Ancient ruins over calm water. This full-day Kemer tour pairs a Kekova boat cruise with a look at the sunken city and brings you to Myra rock-cut tombs, plus Demre’s St. Nicholas site tied to the Santa story. The main drawback to plan for is that key entrances (especially the Church of St. Nicholas) cost extra, and the “glass-bottom” view can be hit-or-miss depending on conditions.

I like that the day moves with clear, timed stops: Myra first, then Kekova by boat, then Demre for lunch and the church, before wrapping up and returning to Kemer. It’s also a manageable-group outing, with a maximum of 35 people, and it’s offered in English.

If you’re sensitive to long road time, hot walking, or shopping detours, go in with eyes open. This is a road-heavy day on a curvy route, and you may also face additional costs along the way.

Key highlights you’ll feel on the day

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Kemer keeps you from wrestling buses on your own
• Kekova boat cruise with a chance to swim and views of the underwater ruins
• Myra’s rock-cut necropolis gives you serious Lycian history carved into stone
• Demre’s St. Nicholas experience is the Santa connection, but entry inside is extra
• Lunch is included in Demre and tends to be better than the usual rushed buffet stop
• Extras are real: entrance fees and drinks aren’t included, and there can be a shopping stop

Kemer to Kekova and Myra: why this day tour works

This tour is built for people who want two of the region’s headline sites in one shot: Myra’s rock-cut tombs and Kekova’s sunken-city landscape along the Turquoise Coast. You also get the Demre side of the story with the Church of St. Nicholas, famous for inspiring the Santa Claus legend.

The value here isn’t just what you see, it’s the pacing. You get hotel pickup, guided time at each site, and a boat segment that turns “ruins on land” into “ruins you can almost touch,” even though the sunken city is only partly visible.

One note that matters: the sunken-city view is not an all-day museum moment. It’s a short slice of the day, and you’re relying on boat timing, water conditions, and the viewing setup to make it feel special.

Pickup, minivan/coach time, and what the 9 hours feels like

Start time is 8:00 am, and you’re out all day (about 9 hours). The ride from Kemer to the coast is substantial—around two hours to reach the boat departure area is typical—so this is not a “quick escape.” Expect curvy roads and plenty of seated time.

On some days, the group is small enough that you feel comfortable in the vehicle. On others, it can be a larger coach load (around 15–20 people reported on similar schedules). Either way, plan to pack for the road: sun protection, water if you need it, and something to make the ride tolerable.

If you’re the type who gets restless in vehicles, consider that the tour is still worth it mainly for the boat and Myra. Without those, it’s a long day for transfers alone.

Myra rock tombs: the necropolis stop that actually sticks

Myra is where the day turns from scenery into history you can read with your eyes. You’ll spend about two hours here, visiting the rock tombs at the necropolis—centuries-old burial sites carved into cliff faces.

This is the part I’d call “most solid” for many people, because rock-cut tombs don’t depend on a device working or a glass pane being spotless. If the guide points things out clearly, you’ll start noticing the patterns: how the forms were shaped for different status levels, and how the Lycian world left a big mark that still looks real today.

One practical consideration: Myra can feel very hot. If you’re traveling in summer, wear breathable clothes and give yourself grace for slower walking in the sun. This isn’t a site where you want to sprint.

Kekova Island boat cruise: sunken ruins, turtles, and the swim break

Kekova is the headline for many people, and the boat ride is the main event—about two hours on the water, often with a short swim window. The tour is described as a glass-bottom boat experience, which is exactly what you want for seeing underwater remains.

In practice, the “sunken city” isn’t a whole skyline you can stare at from one spot. You’ll likely get only a portion of the underwater remains from the boat, and visibility can vary. Some days the viewing is crisp and fun; other days the glass isn’t perfect, and you’ll need to adjust expectations.

That said, this is also the moment where the day becomes playful. You may spot sea turtles in the harbor, and there’s often the option to swim off the back during the break. If you want that swim, bring swim gear. One common regret is not having it when the water time happens.

Also, bring a small layer or just be ready for wind. Even if the air feels hot, boat time can cool you down in a hurry.

Demre and St Nicholas Church: the Santa Claus connection, with extra costs

Demre is where the tour shifts from Roman-era stone to the modern legend of St. Nicholas. You’ll visit the Church of St. Nicholas area for about two hours.

Here’s the key value-and-cost reality: entry to go inside is not included in the base tour price. Entrance fees are listed as extra (with the overall entrance-fee amount not included in the initial price), and reviews also point to a significant additional charge to access the church interior.

