A sunken city and tombs in one long day. This Demre, Myra & Kekova tour stacks standout Lycian sites with a boat ride over the water where you can spot the Kekova sunken ruins, plus time to swim and snorkel in clear coastal water. It’s the kind of day trip that feels like two trips stitched together: archaeology on land, then straight into the water.

I love that the itinerary mixes the famous with the practical. You get a guided look at Myra’s amphitheater and Lycian rock-cut tombs, and then you’re treated to a boat trip that’s built around actual water time, not just a photo stop. I also like the St. Nicholas connection, since Myra is tied to the story of St. Nicholas of Myra.

One possible drawback: it can mean an early start and a long drive, especially if you’re staying around Antalya. If you’re traveling with kids, plan carefully and expect the day to run long.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Kekova sunken city boat sail + time to swim and snorkel in clear water
• Myra’s amphitheater and Lycian necropolis tombs along the River Myros area
• St. Nicholas of Myra sites, including the church stop in Kale (Demre)
• Lunch included before you head out for Kekova’s water time
• English or Russian live guide who explains what you’re seeing (including Alp, noted for being both friendly and very informed)

Demre, Myra & Kekova: why this route works

This is one of those Turkish Riviera days where the geography does half the marketing for you. Demre Province sits right on the dramatic stretch of coast between Antalya and the Lycian cities inland. What makes this tour click is how it links the coast and the archaeology without wasting hours backtracking.

You start with Myra, a Lycian and Greek-era setting where monuments were carved into the rock. Then you move to Kekova, where the story changes from tombs and amphitheaters to sunken ruins and underwater remains. The day’s rhythm keeps you from getting stuck in museums-only mode.

If you like tours that feel purposeful—see real sites, then get to the water—you’ll probably enjoy this format.

Price and value: what $78 covers (and what it doesn’t)

At $78 per person, the value comes from combining three paid elements in one go: guided site visits, lunch, and a boat trip to Kekova. Entrance fees for Myra and Demre are included, and the boat ride to the sunken city is included too.

What’s not included matters for budgeting:

• drinks are not included with lunch
• St. Nicholas Church is listed as not included

That means you can still have a smooth day without extra planning, but you’ll want a little spending flexibility for water, drinks, and any church-related costs depending on how the stop is handled that day.

Also, skipping the ticket line can save time when you’re moving through busy stops. Over a full day, those small time-savers add up.

Pickup timing and the early start reality check

This tour runs about 9–10 hours, and the big logistics piece is the drive. Pickup is available from Antalya, Belek, Kemer (and also the Antalya area including Alanya, Side per the general info), then you head toward Myra and Demre’s coast.

If you’re staying in the Antalya area, expect it to feel like a longer outing than the duration alone suggests—because you’re trading sleep-in time for the ability to see multiple sites and still reach Kekova with enough daylight.

One review specifically warned that the drive can be upwards of three hours with an early start, and that it may not suit kids. I’d treat that as a practical planning note: if you’re traveling with children or anyone who hates being up early, consider your tolerance for the car portion before booking.

Myra (and the River Myros area): amphitheater + Lycian tombs

Myra is where the day turns into “proper sightseeing.” You transfer to the ancient town on the banks of the River Myros, and the stops are designed to show you what made this place important to the Lycian world.

The amphitheater stop

You’ll see the ancient Greek amphitheater, which helps you understand how these coastal-inland crossroads cities worked. Even if you don’t read every inscription, an amphitheater gives you a sense of scale fast. It’s also a great place for a guide to connect the dots between languages, rulers, and time periods.

The Lycian necropolis rock-cut tombs

Next, the focus is the Lycian necropolis, especially the rock-cut tombs. This is one of those sights where your eyes do the work. The tombs aren’t just ruins in the distance—you’re looking at carved forms directly in front of you.

Why it matters: Lycian tombs show a different kind of relationship to landscape than you might see elsewhere in Turkey. You’re not just looking at collapsed architecture; you’re looking at a cultural design made to last.

The St. Nicholas of Myra connection

Myra is also tied to St. Nicholas of Myra (the figure behind the later Christmas story). That connection is more than trivia. It’s part of why the area draws visitors year after year, so your guide’s framing can make the site feel more personal.

One of the most praised things from the experience is the quality of guiding—people really appreciated Alp’s approach as friendly, honest, and very knowledgeable, which is exactly what you want when you’re walking through stone carvings that reward context.

Lunch before Kekova: what to expect and how to plan

Lunch is included, and it happens before you head out by boat toward Kekova. This is a smart pacing choice: you don’t want to be eating in transit while you’re about to spend time in the water.

That said, lunch is described as basic in reviews, and at least one person felt the restaurant didn’t look particularly clean. The practical takeaway for you: treat lunch as fuel, not as a food highlight.

If you’re picky or you just like better variety, bring small snacks or plan to buy a drink separately (drinks aren’t included). A little extra hydration helps, especially on a hot Riviera day.

The Kekova sunken city boat trip: swim, snorkel, and spot ruins

Now for the main event: the sail over Kekova and the sunken city ruins. The tour specifically includes a boat trip to the sunken city area, with time to swim and snorkel around the island.

