This matters because Kekova is best understood visually. Submerged ruins, rocky shoreline, and the shape of bays don’t translate well through still viewpoints alone. Even your first minutes out of Demre give you that coastal context you’ll appreciate later when you stop for swimming or when Simena appears ahead.

On at least one boat experience, the host/captain was an owner-run setup and the day felt family-style in tone. That kind of on-the-water atmosphere can make the long day feel less like a checklist.

Sunken City cruise: Dolchiste under the water

Your first major Kekova segment is the cruise around the Sunken City area. This is tied to the ancient city of Dolchiste, flooded due to an earthquake in the 2nd century, leaving underwater ruins that still show the layout of the past.

This is one of the signature moments of the day. The key detail: it’s a protected area, and swimming is not permitted there. Instead of fighting for wet feet, your time is about cruising alongside the ruins, getting clear photos, and watching how the submerged stonework sits against the shoreline.

If you’re going for photos, this is where you’ll want to be ready. Bring a phone strap or small wrist lanyard if you’re on a boat with open movement, and keep your lens/phone handy so you can capture ruins and rock formations quickly without dropping your rhythm.

Aquarium Bay swim break: when you need a reset

Next comes Aquarium Bay, with about one hour for sunshine and a swim break. After the longer ruins viewing, this swim stop is what makes the day feel balanced instead of purely educational.

The good part is timing. You don’t go straight from one protected-area restriction into another long land walk. You get time to cool off in the Mediterranean, stretch your legs, and come back calmer for the next set of stops.

Bring swim basics even if you’re not a “swim person.” Reef-safe sunscreen (if you use it), a dry shirt for later, and a small towel can help. Water time also means you’ll want to pay attention to where your shoes are stored so sand stays off your clothes.

Simena (Kaleköy): castle ruins and a real village feel

Your boat drops anchor in Kaleköy, the old Simena area. You get about one hour to explore this small village, plus time to see castle ruins and a necropolis.

This stop is valuable because it’s not just scenery. You get a sense of everyday life tucked into ruins and stone. The village walk gives the day a human scale, which helps after the boat’s “view from the same angle” feeling.

Then there’s a second Simena-related moment on the schedule: a chance for views by hiking up the hillside, or using remaining time to admire the castle from below (and possibly swim again depending on timing). That hillside perspective is often the difference between seeing a ruin and understanding the coastline’s logic.

The drawback here is simple: the schedule expects you to move. If you prefer slow browsing, use your hour strategically—pick one direction for the walk and don’t try to do everything.

Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay, and Gökkaya: multiple ways to enjoy the water

You’ll have a sequence of swim-friendly bays, spaced so you’re not stuck in the same place for hours. The itinerary highlights:

• Esmeralda Bay (Esmeralda Bay) for lunch and a swim break, with a calmer feel
• Burç Bay, where the water can feel cooler because of cold underwater natural springs
• Gökkaya Bay, with about two hours plus possible water sports, depending on what’s offered that day
• A stop for a naturally formed cave, noted for its large size and curved entrance

This is where you can tailor the day to your mood. If you want gentle swimming and photos, Esmeralda and Burç often fit. If you want a more active water moment, Gökkaya is the likely pick.

One practical thing: with several swim stops, plan your belongings like you’re doing day-long water sports. Keep phone and wallet protected, and don’t wait until you’re already in the water to think about where your towel will go.

Also, note the wording in the itinerary about optional water sports. That means they may not always be your main focus, so set expectations: think of them as a possible bonus, not the core plan.

Caves, currents, and turtles: extra nature moments on the route

The natural cave stop adds variety without taking over your day. It’s typically a “look, photograph, and move on” type of moment, which can be perfect if you don’t want a long land detour.

Later, there’s also a chance to look for sea turtles at Karemlik Bay. The itinerary notes that 3 out of the 7 known sea turtle species can be found in the Mediterranean, and this bay is where you might spot them in their habitat. That’s an exciting angle, but it’s still a nature encounter, not a guarantee.

If you’re the type who loves wildlife, bring the mindset of a chance—not a promise. Even without a sighting, this stop often feels worthwhile because it’s less structured and more observational.

Back to Demre: museum option and a smooth transition to Myra

After the boat portion, you return to Demre harbor. There’s a short museum stop option: the Museum of Lycian Civilizations (entrance not included). This can help connect what you’re seeing on-site later in Myra.

