Turkey’s sunken city makes for a strong first hour. This day trip strings together Kekova Sunken City by boat, Demre’s St. Nicholas Church, and Myra’s Lycian rock-cut tombs, all in one organized schedule with hotel pickup.

I like the combo of sea-level ruins plus above-ground ancient sights. rock-cut tombs at Myra are the kind of place you can stare at and still keep discovering details, and you get enough time to actually enjoy it.

One thing to plan around: not everything is included in the price. St. Nicholas Church has an extra entrance fee, drinks cost extra, and the whole day depends on workable weather.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Kekova boat trip is built in: about 2 hours with views of the sunken ruins.
• Clear-water swim time is part of the day at Kekova’s turquoise bays.
• St. Nicholas Church visit is scheduled for about 1 hour in Demre, with the ticket sold separately.
• Myra’s Lycian necropolis centers on rock-cut tombs dating back to the 4th century BC.
• Lunch is included, with about a 45-minute break to eat and reset.
• Group size stays moderate (up to 45) with air-conditioned transport and pickup around 7:30–8:30.

Price and Logistics: What You’re Really Paying For

At $50 per person, this tour is priced like a value-packed full-day introduction to one of Turkey’s most interesting corners. For that, you get air-conditioned transport, lunch, and the Kekova Sunken City boat trip—the three pieces that usually add up fast when you plan on your own.

What’s not included matters for your budget. The St. Nicholas Church entrance is listed separately at $18, drinks aren’t included, and the Myra Ancient City entrance is optional (300 TL). If you plan to spend time at both churches/tickets, you should factor those costs in early so the final total feels predictable.

The day runs about 7 to 10 hours, and you return to Kemer around 19:00. That’s a long stretch, but it also explains why this works well for people who don’t want to rent a car or piece together multiple tours.

Morning Pickup to Demre: The Start Time You Must Respect

Pickup is offered, usually between 7:30 and 8:30. You’ll ride to Demre first, then start the boat portion later (around 10:00), so there’s some built-in waiting time between pickup and the water.

Here’s the practical part: this is a morning-heavy day. If you’re staying near central Kemer, you’ll still want to be ready early, with a quick breakfast at your hotel if you can. Breakfast isn’t included, and lunch won’t be until after the church/boat rhythm settles.

Bring small essentials that help you enjoy a schedule like this without feeling rushed: sun protection, a light layer for the bus ride, and cash or card for the extra entrances and drinks. (The tour notes St. Nicholas ticket is $18 and Myra ticket is 300 TL if you want it.)

Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip: Simena Ruins Plus Time to Swim

Your first major stop is Kekova Island and the Kekova Sunken City boat tour, timed to start at about 10:00 and last around 2 hours. This is the centerpiece for many people, and for good reason: you get to see the ruins from the sea rather than just reading about them on land.

What you’re looking at connects to real geology. Kekova Island was once part of the mainland. Over time, earthquakes caused a large collapse, leaving part of the city in the water and turning the other portion into an island. Around two thousand years ago, the city of Simena was badly affected, and remnants still show up beneath the clear water.

The best part for me (and likely for you) is that the experience isn’t only about standing and staring. The tour description says you can swim in the turquoise waters—once linked to pirates in local legend. That mix of “look, then do” is what makes a history day feel more human.

You should also know there’s more than just underwater ruins. The day includes exploration around Kekova’s area, including an ancient cemetery with many tombs. That gives the boat time a useful purpose: you’re seeing what’s underwater, then you can move to what survives on land.

Quick practical tips for the boat stop

• If swimming is a priority, plan to have swim gear ready.
• Sun can be intense by mid-day; protect your skin early.
• The ride is part of the structure of the day, so don’t treat it like a quick add-on.

Church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) in Demre: Worth the Extra Ticket

After the boat portion, you head to the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre for about 1 hour. This is the famous religious site tied to the saint who later became the model for Father Christmas.

The entrance fee is not included and is listed as $18. If you love stories where faith, art, and folklore overlap, this stop is a strong payoff. Even if you’re not a religious-history specialist, the connection is easy to follow, and it gives the day a different flavor than tombs and amphitheaters.

Also keep expectations realistic: it’s one hour. You’ll be moving with the group, and there won’t be time to wander for hours. Plan for an efficient visit where you learn the basics and then soak up the atmosphere.

One more thing to note: the tour description mentions the amphitheater as part of the Demre area experience. So in this stop you’re likely getting a compact taste of the ancient city setting—church plus surrounding ancient context.

