A long boat day, with real wow moments. This trip strings together Kekova’s Sunken City views, village ruins, and a full day on the water with multiple swim breaks, all starting with an easy hotel-area pickup.

What I like most is the practical flow: you get pickup and drop-off convenience and a real lunch planned into the day. I also love that the itinerary mixes coastline scenery with stops you can actually walk around, like Simena’s hilltop route and Myra’s rock-cut tombs.

The main drawback to plan for is guidance and timing. The boat commentary can be limited in English, and the day can feel “swim-heavy,” which may compress how much time you get in Myra and any church stop with separate entrance fees.

Key points to know before you go

• Kekova by boat: you cruise alongside the underwater ruins and get photo time from the water
• Swimming is the schedule driver: several swim breaks, but no swimming at Kekova Island
• Simena Castle views: Kaleköy port gives you a chance to climb up to castle ruins and necropolis areas (extra entry)
• Myra time is short but high-impact: Roman theater plus rock tombs, with main ruins entry paid separately
• Budget for extra sights: Simena Castle, Myra, and St Nicholas Church have separate fees you’ll need to pay on the day
• Look for turtles near Karemlik Bay: your route includes a stop where you can try spotting sea turtles in the wild

From Kas to Demre Harbour, the day starts easy

This is a 10-hour style day trip with a morning start around 8:30 am. You meet at Smiley’s Andifli by the harbor area, then you transfer from there toward Demre harbor where the boat begins its Kekova loop.

The big win for me is the friction-free start. Instead of figuring out connections or timing, you just show up and the day moves. You also get back to the same area at the end, which matters because Kaş evenings can turn into a “taxi hunt” if you mis-time anything.

What the ride feels like

You’ll spend time on an air-conditioned vehicle. It’s long enough that you’ll want water and something to snack on, but not so long that it feels like the tour is only about transportation.

Also note the group size cap is up to 75. Even if your day ends up calmer, it helps to mentally prepare for a bus-and-boat rhythm instead of a tiny private sail.

Getting the big Kekova moment: boat cruise past the Sunken City

Once you reach Demre harbour, the boat is waiting. From there, you head out toward Kekova. The route is designed to give you repeated chances to see the ruins from the water, which is the whole point of the Sunken City.

This part is the signature stop. The ancient city of Dolchiste was flooded due to an earthquake in the 2nd century, and the underwater remains are what you’re seeing today. You won’t need a long explanation to appreciate it, because the ruins show up visually as you pass along the coast.

Kekova Island: gorgeous views, no swimming

You also cruise alongside Kekova Island, which sits inside a protected area. The key practical detail is that swimming is not permitted here. So this stop is more about cruising and photos than hopping in.

If you’re booking primarily for swimming, keep your expectations balanced. You will get swim breaks later, but not at every “view stop.”

Pirates Cave and the curve of the coastline

Between the main Sunken City sections and the longer village and swimming stops, you’ll hit a smaller nature stop: Asırlı Adası Deniz Mağarası, often referred to as Pirates Cave.

This is quick, about 5 minutes, and it’s exactly the kind of stop that works on a day like this. You get a memorable landmark without eating hours of your schedule. The cave is known for its large size and curved entrance, which gives you a distinct shape to look for as you approach.

My advice

Use this moment to re-check your photo setup. Sunlight changes fast on the water. If you have a camera or phone settings you like, do a quick test here so you’re not scrambling later during the longer stops.

Simena (Kaleköy port): ruins, necropolis, and those “how is that real” views

The boat anchors in Kaleköy port, the area associated with ancient Simena. Here you get about one hour to explore the small village and make the most of the ruins nearby.

The most popular part is the climb. There’s a route that leads up toward castle ruins and a necropolis area. Even if you only do part of the walk, the payoff is the view of the Kekova region and coastline.

