Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour

A sunken city plus two historic stops.

This day trip turns the long drive south of Antalya into one focused route: a Kekova boat ride over submerged remains, then Demre for St Nicholas, and finally Myra’s big ancient-site highlights. If you like your sightseeing with a bit of breathing room on the water, this is a smart mix.

What I like most is the built-in convenience. Hotel transfers and a provided lunch cut down on the usual stress of a long day. I also love that you get a specialist art historian guide, so the sights feel explained, not just pointed at.

The main catch is time and timing. You will start early, and the day can feel long, especially if you were hoping for a relaxed start in Antalya. Also, underwater visibility can be hit or miss from the boat, so don’t plan on seeing every detail perfectly.

Small group feel (max 15), so the pacing stays manageable

Two-hour boat time that keeps things pleasant compared to nonstop bus travel

Art historian guiding that connects Byzantine-era clues to what you see on the water

Lunch included, plus the big “ticket stuff” is mostly handled for you

St Nicholas church entrance is extra (17 euro), so budget a bit for that

How the 10 to 11 Hour Day Gets You to Kekova, Demre and Myra

This is a classic long-day itinerary that runs roughly 10 to 11 hours. The reason it works is simple: you are not just sighting around Antalya, you are actually traveling to the Demre area, then stacking three key experiences in one shot. That also explains the early start. It is not a morning “maybe I’ll go” kind of plan. It is a we-can-make-this-happen plan.

For most people, the value comes from the structure. Pickup is included, and the group size is capped at 15 travelers, which usually means less waiting and quicker movement at each stop. You are also traveling with an art historian specialist, so you spend less time guessing what you are looking at.

If you are only in Antalya for a short stretch, or you hate early wake-ups, this is where you need to be honest with yourself. A day like this can feel like a lot when you add the drive time.

Kekova Island Sunken City Views from the Boat

The heart of the tour is the Kekova Island boat segment, about 2 hours. From the boat, you will learn to read the coastline like a puzzle: you are looking at what remains of buildings and church features that are now submerged. The guide points out the setting and the specific ruins you can spot from the water.

Here are the kinds of details you should expect to see:

• Submerged shop areas along the bay, visible on both sides as the boat settles at the right point
• Signs that parts of homes are underwater, including stairs leading down to the sea
• Foundations and even house floors visible beneath the surface in calmer sections
• A Byzantine-period church feature, including the apse you can spot from the area near the bay

One practical thing to know: water conditions can affect how sharp those underwater remnants look. If you are hoping for clear “wreck-style” views, you may or may not get them, depending on visibility that day. Still, even when underwater details are faint, the overall story of the submerged town is easier to understand once you have the guide’s explanation.

This stop is also the best “reset” in the schedule. You combine sightseeing with relaxing time on the water, and it is a nice change from standing in hot ruins for hours.

Church of St Nicholas in Demre: A Focused 1 Hour Stop

After Kekova, you head to Demre for the Church of St Nicholas. This is a shorter, focused visit, about 1 hour. The point here is not to rush through everything, but to understand why this site matters and what you are looking at.

Important budget note: the St Nicholas church entrance is not included. The price listed is 17 euro, so plan to pay it separately. If you like having fewer surprises, bring cash or a card that works for local ticket payment, and keep that 17 euro in mind for your day budget.

What I like about a stop like this on a long-day tour is how it balances the physical scenery. Kekova is visual and atmospheric, with ruins spread out along the water. St Nicholas is a concentrated place to absorb details with the guide.

Myra Ancient City: Theater and the Tombs of Kings

Next up is Myra Antik Kenti (Myra Ancient City). The ticket for Myra is included, and this is where you get the big “wow” energy of a major ancient site. The highlights you will focus on include:

• The theater
• Tombs of kings
• The broader importance of Myra’s story, explained with historical context by your guide

Even though the time block in the plan is brief compared to Kekova, you still get a guided route to the key landmarks. This is the kind of stop where it helps to be with someone who can translate the site layout quickly, especially when you are hopping between major points.

One small reality check: ancient sites can be uneven underfoot, and you will likely be walking in heat. Your best move is to keep water handy (drinks are not included) and pace yourself. If you push too hard to see everything, you’ll feel it later, especially after the early start.

