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

The most striking part of this day is the contrast: ancient Lycian ruins sit beside clear blue water, and the boat carries you from a half-submerged city to quiet swimming bays. I like the mix of history and sea time, and I like that lunch, snorkel gear, floating mats, and inflatable rings are included. The one catch is time: Myra gets only about 30 minutes, and its entry fee costs extra.

I also like the small-group setup, which makes the long day feel less like a conveyor belt. Captain Arif has been especially helpful, even recovering a dropped phone from five meters of water. Bring cash for drinks and site fees, since water and other beverages are not included.

Key points at a glance

• Kekova’s Sunken City: See the remains of ancient Dolchiste from the boat, with no swimming over the protected ruins.
• Kaleköy and Simena Castle: Walk through a living coastal village and climb for views over the Kekova region.
• Three proper swim breaks: Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay, and Gökkaya Bay give the day a welcome change of pace.
• Myra’s rock-cut tombs: See the famous Lycian tombs and the largest Roman-style theater in Lycia.
• Karemlik Bay wildlife: Keep watch for sea turtles in an area home to three known turtle species.
• A full day for $71: The price covers Kaş transfers, lunch, the boat, and equipment, but not archaeological entry fees or drinks.

Why this Kaş day trip works

Kaş is a fine base for the southwest coast, but some of the region’s best sights sit well beyond town. This trip links Kekova, Demre, and Myra in one long day, saving you the trouble of arranging separate transport and a private boat.

The plan is simple. You are picked up in central Kaş, driven to Demre Harbor, and then spend the main part of the day on the water. After returning to the harbor, you continue to the land-based sights before heading back to Kaş.

At $71 per person, the value is good if you want both a boat day and ancient ruins. Lunch and snorkel equipment are included, as are floating mats and inflatable rings. You still need to budget for drinks and archaeological entrance fees, so the advertised price is not the full cost of the day.

The tour lasts 10 hours. That is long, but the route covers a lot of ground. I would choose it when you have only one day for Kekova and Demre. If you prefer slow sightseeing or long museum visits, the schedule may feel too tight.

From Kaş to Demre Harbor

Your morning begins with a pickup from Kaş city center. The exact time changes with the season, and you receive the details by WhatsApp or email the day before.

The drive to Demre Harbor is the practical bridge between the two parts of the day. Kaş is your base, but Demre is the launching point for Kekova. Once you reach the harbor, you board the boat with the small group and head toward the island.

Pack a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. Cash is useful for drinks and entry fees. One important detail: water and other beverages are not included, so do not assume a bottle will be waiting for you on board.

Seeing the Sunken City of Kekova from the boat

Kekova’s Sunken City is the day’s signature sight. The ancient settlement of Dolchiste was damaged by earthquakes, and parts of it now sit below the waterline along Kekova Island.

You view the ruins from the boat as it cruises beside the island. Look for submerged walls, steps, and other traces beneath the clear water. The boat ride gives you a broad view, but it also means the experience depends on visibility and the crew’s explanation.

One practical weakness is the amount of commentary. The scenery is easy to admire, but you may want more detail about exactly what you are seeing. If the crew is not speaking at that moment, ask questions. A little context makes the broken stonework far more meaningful.

Swimming is not allowed directly over the protected Sunken City. That is worth knowing before you arrive. You will see the ruins, take photographs, and continue along the coast, but the swim stops come later in permitted bays.

Kaleköy, ancient Simena, and the castle climb

The boat anchors at Kaleköy, the modern village built around ancient Simena. This is one of the most appealing stops because it still feels like a real settlement rather than a staged archaeological park.

You can walk through the village, look at the waterfront, and climb toward the castle ruins. The uphill route brings wide views across Kekova and the surrounding coves. It also means uneven ground and a bit of effort, so wear shoes that are secure enough for stone paths.

Simena Castle is not a polished monument with every wall intact. Its charm comes from the setting and the remains themselves. The village, castle, sea, and scattered ancient stonework make this stop feel more personal than simply viewing ruins from behind a fence.

You also get time for a swim here in clear blue water. This is a good moment to cool off after the walk. The stop combines culture, views, and a short beach break, but do not expect a long, quiet visit if the group is keeping to the day’s schedule.

Lunch and swimming at Esmeralda Bay

Esmeralda Bay provides the first proper pause after the sightseeing. The boat stops in a quieter cove, and lunch is served on board.

The meal has been a strong part of the experience. Expect chicken with salads, followed later by fruit. The food is more than a token sandwich, and it gives the day a useful reset. Since the boat continues moving between stops, this is also when you can sit back and enjoy the coast without needing to make a decision.

After lunch, you can swim in the bay. Snorkel equipment is provided, along with floating mats and inflatable rings. I like this arrangement because you do not need to pack specialist gear, though you should bring your own towel and sun protection.

Drinks cost extra. Keep some cash with you, especially if you do not want to spend the rest of the afternoon thirsty.

Burç Bay and its cool spring water

Burç Bay is another swimming stop, but it has a different feel from Esmeralda Bay. The water is fed by underwater natural springs, making it noticeably cool.

This is a short but worthwhile change from the warm sun and boat deck. If you prefer warmer water, the temperature may surprise you. If you have been sitting in the heat, you may find the cool water refreshing.

The repeated swim stops are one of the best features of the itinerary. This is not a boat trip where you spend ten hours staring at the shore. You get several chances to get in the water, and the swimming helps break up the long day.

Gökkaya Bay and the Pirates Cave

Gökkaya Bay brings another swim break, surrounded by the rocky coast and calm water. Water sports are available as an optional activity at the bay, adding a little more action for anyone who does not want to spend every break simply floating.

The exact water-sport options are not specified, so ask the crew what is available before planning around them. The boat does provide the basic floating gear listed for the tour.