Then you continue with optional adds depending on the day’s flow:

• Andriake Ancient City (optional)
• Santa Claus Museum in Demre town center (optional)
• Church of St. Nicholas (optional, entrance not included)

This is where the itinerary gives you flexibility. If you’re more into archaeology, focus on the Lycian sites and skip the town-center extras. If your group wants the St. Nicholas angle, those Demre stops become a nice bridge between boat coastlines and inland sacred sites.

Myra’s theatre and rock-cut tombs: the Lycia you came for

Your Myra time is built around major ruins. The itinerary calls out the ancient Greek theatre of Myra, built in the 1st century BC on a steep mountain slope, rebuilt after an earthquake in 141 AD thanks to donations from named figures (Opramoas of Rhodiapolis, Jason of Kyaneai, and Licinius Langus of Oinoanda).

Even with short on-site windows, that background matters. It makes the theatre feel less like a photo stop and more like evidence of how people rebuilt after disaster. The masonry, vaults, and decorative elements are the sort of detail that rewards even a quick visit.

Then there’s an optional rock tombs stop. It’s described as eerie rock-cut tombs above the cliffs, plus a Roman-style theatre noted as the largest in Lycia. This is a strong pairing because it covers both how Myra performed public life (theatres) and how it handled burial and status (tombs).

Time here is tight, with some stops listed as only 15 to 30 minutes. So if you’re trying to choose what to prioritize, decide early: theatre and principal ruins first, tomb area second. That way you don’t spend the best light sprinting.

Lunch on the boat: small detail, big difference on a long day

Lunch is included. On at least one boat experience, the captain prepared a good meal on board, and the overall feel was relaxed with friendly hosting. That’s not just comfort—it’s logistics.

A day like this can easily become exhausting if food is delayed or if you’re always hunting for something simple. Having lunch already handled means you can spend your time on the important bits: the water, the ruins, and the stonework.

Still, keep expectations realistic. Since this is a boat setting, the meal style will likely be simple and timed to the day’s movement. Come hungry, and don’t treat lunch as fine dining.

Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for

At $703.96 per person for about 14 hours, the first question is value: is this too pricey or about right?

For a private day that combines:

• hotel pickup in Antalya
• air-conditioned transport
• lunch included
• a dedicated boat day with multiple stops
• access to Demre and Myra areas via an organized run

…the price can make sense, especially if your group is small and you want privacy on the boat. If you’re traveling solo, it will feel steep, because the private format has to be funded by fewer people.

Also, entrance fees are not included for several big-ticket items:

• Ancient City of Myra (13 euro)
• St. Nicholas Church (17 euro)
• Museum of Lycian Civilizations (4 euro)
• Simena Castle (4 euro)

So your final spend will depend on which optional stops you actually choose to enter. If you’re price-sensitive, decide which paid sites are must-do for you before the day begins.

Pace, comfort, and who this fits best

This tour is a long day with a fast sequence. It’s built for people who enjoy structure and don’t mind switching environments: car to boat to village to inland ruins.

You’ll like it most if:

• you want a private boat experience instead of a shared group scramble
• you care about Kekova’s underwater ruins and want to see them from the water
• you also want Demre and Myra without taking multiple separate day trips

It’s less ideal if you hate early mornings, want lots of free time for shopping, or dislike moving between stops. Even with optional segments, the day’s overall shape stays “go, see, swim, continue.”

One more practical factor from experience: if the boat host doesn’t speak English, communication may be limited. That doesn’t stop the day, but it changes how much you’ll get from explanations. If that matters to you, use your phone’s translation tools and focus on the sights.

Should you book this Kekova, Demre, and Myra private tour?

I’d book it if you want one day that links coastline spectacle with major inland ruins, and you value privacy on the boat. The combination of Sunken City cruise, swim breaks, and Myra’s theatre and tomb zones is exactly the kind of Turkey day that feels efficient without feeling like a blur.

I’d think twice if your budget is tight, because entrance fees add up and the private pricing can be heavy for small groups. Also, consider your tolerance for a 14-hour schedule with multiple stop types—boat, swims, short land visits, and some optional entrances.

If you’re ready for an early start, you like being on the water, and you want more than just a single highlight, this is the sort of day that tends to make people remember the coast of southern Turkey for years.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The meeting time is listed as 7:00 am, and the tour starts from Antalya around 7:30 am.

How long is the tour?

It’s about 14 hours (approx.).

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour.

Are entrance fees included for Myra, St. Nicholas, and the museum?

No. Entrance fees are not included for the Ancient City of Myra, St. Nicholas Church, Museum of Lycian Civilizations, and Simena Castle.

Can you swim at the Sunken City?

No. Swimming is not permitted in the protected Sunken City area, but you can cruise alongside the ruins for viewing and photos.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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