Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour

Discover the Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour

This full-day tour from Antalya offers a captivating mix of history and scenery, priced at $127.21 per person. With a duration of approximately 10 to 11 hours, it combines land exploration with a relaxing boat cruise, making it ideal for those eager to see both ancient ruins and the underwater marvels of Kekova. The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional art historian guide, and a two-hour boat tour around the sunken city. While the early start may be demanding, the experience delivers a meaningful look into the region’s past alongside scenic coastal views.

This tour appeals to travelers with varied interests—history enthusiasts, water lovers, and those seeking a comprehensive day trip. The inclusion of a lunch and a guided visit to Myra enhances the value, though a ticket for the St. Nicholas Church is an optional extra. The max group size of 15 ensures a comfortable, personalized experience, but it’s worth noting the long drive and early wake-up call if time is a concern. Overall, it’s a thoughtfully curated journey into the region’s ancient and underwater heritage.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Costs $127.21, lasting 10 to 11 hours.
• Includes: Hotel transfers, lunch, a professional art historian guide, and a boat tour.
• Major stops: Kekova Island, Church of St. Nicholas (entrance not included), and Myra Ancient City.
• Highlights: Viewing submerged shops on Kekova, exploring Roman ruins at Myra, and sailing around the sunken city.
• Considerations: The tour starts early, and the drive is lengthy; entrance fee for St. Nicholas Church is €17.

Scenic Coastal Road to Kekova and Kekova Island

The journey from Antalya to Kekova offers beautiful sea views along the coast, setting a scenic tone for the day. The bus ride to the large Kekova Island takes approximately two hours, during which the landscape and ocean scenery provide a relaxing start. When arriving, the boat departs from Tersane Bay, where submerged shops and house foundations are visible beneath the water, revealing the remains of historical settlements that have been partly submerged over time.

The island itself is rich with archaeological remains and offers a glimpse into ancient life, with submerged structures visible from boats. The apartment of a Byzantine church adds to the historical intrigue. Visitors get to view the sunken shops on both sides of the shore and see house floors beneath the water, creating a fascinating picture of a once-thriving town now partially underwater.

Visiting the Church of St. Nicholas

The Church of St. Nicholas is a significant historical site on this tour, though admission is not included in the package (€17). The guide provides detailed insights into the church’s history and its connection to the beloved saint, Nicholas, adding a meaningful layer to the visit. This stop offers a chance to learn about the religious heritage and the importance of the site through expert commentary.

While the church is a focal point of local history, visitors should plan to spend about an hour at this stop to appreciate its significance and architecture. The experience enhances understanding of early Christian sites and their ties to regional history.

Exploring Myra Ancient City

The tour includes a visit to Myra, an important archaeological site known for its Roman theater, royal tombs, and historical significance. The site provides a tangible connection to ancient civilization, with well-preserved ruins that illustrate the city’s long history. The entrance ticket to Myra is included, allowing access to the main archaeological areas.

The theater and royal tombs are highlights that showcase the grandeur of Roman architecture. The guide explains the stories behind these structures, making the visit both educational and visually impressive. The site is manageable within an hour, giving enough time to explore before heading back to the boat or next stops.

The Boat Tour Around the Sunken City

The core of this experience is the two-hour boat cruise around the Kekova Sunken City. The boat navigates through the submerged remains, offering close-up views of shops, staircases, and house foundations beneath the surface. This part of the tour is both relaxing and visually striking, combining scenic water views with a glimpse into underwater history.

Guests can swim if they wish, adding an active component to the cruise. The boat ride is led by knowledgeable guides, ensuring visitors learn about the area’s history and the partially submerged ancient structures. Despite some reviews mentioning difficulty in viewing underwater wrecks, the overall experience is praised for its scenic beauty and unique perspective on history.

Practical Details: Transfers, Lunch, and Guides

The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward. A professional art historian guide leads the group, providing detailed commentary on each site, which enhances the sightseeing experience. The lunch included is a convenient addition, allowing a break and refreshment during the day.

An extra fee of €17 applies if visitors wish to enter the Church of St. Nicholas, but the main sightseeing stops are covered in the tour price. The small group size of up to 15 travelers ensures a more intimate and personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and interaction.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

While the tour involves walking around Myra and Kekova Island, the overall physical demands are moderate. The visit to Myra includes exploring ruins and walking on uneven surfaces, and swimming during the boat cruise is optional. The tour is suitable for most travelers who are comfortable with a full day of activity, but those with limited mobility should consider the walking involved at archaeological sites.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Experiences

This tour stands out for its combination of land exploration and boat cruising, providing a well-rounded look at the region’s history and scenery. The expert guide and inclusion of lunch and transfers offer good value for the price. While some may find the early start and long drive challenging, the opportunity to see Kekova’s submerged ruins, Myra’s Roman theater, and St. Nicholas Church in one day makes it a comprehensive option.

Summary of the Experience

The Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour offers a balanced mix of historical sites and scenic water views. The scenic drive along the coast sets the scene for a day rich in archaeological and underwater sights. The boat cruise around Kekova provides an unforgettable glimpse of ancient ruins submerged beneath the water.

While the early start and the drive may not appeal to everyone, the expert guides and well-organized itinerary make this tour a rewarding choice for those interested in history, archaeology, and coastal landscapes. The small group size and inclusion of lunch and transfers add to its convenience and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is generally suitable for most ages, provided participants are comfortable with walking and some physical activity at archaeological sites.

How long is the boat ride around Kekova?
The boat cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, offering scenic views and opportunities to swim if desired.

Are drinks included during the tour?
No, drinks are not included; guests should bring their own or purchase beverages separately.

Can I visit the Church of St. Nicholas?
Yes, but entrance costs €17, and this is not included in the tour price.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor activity, along with swimwear if planning to swim.

Is the tour physically demanding?
It involves some walking and exploring ruins, so moderate physical fitness is recommended. The boat cruise is relaxing.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 15 travelers ensures a more intimate experience.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 19 days in advance; early booking helps secure a spot.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of ancient ruins, submerged city views, expert guides, and convenient logistics makes it a well-rounded option for a day trip from Antalya.