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

The best part of this day is the mix of Kekova’s half-submerged ruins and long swimming stops in clear coastal water. I like that you see the Sunken City from a boat, then get time to walk through Kaleköy rather than simply photograph it from offshore. I also like the generous lunch and the small-group format, which makes a 10-hour day feel more personal.

The main drawback is that the schedule packs a lot into one day. Myra and St. Nicholas Church are optional stops, entrance fees are extra, and a recent visit allowed only about 30 minutes at Myra. Bring cash, especially since drinks are not included and bottled water may not be supplied.

Key points to know before booking

• Kekova’s Sunken City is viewed from the boat: You cruise slowly beside submerged ruins, but swimming around them is not part of the plan.
• Kaleköy gives you a real village stop: Walk uphill toward Simena Castle, enjoy the view, or swim from the harbor.
• Three bays provide the day’s breathing room: Esmeralda, Burç, and Gökkaya bays are used for swimming, with snorkel gear and floating mats available.
• Myra adds major Lycian and Roman sights: The rock-cut tombs and large Roman theater are the historical high point, but admission costs extra.
• Lunch is a strong part of the value: Expect a boat lunch with chicken and salads, followed later by fruit, while extra drinks cost more.
• Captain Arif has made a strong impression: His calm, helpful response to a lost phone shows the sort of personal care that can matter on a boat day.

Why this Kaş to Kekova day trip works

This is not simply a boat ride with a quick stop at some ruins. It combines three different parts of the Antalya Province: the sea around Kekova, the village of Kaleköy, and the ancient sites near Demre.

That variety is the reason I think the $71 price is fair. You get hotel or city-center pickup in Kaş, a full boat outing, lunch, swimming equipment, and visits to important archaeological sites. You are also paying for transport between Kaş and Demre, which saves you from arranging a car, taxi, or separate boat trip.

The day lasts about 10 hours, so you should treat it as a full-day outing rather than a relaxed morning cruise. Pick-up time changes with the season, and the exact time is sent by WhatsApp or email the day before. Keep your morning flexible.

The small-group setup is useful here. You are not simply being carried along in a large crowd. The boat still follows a set route, but a smaller group makes it easier to board, find a spot on deck, ask questions, and get help with snorkel gear or floating mats.

One point deserves attention: the amount of spoken explanation may vary. The scenery is easy to understand, but the Sunken City is much more meaningful when someone explains what you are seeing. If you care about archaeology, ask the host for more detail at Kekova and Myra.

The road from Kaş to Demre Harbor

Your day starts with pickup in central Kaş and a road transfer to Demre Harbor. This is the practical tradeoff of booking from Kaş. Kekova’s boat routes are based around Demre, so the tour uses the morning drive to connect you with the harbor.

Once you reach Demre, you board the boat and begin the coastal portion of the day. The order and length of stops can change with conditions and timing, but the general plan gives you a good balance of ruins, swimming, food, and short visits ashore.

Wear clothes that are comfortable for both road travel and a boat deck. A sun hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and cash belong in your day bag. You will want your phone or camera ready, but bring something waterproof for it during the swim stops.

Seeing the Sunken City of Kekova from the water

The first major sight is Kekova Island, where the remains of ancient Dolchiste lie partly below the water. The boat cruises past the ruins so you can see stone walls and other remnants through the clear sea.

This is a quiet sort of archaeological visit. You do not walk through the ruins, and you do not get an underwater tour. Instead, the boat gives you a moving view of a city damaged and gradually covered by the sea.

That limitation matters. If you expect a full archaeological explanation or a snorkeling stop over the ruins, you may find this part brief. The protected site is best appreciated from the rail, with a camera ready and an eye on the water below.

Still, the setting makes it special. Ancient masonry, bright water, and the low coastline come together in a way that is difficult to match at an inland ruin. Ask questions here if you want more context, since the amount of commentary may not be extensive.

Walking through Kaleköy and ancient Simena

The boat stops at Kaleköy, the present-day village associated with ancient Simena. This is one of the most appealing parts of the outing because it gives you time on land without losing the coastal setting.

You can wander through the village and walk toward the remains of Simena Castle. The uphill route rewards you with broad views over the Kekova region. It is also the place where you get a stronger sense of how people live around these old stones today, rather than seeing only a fenced archaeological site.

Wear shoes with a firm sole. The route toward the castle is uphill and may be uneven. You do not need to treat it as a major hike, but sandals with poor grip will be less comfortable.

Kaleköy also offers a chance to swim in clear blue water. You can choose your priority here: climb for the view, linger near the village, or cool off at the shore. With a busy itinerary, you may not have enough time to do all three at length.

Lunch and three swimming bays

The swimming stops are what keep this day from feeling like a string of historical lectures. Esmeralda Bay is planned as a lunch and swim break, giving you a calm place to eat and get into the water.

Lunch is one of the tour’s better practical features. A recent menu included chicken, several salads, and fruit later in the afternoon. That is a welcome change from having to hunt for food during a tightly timed boat trip.

Do not assume drinks are included. Extra food and beverages cost more, and bottled water may not be provided. Bring cash and consider carrying your own water if you want a steady supply throughout the day.

Burç Bay brings another swim stop, with cooler water fed by underwater natural springs. The temperature can make this bay feel refreshing after sitting in the sun. Snorkel equipment is supplied, and floating mats and inflatable rings are available.

Gökkaya Bay provides another chance to swim. Water sports may be offered here for an extra dose of activity, though the main plan is simply to enjoy the bay and the surrounding scenery.

The repeated swim stops are useful for different kinds of visitors. If you want a restful day, stay aboard or float quietly. If you enjoy being in the water, you have several chances rather than one short swim at the end.

