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

Kekova’s Sunken City is the star here: half-hidden walls and steps slip beneath clear water as your boat glides past the coast. I like the easy mix of sea time and archaeology, especially the chance to swim at Esmeralda, Burç, and Gökkaya bays between historic stops.

I also like the excellent boat lunch, reported as chicken with salads followed by fruit, and the small-group format. The catch is that the day can feel rushed at Myra, and the archaeological entrance fee is extra. If you want a long, quiet visit to every ruin, this is not that kind of tour.

Key points to know before booking

• The Sunken City is viewed from the boat: You cannot walk through the submerged ruins, but the clear water and slow cruise offer good photo chances.
• Kaleköy combines village life and castle views: You can wander ancient Simena, climb toward the castle, swim, or simply enjoy the harbor.
• Three swim stops break up the history: Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay, and Gökkaya Bay each offer time in the water.
• Myra may involve an extra fee: The archaeological entrance charge is not included, and the stop may last only about 30 minutes.
• Lunch and water equipment are included: Expect a boat meal, snorkel equipment, floating mats, and inflatable rings, but bring cash for drinks.
• The day lasts about 10 hours: Pickup and return are from Kaş city center, with the exact pickup time sent the day before.

Why this Kaş to Kekova trip works

This is a long day, but it covers a lot without making you organize separate transport to Demre. You leave Kaş in the morning, reach Demre Harbor by transfer, board the boat, then finish with the Myra and museum area before returning to Kaş.

I like this arrangement because Kekova is best seen from the water. The coast is scattered with bays, old settlements, caves, and ruins that make more sense from a boat than from a road. You also get the practical benefit of a planned route, lunch, swimming equipment, and return transport.

The small-group setup should make the day feel more personal than a large excursion boat. Still, exact group size is not provided, so I would not assume an intimate private charter. You are booking a shared experience with a smaller group, not a fully private outing.

At $71 per person, the value is strong if you plan to use the whole day. The price covers Kaş pickup and drop-off, the road transfer to Demre, the boat trip, lunch, snorkel equipment, floating mats, inflatable rings, and the main sightseeing stops. You should budget extra for drinks, snacks, and archaeological entrance fees.

Leaving Kaş for Demre Harbor

Pickup is from Kaş city center, but the exact time changes with the season. You receive the pickup details by WhatsApp or email one day before departure, so keep an eye on your phone and do not plan an early-morning activity that leaves you far from the center.

The road transfer takes you toward Demre Harbor, where the boat section begins. The tour is advertised as a 10-hour day, so you should expect a full schedule rather than a lazy morning followed by a short cruise.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash. Drinks are not included, and one piece of practical feedback about the day is that bottled water was not supplied. I would bring water with you or be ready to buy drinks aboard the boat.

Seeing Kekova’s Sunken City from the water

The cruise along Kekova Island is the trip’s main event. The ancient settlement of Dolchiste, often called the Sunken City, was damaged and partly submerged, leaving stone walls, steps, and building remains below the surface.

The boat passes slowly enough for you to look down and take photographs. The water can be remarkably clear, but your view depends on light, sea conditions, and your position on the boat. This is not a snorkeling visit to the ruins. You see them from the boat, and swimming directly around the archaeological remains is not the point of the stop.

I would like more explanation here. The Sunken City is visually striking, but its meaning can be easy to miss if you only see a few stones through the water. Ask the English-speaking host or guide what you are looking at, and keep your camera ready before the boat reaches the best viewing area.

The history matters because this is not simply a pretty coastline. Kekova shows how ancient settlements, earthquakes, changing sea levels, and later coastal life overlap in one small area. Even a short cruise gives you a clear sense of how old Lycia is and how closely its history is tied to the sea.

Kaleköy and the hilltop ruins of Simena

The boat stops at Kaleköy, the modern village beside ancient Simena. This is one of the most enjoyable parts of the route because you can choose how active you want to be.

You can wander through the village, look for local products, visit the castle ruins, or head uphill for broad views across Kekova. The climb is worth it if you want the best outlook, but the path may not suit everyone, especially in strong sun. Wear shoes with a firm sole rather than flip-flops if you plan to go toward the castle.

The village gives the day a human scale. You are not only looking at an archaeological site behind a fence. You are walking through a living coastal settlement with old stones, boats, and open views over the water.

You also get time for a swim in the clear water near Kaleköy. That combination, ancient ruins above and bright sea below, is why I would not treat this as just another boat outing. It gives you a short taste of both village life and Lycian archaeology.

Esmeralda, Burç, and Gökkaya Bay swimming stops

After the first historic sights, the day shifts into swimming mode. Esmeralda Bay is planned as a lunch and swim break, giving you time to eat without immediately moving on to another attraction.

The boat meal has been a strong point. Expect chicken with salads and fruit later in the afternoon, according to the available meal details. Food quality can make a real difference on a 10-hour excursion, and a proper lunch is far better than relying only on packaged snacks.

Burç Bay is known here for cool water fed by natural underwater springs. That may make the swim feel noticeably refreshing, especially after walking in the sun at Kaleköy. You can use the supplied snorkel equipment, though the tour does not promise a particular range of marine life or underwater visibility.

Gökkaya Bay adds another swim stop. Floating mats and inflatable rings are available, which makes this section easy for anyone who prefers to relax on the water rather than swim hard. Water sports may also be available there, but specific activities and prices are not given, so bring cash and ask before committing to anything extra.

Three separate water stops are useful because they spread the relaxation through the day. You are less likely to feel that the trip is only a string of ruins with a single rushed swim. On the other hand, every extra stop reduces time for the archaeological sites, so the schedule favors variety over depth.

