Demre Myra Kekova Boat Tour: Sunken Island, Lycian Tombs & St. Nicholas Church from Antalya in Turkey, Kekova Island

Are you ready for an unforgettable mix of history and sea adventure? Discover the ancient city of Myra, the Church of St. Nicholas, and the mysterious Sunken Island of Kekova on this full-day tour from Antalya. Boat cruise, swimming stop, and a journey back in time await you!

Highlights:

• Explore the Sunken Kekova Island: Witness the remnants of ancient civilization beneath the waves
• Learn About Lycian Sarcophagi: Discover the burial practices of the ancient Lycian
• Visit the Church of St. Nicholas: Step into the world of this iconic saint and the history surrounding him
• Discover the Ancient City of Myra: Walk among ruins that have stood the test of time

Includes:

• Transfer from / to your hotel or meeting point
• Lunch (drinks not included)
• Yacht cruise (with a swimming stop)
• Professional guide
• Insurance policy

Not included:

• Entrance ticket to the Church of St. Nicholas the Saint (for guests over 9 years old) - 20 euro (optional)
• Entrance ticket to the Ancient City of the World (for guests over 9 years old) - 13 euro (optional)
• Breakfast (take a lunch box with you at the hotel)
• Drinks

Please note: Child price: 4-7yo.

• Please be aware that the tour includes shopping stops, where you can learn about the traditional crafts and historical trades of the region.
• Weather and wind conditions during the autumn, winter, and spring seasons may affect the yacht cruise (it is not always possible to know about this in advance).
• The order of the tour sites may change depending on the weather or other factors. The final decision is made by the tour guide based on the local conditions.
• If you are traveling with children aged 6-7 years, please make sure to bring their passports (they may not be allowed entry with a free ticket without a document).
• Children under 3 years old are not provided with a separate seat in the bus. You need to book a ticket with a seat (paid).

Are you craving an adventure that melds fascinating history with stunning coastal views? The Demre-Myra-Kekova tour from Antalya might just be your golden ticket! This isn't just another day out; its a full-blown cultural immersion that whisk you away into the rich historical tapestry of Turkey.

Itinerary:

05:00 - 06:20 Pick-up from hotels

08:30 Stop in the mountains for breakfast

09:30 Visit to the Icon Shop of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

10:00 Visit to the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (1 hour)

• Viewing the frescoes in the Church of St. Nicholas
• Viewing the floor mosaics in the Church of St. Nicholas
• Pilgrimage to the sarcophagus of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

11:30 Visit to the Ancient City of Myra (1 hour)

• Exploration of the Lycian rock tombs
• Visit to the amphitheater of the Ancient City of Myra

13:00 Lunch stop

14:00 Yacht cruise + swimming stop (2 hours)

• View of the Simena Peninsula from the boat
• View of the Sunken Island of Kekova from the boat
• Swimming stop in the bay

16:30 Departure on the return journey

18:30 - 19:00 Arrival at the hotels

Demre Myra Kekova Tour from Antalya Along Turkey's Coast

This full-day tour delivers real depth. Departing from Antalya, you travel through the Taurus Mountains toward Demre, where the Church of St. Nicholas holds the actual sarcophagus of the 4th-century bishop who inspired Santa Claus. Next comes the ancient city of Myra, where towering rock cut tombs and a Roman amphitheater dominate the landscape. After lunch, a yacht cruise glides over the Sunken City of Kekova, its submerged ancient walls visible just meters below crystal-clear Mediterranean coast water. A swimming stop in a quiet bay near Simena rounds out the afternoon. Guided by a knowledgeable tour guide, this Demre Myra Kekova experience genuinely combines culture, sea, and history.

Tips for a Smooth Demre Myra Kekova Tour

A little preparation makes this long day effortless:

• Pickup from Antalya hotels starts between 5 and 6:20 AM, prepare a lunch box the night before
• Bring swimwear, towel, and sunscreen, the yacht cruise includes a swimming stop
• Wear sturdy walking shoes, Myra involves uneven stone paths and climbing to rock tombs
• Bring small euros for optional entrance tickets to the Church of St. Nicholas and ancient city
• Autumn through spring winds can reshape the yacht route, check the forecast beforehand
• Pack passports for children aged 6 to 7, required for entry verification

Plan smartly and the tour delivers every promise.

More Facts About This Experience

Demre carries serious cinematic weight. The 2021 Turkish Netflix film Kaçış (The Life) featured Mediterranean coast scenes filmed around the Kekova region, while the popular Turkish series Kuruluş Osman used Lycian League ruins and similar ancient coastal settings as visual inspiration. The BBC series Around the World in 80 Days (2021) featured Turkish Mediterranean landscapes resembling these waters. Saint Nicholas, whose actual sarcophagus sits inside the church you visit, inspired countless Santa Claus films globally. Kekova's turquoise waters also dominate TikTok and Instagram travel reels, making this stretch of Turkey's coast among the most recognized on social media worldwide.

Complementary Activities Near Antalya and Alanya

After this historical adventure, nearby Alanya offers pure fun. Paragliding from 700 meters above the coastline, strapped to a professional pilot, delivers spectacular views of the Mediterranean that match Kekova's dreamy beauty perfectly. A catamaran cruise along Alanya's bays, complete with BBQ lunch and swimming stops, keeps the sea theme going. For adrenaline, a jeep safari through pine-covered Taurus Mountains brings off-road thrills into the mix.

Who Will Enjoy This Demre Myra Kekova Tour

History lovers, couples, and families with curious kids genuinely thrive here. Groups of friends enjoy the yacht cruise and swim stop. Solo travelers appreciate the guided structure and cultural depth.