Demre is a fantastic place for cruise and boat tours, thanks to its proximity to the famous Kekova Sunken City, beautiful bays, and historic sites like Myra and St. Nicholas Church. Whether you’re after a relaxing day on the water, snorkeling adventures, or cultural exploration, Demre offers options that cater to a variety of interests. Our favorites include a lively full-day trip that combines all these elements, and a smaller, more intimate boat tour perfect for those wanting an up-close experience. One thing’s certain: these tours aren’t just about scenery — they’re about discovering stories beneath the waves and walking in the footsteps of ancient civilizations.
If you’re trying to decide which tour suits you best, think about whether you want a quick half-day, a full-day adventure, or a small-group experience. Some tours focus on snorkeling and swimming, while others include historical sites and on-board lunches. We’ve listed the top four options below, each with its own flavor and appeal, so you can pick the one that fits your style.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a day trip from Ucagiz to Kekova by boat, perfect for those who want to explore the sunken city and enjoy multiple swimming stops (UCAGIZ: DAY TRIP TO KEKOVA BY BOAT). Next, a full-day tour from Alanya that combines cultural sights with relaxing boat time (FROM ALANYA: KEKOVA, DEMRE, AND MYRA TOUR). Those seeking a more personalized experience can opt for a small-group boat tour, with the chance to swim with turtles and visit key sites (KEKOVA SMALL-GROUP BOAT TOUR FROM DEMRE). Finally, a comprehensive full-day tour with lunch, taking in the Lycian ruins, Santa Claus’s church, and the sunken city, ideal for history lovers and foodies alike (MYRA, DEMRE, AND KEKOVA TOUR w/ BOAT & LUNCH).
1. Ucagiz: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat
This 7-hour boat trip from Ucagiz is a well-rounded way to see the Kekova region. It’s a popular choice because it hits many highlights, from the Sunken City to Pirates Cave, with plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling. For just $59 per person, you get a chance to float in Akvaryum Koyu (the Aquarium Bay) and visit Simena Castle, a small village with a medieval fortress and narrow streets. The tour’s emphasis on authentic local flavor and scenic views makes it a favorite, especially considering the one-hour swim breaks and onboard snacks.
What really sets this trip apart is its detailed itinerary, allowing you to explore multiple bays and caves while enjoying guided commentary on Kekova’s history and legends. The boat, Mehmedim3, is comfortable, and the scenic cruise offers plenty of photo opportunities. The visit to Simena Castle provides a chance to stretch your legs and walk through a charming, less-trodden village. The scenic vistas and water activities make this a great choice for families, couples, or anyone wanting a full day of sun, sea, and stories.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive, well-organized trip with swimming, sightseeing, and local atmosphere, this tour offers excellent value at a reasonable price.
2. From Alanya: Kekova, Demre, and Myra Tour with Boat Trip
For travelers based in Alanya, this full-day tour combines cultural sightseeing with a relaxing boat cruise. The trip includes visits to Myra’s rock-cut tombs and the Church of St. Nicholas, as well as a 2-hour boat ride along the Mediterranean coast (see full details). The boat portion is perfect to soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
This tour stands out because it offers a blend of history and leisure. You’ll walk through ancient Lycian ruins, visit the final resting place of Santa Claus, and relax on a boat that takes you past beautiful bays and caves. The mystical atmosphere of Myra’s amphitheater and tombs makes it ideal for history enthusiasts. The tour typically lasts a full day, with a chance to explore at your own pace, plus onboard refreshments.
Guests often say it’s a well-rounded experience for those wanting more than just a boat trip but not a whole week of touring. The moderate price and the combination of cultural sights and sea breeze make this a solid pick for a well-balanced day.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you want a culture paired with a relaxing cruise — especially suited for travelers interested in history and scenic vistas.
3. Kekova Small-Group Boat Tour From Demre
This 7-hour small-group boat tour offers a more intimate way to explore Kekova and its surroundings. The limited group size ensures personalized attention from the guide and plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. The tour highlights include Gökkaya Bay, a known water sports hotspot, and Karemlik Bay, famous for turtle sightings (more info).
What makes this trip unique is the focus on nature and wildlife, especially the chance to swim with turtles in their natural habitat. The guide shares insights about the Sunken City and the castle ruins at Simena, making the experience both educational and fun. The boat used here is smaller, creating a cozy atmosphere and allowing for more flexible stops. Guests often comment that the personalized service and quality of swimming spots make the trip stand out.
This tour is best suited for travelers who prefer a quieter, more personalized experience without the crowds. If you’re a water lover keen on snorkeling or spotting turtles, this is a great choice.
Bottom Line: For those wanting an up-close, personal day on the water with opportunities for wildlife sightings, this small-group tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.
4. Myra, Demre, and Kekova Tour w/ Boat Tour & Lunch
This full-day tour from Antalya combines historical exploration and scenic cruising. It includes a visit to Myra’s Lycian tombs, the Church of St. Nicholas, and a boat tour of the Kekova sunken city. What sets this apart is the included onboard lunch, allowing you to relax while enjoying local flavors without additional costs. The tour typically lasts a full day, giving plenty of time for sightseeing, swimming, and enjoying the coast.
The highlight is the combination of cultural sites and marine activities. The boat cruise takes you directly over the Sunken City, with a guide pointing out the ruins and legends. Visiting Myra’s rock-cut tombs adds a fascinating historical layer, while the lunch onboard makes this a convenient and comfortable experience. Many reviewers praise the smooth organization and the diverse itinerary.
This tour is best suited for history fans who also want to enjoy a reliable cruise with a meal included. It balances cultural depth with relaxing water activities, making it ideal for a comprehensive day trip.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a full-day experience that covers ancient ruins, sunken cities, and includes lunch, this tour is a dependable choice for a well-rounded day.
How to Choose the Best Cruise or Boat Tour in Demre
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, time, and interests. For shorter visits or a quick introduction to Kekova, the Ucagiz Day Trip offers a great balance of price and experience. If you’re a history enthusiast wanting a more immersive cultural day, the full-day Myra and Kekova tour with lunch is ideal. For water lovers who prefer a small group and more personalized attention, the small-group Kekova tour will suit you better.
Think about whether you want swimming and snorkeling or are more interested in sightseeing and history. Plus, check the availability and start times—some tours run seasonally or require early reservations. Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure spots on your preferred tour.
Final Thoughts
Demre offers a variety of cruising options that can make your trip memorable. For a comprehensive day, the full-day tours with visits to Myra and Kekova are reliable bets. If your focus is on snorkeling and wildlife, the small-group boat trip shines. Budget travelers will find the Ucagiz day trip an excellent value for a full day of adventure.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early will help ensure you get the date and experience you want. These cruises and boat tours are a great way to see beneath the surface of Demre’s stunning coastline and ancient ruins — so don’t wait too long!