A ruined city, under your feet. This full-day Kemer tour strings together Kekova’s sunken ruins by boat, Myra’s rock-cut tombs, and Demre’s St. Nicholas church—the inspiration behind Santa stories. Add hotel pickup and a guided route along the Turquoise Coast, and you get a rare mix of sea views and ancient sites in one long day.

I especially like the glass-bottom boat cruise experience on Kekova. You’re close enough to spot the underwater structures, and you even get a chance to swim off the back. I also love walking through Myra’s rock necropolis, where the tombs feel cut into the landscape like a centuries-old timeline.

One thing to plan for: the day has extra paid entries (notably the St. Nicholas church) and it can include short shop stops that eat time when you’d rather keep sightseeing. It’s still a good outing, but go in with cash/plan for add-ons so it stays fun.

Key things I’d plan around on this tour

• Hotel pickup and a single guided loop: less stress than DIY, especially for a day this packed.
• Kekova by boat: you’re on the water long enough to enjoy views and the underwater ruins.
• Swim break on the water: bring a swimsuit, even if you don’t pack for it.
• Myra’s rock-cut tombs: a standout archaeological stop on land.
• St. Nicholas church is paid separately: budget for it if you want to go inside.
• Long day by road: expect time in the minivan/coach plus curvy driving.

Why Kekova plus Myra makes sense from Kemer

This tour works because it doesn’t ask you to choose between “sea” and “ancient.” You get the boat-focused Kekova portion, then you switch gears to Myra, where the setting is land-based Lycian burial history. It’s the kind of route that’s ideal if your time in Kemer is limited and you want more than one major sight in a day.

There’s also a practical upside: you’re guided through a region that can feel confusing on your own. With pickup and drop-off, you avoid the small-but-maddening logistics of getting to multiple places across Demre and Myra.

If you like a day that’s busy but not frantic, this is a decent match. The stops are spaced out enough to keep your legs moving, and lunch is built in so you’re not searching for food at random times.

8:00 am pickup and the real rhythm of a 9-hour day

The day starts early—pickup is arranged from your hotel security gate around 8:00 am. Total time is listed at about 9 hours, which is typical for a Kemer departure that reaches Demre and then comes back.

On the road, you’ll want to treat this like a long excursion, not a quick add-on. The route is driven by minivan/coach, and you can expect curvy roads plus the usual stop-and-go timing. A comfortable ride helps, and it’s smart to bring water for the journey (drinks with lunch aren’t included).

One more heads-up: transport hiccups can happen. On this kind of coastal tour, if a vehicle or boat has an issue, the operator may replace it and keep the day moving. That’s rare, but staying flexible helps if you’re unlucky.

Myra rock tombs: the stop that works even when it’s hot

Myra is where the tour gains serious momentum. The rock-cut tombs are older than most people expect, and they’re visually strong: you’re looking at burial architecture that’s shaped into cliffs and rock faces rather than sitting behind modern walls.

You have about 2 hours at Myra, and admission isn’t included in the base price. I like this stop because it feels “real” in the way it’s presented—no waiting for a view through glass, no ocean conditions to ruin your sightlines. You can walk, read, and take your time matching the shapes in the rock to the stories you’re hearing.

It can also be very sunny. If you’re visiting in summer, go in with sunscreen and a hat. Wear shoes you’re happy to walk in for a couple of hours, because the ground can be uneven around historic sites.

If you’re the type who wants the biggest payoff from the shortest time on land, Myra usually delivers. It’s also a nice break from boat life, which can feel repetitive if you’re prone to seasickness.

Kekova Island and the sunken city by glass-bottom boat

Kekova is the headline. You’ll spend about 2 hours on the boat portion, focused on views along the coast and the underwater ruins.

This is where the “glass-bottom” part matters. You’ll get a chance to see structures beneath the water, and it can be genuinely eye-opening when the visibility cooperates. I’d set expectations realistically: if the glass is cloudy or dirty, the ruins can be harder to spot. Bring curiosity anyway. Even then, the coastline views are part of the payoff.

A bonus you should hope for is wildlife. People have reported seeing sea turtles during the boat time. You can’t plan on it, but the fact that it sometimes happens tells you the area is lively.

The swim break is not optional in your packing

One thing I’d do differently from people who show up underprepared: pack a swimsuit. There’s a chance to swim off the back of the boat, and it can be a welcome reset on a long day. A towel and quick-dry clothing help, too, because you don’t want to spend hours uncomfortable afterward.

Also consider sunglasses and a waterproof bag if you have one. Even if you don’t swim, you’ll still be dealing with sun and salt air.

Demre’s Church of St Nicholas: the Santa link, plus the add-on cost

Demre’s St. Nicholas church is the last “must-know” stop on this route. It’s tied to the Santa Claus connection, and it can be very interesting if that story matters to you.

