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

Ancient ruins meet clear water here. From Kaş, this 10-hour outing combines the Sunken City of Kekova with the rock-cut tombs of Myra, giving you both a boat day and a dose of Lycian history. I like the generous mix of swimming stops and the excellent lunch served on board. The main drawback is that site entry costs are extra, and the stop at Myra may feel brief for the price of admission.

This is a good choice if you want more than a short Kekova cruise. You visit Kaleköy, see Simena Castle, search for sea turtles at Karemlik Bay, and return to Demre for museum and ancient-site options. Just bring cash for drinks and entrance fees, since water and other beverages are not included.

Key points to know before you book

• The Sunken City is viewed from the boat: You cruise past the submerged ruins of ancient Dolchiste, but swimming is not allowed at the archaeological site.
• Kaleköy gives you a proper shore stop: You can walk through the village, climb toward Simena Castle, swim, and look across the Kekova region.
• Swimming is a major part of the day: Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay, and Gökkaya Bay provide several chances to get in the water.
• Lunch is one of the tour’s strongest features: The meal includes chicken, salads, and later fruit, according to the menu experience reported on the trip.
• Myra costs extra: The archaeological entrance fee is not included. One recent booking reported paying 13 euros for a short visit, so check the current fee before you go.
• Captain Arif made a strong impression: His calm, helpful response when a passenger lost an iPhone in the water showed the kind of personal care that can make a boat day memorable.

Why this Kaş to Demre day trip works

The appeal here is simple: you get a full day of coast, ruins, food, and swimming without arranging separate transport to Demre. The tour starts in Kaş with pickup from the town center, then takes you to Demre Harbor for the boat portion.

At $71 per person, the price is reasonable if you want transport, lunch, snorkeling equipment, floating mats, inflatable rings, and several stops handled in one booking. It becomes less of a bargain if you plan to add both St. Nicholas Church and Myra, since archaeological admission is extra and the Myra stop may be short.

The small-group format should also make the day easier than joining a large coach excursion. You still need to accept a full schedule, but the experience is designed around a boat ride and outdoor stops rather than long stretches of road time.

Pickup times change by season. The exact time is sent by WhatsApp or email one day before departure, so keep an eye on your messages and avoid planning a tight morning activity in Kaş.

From Kaş to Demre Harbor

Your day begins with a morning transfer from Kaş City Centre to Demre Harbor. This road transfer is practical rather than scenic sightseeing, but it saves you the trouble of arranging a taxi or rental car before a long day on the water.

Once you reach the harbor, you board the boat for the Kekova coast. The boat is equipped with snorkeling gear and floating aids, so you do not need to rent basic water equipment separately.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and cash. Water and other drinks are not included, and one person specifically found it disappointing that bottled water was not supplied. I would buy water before boarding rather than wait until you are already out on the bays.

Seeing the Sunken City of Kekova from the water

The first major sight is the Sunken City beside Kekova Island. These are the submerged remains of ancient Dolchiste, an old settlement partly lost beneath the sea after seismic activity.

The boat cruises slowly along the ruins, giving you a chance to photograph walls, stone outlines, and other remains below the surface. This is a viewing stop, not a swimming stop. The protected site must be treated carefully, and the boat provides the best way to see it.

The setting is especially striking because the ancient stonework sits beneath clear turquoise water. You get a rare combination of archaeology and open sea, but your enjoyment depends partly on the boat crew’s explanation. One person felt the commentary at the Sunken City needed more detail, so do not expect a full archaeology lecture at every point.

If you want the most from this section, listen closely and take photographs early. A phone with a secure strap is wise around the railings, as one passenger learned after dropping an iPhone into about five meters of seawater. Captain Arif reportedly kept trying until he recovered it, and the phone still worked.

Kaleköy and the climb toward Simena Castle

The boat stops at Kaleköy, the village beside ancient Simena. This is one of the most rewarding parts of the day because you can leave the boat and walk through a lived-in coastal settlement rather than simply look at ruins from offshore.