So you’ll want to decide early what you care about:

• If you want the full church visit inside, budget the extra entry.
• If you’re okay with the outside area, you can still get the Demre stop and keep your time flexible.

This decision affects the feel of your day. If you end up waiting while others do an inside visit, it can feel like time is “stalled.” I’d rather you plan for that upfront than be surprised mid-day.

Lunch in Demre: a real break, not just fuel

Lunch is included, and it’s served in Demre at an authentic Turkish restaurant. From the way people describe it, the meal is more satisfying than the usual rushed tourist buffet that many day tours rely on.

A nice touch is that your guide may give you a choice of meals. In other words, you’re not only eating whatever is left in a tray line.

Drinks aren’t included, so if you want soda, water, or anything else, plan to pay for it. This is a good point to bring some cash just in case, especially because entrance fees are also separate.

Tour pace and group size: what to expect between stops

The tour runs as a guided day with a maximum of 35 people. Many departures feel more intimate than that—some schedules run closer to a small group size on the boat and a moderate number on the vehicle.

Still, pace is the hidden variable. You’re switching between:

• roadside travel,
• Myra walking time in heat,
• a boat segment with viewing and a swim window,
• lunch and then Demre’s church timing.

Some people find it not tiring because the stops are well arranged. Others feel the day is long because there’s simply a lot of sitting in the vehicle. This usually comes down to your tolerance for road time and how much you want each site.

Also keep an eye on language matching. The tour is offered in English, but there have been cases where the group language didn’t line up with what someone booked. If speaking English clearly is important to you, it’s worth confirming that on booking and being ready with patience if mixing happens.

Price and value: what $66.08 really covers

The listed price is $66.08 per person, and the big value items included are hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, and the Kekova boat cruise. That’s already a strong start because transportation and a guided day can eat up the budget fast when you plan it independently.

What’s not included:

• entrance fees (listed as 30€),
• drinks during lunch,
• and extra charges related to entering the Church of St. Nicholas.

There’s also the reality of shopping stops on long excursion days. You may stop at a souvenir shop on the way to the harbor, sometimes tied to stones or jewelry. These are usually optional purchases, but the stop can still take time. If your goal is pure sight time, treat this as expected, not accidental.

My take on value: the price makes sense if you truly want the combination of boat + Myra + Demre in one day. If you mainly care about one site, splitting into smaller, more targeted trips could feel better.

A few “bring this / know this” tips before you go

These are practical things that will help your day feel smoother:

• Bring swimwear if you want the chance to swim from the boat.
• Wear sun protection. Myra can be very hot in summer.
• Plan for extra money for entrance fees and drinks. The church entry is a common cost point.
• If you’re sensitive to audio, note that some groups have reported microphone issues in vehicles. Staying within the guide’s speaking area can help.
• Set expectations about the sunken-city viewing: it’s not a whole exhibit, it’s a boat window into the ruins.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

Book it if you want a one-day hit list: Kekova’s sunken city views by boat, Myra’s rock-cut tombs, and Demre’s St. Nicholas story, all without organizing transport yourself.

Skip (or consider alternatives) if:

• you hate long vehicle days,
• you don’t want extra fees added for church entry,
• you strongly dislike shopping stops,
• or you need a slow, unhurried pace at each site.

If you’re staying in Kemer, this is a good match because the pickup and drop-off are built in. If you’re based farther west (like in Antalya), the long transfer time can swallow the day for some people.

Should you book the Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour from Kemer?

I think you should book if your wish list includes Kekova by boat and Myra’s rock tombs. Those two stops are the core of the experience, and the included lunch plus hotel transport helps the day feel organized without extra planning.

Before you book, do two things:

1. Budget for entrance fees and expect that St. Nicholas church access inside will cost extra.
2. Bring swimwear and sunscreen so you’re ready for the boat swim window and the heat at Myra.

If those points fit your travel style, this is a solid, efficient way to experience the Turquoise Coast without stitching together multiple tickets and transport schedules.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

It starts at 8:00 am and runs for about 9 hours (approx.).

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the Sunken City Kekova boat cruise.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are listed as not included (30€). The Church of St. Nicholas entry is an extra cost if you want to go inside.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is from your hotel’s security gate.

Is swimming possible during the Kekova boat cruise?

Yes. There is a chance to swim off the back of the boat, so bring swimwear if you want to take advantage of it.

Is the tour offered in English, and how many people are on it?

English is offered, and the tour has a maximum of 35 travelers. It may be operated by a multi-lingual guide.