Kekova Sunken City, Glass-Bottom Boat, Demre & Lycian Ruins

Discover Turkey’s Ancient Treasures with the Kekova Sunken City Tour

This full-day tour from Antalya offers a captivating blend of history, scenic boat rides, and cultural visits for $65 per person, lasting 10 hours. It takes you across Antalya Province to explore Kekova Island’s sunken city, the church of St. Nicholas in Demre, and the surrounding Lycian ruins.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of vessel-based exploration and historical sites, all included in a well-organized package with hotel pickup and drop-off. The glass-bottom yacht enhances the experience by letting you observe submerged ruins without getting wet—although swimming is also available. Based on reviews, travelers appreciate knowledgeable guides, delicious local lunch, and the beautiful scenery.

Considering the full-day schedule, this trip suits those eager to see multiple historic locales in one go. Keep in mind that entrance fees to some sites are not included ($30), and the day involves a long drive and boat ride, which might be tiring for very young children or travelers with mobility concerns.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $65 per person and takes 10 hours.
• Comprehensive Experience: Visits to Kekova Island’s sunken city, St. Nicholas Church, and Lycian ruins.
• Boat Ride Highlight: Sail on a glass-bottom yacht with the opportunity to swim in clear waters.
• Cultural Visits: See the 4th-century burial site of St. Nicholas and a Greco-Roman amphitheater.
• All-Inclusive Logistics: Includes hotel pickup, lunch, and guide services.
• Additional Costs: Entrance fees for some sites are not included (30).

Starting Point and Transportation in Antalya

The tour departs from Antalya, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making the start straightforward. The transportation involves a comfortable bus that makes regular stops—helpful for bathroom breaks and refreshments. For those staying in Kemer, pickup is also available, adding flexibility.

The journey begins with a scenic drive through historic Lycia, setting the tone for a day immersed in ancient landscapes. Guides are known for being helpful and informative, ensuring that travelers get a good overview of the area’s history along the way.

Visiting Demre and Saint Nicholas Church

After the drive, the tour visits Demre, home to the church of St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker. The church, dating back to the 4th century, is built above the burial site of St. Nicholas, who inspired the legend of Santa Claus.

Guests often find this site to be stunning and atmospheric. The church feels like stepping into a museum with its ancient architecture and historical significance. Some reviews mention a gift shop nearby, where souvenirs can be purchased, although the focus remains on the spiritual and historical significance.

Exploring the Lycian and Greco-Roman Ruins

En route, the tour includes stops at ancient Lycian rock tombs and a Greco-Roman amphitheater. The rock tombs are carved directly into cliffs, offering photo-worthy views and a glimpse into Lycian funerary practices.

The amphitheater showcases the grandeur of ancient theater construction and provides a tangible link to the region’s classical past. These sites are accessible during the tour, providing short stops for exploration and photos.

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The Highlight: Sailing to Kekova Island

The core of the trip is the sail aboard a glass-bottom yacht to Kekova Island, famous for its sunken city submerged after an earthquake. The boat cruise offers spectacular views of the ruins both above and below the water.

Travelers often enjoy spotting ancient walls and foundations through the clear glass windows of the boat. The boat ride also includes time for swimming in the cool, turquoise waters near Kekova. The swimming stop is appreciated, although some may find the sea temperature in April a bit chilly, as noted in reviews.

The Sunken City of Kekova

The sunken city of Kekova is the tour’s centerpiece. The ruins of an ancient Lycian town are visible from the boat and through the glass-bottom windows. The site was destroyed by an earthquake, leaving behind a mysterious submerged landscape.

Guests can enjoy views of Simena Castle from the boat, adding to the historical ambiance. The water visibility and ruin details create a unique underwater archaeology scene that fascinates visitors.

Lunch and Refreshments

A delicious local lunch is included, with many reviews praising the quality of the food. The meal provides a break in the busy schedule and offers authentic Turkish cuisine. Beverages are not included, so travelers might want to bring drinks or purchase ones during stops.

Additional Site Visits and Optional Shopping

The tour includes a visit to an onyx factory, which some reviews find unnecessary or a bit time-consuming. The focus remains on historical and scenic highlights, and the factory stop is optional. The schedule is long and packed, so some may prefer more time at each location, especially Kekova.

Practical Tips and Considerations

The long day involves a long bus ride and water activities. Comfortable clothing, swimming gear, and sunscreen are recommended. The group size is enough to ensure a lively atmosphere but large enough to require some patience during transitions.

Travelers with small children or mobility issues should consider the length and nature of the trip. The transfer from the bus to sites can be uncomfortable, especially for those in fixed-back seats.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of ancient Lycian history, scenic boat cruising, and cultural highlights. The combination of outdoor exploration and historic sites makes it particularly appealing for history buffs and photographers alike.

The value lies in the all-inclusive nature and the quality of the boat ride. Guides are praised for being knowledgeable and helpful, enriching the experience with stories and context.

Final Thoughts on the Kekova Sunken City Tour

For those interested in history, scenic sailing, and authentic Turkish cuisine, this 10-hour tour delivers a satisfying experience. The glass-bottom yacht allows for a unique view of ancient ruins submerged beneath the water, which is not easily replicated elsewhere.

While the long hours and additional costs for site entry should be considered, the organized logistics and diverse highlights make this a solid choice for visitors to Antalya seeking a day of adventure and learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making the start and end points convenient.

How much does the entrance fee cost?
Entrance fees for some sites are not included and cost around 30 in total.

Can I swim during the boat tour?
Yes, there is an opportunity to swim in the clear waters near Kekova Island, which many find refreshing after sightseeing.

How long is the overall tour?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, with stops for sightseeing, lunch, and relaxation.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The long bus ride and water activities might be challenging for small children or mobility-impaired guests, but the tour is generally considered well-organized and comfortable for most.

What language is the guide in?
The guide leads the tour in English and is known for being helpful and knowledgeable.

Can I skip the onyx factory stop?
Yes, the factory visit is optional, though it is part of the scheduled itinerary.

How scenic is the boat ride?
Travelers describe the boat cruise as spectacular, with beautiful views of Kekova’s ruins and Castle of Simena.

This day trip from Antalya combines history, nature, and comfort, offering a memorable journey into Turkey’s ancient past and beautiful coastline.

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