Kas: (Small Group) Day Trip to Kekova Island, Demre & Myra

A turquoise coastline and Roman tombs in one day sounds impossible, but Kaş makes it work with a small group boat trip. I love how the route mixes scenery and history, especially the Sunken City views from the water and the calm swim breaks in bays like Esmeralda. One thing to consider, the day runs long and the Myra stop involves an extra entrance fee on top of the tour price.

This is a practical tour if you want real time on the water, not just a bus ride with photos. The included lunch tends to be a highlight, and the crew has a reputation for being friendly and organized, even going out of their way to help when something unexpected happens, like an iPhone search after it fell in the sea. The catch is you should plan to manage your own drinks on board, since extra food and drinks are not included.

Key Things I’d Focus On Before You Go

• Sunken City from the boat: you’ll cruise along Kekova Island and see the submerged ruins of Dolchiste.
• Kaleköy (ancient Simena) village time: you get time to wander and check out hillside views and castle ruins.
• Swim breaks with gear included: snorkelling equipment plus floating mats and inflatable rings are part of the package.
• Esmeralda Bay lunch plus water time: a sheltered lunch and a proper swim reset.
• Karemlik Bay sea turtle chance: look for turtles in their natural habitat at Karemlik Bay.
• Myra ruins, Roman theatre, and rock-cut tombs: the day includes the big-ticket Lycia site, but expect extra site entry costs.

Kaş to Demre Harbor: how the day gets rolling

The tour starts with pickup from Kaş city centre, then you transfer to Demre Harbor in the morning. From there, you board the boat with your small group and settle in for the Kekova route.

This matters because the timing is built around being on the water when visibility is best. You are not spending the day stuck waiting in lines or trapped in traffic. You are moving from Kaş to the places you actually came for, Kekova coastline sights first, then Demre and Myra later.

If you are the type who likes to be organized but still flexible, this format works. You have set stops, but you also get your own swim windows when the boat anchors.

Cruising Kekova Island and spotting the Sunken City of Dolchiste

The star of the day is the boat cruise along Kekova Island. This is where you see the underwater remains of an ancient city, Dolchiste, often called the Sunken City.

From the boat, you get a rare view that you just can’t replicate from shore. You also get your bearings fast, because you are moving along the coastline and the ruins are part of the seascape, not tucked behind a ticket booth.

I also like that this tour gives you time to look, not just pass by. The schedule includes a clear sailing segment to take in the submerged ruins, and you can pair that with using the snorkelling equipment during swim breaks later, so you get both perspectives.

One small caution: if you are the kind of person who needs heavy narration to understand what you are seeing, you may want to ask questions during the stops. Some people feel the commentary at the Sunken City segment could be clearer, so don’t assume you will catch every detail without asking.

Kaleköy (Simena) and the Castle ruins over Kekova

After cruising, you’ll anchor at Kaleköy port, also known as ancient Simena. This is one of those places where you can walk a little, pause a lot, and still feel like you are getting something real.

You get time to wander the village, visit the castle ruins, and take in the views over the Kekova region. Then there is the best part for many people, you can get into the water and cool off in the clear blue bays around here.

Why it’s worth it: Kaleköy is not just a photo stop. You are given time to stroll, and the combination of hillside ruins plus sea views gives you a sense of how people lived on this rugged coast.

Practical note: the day is active. Wear swimwear under clothes if you can, and keep your towel handy, because the best water moments happen before you have time to fuss around.

Esmeralda Bay lunch plus a true swim break

You’ll stop for lunch at Esmeralda Bay, with a secluded break in a calm setting. This is when the tour becomes more comfortable, because food and downtime are built into the itinerary.

The lunch is included, and the style tends to be simple and satisfying. People have described salads with chicken at lunch, and a fruit selection later in the afternoon, which is exactly what you want when you have been on a boat for hours.

Then comes the swim break. This is where the included snorkelling equipment, floating mats, and inflatable rings start to feel like real value. You do not have to scramble for gear, and you can choose your level, a float and chill, or a snorkel session when conditions feel good.

If you like taking breaks that feel like a mini-vacation, Esmeralda Bay does that. The bay is quiet, and you get a breather from the touring pace without losing momentum.

Burç Bay springs, Gökkaya Bay water time, and Pirates Cave

After lunch, the route keeps the water stops coming. You’ll have a swim break at Burç Bay, where underwater natural springs add cool, refreshing water. Then you’ll do another break at Gökkaya Bay.

Gökkaya Bay is also the spot for another chance to swim, and you may find water activities offered there. The key idea is that you are not just looking at the coast, you are actually spending time in it.

Then there is Pirates Cave. This isn’t a long history lecture, it’s a natural feature with a distinctive curved entrance and a big presence. It’s the kind of stop that breaks up the day visually, because the coast starts to feel like a living map of coves, caves, and cliffs.

A quick reality check for your planning: this part of the day is where you should be ready to get in and out of the water a few times. Keep sunscreen on, and reapply when you’re out of the water and have time to breathe.

Karemlik Bay sea turtle watching in real habitat

Karemlik Bay is a gentle moment compared to the more action-focused swim stops. The goal here is to look for sea turtles in their natural habitat.

This bay is known for sea turtles, and the information you’ll be using on the day is that it’s home to three of the seven known sea turtle species. That’s a helpful detail, because it signals that this is not just a lucky sighting claim, it’s a place turtles actually use.