Myra Ancient City and Lycian Tombs: Land of the Sun Necropolis

Next comes the big ancient-city feel: Myra Antik Kenti (Myra Ancient Lycian City). Myra is described as meaning Land of the Sun, which is a nice mental anchor as you walk through the necropolis vibe of the place.

You’ll spend about 2 hours here, with a guide providing the necessary information and some free time for your own pace. That matters because Myra’s main attraction—the Lycian tombs—works best when you can linger and compare what you’re seeing.

The tombs are described as rock-cut necropolis tombs dating back to the 4th century BC. You’re not looking at replicas; you’re looking at how the Lycian world literally carved memory into stone. The visual impact is the point, but the deeper value is how the tombs fit into the landscape and the ancient city structure around them.

The tour also offers an optional entrance ticket for the Ancient City of Myra: 300 TL. If you’re trying to keep spending down, this is one decision you can make based on your priorities. If you really want the full Myra on-site experience, paying for the optional ticket is usually the way to go.

And don’t miss the pacing: lunch comes before the Myra stop. You’ll go to a local restaurant for lunch with about 45 minutes to eat. That break is long enough to recharge, which is important because walking time adds up quickly on an all-day tour.

Lunch and Break Time: Included Food, Not Included Drinks

Lunch is included, and that’s a genuine value add. When you’re on a full-day route, having one meal covered helps you stay calm and keep moving at the tour’s pace.

That said, drinks are not included. If you’re someone who drinks more water in the heat, budget for it. Also remember breakfast isn’t included, so your morning energy depends on what you manage before pickup.

The lunch break is about 45 minutes, which is enough time to eat and not feel like you’re trapped in a rush. Use it to reset: refill your bottle, use the restroom, and take a quick shade break before going back into the sites.

Comfort, Timing, and Weather: The Day Can Stretch

This tour is built around moving parts: pickup, transport, boat time, church visit, and Myra walking time. That’s why the tour works best when you accept that it’s a schedule day, not a “wander whenever you feel like it” day.

Good weather is required. If weather is poor and the tour is canceled for that reason, the tour notes you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The “good weather” part is especially important for the boat and any swim time you’re hoping to fit in.

Group size is up to 45. That’s large enough to have a lively atmosphere, but it’s not so huge that you’d be totally lost. Still, it can mean lines and tighter movement at popular stops, especially around entrances.

One last consideration: plan for extra costs at the sites. If you’re expecting the trip to be fully paid upfront, it won’t be. St. Nicholas Church has an $18 entrance fee, Myra’s ticket is optional at 300 TL, and drinks cost extra.

Who Should Book This Day Trip (and Who Might Not)

This tour fits best if you want a first taste of three connected highlights:

• Kekova sunken ruins plus water time
• Demre and the St. Nicholas Church story
• Myra and the Lycian tomb necropolis experience

It’s also a good match if you’re staying in Kemer and don’t want the hassle of arranging transport on your own. Pickup and an organized schedule reduce friction, which is often what makes a day like this actually happen.

You might not love it as much if you:

• Hate paying separate site fees once you arrive
• Prefer slow travel with long unscheduled breaks
• Get uncomfortable with long days that run until about 19:00

Families should note infant seats are available on request for 15 USD, which can help if you’re traveling with a very young child.

Should You Book This Demre–Myra–Kekova Tour?

If you’re aiming for one day that covers sunken ruins, a famous church, and one of the best-known Lycian necropolis sites, I’d say this is a solid value pick—especially because the boat trip and lunch are included in the base price.

Before you book, do two quick checks:

1) Decide if you want to pay the extra $18 for St. Nicholas and whether the 300 TL Myra ticket is worth it for you.

2) Be honest about your tolerance for a long, scheduled day where weather can play a role.

If those match your style, you’ll get exactly what this route is built for: sea views of ancient ruins, plus land-based moments that make Lycian Anatolia feel real.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

Pickup is typically between 7:30 and 8:30 am, and the Kekova boat tour starts at approximately 10:00.

How long is the total tour?

The duration is listed as about 7 to 10 hours.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, hotel pickup is offered, and the transport is described as air-conditioned.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport, lunch, and the boat trip to Kekova Sunken City.

Do I need to pay for the Church of St. Nicholas?

Yes. The entrance ticket for the St. Nicholas Church is not included and is listed as $18.

Is the Myra Ancient City entrance ticket included?

It’s optional. The Ancient City of Myra entrance ticket is listed as 300 TL if you choose to pay for it.

Is there swimming during the Kekova stop?

The tour description says you can swim in the turquoise waters during the Kekova part of the day.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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