The village is small, with paths leading uphill toward the castle remains. If you make the climb, you gain broad views over Kekova and the surrounding water. The effort is worthwhile for the view, though the stone paths and slope may be tiring if you have limited mobility.

You can also keep the stop easy. Walk around Kaleköy, take in the old stonework, and return to the shore for a swim in clear water. The schedule gives you a useful choice between history, views, and a refreshing break.

This is the place where the tour feels most connected to local life. Simena is not just an isolated ruin behind a fence. Kaleköy is an actual village, and that makes the stop more personal than a quick photo from the boat.

Esmeralda Bay provides the main lunch pause

Esmeralda Bay is used for lunch and swimming. The bay is described as secluded and calm, which makes it a good point in the schedule for slowing down after the morning’s first sights.

Lunch has received especially strong praise. The meal includes chicken with salads, and fruit is served later in the afternoon. For a boat excursion at this price, a proper meal matters. You are spending many hours away from Kaş, and a plate of food is much better than relying on snacks.

Drinks cost extra, so keep some cash handy. The food appears to be a strong value point, but do not treat the $71 price as all-inclusive. You are paying for the main meal, not every drink or optional admission.

The swimming break also gives you a chance to use the floating mats and inflatable rings. If you prefer a quieter stop, simply remain on board or sit near the water. The bay is part of the experience even if you are not a keen swimmer.

Burç Bay and Gökkaya Bay keep the day active

After Esmeralda Bay, the boat continues to Burç Bay. Cool water from natural underwater springs makes this stop different from a standard beach swim, although the information provided does not specify the water temperature or exact time allowed.

Gökkaya Bay offers another chance to swim. The surrounding scenery gives you a pleasant change from the open coastal view, and water sports may be available for anyone looking for more activity.

The schedule includes several swimming breaks, so pack your day around that fact. This is not a tour where you spend ten hours moving from one museum to another. You will likely be changing between dry clothes, swimwear, towels, and sunscreen more than once.

That rhythm is ideal if you want a relaxed boat day with ruins added in. It is less suitable if you prefer long, quiet visits at archaeological sites. The swimming stops are a central part of the value, not filler between monuments.

Pirates Cave is a quick natural attraction

The boat also visits Pirates Cave, known for its large size and curved entrance. It is a short scenic stop rather than a full cave expedition.

The cave adds variety to the cruise. After ancient ruins and open bays, you get a natural feature that is easy to photograph from the boat. The information available does not promise an opportunity to enter the cave, so plan to view it from the water.

This is a small part of the day, but it helps keep the boat route varied. You are not simply repeating the same bay view for hours.

Karemlik Bay and the chance to spot turtles

Karemlik Bay is the wildlife stop. Three of the seven known sea turtle species are found in the area, giving you a chance to watch for turtles in their natural setting.

A sighting is never guaranteed, so treat this as an opportunity rather than a promise. Keep your expectations sensible and your eyes on the water. The bay is still worthwhile as a scenic stop even if no turtle appears beside the boat.

This section adds a welcome natural element to a day otherwise centered on human-made ruins. It also gives you a reason to slow down and watch instead of taking another quick photograph.

Returning to Demre for Lycian history

After the boat route, you return to Demre Harbor. The land portion can include a museum connected with Lycian civilization, along with optional visits to St. Nicholas Church and the ancient city of Myra.

The Museum of Lycian Civilisations helps place the coastal ruins into a wider story. Lycia was the ancient region that included Myra and many settlements around this part of southern Turkey. If you enjoy seeing artifacts and learning how the sites fit together, this is a useful addition after the boat scenery.

The exact balance of museum and archaeological stops matters. The day already includes a long boat trip, so the land visits may feel like a final historical chapter rather than a leisurely museum afternoon.

Myra’s theater and rock-cut tombs

Myra is the major archaeological stop. Its Roman-style theater is the largest in Lycia, and the rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs are the most immediately memorable feature.