The time there is about 2 hours, but entrance is not included. The tour description lists entrance fees as an extra cost (around 30€ total), and St. Nicholas is specifically called out as not included. That means your final day budget may be higher than the base tour price suggests.

Here’s the practical side of it. If you want to go into the church, you’ll likely need to pay separately. If you don’t, you may end up waiting nearby while the rest of the group finishes the church visit. That can feel like wasted time if you were hoping to maximize every minute.

My advice: decide in advance. If you’re paying, go in and enjoy it. If you’re not, plan your mindset for a calmer pause before Myra and the trip back.

Lunch on tour: included food, but drinks cost extra

Lunch is included, and it’s one of the biggest “value” elements of the day. When a tour includes lunch, it usually means less time hunting food and more predictable timing.

The meal is described as a typical Turkish restaurant-style lunch with options that a guide helps with. In practice, the menu can be hearty and filling, so eat like you’ll still be walking later at Myra and handling the boat portion.

Drinks are not included. If you want soda, tea, or bottled water beyond what you bring, budget for it. Many people don’t realize how quickly that adds up until they’re at the table.

If you’re sensitive to heat, time lunch earlier rather than later when the day allows it. After the boat and sun exposure, you’ll feel it.

Timing and logistics: how to keep the day from feeling too long

This is a full-day excursion with multiple transfers. Even when everything runs smoothly, you’ll spend a chunk of the day on the vehicle. That part isn’t the tour’s fault—it’s just geography. Kemer to Demre and back takes time.

To make it feel better, think in layers:

• Bring sun protection for both boat time and walking time.
• Carry a light layer. Morning can be cooler, and vehicles can swing between chilly and hot.
• Keep small cash or a card ready for paid entries. You’ll likely need it for Myra and St. Nicholas.

Watch for shopping stops

Short shop stops can happen on the way to the boat. That’s common on regional tours. The point for you is simple: don’t treat those stops as part of the sightseeing. If you want to spend your time outside in real ruins and views, consider them “quick and optional,” and decide fast whether you want to browse.

If you’re the type who gets annoyed by shopping detours, this is your main warning sign. It doesn’t ruin the day for everyone, but it’s the part that most often clashes with what people came for.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $66.08 per person, this tour looks like a deal because so much is bundled:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Lunch
• Sunken city Kekova boat cruise
• A guided day connecting Myra and Demre

What’s not bundled:

• Entrance fees (listed as about 30€)
• Drinks (not included)
• St. Nicholas church entry is specifically paid separately if you want to go inside

So the “real cost” isn’t just the $66.08. To judge value, add the likely paid elements and ask yourself: do you want a boat cruise plus two historic sites with a guide, all without managing transportation yourself?

If yes, the price is usually fair. If your priority is only the underwater ruins, then the boat might not feel worth the full day because the time under the glass can be limited by conditions. In that case, you might consider a shorter cruise-focused option instead. But if you want a full day that ties together the sea ruins with Lycian tombs, the structure is strong.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

This tour is a good fit if you:

• Want a guided day that covers sea + ancient sites
• Like the idea of seeing Kekova by boat and then switching to land walking at Myra
• Are comfortable with a long day that includes vehicle time
• Don’t mind paying separate entrances for major sights

You might skip it if:

• You hate add-on costs or feel frustrated by separate paid entries
• You prefer to spend fewer hours on the road and more time in one place
• You need lots of flexibility for timing. This is a schedule-driven tour.

Language matters too. English is offered, and guides may be multi-lingual. Still, if you’re very strict about language, confirm that your booking lists English for your departure so there’s no surprise once you meet the group.

Should you book the Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra tour?

I think you should book this if you want one strong day that mixes Kekova’s underwater ruins, Myra’s rock tombs, and Demre’s St. Nicholas church connection without planning transport. The included lunch and pickup make it feel worth it, especially when you’re staying in Kemer.

Just do two things to make the day smoother. First, pack for sun and water (swim gear is a smart move). Second, budget for the extras—entrances and drinks—so you don’t end up feeling nickeled-and-dimed mid-day.

If you go in expecting a full-day pace with paid entries and a little roadside shopping time, you’ll likely enjoy it a lot more.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 8:00 am.

Where do you get picked up in Kemer?

Pickup is from your hotel’s security gate.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 9 hours.

What’s included in the price?

You get lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the Kekova boat cruise.

What’s not included?

Drinks and entrance fees are not included (entrance fees are listed as 30€). St. Nicholas church entry is also not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, English is offered (and the guide may be multi-lingual).

Is there a glass-bottom boat on Kekova?

Yes, the experience includes a glass-bottom boat on the Kekova portion.

Can I swim during the boat trip?

There is a chance to swim off the back of the boat.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid isn’t refunded.

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