Pirates Cave and Karemlik Bay

Pirates Cave is a short scenic stop, known for its large size and curved entrance. You will see it from the boat, with the shape of the opening providing the main attraction. It is the kind of stop that takes only a few minutes but adds variety to the cruise.

Karemlik Bay offers a different appeal. The bay is a habitat for three of the seven known sea turtle species, so you can look for turtles in their natural setting. Sightings are never guaranteed, and the tour does not promise that you will see one, but the stop gives you a chance to watch the water and coastline with a little more purpose.

I like that the route includes this wildlife angle without turning it into a staged animal encounter. Bring patience and keep your expectations realistic. If turtles are important to you, consider this a possibility rather than the main reason to book.

Demre, Myra, and the extra entrance cost

After the boat returns to Demre Harbor, the land portion continues with the area’s major cultural sights. The schedule includes the Museum of Lycian Civilisations and the ancient city of Myra, although the exact treatment of the museum and church can vary because some stops are described as optional.

Myra is famous for its large Roman-style theater and rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs. The tombs are visible from outside the archaeological area, which is useful if you are deciding whether to pay the entrance charge. The theater gives you a clearer sense of the site’s scale, while the cliff tombs are the image most people remember.

The archaeological fee is not included in the tour price. One practical account puts the Myra entrance at about 13 euros per person, but prices can change, so confirm the current amount before you go.

This is also the place where the timetable matters most. The available trip details indicate that the Myra visit may last around 30 minutes. That is enough to see the main features, but not enough for a slow archaeological visit or a careful look at every tomb.

If you already know that Myra is a priority, ask before departure how much time is planned on site and which entrance fees apply. You may decide the boat experience is the main value and view the ruins from outside, or you may prefer to pay for the full entry even with limited time.

St. Nicholas Church and the Lycian story

The St. Nicholas Church, presented as the Santa Claus Museum, was originally built in honor of St. Nicholas of Myra. The church remains connect the modern Santa Claus tradition with the historical bishop associated with Demre.

This stop is listed as optional, so I would confirm whether it is included in your particular day and how long you will have there. The tour information also highlights the Museum of Lycian Civilisations, which adds context to the ruins seen along the coast.

The value of these sites is not only in the surviving walls. They help connect the boat route to the wider Lycian world. Without that context, the Sunken City and cliff tombs can seem like isolated sights. With it, you begin to see a coastline shaped by ancient towns, ports, trade, religion, and changing sea levels.

What the day feels like in practice

The strongest part of the experience is the balance. You get ancient ruins, a living village, several swims, a cave, a possible turtle sighting, lunch, and a museum or archaeological stop. That variety helps a long day pass quickly.

The weak point is commentary. English is the listed language, but the amount of explanation can vary. If you want a detailed account of every ruin, you may need to ask questions instead of waiting for a long talk at each stop.

The boat crew can make a real difference. Captain Arif has been singled out for being courteous and helpful, including making repeated attempts to retrieve a phone dropped in about five meters of water. That is a memorable example of personal service, though you should not assume the same captain will operate every departure.

The equipment list is generous for a day at sea. Snorkels, floating mats, and inflatable rings are included. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, which keeps the outing suited to sightseeing, swimming, and families rather than a party cruise.

The trip is not suitable for people over 95, according to the stated restrictions. Beyond that, the main physical questions are the boat access, swimming, sun exposure, and possible walk uphill at Simena. Specific accessibility details are not provided, so ask before booking if you have mobility concerns.

Who should book this Kekova day trip

I would choose this tour if you are staying in Kaş and want to combine Kekova with Demre and Myra in one organized day. It suits you especially well if you enjoy alternating between history and swimming rather than spending an entire day at one archaeological site.

It is also a good fit if you do not have a rental car or do not want to arrange separate transport to Demre Harbor. The included transfer removes a major planning chore.

Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the flexible rhythm. One person can swim, another can use a floating mat, and someone else can focus on the views and ruins. The 10-hour length still calls for stamina, sunscreen, and a willingness to follow a schedule.

I would hesitate if your top priority is serious archaeology. The Sunken City is seen from the boat, commentary may be brief, Myra may be short, and entrance fees are extra. In that case, a dedicated land tour or a private arrangement may give you more time at the ruins.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a high-value mix of coast, swimming, and Lycian sites without arranging the transport yourself. The food, equipment, multiple bays, Kaleköy stop, and boat view of Kekova make the $71 price reasonable for a full day.

Before paying, ask two questions: how much time is planned at Myra, and which archaeological or church entrance fees will apply. Bring cash, water, a towel, and sun protection. If you accept that the day favors variety over long site visits, this is a well-rounded way to experience Kekova from Kaş.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

Pickup and drop-off are provided from Kaş city center. The day begins with a transfer to Demre Harbor and ends with the return journey to Kaş.

How long is the tour?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included. Food described for the trip includes chicken with salads, followed later by fruit.

Are drinks included?

No. Additional food and drinks are not included. Bring cash for drinks, and consider carrying your own bottled water.

Is snorkel equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with floating mats and inflatable rings.

Can I swim at Kekova?

You can swim at designated stops including Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay, and Gökkaya Bay. The Sunken City itself is viewed from the boat.

Is the archaeological entrance fee included?

No. Archaeological site entrance fees are excluded from the tour price. The Myra entrance has been cited at about 13 euros, but you should confirm the current fee.

Will I visit Myra?

The itinerary includes the ancient city of Myra, including its Roman-style theater and rock-cut tombs. The visit may be short, so ask about the planned time before departure.

Is St. Nicholas Church included?

St. Nicholas Church, also called the Santa Claus Museum, is described as an optional stop. Confirm whether it is part of your specific departure.

What should I bring?

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