Day trip from Kas to Kekova, Demre and Myra: Boat and ruins

The sunken city of Kekova stays underwater, but you see it from the boat.

A ten-hour day trip from Kas combines a boat journey through Kekova's protected waters with land visits to ancient Lycian sites. The boat passes the submerged ruins of Dolchiste, stops at Kaleköy village for an hour of exploring castle ruins and a necropolis, and anchors at four bays for swimming, including Karemlik Bay, where Mediterranean sea turtles hunt. After returning to Demre harbour, the tour moves inland to Myra's Roman theatre (the largest in Lycia) and its rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs. Lunch and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. A live guide speaks English and Turkish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Kekova Island10m
2. Demre30m
3. Myra30m

Day trip to Kekova, Demre and Myra

• Transfer from Kas to Demre harbour
• Board boat at Demre harbour
• Cruise alongside Sunken City ruins
• Visit Kaleköy village and castle ruins
• Hike for views or swim in Simena
• Explore Pirates Cave
• Lunch and swim at Esmeralda Bay
• Swim at Burç Bay
• Swim and water sports at Gokkaya Bay
• Look for sea turtles at Karemlik Bay
• Return to Demre harbour
• Visit Roman theatre and rock-cut tombs
• Explore ancient ruins of Myra
• Transfer back to Kas

The experience

The day starts with a morning pickup from Kas and a transfer to Demre harbour, where your boat is waiting. Once the anchor lifts, the boat heads toward Kekova Island and the Sunken City: the ancient city of Dolchiste, flooded by earthquake in the 2nd century. Because the site is protected, swimming is not allowed, but cruising alongside the underwater ruins gives you clear views and the chance to photograph what remains of the ancient structures.

The boat drops anchor in Kaleköy port (ancient Simena) for an hour. This small village sits on the hillside with castle ruins and a necropolis. You can hike up for views across the Kekova region or stay at water level and swim in the blue water. From there, the boat moves through Pirates Cave, a large naturally-formed cavern with a curved entrance, then stops at Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay (where cold underwater springs make the water noticeably cooler), and Gökkaya Bay for swimming and optional water sports. Karemlik Bay is the last water stop, and it's where three of the seven Mediterranean sea turtle species come to feed: your chance to watch for them in their natural habitat.

After the boat returns to Demre harbour, the tour shifts to land. You'll visit a museum and then explore Myra's two main sites: the Roman-style theatre, the largest in Lycia, and the eerie rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs above the town. These tombs date back as far as the 5th century B.C. The day ends with a return transfer to Kas in the air-conditioned vehicle.

What’s included

• Lunch at Esmeralda Bay.
• air-conditioned vehicle for morning transfer from Kas to Demre harbour and afternoon transfer from Demre back to Kas.
• live guide in English and Turkish.
• boat passage around Kekova Island, Kaleköy village, Pirates Cave, and four swimming bays.
• entry to Myra's archaeological sites.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 75

Live guideEnglish and Turkish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 28

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by SAILNSTAY

Is this one for you?The tour runs ten hours and involves a full day on the water with four swimming stops, plus walking at Kaleköy and Myra's cliff-top sites. It suits travelers comfortable with a long day combining boat time, water entry and moderate hillside walking.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Turkish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is the Sunken City at Kekova?

The Sunken City is the ancient city of Dolchiste, submerged after an earthquake in the 2nd century. You view the underwater ruins from the boat as you cruise alongside them. Swimming is not permitted in this protected area.

Can I swim during this day trip?

Yes. The boat stops at four bays for swimming: Esmeralda Bay, Burç Bay (known for cooler water from natural springs), Gökkaya Bay (where water sports are available), and Karemlik Bay. You cannot swim at the Sunken City itself because it is protected.

How much time do I spend in Kaleköy village?

You have one hour in Kaleköy. The village sits on a hillside with castle ruins and a necropolis. You can hike up for views or swim in the bay below.

What are the rock-cut tombs at Myra?

Myra's rock-cut tombs are ancient burial chambers carved directly into the cliffs above the town, dating back to the 5th century B.C. They sit alongside the Roman theatre, the largest in Lycia, as the main archaeological highlights of the land portion of the tour.

Is lunch included, and where do we eat?

Lunch is included and takes place at Esmeralda Bay during the swimming break on the boat portion of the day.