Price and Value: What $132.45 Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

At $132.45 per person, you are paying for a package style day. The value is strongest in the items that reduce friction:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off are included
• Lunch is provided
• You get a professional art historian guide plus a professional guide
• The boat tour (around 2 hours) is included
• Entry for Myra is included, and Kekova has its admission ticket included too

What is not included matters for your total day cost. The big add-on is the Church of St Nicholas entrance, listed as 17 euro. Drinks are also not included, so your lunch budget can creep up if you plan to purchase beverages on top of the included meal.

When I evaluate value for a day like this, I think about time. You are not just “buying tickets,” you are buying a guided route plus transportation plus a lunch that prevents the dreaded hangry spiral. If you are traveling with limited time in Antalya, the package helps you avoid spending your day figuring out logistics.

Also, the schedule is designed for efficiency. It is booked about 25 days in advance on average, which usually signals that people feel it is worth planning early.

Transfers, Small Group Size, and the Pace You’ll Feel

This tour keeps group size to a maximum of 15 travelers. That matters more than you might think. On busy routes, larger groups can mean more waiting, slower transitions, and a guide who can only hit the highlights. With 15 or fewer, you typically get quicker movement through each stop.

Pickup is included from several areas: Lara, Belek, Side, Alanya, Kumköy, Serik, Antalya City Center, Old Town (Kaleiçi), Beldibi, Kemer, and Tekirova. That wide net is a practical advantage if you are staying outside the main tourist core.

You’ll also use a mobile ticket. For a long day, that reduces the chance of paperwork headaches. And because confirmation is received at booking time, you are not left guessing if you will be picked up.

Still, this is not a slow, wander-at-your-own-speed day. It is a guided day with a plan. If you like to stop for every photo, you may feel a little rushed. If you like structure and guidance, you will appreciate it.

What to Pack for a Long Boat and Ancient Sites Day

This is the kind of trip where the wrong clothing choices can make it harder than it needs to be. Since drinks are not included and the day runs long, pack like you expect to be out for hours.

Bring:

• A reusable water bottle (you will thank yourself later)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Comfortable shoes for uneven ground at ancient sites
• A light layer for the boat, since wind off the water can feel cooler than you expect
• Payment method for the 17 euro St Nicholas entrance

If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions before you go. The boat is a main part of the day, and even though it is only around two hours, you will feel it more if you do not prepare.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This tour fits best if you want a guided sampler that hits three big areas without making you manage logistics. It is ideal for:

• First-time visitors to Antalya who want to see more than just the coast
• People who enjoy ancient ruins but also want downtime on the water
• Travelers who like having context, not just landmarks
• Anyone comfortable with early starts and a long day

It may not be the best choice if:

• You hate waking early on vacation
• You only have a tight window and cannot spare a full day
• You expect ultra-crystal-clear underwater views every time from the boat

Also, if you are the type who wants to linger for hours inside one museum or one ruin complex, this tour’s strengths are different. It is about stacking highlights efficiently.

Should You Book the Demre, Myra and Kekova Tour?

I would book this if you want a structured, guided day that combines a two-hour boat at Kekova with Demre and Myra’s main ancient points, all with pickup, lunch, and key tickets handled. The specialist art historian angle is a real plus because it helps you understand what you are seeing in Byzantine-era remains and ancient city landmarks.

I would think twice if you are expecting a relaxed start in Antalya, or if your ideal vacation day is short and low-effort. This is more “get up, go, see, enjoy” than “sleep in and meander.”

One more practical note: the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That gives you room to plan calmly while you wait on final schedule decisions.

If you want the best chance to enjoy every part of the day, commit to the early timing, show up ready for walking, and budget the 17 euro for St Nicholas plus drinks.

FAQ

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

It runs about 10 to 11 hours.

Does this tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hotel transfers are included, with pickup available from many Antalya-area locations including Lara, Belek, Side, Alanya, Kumköy, Serik, Antalya City Center, Old Town (Kaleiçi), Beldibi, Kemer, and Tekirova.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is provided.

How long is the boat tour to the sunken city area?

You get a boat tour of around 2 hours at Kekova.

Is the Church of St Nicholas entrance included?

No. The St Nicholas church entrance is not included and is listed as 17 euro.

Is entry to Myra Ancient City included?

Yes. Myra ancient city entrance ticket is included.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum size of 15 travelers.