This is where the day becomes more than “looking at old things.” You’re in the water where the history is literally in the surroundings. And since the waters are described as crystal clear, snorkeling time can be genuinely satisfying, not just a token moment.

Simena underwater ruins

One of the stops focuses on the underwater ruins at Simena. You explore the extraordinary underwater remains of the sunken city, and the guide helps interpret what you’re seeing from the boat and surrounding water.

Important for expectations: you’re not in a movie set. Underwater visibility, water conditions, and where the boat stops all affect what you can spot with your own eyes. Still, the idea is clear—this is the part that turns the coastline into a living archaeological scene.

How the boat ride feels in real life

Boat days can be either relaxing or chaotic, depending on group size and pacing. In this case, the schedule is built around a full day, so you should expect the standard rhythm: get briefed, move from stop to stop, then get your water time.

If you like tours that prioritize a real activity (snorkel/swim) over endless walking, you’ll probably appreciate this portion most.

Teimiussa necropolis: the quieter payoff after the big water moment

After the Kekova water time, the itinerary includes the Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa. This is a good sequence choice: you get the action first (boat and water), then you slow down for the stone-and-history part again.

Teimiussa doesn’t always steal the show the way Kekova’s sunken ruins do, but it’s valuable because it adds another Lycian layer to your day. You’re not repeating the same type of sight—you’re moving from one necropolis context to another.

Why this matters: it reinforces that the Lycian world here wasn’t a single site. It was a network of settlements along the coast and slightly inland, with people investing in burial monuments that still command attention today.

Kale (Demre) and the Church of St. Nicholas stop

At the end of the day, you return to Kale (Demre) and visit the church of St. Nicholas before heading back to your hotel.

Two things to keep in mind:

• The tour includes the stop as part of the day’s flow.
• The listing notes St. Nicholas Church is not included in the cost list (so you may need to handle any entrance requirement on-site, depending on how it’s arranged that day).

This is a meaningful ending point. After all the boat time and necropolis stops, you get a more spiritual and cultural landmark tied to Myra’s identity.

What to bring (and what to wear) for a smooth day

This tour is straightforward, but a few basics help a lot.

Bring

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking around ancient stone areas)
• Sunscreen and water for hydration (especially with boat and swim time)

For the water portion:

• you’ll want swim-ready gear if you have it
• consider whether you’ll need something for drying and storing items between stops

Packing small snacks is also a smart move if you know lunch won’t satisfy you the way you like.

Group dynamic and guidance: why your guide matters here

In a tour like this, the guide isn’t background noise. They’re what turns “I saw ruins” into “I understand what I’m looking at.”

One reviewer highlighted their guide Alp as fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and honest—which is the kind of performance that can genuinely change your experience. When a guide can explain why the amphitheater matters, what the tomb shapes represent, and how the underwater remains relate to the coastline, you get more out of every stop.

Also, the tour runs in English and Russian, so you should be able to match your language comfort. If you’re choosing between tours in the area, guide style is worth comparing.

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

This itinerary is ideal if you want:

• a one-day hit of Myra + Kekova without planning transfers yourself
• real snorkeling/swimming time
• guided context for Lycian sites, not just quick photos
• a full day that feels active but not like a hike

It may be less ideal if:

• you’re sensitive to early mornings and long car time (especially from Antalya)
• you’re traveling with young kids and don’t want a long drive with an early start
• you’re expecting lunch to be a standout meal (it’s included, but it’s described as basic)

If you’re the type who likes order in your day, this tour’s structure will feel satisfying: land sites, lunch, boat, then an ending church visit.

Should you book the Antalya: Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip?

If you want one day that combines archaeology, a famous coastal boat ride, and time in the water, I’d say yes—this tour is built around the right priorities. The strongest selling points are the Kekova sunken city boat trip and the snorkel/swim component, plus the fact that Myra’s tombs and amphitheater come with guided interpretation.

I’d only hesitate if the early start and long drive sound rough for your group. If that’s you, either prepare with snacks, hydration, and realistic expectations—or look for an option with less driving.

Bottom line: at $78, you’re paying for a full, guided day that covers more than just sightseeing. It’s a good match for people who want the Turkish Riviera to feel physical, not just historical.

FAQ

How long is the Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City tour?

The duration is listed as 9–10 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the schedule that fits you.

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.

Do I need to pay for lunch or entrance fees separately?

Lunch is included, and entrance fees for Myra and Demre are included. Drinks are not included.

Is the St. Nicholas Church included?

The listing lists St. Nicholas Church as not included, even though the itinerary includes a visit to the church in Kale (Demre). You should expect you may need to pay entrance on-site if required.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is available from hotels in Antalya, Belek, and Kemer, and the general description also mentions Antalya area locations like Alanya and Side.

Do they skip the ticket line?

Yes, the tour notes skip the ticket line.

What languages is the tour guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Russian.

Is snorkeling or swimming included?

Yes. You’ll have time to swim and snorkel in the waters around Kekova.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes. It’s also smart to bring sun protection and water since you’ll be out in the sun and on the boat.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour also offers a reserve now & pay later option.