I like that this stop is observational. You are not rushing through another ruin for the sake of a checklist. You get a chance to slow down and pay attention to movement in the water.

Tip: go easy on the splashing and shouting. When you watch calmly, you’re more likely to notice what’s happening.

Demre Harbor, St Nicholas Church museum stop, and Lycian context

Once the boat segment wraps up, you’ll anchor at Demre Harbor. From there, your tour continues with cultural stops.

One included element is a visit tied to Lycian history, with time at the Museum of Lycian Civilisations. This museum stop is valuable because it gives you context before you head into Myra, where the archaeology can otherwise feel like separate pieces.

There’s also an optional stop related to St Nicholas Church, often described as the Santa Claus Museum. The idea is simple: you get to see remains of the ancient church and connect the site to its later fame, without losing the older story.

If you like museums, you will appreciate this shift from boats and bays to artifacts and background. If you prefer outdoors, this segment still helps you understand why Myra mattered to the Lycian and Roman world.

Ancient City of Myra: Roman theatre and rock-cut tombs

Myra is the big inland capstone. You’ll explore the archaeological site of Myra, including a Roman-style theater and the famous rock-cut tombs carved into cliffs.

This is one of those stops that rewards slow looking. Even if you do not read every panel, you can see how the theater and tombs fit the landscape. The ruins are dramatic, and the cliffside tomb shapes give you a strong sense of the scale of the city.

Now the part to plan for: archaeological site entrance fees are not included in the tour price. One person who did the visit felt the fee was high relative to the time spent on site, and noted you can sometimes see a lot of tombs without entering certain paid areas.

So here is my practical advice: before you commit at the entrance, take a minute to check what you can view from your side of the gates. If you are on a tight budget or you know you only want the essentials, you can often make smarter choices about whether to pay for specific sections. If you are willing to pay for full access, the theatre and tombs are still very much worth your time.

Either way, go in with your expectations set. This isn’t just a quick photo stop. You’ll want comfortable shoes and a willingness to walk on uneven ground.

The value math: why this costs $71 and what you get for it

At about $71 per person for a 10-hour day, this tour is priced like a full-day boat and cultural combo. For that money, you get pickup and drop-off from Kaş city centre, lunch, snorkelling equipment, floating mats and inflatable rings, and guided time around key stops tied to Lycian and Roman sites.

Where the value feels strongest:

• You are paying for time on the boat, with multiple anchor points.
• You are not renting snorkel gear separately.
• Lunch is included, and people have described it as genuinely tasty.
• The itinerary pairs Kekova scenery with Myra ruins, so the day doesn’t feel like half a trip.

Where the value needs attention:

• Myra entrance costs are extra.
• Additional food and drinks are not included, and at least one person specifically pointed out there was no bottled water provided.
• If you need lots of detailed commentary at every stop, you may have to ask questions yourself.

Bottom line, it’s a good deal if you want a managed full day with gear and meals handled. It’s less of a bargain if you are trying to minimize spending at every stop and you prefer private pacing over set timing.

What the small-group format means once you are on the water

This is marketed as a small group tour, and you feel that in the rhythm. You get called together for boardings and swims without the chaos that comes with large groups. Stops are paced enough that you can actually enjoy them, rather than constantly being herded.

That matters most at the water breaks. When you can move at a relaxed pace, you are more likely to get comfortable using the snorkelling gear and actually spend time in the water.

And the crew support tends to be strong. One memorable example from a past passenger: when an iPhone ended up in the sea, the captain, Arif, reportedly jumped in to search for it. That kind of hands-on help tells you the operation is focused on the day going smoothly, not just meeting a schedule.

Practical packing tips for Kekova, Demre, and Myra

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Also bring cash, because extra purchases and any entrance fees are not included.

If you want to avoid stressful moments, keep your essentials in one small waterproof bag or pouch. The day includes multiple swim opportunities, so you don’t want your phone or wallet rattling around.

Also note the rules: alcohol and drugs are not allowed. It’s a family-friendly kind of day trip overall, just with sea and history elements.

Finally, the tour is not suitable for people over 95 years. That’s a good heads-up if you are traveling with older relatives, since the day includes boat transfers and walking at ruins and village areas.

Should you book this Kekova, Demre and Myra day trip?

Book it if you want one well-planned day that combines Kekova Island scenery, swims with snorkel gear included, and the major Lycia site of Myra. The lunch plus the mix of water and ruins makes the full 10 hours feel packed in a good way, not scattered.

Skip or reconsider if you have a tight budget for add-on fees, especially the archaeological entrance fee at Myra, or if you strongly need detailed narration at every single highlight stop. In that case, you might prefer a different format that gives more time on-site or more structured explanations.

If you are coming from Kaş and you want value for time, this is a sensible pick.

FAQ

How long is the Kaş to Kekova, Demre & Myra day trip?

The tour lasts 10 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Kaş city centre are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour.

Do I get snorkelling equipment on this tour?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.

Are floating mats and inflatable rings provided?

Yes. Floating mats and inflatable rings are included.

Are Ancient City of Myra entrance fees included?

No. Archaeological site entrance fees are not included.

Do we stop at St Nicholas Church in Demre?

There is an optional stop to explore St Nicholas Church, described as the Santa Claus Museum.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Is alcohol allowed on the tour?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.