Nearby, the Pirates Cave gives you a quick natural attraction. Its large, curved entrance makes it easy to spot from the water. This is not a long cave visit or a major archaeological stop. Think of it as a memorable photo point between swimming and cruising.

Karemlik Bay and the search for sea turtles

Karemlik Bay is included as a chance to look for sea turtles in their natural habitat. The bay is home to three of the seven known sea turtle species.

This is a wildlife opportunity, not a guaranteed sighting. Keep your expectations sensible and watch the water quietly. The value lies in visiting an area used by turtles, not in treating the stop like a scheduled animal show.

The bay adds variety to the route. You move from ruins to swimming coves, then to a quieter moment focused on nature. It also gives you a reason to keep your camera ready, though sunscreen and a hat matter more than a perfect photograph.

Returning to Demre for Myra and St. Nicholas Church

After the boat portion, you return to Demre Harbor and continue to the land-based sights. The schedule includes the Museum of Lycian Civilisations, with optional visits to St. Nicholas Church and the ancient city of Myra.

St. Nicholas Church is also known as the Santa Claus Museum. It began as a church dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra, the historical figure associated with the Santa Claus tradition. The remains offer a useful link between the modern legend and the older Christian site.

Myra is the bigger archaeological draw. Its rock-cut tombs are carved into the cliffs and are visible even from outside the paid area. Inside, you can see the Roman-style theater, described as the largest in Lycia, along with more of the ancient site.

Here is the key time and cost issue. The visit to Myra may last only around 30 minutes, while the entry fee has been reported at about 13 euros per person. Since many of the tombs can be seen without entering, you should decide in advance if the theater and closer access justify the extra fee for you.

If ancient sites are a priority, I would pay to enter. If you mainly want to photograph the tombs and keep costs down, the exterior view gives you a reasonable look. The important thing is to know this before the stop, not at the gate.

The tour includes the Lycian history component and a visit to the Museum of Lycian Civilisations, but archaeological entrance fees are not included. Ask which sites are covered on your departure date, since the listed route presents some stops as optional.

What the boat day feels like

The boat is the heart of the experience. You spend hours moving between islands, coves, ruins, and swimming areas rather than rushing from one road stop to another.

The small-group format matters here. It gives the day a more personal feel and makes it easier to ask the crew for help. Captain Arif has been singled out for going well beyond basic duty when he recovered a phone lost in five meters of water. That kind of quick, generous response is reassuring on a boat day.

The main service strength is the balance between sightseeing and swim time. You get enough stops to stay active, but the program does not turn every bay into a rushed five-minute photo call.

The main service limitation is interpretation. At the Sunken City in particular, stronger commentary would help you understand the ruins rather than simply admire them. You can improve the experience by reading a little about Kekova and Lycian settlements before you go.

What to pack and what to budget

Bring:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Snorkel equipment, floating mats, and inflatable rings are supplied. You do not need to bring those unless you prefer your own gear.

Food is included, and the lunch features chicken and salads, with fruit later in the afternoon. Additional food and drinks are not included. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

The archaeological entry fee is extra. For Myra, plan for a possible charge of about 13 euros based on the price noted for the site. Carry Turkish lira or another accepted form of payment, but confirm the current fee before departure because archaeological prices can change.

The tour is not suitable for people over 95 years old. The information does not give a detailed accessibility assessment, so anyone needing specific support should ask the provider before booking.

Is the $71 price good value?

For $71, you receive pickup and drop-off in central Kaş, the transfer to Demre Harbor, the boat trip, lunch, snorkel equipment, floating gear, and the main route through Kekova and Demre.

That is a fair package for a 10-hour day. A private boat and separate transport would normally require more planning and could cost more, while this option combines the two major parts of the region in one booking.

The value drops slightly if you skip paid archaeological sites and do not buy drinks, but that is also a way to keep your final cost close to the advertised price. I see this as a strong choice for someone who wants an active day with plenty of water time and a few major ruins.

It is less suitable if your main goal is detailed archaeology. Myra is brief, and the commentary at Kekova may not satisfy someone looking for a full historical tour.

Should you book this Kekova and Myra day trip?

Book it if you want one well-packed day that joins turquoise coves, a boat ride, Simena, sea turtles, Myra, and St. Nicholas Church. It works especially well for first-time visitors using Kaş as a base and for anyone who wants swimming breaks built into a sightseeing tour.

Before booking, accept three facts: the day lasts 10 hours, drinks cost extra, and Myra’s entry fee is not included. You should also be comfortable with the possibility that the historical explanation will be lighter than the scenery.

For me, the strongest reasons to choose it are the excellent mix of sea and ruins, the generous swim schedule, and the practical value of having transport, lunch, and gear handled. If you want a relaxed boat day with just enough ancient Lycia to give the route character, this is a smart choice.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 10 hours, including the transfer from Kaş to Demre Harbor, the boat trip, the land-based visits, and the return to Kaş.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup and drop-off are provided from Kaş city center. The exact pickup time can change by season and is sent by WhatsApp or email one day before the tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with chicken and salads noted as part of the meal. Fruit is also served later in the afternoon.

Are drinks included?

No. Additional food and drinks are not included. Bring cash if you want to purchase beverages.

Is snorkel equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment, floating mats, and inflatable rings are included.

Can I swim over the Sunken City of Kekova?

No. You view the Sunken City from the boat. Swimming takes place at designated bays along the route.

Is the Myra entrance fee included?

No. Archaeological site entrance fees are not included. A Myra entry price of about 13 euros has been noted, but you should confirm the current fee.

Can I visit St. Nicholas Church?

St. Nicholas Church is listed as an optional stop after the boat trip. It is also presented as the Santa Claus Museum and was originally built as a church honoring St. Nicholas of Myra.

Is cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.