Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour from Kemer

Sunken ruins by boat sound like a movie plot, but it’s real here. This full-day outing from Kemer strings together Kekova’s sunken city with Myra’s rock-cut tombs and Demre’s St. Nicholas connection. It’s a tight, guided day on the Turquoise Coast that gives you big history moments plus a few chances to slow down.

I really like that the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off plus lunch, so you’re not hunting transport or meals all day. I also like the format: a guided story on the move, then time at major sights—especially the boat cruise that’s the heart of the experience.

The main drawback to plan for is the cost creep: entrance fees aren’t included, and the Church of St. Nicholas can require a separate extra payment if you want to go inside. Also, this is a 9-hour day with a lot of time in a vehicle, so it can feel long in the heat.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Glass-bottom boat cruise over Kekova with a real look at underwater ruins (plus a few minutes to swim, if conditions allow)
• Myra’s rock-cut tombs and necropolis with a guided walk through ancient Lycian burial culture
• St. Nicholas in Demre for the Santa story, with optional church entry that costs extra
• Lunch included in Demre, typically in an authentic local setting (drinks usually cost extra)
• Small-group feel is common (the tour caps at 35, and you may be in a smaller bus depending on demand)

Kekova’s Sunken City: What the Boat Ride Delivers

This tour’s headline is the Kekova boat cruise. You’ll ride out along the coast where the legend becomes visible: the sunken city sits beneath the water near the island, and you get to see ruins and coastline remnants from the boat. It’s one of those experiences where the guide’s context matters, because you’re not looking at a whole intact city you can wander—more like a set of surviving traces.

The boat ride also tends to bring out the best scenery of the day. You’re moving slowly, with the cliffs and bays sliding past, and the guide usually points out what you’re seeing as the boat crosses key sections near the ruins. Some days include wildlife sightings too, like sea turtles in the surrounding harbor area.

One practical note: you might not get a perfect view from the bottom. Even when the boat is described as glass-bottom, the actual visibility can vary. If you’re expecting a super-clear “movie-grade” underwater view the whole time, keep your expectations flexible. The ruins are the point, but the clarity can be hit-or-miss.

And don’t forget the water factor. There’s often a swimming break from the back of the boat. Bring swimwear and a towel if you have them, even if you’re not sure you’ll need them—this is the kind of “last-minute yes” moment that turns into a highlight once you’re on the water.

Myra Rock-Cut Tombs: The Necropolis Stop That’s Worth Your Time

Myra isn’t just a photo stop. This is where the ancient world feels close and physical, because the tombs are carved directly into rock. The visit is centered on a centuries-old necropolis with rock-cut tombs, giving you a guided sense of how Lycian burial culture worked—especially the idea that the rock itself became the monument.

In real terms, you’ll get about two hours for this stop, which is enough time to see the main areas without feeling rushed like a conveyor belt. If the day is hot, this timing helps: you can pace yourself, stay in the shaded bits where they exist, and still come away with more than a quick look.

My advice for this stop is to lean into the storytelling. The tombs look powerful even at a glance, but what makes it memorable is how the guide connects the tombs to the broader region and local history. The guide’s explanations can also help you understand why Myra matters beyond being a scenic set of ruins.

Also keep in mind that Myra can be very warm depending on your season. If you’re going in summer months, bring sun protection and plan to take breaks when you can. This is one of those locations where good pacing beats trying to “power through.”

Demre and St. Nicholas: The Santa Claus Connection (and the Extra Fee Choice)

Demre’s Church of St. Nicholas is the stop built around a specific story: Nicholas of Myra, the historic inspiration that later shaped the Santa Claus character. It’s not just a name on a sign—this stop connects the religious and cultural legacy of the saint to modern popular tradition.

Here’s the part you need to understand before you decide whether you’ll go inside: the church entry typically costs extra. The basic tour price covers the main inclusions, but the church visit is not included in the headline price, and you should budget for an additional payment if you want to see the church interior. Some visits end up feeling short if you pay to enter, but for many people, it’s still the moment they came for.

If you choose not to go inside, you’re usually left with time outside and looking at the church area from public viewing points. That can feel a bit like waiting around if your schedule is tight and you’d rather spend more time at Myra. On the flip side, if you prefer to keep your day focused on the big visual sites like the tombs and the coast, skipping the interior can be a smart call.

I like that this stop gives you a clear choice. You can treat it as a “check the legend box” and move on, or you can skip the added cost and use the time for a calmer break.

Lunch in Demre: Included Food That Usually Beats the Buffet Stereotype

Lunch is included, and that matters because you’ll be out from the morning until late afternoon. In practice, you’ll end up eating in Demre, and the meal is typically served in an authentic restaurant rather than a generic tourist hall. The most consistent praise here is that the food is fresh and genuinely good, not just edible.

A common pattern is that the guide helps coordinate what you eat, sometimes with a choice of meals. That’s a small detail, but it reduces stress when you don’t know the local menu. It also keeps the group moving so you don’t lose time after lunch.