Extra entry fee matters

Simena Castle has a separate entrance fee (listed as €4 per person). That’s not a deal breaker, but it is real money. If you’re watching your budget, consider this stop a “worth it” add-on if you enjoy walking viewpoints.

Time trade-off: your visit will be compact

Simena is set up as a one-hour window. That’s enough to see a lot if you’re moving with purpose, but if you’re slow and want to linger for photos, you may feel a bit rushed. Plan your pacing so you don’t run out of daylight for your next stop.

Sunken City ruins of Simena: quick up top, quick in water

After Kaleköy, there’s another Simena-focused segment tied to Sunken City ruins of Simena. You get roughly 30 minutes here.

You’ll have two choices in how to spend it:

• take a hillside hike for big views of the Kekova region
• or use the remaining time for another swim if you’d rather see Simena Castle from below

This is a classic “choose your vibe” moment. If you want photos and scale, the uphill option makes sense. If you want to cool off, the water stop is easier on your feet.

Esmeralda Bay lunch and swim, then Burç Bay and Gökkaya Bay

Now comes the part that often decides how people rate the day: the swim program. You’ll have a lunch and swim break at Esmeralda Bay (included), followed by additional swimming stops at nearby bays.

Esmeralda Bay

This is your lunch break. You’ll get time to eat and then swim, so the rhythm is practical. Lunch is included, and the meal is described as having fish or chicken options with generous portions. That matters because many boat tours feed you something small and forgettable. Here, lunch is part of why the experience works.

Burç Bay: cooler water due to natural springs

Next, Burç Bay is another swim stop. The water is said to feel cooler because of cold underwater natural springs. If it’s a hot day, this is one of the best reasons to keep your swim gear accessible.

Gökkaya Bay: a longer water break plus options

You also stop at Gökkaya Bay (listed around 2 hours). This is where you get more water time. Some water sports may be available there, though the only firm promise from your schedule is swimming time and views.

One thing to watch

The day can feel like it runs on swim timing. That’s great if you love water. If you’re more into archaeology, it helps to realize Myra time later can feel tighter than you expect.

Demre Harbour and the museum time in the schedule

After the boat portion, you return toward Demre harbour and your tour continues on land. There’s a nearby museum visit slotted in for about 30 minutes.

In practice, this is one of those “don’t bank your entire day on it” moments. If the museum is limited or not fully open, you still have the Myra stops ahead that carry most of the archaeological weight.

Myra: Roman theater, rock tombs, and the top sites shortcut

This is where the day earns its historical credibility.

You’ll visit rock tombs in Myra and then Myra Antik Kenti. The schedule allocates about:

• 30 minutes for rock tombs, including the Roman-style theater (described as the largest in Lycia)
• 30 minutes for Myra’s main archaeological site, reaching back as far as the 5th century B.C.

These are not long museum-style hours. This is more of a “see the highlights fast” approach. If you like ruins you can read with your own eyes, you’ll do well. If you want deep guided explanation at each spot, you might find the short time and possible language gaps frustrating.

St Nicholas Church: separate fee, and timing tension

A St Nicholas Church entrance fee is listed (about €12), and some versions of the day include it. The bigger point is that church time can compete with the rest of your Myra window, especially if earlier stops ran full.

If your goal is the church specifically, plan to pay the fee and move efficiently at the site. If your priority is the tombs and theater, know that you may have to accept quick stops.

Turtle spotting near Karemlik Bay: why this stop hits

One of the most memorable parts is the Karemlik Bay segment connected to Andriake Ancient City. The route includes a chance to look for sea turtles in the wild.

The schedule notes that 3 of the 7 known sea turtle species live in the Mediterranean, and this bay is where you may get the chance to spot turtles. You’re not guaranteed to see them, but the stop is built around wildlife watching, and that adds a different kind of thrill compared to ruins.

If you care about wildlife, this part is one of the reasons the day feels more fun than purely “history on a boat.”

