Demre is a prime destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences that combine beautiful scenery, rich history, and unique activities. The region’s diverse offerings make it easy to tailor your visit—whether you’re interested in exploring sunken cities, sailing along the coast, or discovering ancient ruins. Among these options, we particularly love the Ucagiz: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat for its scenic cruise through crystal waters and its chance to snorkel in historic bays. The From Alanya: Kekova, Demre, and Myra Tour with Boat Trip is ideal for those looking to combine cultural highlights with a relaxed boat tour. And if you prefer a smaller group setting, the Kekova Small-Group Boat Tour from Demre offers intimacy and personalized attention.
For a full-day immersion, the Myra, Demre, and Kekova Tour w/ Boat Tour & Lunch blends ancient ruins with a tasty onboard meal, making it perfect for history buffs and food lovers alike. Finally, for something different, the Mystic Landscapes: Taurus Mountains & Tazi Canyon Tour showcases the rugged natural beauty of the area with dramatic mountain views and archaeological sites. Read on to find the experience that best matches your travel style.
1. Ucagiz: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat
At number one, this 7-hour boat trip from Ucagiz offers a well-rounded mix of swimming, sightseeing, and history. The trip takes you around Kekova’s most stunning bays, including Pirates Cave, Simena Castle, and the famous Sunken City—where ancient Lycian ruins lie just below the water’s surface. You’ll also visit the small village of Ucagiz, a place where time seems to stand still, with its castle ruins and ancient necropolis.
The tour’s main highlight is the one-hour swim break in clear, inviting waters, perfect for snorkeling or just cooling off. The itinerary includes stops at Akvaryum Koyu, Gokkaya Bay, and Esmaralda Koyu, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy fruits and snacks onboard. The guided tour of the Sunken City is both informative and fascinating, revealing stories of a town submerged after an earthquake centuries ago. The boat is comfortable, and the scenery along the coast is breathtaking. With a 4.6/5 rating based on 22 reviews and a reasonable price of $59, this trip offers excellent value for those wanting a full day of adventure and discovery.
Bottom Line: Ideal for sun-seekers and history enthusiasts who want a relaxed yet immersive experience exploring Kekova’s waters and ruins. Booking early is recommended, as it’s a popular choice.
2. From Alanya: Kekova, Demre, and Myra Tour with Boat Trip
This full-day tour from Alanya combines cultural exploration with a scenic 2-hour boat ride, making it perfect for travelers with limited time but a desire to see the highlights. The tour takes you to Myra’s Lycian rock tombs, the Church of St. Nicholas (believed to be Santa Claus’s resting place), and the sunken city of Kekova—all loaded with history and stories.
The boat trip provides a chance to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean’s shimmering waters while seeing some of the most mystical bays. Alongside the archaeological sites, the tour includes visits to local villages, giving you a taste of authentic life in Demre and Kekova. The trip’s flexibility and combination of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural stops make it a well-rounded option. The 4/5 rating suggests it’s a reliable choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive day out.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for those interested in combining history with leisurely boat cruising, especially if you’re already based in Alanya and want to maximize your sightseeing in a day.
3. Kekova Small-Group Boat Tour From Demre
For those who prefer a more intimate experience, this 7-hour small-group boat tour offers a personalized look at Kekova’s waters and ruins. It’s rated at 4.6/5 by recent reviewers, indicating strong satisfaction. This tour emphasizes swimming with turtles in Gökçaya Bay, a highlight for wildlife lovers, and exploring Kekova Sunken City with a guide. You’ll also visit Simena Castle, a picturesque site perched above the sea with sweeping views.
The group size is kept small, meaning more attention from the crew and more flexibility during stops. The itinerary covers Gökçaya Bay, a water sports hub, and Karemlik Bay, a favorite for spotting turtles, adding a wildlife touch to the day. The boat is equipped for snorkeling, and the guides share local stories and insights. The tour’s value lies in its combination of quality, personalized service, and a focus on water activities. It’s ideal for water lovers and those who want a more relaxed, less crowded experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a tailored day with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, and explore without the hustle of large groups.
4. Myra, Demre, and Kekova Tour w/ Boat Tour & Lunch
This full-day tour offers a deep dive into the region’s ancient past combined with a scenic boat cruise. Starting with Myra, you’ll see stunning rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs, along with the famous Church of St. Nicholas. The tour continues with a boat trip to Kekova, where you can snorkel and marvel at the sunken city. What makes this trip stand out is the included lunch onboard, allowing you to relax and enjoy local flavors while cruising the coastline.
The tour is highly rated at 4.7/5, reflecting its well-organized itinerary and engaging guides. It’s suitable for history buffs who appreciate a comprehensive visit to key sites, plus the chance to swim in crystal waters. The boat ride offers scenic views, and the visit to Kekova’s ruins feels like walking through a living museum. The combination of land and sea, plus the onboard meal, makes it a great value and a memorable full-day experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers interested in history, archaeology, and enjoying a relaxed cruise with a good meal included.
5. Mystic Landscapes: Taurus Mountains & Tazi Canyon Tour
For an entirely different type of adventure, this 6-hour guided tour explores the rugged Taurus Mountains and the stunning Tazi Canyon. It’s a perfect choice for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic vistas and a touch of adventure. The tour includes stops at Roman bridges and viewpoints that offer panoramic shots, along with a visit to Mini Cappadocia—a landscape resembling the famous fairy chimneys but with fewer crowds.
The highlight is the riverside lunch amid natural surroundings, making it a peaceful escape from the coast. The tour’s unique mix of mountain scenery, archaeological sites, and mountain village culture makes it stand out. Rated with no specific score, but well-reviewed for its value and stunning landscapes, it’s a good pick for those wanting to experience Demre’s inland beauty.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers wanting a mix of natural beauty, history, and scenic stops, away from the seaside crowds.
How to Choose Your Perfect Demre Tour
When picking your ideal experience, consider your interests and travel style. If you love relaxed boat cruises with plenty of swimming, the Ucagiz boat trip or the small-group Kekova tour are excellent choices. For those fascinated by ancient ruins and archaeology, the Myra and Kekova full-day offers comprehensive sightseeing with local flavor. If you prefer mountain scenery and outdoor adventures, the Taurus Mountains & Tazi Canyon tour provides stunning landscapes and a peaceful vibe.
Pricing and group size are also factors—small-group tours tend to be more personalized, while larger, organized trips often cover more ground in less time. Booking early is advised, especially for popular trips like the Ucagiz boat tour or the full-day Myra excursion, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Demre offers a compelling mix of ancient ruins, scenic boat rides, and rugged landscapes. Choosing between these options depends on what kind of experience you’re after—whether it’s snorkeling in sunken cities, exploring Lycian tombs, or hiking through mountain passes. The Ucagiz: Day Trip to Kekova by Boat is a top pick for scenic waters and underwater exploration, while the Myra and Kekova tour really hits the mark for history fans. For a more intimate experience, the small-group Kekova boat tour offers a personalized touch.
No matter which tour you pick, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable adventures. Dive into Demre’s treasures and enjoy every moment of your trip.