Demre, Myra & Kekova Tour from Antalya: Sunken City Boat Trip

Demre, Myra and Kekova day tour from Antalya: the key facts

This guided day tour from Antalya heads west along the Lycian coast to Demre. At Myra you look up at the Lycian rock tombs cut into the cliff, and in Demre you visit the town linked to St. Nicholas, who served there as bishop. The second half of the day is a boat trip at Kekova, where you look down from the deck at the remains of a Byzantine-era settlement under the water, with roof arches and stairways still visible. Hotel pick-up, lunch, the boat cruise and entrance fees are included.

It suits travellers who like to mix archaeology with time on the water, and Christian visitors with an interest in St. Nicholas. It is a long day, from early morning to evening. The price is from $103 per person.

How long is the day?

Pick-up from central Antalya hotels is at 06:30 and you are back at around 19:00, so the day is about twelve and a half hours, much of it on the coastal road. The page does not give the driving time each way. Have breakfast early or ask your hotel for a packed breakfast, and bring something to read or listen to for the drive. The booking form offers start times from 08:00 to 14:00, with 09:30 marked as suggested, which does not fit a 06:30 pick-up. Wait for the pick-up time we confirm in writing.

Is the Church of St. Nicholas part of the tour?

The overview mentions the church where St. Nicholas served as bishop, but the list of sights in the FAQ names only Myra Ancient City, Demre Ancient City, the Kekova Sunken City and the boat tour. The church is not named there, and the FAQ answer on entrance fees simply says every fee in the program is covered. If visiting the church is important to you, ask us before booking to confirm in writing that it is on the route and that its entrance is included. Read more about the site on our Myra and St. Nicholas Church page.

Can we swim at the Kekova sunken city?

Not over the ruins. Kekova has been a protected area since 1990, and swimming and diving around the sunken city are banned, so you see the remains from the boat. The page describes the boat section as relaxed but does not mention a swim stop elsewhere, so ask us whether your boat stops at a bay where swimming is allowed. If it does, bring a swimsuit and a towel. Keep a hat, sun cream and a light layer for the deck, as it can be windy on the water.

How much walking is there at Myra and Demre?

At Myra the rock tombs are viewed from below, so you do not climb the cliff; you walk on paths around the site and the theatre area at your own pace. Wear shoes with a good grip, as the ground is uneven in places. There is little shade at the ruins, so bring water. If you visit a church, cover your shoulders and knees as a mark of respect. The boat section involves stepping on and off the boat, so tell us in advance if anyone in your group has limited mobility.

Do you pick up from every Antalya hotel?

Pick-up and drop-off are included for central Antalya hotels. The page does not say whether hotels outside the centre, for example in resort areas further along the coast, are covered or what an extra transfer would cost. Send us your hotel name when you book and we will confirm in writing whether it is in the pick-up area and, if not, quote the extra cost before you pay.

Is there a private version, and how does it compare?

Yes. The private Demre, Myra and Kekova tour gives your group its own guide and vehicle. There is also a separate Demre, Myra and Kekova boat trip from Antalya listing, so compare the inclusions before you choose. The FAQ on this page compares it with the Antalya Old City tour and quotes that tour at €46, "€45 less" than this one, which does not match the $103 shown here; go by the price we confirm in writing.

What other day trips can we do from Antalya?

For Roman theatres and cities, see the Perge, Aspendos and Side tour. For the white terraces inland, there is the Pamukkale day tour from Antalya. The Antalya destination page and our Mediterranean Turkey guide list more options, and the full list of day tours helps if you are planning several days on the coast. Since this tour starts early and ends late, a lighter day such as the Old City tour fits well the day after.

How do we book the Demre, Myra and Kekova tour?

Use the booking form on this page to choose your date and number of guests, and give us your hotel name in Antalya. You can also write to us on WhatsApp at +90 545 307 67 88. Guiding is in English. Tell us if the Church of St. Nicholas or a swim stop matters to you. We confirm the pick-up time, the route and the total in writing before you make any payment. Get Turkey Tours holds TÜRSAB licence A-15751.