Simple tip

Have your phone ready and your posture comfortable for looking across the water. Turtle spotting is usually about patience and quick reactions, not speed.

Price and value: $78.19 for a full circuit, plus add-on fees

At $78.19 per person, this tour is built to keep costs down by packaging transport, a boat cruise, lunch, and multiple stops into one day.

What you’re paying for:

• boat time around Kekova and Simena, where the ruins are the main show
• included lunch (fish or chicken)
• air-conditioned transport
• several swim breaks with bays that look like postcard scenery

What costs extra (and you should budget in advance):

• Simena Castle: €4
• Myra (Ancient City): €9
• St Nicholas Church: €12

So your day can move from about $78 to about $78 plus roughly €25 in entrances, depending on what you choose to pay for and what’s included in your version of the schedule.

How I’d decide if it’s worth it

If you want a one-day “greatest hits” combination of Kekova cruising plus Myra ruins, the value is strong. If your main goal is long, guided museum-level history, you might find it too fast and too swim-focused for the cost once entrance fees stack up.

The real deal on guides and onboard info

This is the area where reviews show the widest range of experience.

The schedule doesn’t emphasize a dedicated, in-depth guide at every stop. Some days feel like the boat crew can provide basic commentary, but language comfort can vary. On some departures, the English explanation may not be detailed enough to turn every ruin into a story.

A few practical takeaways:

• Use your time on land for what matters most to you. If you care about Myra tombs, get there ready to look.
• For the underwater-city sections, photos are the star. Even if you hope for a clear view under the surface, the tour format is still about seeing from the boat and at anchor.

Also, there’s mention in experiences of a “glass bottom” being less like a full glass window and more like limited viewing panels. So don’t book expecting a guaranteed underwater view experience at every angle.

What to bring for a comfortable long day

You’ll be outside for much of the day. A few practical items make this much better:

• swimsuit and towel you can manage quickly at multiple bays
• water shoes (rough coastline and walking up at Simena can be uncomfortable otherwise)
• sunscreen and a hat (you’ll be in direct sun during long water segments)
• cash or card for entrance fees, because you may need to pay on arrival

One helpful money tip from the experiences: it can be easier to pay entrances in Turkish Lira, and cards are accepted in some cases. If you can, carry some TL plus a card so you do not get stuck.

Who this tour suits best

I’d point this tour at you if:

• you want a single day that combines Kekova + Simena + Myra
• you like swimming and scenery more than slow museum-style visits
• you appreciate good lunch and an organized transport day

I’d be cautious if:

• you want lots of detailed English guiding at every stop
• you are not interested in swim breaks, because they can take a big chunk of your time
• you’re very focused on one specific site and want longer dedicated time there

Should you book the Kas to Kekova, Demre, and Myra day trip?

If your ideal day is “boat views, a real lunch, and then Myra highlights,” this is an easy yes. The value math works because you’re getting a packed itinerary without needing to organize transport yourself, and the day is built around the iconic Kekova route plus Myra’s theater and tombs.

If you dislike rushed schedules, or you want heavy explanation at every stop, consider booking a more guide-centered option. This one is best when you treat it as a water-and-coast first day, with history as the second wave.

Either way, go in with the right expectations: bring swim gear, budget for entrances, and use your time at Myra efficiently. You’ll likely leave with photos of underwater ruins, a couple of unforgettable swims, and at least the clearest hits of Lycia in one long day.

FAQ

How long is the Kas to Kekova, Demre, and Myra day trip?

It runs for about 10 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where do you meet?

Start time is 8:30 am, and the meeting point is Smiley’s Andifli, İskele Sk., Kaş.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch and air-conditioned vehicle transport are included.

Are there extra entrance fees I should budget for?

Yes. Simena Castle, the Ancient City of Myra, and St Nicholas Church each have separate entrance fees.

Is there swimming during the tour?

There are multiple swim breaks during the day, but swimming is not permitted at Kekova Island.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.