Chimera looks better after dark. This Kemer-area night tour mixes an off-road jeep drive, a beach swim in Cirali, and a hike up to the Yanartas fire mountain for the everlasting flames of Chimera. It’s a simple plan with a strong payoff: you’ll spend your evening outdoors, then sit down for dinner before the ride back.

I especially like the way the itinerary gives you two different kinds of nature time: first a 3 km beach swim stop in Cirali, then the eerie glow of Yanartas flames burning from an underground gas source. Second, the dinner at Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant is included, so you’re not scrambling for food at the end of a long night.

One thing to consider: this is not a flat, stroll-easy hike. You’ll walk a stony path uphill for Chimera, and timing can feel tight once you add dinner—plus pickup and guide communication can vary, including at least one guide (Aydin) described as very direct.

Key highlights you’ll remember

• Yanartas (Chimera) flames in the dark: a natural, year-round fire show above Cirali
• Cirali beach swim stop: a long, scenic stretch where you can cool off before the hike
• Jeep safari ride through the coast roads: scenic route via Kuzdere, Camyuva, Tekirova
• Included entrance to Chimaera: you skip the ticket line at the fire mountain
• Dinner at Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant: fish or chicken plus starter, salad, and seasonal fruit
• Pickup and drop-off from Kemer hotels: you avoid the logistics puzzle at night

Kemer pickup and the jeep ride: how the night gets going

The tour is built around an early-evening start. Pickup runs from hotels across the Kemer resort, and you’ll meet your guide at the tour start point after the ride. You’ll get a full briefing about the evening’s program, then the safari portion begins around 5:30 PM.

Once you roll out, expect a proper jeep-style drive along the coast area—moving through Kuzdere, Camyuva, and Tekirova before reaching Cirali. This matters because it sets the tone: you’re not commuting on a smooth bus schedule. You’re moving as part of a night excursion, with the scenery changing from roadside views to beach-country darkness.

If you’re sensitive to late or strict pickup windows, I’d play it safe: show up where your driver can actually find you without hunting around. I’ve seen situations where a driver didn’t wait long if people weren’t outside, so don’t assume you’ll have extra time to figure out where the vehicle is.

Cirali beach swim stop on a 3 km stretch

Cirali is the moment that breaks up the night’s intensity. After the jeep drive, you’ll reach Cirali Beach and get a swimming stop with time built in for a real break—this is not just a quick photo stop.

The big win here is the beach itself: it’s about 3 kilometers long, and it’s often seen as one of the more beautiful stretches in the region. You can swim, rinse off, and reset your energy before the uphill part of the tour. In practical terms, this is why the sequence works: cooling down first makes the hike less miserable.

Bring swimwear and plan for sandy logistics. If you can, use a small bag you can keep close on the ride and avoid fumbling when you’re ready to change. Also pack a water bottle—one simple thing that makes the whole day feel easier, especially in late-season heat.

Yanartas (Chimera): the hike, the flames, and what you’re really seeing

After Cirali, you’ll head up toward Yanartas, the hill known as Chimera near Olympos. This is where the tour earns its name. The mythology is the famous part—the fire-spewing monster with the head of a lion, body of a goat, and tail of a snake—but the real show is more grounded (and stranger): natural underground gas feeding the flames.

You’ll want comfortable shoes. The path is described as stony, and this isn’t the kind of “walk it off” terrain where flip-flops win. If you have grippy soles, use them. If you don’t, at least make sure your shoes won’t slide on loose rocks.

Once you reach the flames, the tour builds in enough time for you to take it in at night. That’s not fluff. The Yanartas light is the point—visiting after dark is when the fire effect is easiest to appreciate. Expect a dramatic, slightly surreal scene where the ground seems to breathe.

A note on guide style

Language support is part of the plan—your live guide speaks Russian or English. Still, guide personality can affect your comfort level. One guide name you might hear mentioned is Aydin, who was described as very direct and cheeky. If you prefer a softer tone, just keep your patience meter ready and focus on the sights, not the banter.

Olympos access and the 10€ entrance decision

This experience is marketed around Olympos as well as Cirali and Chimera, and the fine print matters: Olympos entrance is not included (listed at 10€). That’s your hint that there may be a choice during the evening regarding the ancient site.

In real-world timing, you should assume “time choice” might be involved—especially if you also want beach time. One traveler described a setup where there was about an hour and you could handle either the sea or the ancient city area, not both at once. So if you care about ruins, go in expecting you’ll need to pick your priority during the limited window.

If your goal is purely Yanartas flames and a relaxed beach swim, you can treat Olympos as optional. If your goal is history, plan your energy accordingly and don’t assume you’ll have a long, slow wander.

Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant dinner: included, but how rushed it can feel

Dinner is the payoff that makes this tour feel complete rather than like an endurance event. You’ll head to Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant for a set meal, with choices typically listed as fish or chicken. The meal includes a starter plate, salad, and seasonal fruits.

Because it’s a set dinner at a restaurant stop rather than a long leisurely sit-down, manage expectations about pacing. Some people have felt dinner service can be fast, especially if the group is eager to get back. The practical takeaway: treat dinner as a full meal, but don’t plan to turn it into an extended conversation hour.

If you’re eating fish or chicken, you’ll likely get exactly what’s described and not much customization. That’s totally fine for the value—just don’t arrive hungry-thinking you’ll order your dream version of Turkey’s menu.

Price and value at about $41: what you’re paying for

At $41 per person, this tour is priced like a bundle night out: transportation, a key attraction entrance, and dinner are all included. Here’s what you’re effectively buying:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from the Kemer resort area
• Entrance fee to Chimaera (and a skip-the-ticket-line benefit)
• Dinner at the Ulupinar restaurant
• Jeep safari driving through the coastal route to the main stops

What’s extra: drinks and personal expenses, plus Olympos entrance (10€) if you go into the ancient site. The tour also doesn’t include an entrance fee for Olympos, so if ruins are on your list, budget that add-on.

For value, the key question is this: do you want the whole package in one evening? If yes, this price makes sense. If you only care about the Chimera flames and you’re comfortable arranging your own beach time and transport, you may be able to do it cheaper—but you’ll lose the convenience of getting picked up and delivered back to Kemer at night.

What to pack for this night safari (so you don’t suffer)

This tour is outdoor-heavy, and the night can feel cooler than you expect. Pack like you’re doing two things: beach time and a rocky uphill walk.

Bring:

• Comfortable, grippy shoes for the stony path
• Swimwear and a towel (or at least something quick-dry) for the Cirali swim stop
• A light layer for evening temperature swings
• Water (even if it isn’t listed as included)

Skip overthinking:

• Don’t count on having time to do multiple long activities. If your priority is Chimera and dinner, keep the rest simple.
• If you hate walking on rocks, plan extra caution on the climb.

Return timing: when you’ll be back in Kemer

The schedule is built to finish late but not absurdly late. After dinner, your journey back to Kemer starts around 10:00 PM, with an approximate arrival time of 11:00–11:30 PM.

That means you’re committing to a full evening. If you have a morning flight or an early tour the next day, check your wake-up time carefully. The upside: once you’re on the way back, you don’t have to coordinate anything.

Who this tour suits best

This is a good fit if you want:

• A night adventure with a clear star attraction (Yanartas flames)
• One real beach break rather than nonstop sightseeing
• Convenience: pickup, entrance inclusion, and dinner all handled
• A moderate hike as part of a bigger story

It may not be ideal if:

• You strongly dislike hiking on uneven, stony ground
• You need guaranteed slow, relaxed restaurant pacing
• You’re picky about guide tone and communication style

Given the natural attractions and included dinner, it’s best for couples, solo travelers, and small groups who like moving at an outdoor pace and don’t need a perfectly timed, perfectly narrated evening.

Should you book the Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with dinner at Ulupinar?

I’d book it if your idea of a great night in Turkey is: drive out of Kemer, swim in a beautiful beach area, hike just enough for a big payoff, then eat a proper included dinner on the other side. The combination of Cirali beach + Yanartas flames at night is the kind of itinerary that’s hard to replicate on your own without extra effort.

I’d hesitate if stony climbing feels like punishment for you, or if you’re the kind of person who needs long, unhurried dinner time. Also, if you care deeply about Olympos ruins, remember the 10€ entrance fee is not included and time windows can force choices.

Bottom line: for $41, this is a practical “evening bundle” with a standout natural attraction. Just come ready to walk, and you’ll get the best of what this trip is really about: fire from the earth, water on your skin, and dinner waiting at the end.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The safari tour starts at about 5:30 PM.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is listed as 7 hours.

Where do I get picked up?

Pickup is included from hotels in the Kemer resort area.

Is the Chimera (Yanartas) entrance fee included?

Yes. The entrance fee to Chimaera is included, and there’s a skip-the-ticket-line benefit.

Is dinner included, and what do you get?

Dinner is included at Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant. The set menu includes fish or chicken, a starter plate, salad, and seasonal fruits.

Are drinks included with dinner?

No. Drinks are not included.

Do I need to pay for Olympos?

If you visit Olympos, there’s an entrance fee of 10€ that is not included.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable shoes for the stony path during the Chimera hike. If you’re swimming, bring swimwear too.

What languages are spoken by the guide?

The live guide speaks Russian and English.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve and pay later?

Yes. There’s an option to reserve now and pay later.

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