Pirates Cave and Karemlik Bay

The boat also passes Pirates Cave, known for its large size and curved entrance. This is a quick natural sight rather than a long shore visit, so keep your camera ready.

Karemlik Bay adds a wildlife angle to the route. Three of the world’s seven known sea turtle species are found in the area, and the aim is to look for them in their natural habitat.

There is no guarantee that you will see a turtle. That is part of the appeal and the limitation. You are observing a coastal habitat, not visiting a controlled animal attraction. Keep your expectations sensible and watch the water when the boat slows.

Together, Pirates Cave and Karemlik Bay add variety between the main stops. One is a rock formation, the other a chance to notice marine life. Neither needs a long visit, but both help break up the swimming and ruins.

Myra’s tombs and the Roman theater

After the boat returns to Demre Harbor, the land portion continues with the ancient city of Myra and, depending on the plan, the nearby St. Nicholas Church or Museum of Lycian Civilisations.

Myra is the most important historical stop for many visitors. Its rock-cut tombs are carved into the cliffs and remain visible even from outside the main archaeological area. They are striking because the tombs are not small fragments scattered across a field. They form a strong vertical wall of ancient burial architecture.

Inside the site, you can also see a large Roman-style theater, described as the biggest in Lycia. The theater gives you a sense of the scale of ancient public life in the region, while the tombs point to Lycian burial customs and local identity.

There is an important value question here. The archaeological entrance fee is not included, and one recent visit paid about 13 euros for Myra. If your schedule allows only 30 minutes, you may decide that seeing the tombs from outside is enough. If you want to enter the theater and examine the site properly, confirm the current fee and available time before committing.

That timing issue is the chief weakness of the land portion. Ten hours sounds generous, but the morning transfer, boat route, swim stops, lunch, and return drive all take time. You may need to choose between a longer Myra visit and the optional museum or church stop.

St. Nicholas Church and the Museum of Lycian Civilisations

The St. Nicholas stop connects Demre with the story of Nicholas of Myra, the historical figure behind the later Santa Claus tradition. The building began as a church in his honor, and the remains offer another view of the area’s religious past.

The tour may also include the Museum of Lycian Civilisations. This is valuable if you want objects and historical context to support what you saw at Myra and Kekova.

Because these stops are described as optional, do not assume you will have unlimited time at both. Ask the host how the day is being divided once you reach Demre. If archaeology matters most to you, make that clear early.

The combination of Myra, St. Nicholas Church, and the museum can make the final part of the day feel dense. That is not a problem for a history-minded visitor, but it may feel like too much after several hours in the sun.

What the boat day is really like

The experience depends partly on the boat crew. Captain Arif has been singled out for being courteous and willing to help, including searching repeatedly for a phone that fell into roughly five meters of seawater. That kind of response is not a scheduled feature, but it says something useful about the personal care you may receive on a small boat.

The boat includes snorkel equipment, floating mats, and inflatable rings. You should still bring your own towel and sunscreen, since those are not listed as supplied.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The tour is conducted in English, so an English-speaking host or greeter handles the main communication.

The boat route is suitable for people who want a mix of sightseeing and swimming. It is less suitable if you want a slow archaeological tour with long explanations at every site. The boat is also not a good match for anyone over 95, who is specifically excluded from the activity.

Is $71 a good value from Kaş?

At $71 per person, the tour is priced reasonably for a 10-hour day that includes transport from Kaş, lunch, a boat trip, swimming equipment, and several major sights.

The price becomes less attractive if you add expensive site admission, paid drinks, or optional water sports. Myra’s extra fee is the biggest cost to plan for. You should also carry cash because not every small purchase is likely to accept a card.

The real saving is convenience. Arranging a Kaş to Demre transfer, finding a boat from Demre, organizing lunch, and fitting in Kekova, Kaleköy, and Myra would take more effort. Here, the transport and main route are joined together.

You are paying for a full day, not a short cruise. If you use the swimming breaks, walk through Kaleköy, and visit at least one of the Demre sites, the cost makes sense. If you only want a boat ride and a single swim, a shorter local cruise may suit you better.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this for a first visit to the Kekova area when I wanted both water and history in one day. It is especially well suited to couples, small groups of friends, and independent visitors staying in Kaş who do not have a car.

It also works for people who like variety. You can photograph ruins, walk uphill to a castle, eat lunch on the boat, snorkel, search for turtles, and then finish among Lycian tombs and a Roman theater.

I would hesitate if you dislike full schedules, need extensive site commentary, or want to spend half a day at Myra alone. The day is active and tightly arranged, and the optional land stops may feel short.

Book it if you value convenience, a personal boat setting, several swim breaks, and a strong mix of Kekova and Demre. Skip it if your priority is a slow, detailed archaeological tour or an all-inclusive day with drinks and entrance fees covered. Bring water, cash, sun protection, and realistic expectations about how much time you will have at each ruin.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 10 hours, including pickup from Kaş, the road transfer to Demre Harbor, the boat trip, the Demre visits, and the return to Kaş.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup and drop-off are provided from Kaş City Centre. The exact pickup time varies by season and is sent by WhatsApp or email one day before the tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and the food may include chicken and salads, with fruit served later in the day. Additional food and drinks are not included.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Archaeological site entrance fees are extra. Myra admission has recently cost about 13 euros, but you should check the current price before the tour.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. Swimming stops are planned at Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay, and Gökkaya Bay. Snorkel equipment, floating mats, and inflatable rings are provided.

Will I see the Sunken City underwater?

You will cruise past the submerged ruins of ancient Dolchiste near Kekova Island and view them from the boat. The activity does not describe an underwater visit to the ruins.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and cash. You may also want to carry drinking water because drinks are not included and bottled water may not be supplied.