Drinks usually cost extra, so if you like soda, juice, or beer with your meal, it’s smart to plan a little budget. If you’re trying to keep the overall day spend predictable, this is one of the easiest places to control it.

Also, because it’s a long day, lunch functions as a reset button. This meal break gives you the one real pause between major sites—so treat it like a recharge rather than rushing through it.

Pickup and the 9-Hour Reality: Timing, Transfers, and Comfort

This tour starts early, around 8:00 am, with pickup from your hotel area (at the hotel security gate). The ride from Kemer to the sights takes time—roughly two hours to reach the boat departure area on many schedules. Then you’re back on the road for the return.

That long transfer is the main reason the day can feel exhausting. It’s not only the length; it’s also the curvy road, plus stops along the way. Many tours include a bathroom or refreshment break before the boat, which is helpful. You’ll also likely have more than one “quick stop” during the day.

Comfort is usually good because the group stays in coach/van style transport with air-conditioning in many cases. Still, the experience isn’t fully uniform: some rides can feel tight depending on vehicle size and the exact pickup location. If you’re sensitive to motion or cramped seating, it’s worth packing a travel cushion and planning your “comfort strategy” early.

Group size is another factor. The tour caps at 35, and you may experience a smaller group feel depending on demand. In other words, you might not feel like you’re stuck with dozens of people fighting for photo angles.

If you’re visiting in a season with extreme heat, remember that the day includes outdoor time at Myra and time on open-air boat segments. I’d treat sun protection as essential kit, not optional.

Price and Value: What $66.08 Really Buys You

The headline price is $66.08 per person, and that’s what makes this tour tempting. For that money, you generally get hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and the Kekova boat cruise. That combination is a real value because it covers three big costs most people would otherwise pay separately: transport, a meal, and the signature boat outing.

The catch is that entrance fees are not included (listed as around €30 total). Then St. Nicholas Church entry can require an extra payment if you want to go inside. Depending on how you handle those optional costs, your real all-in budget can rise quickly.

Think of it like this: the base price buys the structure. Entrances buy the deeper access. If you’re the type who wants to go inside every major site, plan for extra spending. If you’re more “see it from the outside, then move on,” you can keep spending closer to the advertised price.

Also watch the optional shopping stops. The day may include a stop tied to gemstones or souvenirs. These aren’t mandatory purchases, but they do eat time. If your priority is maximizing time at Myra and on the coast, you’ll want a firm “no” mindset for shopping, or you’ll end up paying with your attention span.

Shopping Stops and How to Protect Your Time

Some versions of this route include a stop at a semi-precious stone or souvenir shop along the way. The goal is usually sales, not sightseeing, so it can feel like time you’d rather spend viewing the coast from the road or resting after lunch.

The good news is you’re not forced to buy anything. The better news is you can often manage the impact by deciding in advance whether you’ll go inside for a quick look or skip it completely with the group rules.

If you do go in, treat it like a chance to learn what locals sell and why the prices vary. If you’re not interested, keep moving—your day is packed with major sights already. Your best return on time is still the boat and Myra.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Might Want Something Else

I’d recommend this tour if you want a one-day mix of coast + ancient sites and you like guided storytelling. The combination is strong: Kekova’s sunken ruins, Myra’s tombs, and Demre’s St. Nicholas connection makes the day feel varied without being random.

You’ll also enjoy it if you like the idea of a structured day where you don’t plan transport or timing. Hotel pickup takes away a lot of stress, and lunch included helps you avoid turning the day into a “where do we eat” scramble.

I’d think twice if you:

• Hate long drives and want minimal time in a vehicle
• Expect a consistently crystal-clear glass-bottom view the whole time
• Prefer to spend longer inside sites rather than doing a stop-and-go tour

If you’re traveling with kids, it can work because the day has multiple visual “wow” moments—boat views and turtles (when seen), plus the tombs are memorable. Just keep the heat reality in mind.

Should You Book This Kekova, Demre, and Myra Tour?

Book it if you want the best kind of Turkey-day-trip: a guided hit of Kekova’s sunken city by boat, plus Myra’s rock-cut tombs and Demre’s St. Nicholas story, all with pickup and lunch handled. It’s strong value when you’re okay paying separate entrance fees and you’re happy to trade a little extra vehicle time for a well-rounded route.

Skip it or switch plans if you’re the type who hates “optional” extras—like paid church entry or shopping stops that take time. And if you care most about underwater views alone, know that the sunken-city part is a portion of the day, not a whole day of scuba-level viewing.

If you do book, go in with a simple plan: pack sun protection, bring swimwear for the boat stop if offered, and decide ahead of time whether St. Nicholas Church interior is worth the extra fee for you.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour price?

Lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the Kekova sunken city boat cruise are included. Entrance fees and drinks are not included.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are listed as 30€. St. Nicholas Church entry is also not included in the base price.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00 am.

Do they pick me up from my hotel?

Yes. Pickup is offered from your hotel security gate, and you’re dropped off back at your hotel.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes. It’s offered in English, and the guide may be multi-lingual depending on the group.

Is a mobile ticket used?

Yes, a mobile ticket is provided. Confirmation is received at booking.