The tombs can be seen from outside the paid site in part, which is important when deciding if you want to buy admission. One recent booking reported a 13 euro entrance fee and only about 30 minutes inside. Fees can change, but the basic issue remains: the ticket is not included, and your time at Myra may be limited.

I would ask the guide or driver how long you will have before paying. If you care deeply about ancient architecture, the entrance may be worth it. If you mainly want to see the famous tomb façade and theater from a distance, you may decide that the extra cost is not necessary.

The stop works best for people who already know what they want to see. Focus on the cliff tombs, theater, and the layout of the site rather than trying to absorb every detail in a short visit.

Should you add St. Nicholas Church?

St. Nicholas Church, also called the Santa Claus Museum, was built in honor of St. Nicholas of Myra. The church remains are tied to the saint who later inspired the Santa Claus tradition, making this a meaningful stop for both religious and cultural reasons.

The visit is optional, and the provided details do not state a separate entrance price or exact amount of time there. Ask about the schedule and any fee before committing, especially if you also want to enter Myra.

If you enjoy early Christian sites, this may be the most important land stop for you. If your priority is swimming and the Kekova coast, you may prefer to keep the land portion short.

What the small-group format changes

A small group usually makes a long day feel more manageable. It can be easier to board, get instructions, and ask a question without competing with a large crowd.

The format also supports a more personal atmosphere on the boat. Captain Arif’s response to the lost phone suggests a crew willing to help beyond the bare minimum. The English-speaking host or greeter is another useful feature, especially at the historical stops.

Still, small group does not mean private tour. You will share the boat, meal, swim breaks, and schedule with other people. If you want to linger at Myra or spend an entire afternoon at Kaleköy, the fixed route may feel restrictive.

What is included and what is not

The $71 rate includes pickup and drop-off from Kaş City Centre, lunch, snorkeling equipment, floating mats, and inflatable rings. The main boat sights and stops are also part of the package.

You must budget separately for:

• Drinks and extra food
• Archaeological entrance fees
• Possible admission to optional historical sites

The value is strongest when you use the swimming equipment and enjoy the full boat route. If you skip swimming and do not want the extra sites, a shorter boat excursion might suit you better.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are helpful when your Kaş plans may shift, but the key practical point is still to check the current departure time and admission prices before the day.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want one efficient day covering Kekova, Demre, Myra, and several swimming bays. It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups who like a mix of history and water time.

You should be comfortable with a long 10-hour day, a road transfer, boat travel, sun, and walking on uneven ground at Kaleköy and Myra. The tour is not suitable for people over 95, according to the stated conditions.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is serious archaeology. The commentary may be light at the Sunken City, and the Myra visit may not allow enough time for a slow examination of the site. In that case, a dedicated Demre archaeology day could offer more time.

Final decision: a strong day for coast and ruins

At $71, this is a well-priced way to join the Kekova coast with Demre’s ancient sites. The best parts are the clear swimming bays, the village of Kaleköy, the boat view of the Sunken City, and the satisfying lunch.

Book it if you want variety and value, and plan to carry cash for drinks and admission. Think twice if you dislike fixed schedules or would resent paying extra for a short Myra visit. For most people who want sea, scenery, and Lycian ruins in one day, this is a smart use of time from Kaş.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

Pickup and drop-off are provided from Kaş City Centre. The boat portion begins and ends at Demre Harbor, followed by the return transfer to Kaş.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts 10 hours. Starting times vary by season, and the exact pickup time is sent by WhatsApp or email one day before departure.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included. The meal includes chicken and salads, with fruit served later in the afternoon. Additional food and drinks are not included.

Can I swim during the boat trip?

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

Can I swim at the Sunken City of Kekova?

The Sunken City is viewed from the boat as you cruise along Kekova Island. The provided tour details do not include swimming at the archaeological ruins.

Are Myra and other archaeological entrance fees included?

No. Archaeological site entrance fees are not included. St. Nicholas Church and Myra are described as optional stops, so ask about current admission costs before entering.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.