Demre, Myra & Kekova Sunken City boat tour from Antalya

Submerged houses and Byzantine church ruins visible from the boat at Kekova

A full-day boat and land tour from Antalya visits three ancient sites: Kekova Island, where you see submerged Byzantine structures from the water. The Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, a pilgrimage landmark tied to Santa Claus; and Myra, an open-air museum of Lycian rock tombs and a Roman theater carved into the hillside. A professional guide leads the route, and lunch is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Kekova, Demre, and Myra

• Boat trip to Kekova Island
• See sunken city ruins
• Optional: Swimming break (weather permitting)
• Visit St. Nicholas Church in Demre
• Explore ancient city of Myra

Stops and time spent at each 3 stops

1. Kekova Island Entry included 2h
2. St Nicholas Church 1h
3. Myra Entry included 1m

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Antalya.
• professional guide in English, German, or Russian.
• lunch.
• boat tour around Kekova Island for approximately two hours.
• entry to Myra ancient city.

Times

• Every day except Wednesday and Sunday 06:30
• Wednesday and Sunday 07:00

Information

Boat tour from Antalya to Kekova's submerged ruins, St. Nicholas Church in Demre, and Myra's rock tombs with a guided tour and lunch.

Group Up to 15

Live guide English, German and Russian

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. See the pickup points

Ages Adult (9 to 82 years) · Child (5 to 8 years) · Infant (under 5)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Infant seats available Not recommended with heart problems

More information The pickup points, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

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The experience

The day starts with a boat trip to Kekova Island, where the ruins of a sunken Byzantine settlement sit just below the surface. From the water, you see half-submerged houses, stone foundations, staircases leading into the sea, and the apse of a church from the Byzantine period: all visible in the clear water without needing to dive. The boat settles near Tersane Village at the island's end, giving you time to take in the scale of what lies beneath. If weather allows, you can swim here.

After Kekova, the tour moves to Demre to visit the Church of St. Nicholas, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Mediterranean. The church has deep historical roots, and your guide walks you through its details and significance. From there, you travel inland to Myra, an ancient Lycian city that sits open to the sky. The site centers on a Roman theater built into the rock face and rows of monumental rock tombs carved into the cliff: the kind of necropolis that defined Lycian burial practice. Your guide explains the history as you move through the ruins.

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Antalya bookend the day, and lunch is provided. The tour runs about 10 to 11 hours. A professional art historian guide leads the group and speaks English, German, or Russian depending on the departure you choose. Entry to Myra is included. Entry to St. Nicholas Church costs 17 euros separately.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, German and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 8 years); Infant (under 5).

What exactly can you see underwater at Kekova Island?

Kekova Island holds the remains of a Byzantine settlement submerged in shallow water. From the boat, you see half-submerged houses with visible stone foundations, staircases that descend into the sea, shop floors, and the apse of a church: all preserved in the clear water and viewable without diving.

Is swimming included in the boat tour to Kekova?

A swimming break is offered at Kekova if weather permits, but it is not guaranteed. The boat stops near Tersane Village, where conditions allow for a swim in the clear water around the submerged ruins.

What is the Church of St. Nicholas and why is it significant?

The Church of St. Nicholas in Demre is a major pilgrimage site with deep historical importance in the Mediterranean. It is connected to the figure of Santa Claus and draws visitors from around the world. Your guide provides the full historical context during the visit.

What will I see at Myra?

Myra is an open-air ancient city featuring a Roman theater carved into the rock face and rows of monumental Lycian rock tombs built into the cliff. These tombs are characteristic of Lycian burial practice and dominate the landscape. Entry to the site is included in the tour.

How long is the boat ride, and what is the total length of the day?

The boat tour to Kekova Island lasts around two hours. The full day runs 10 to 11 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, including time at all three sites and lunch.

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Prices and times updated 10 days ago