Kas: Day Trip to Kekova, Demre and Myra

If you’re wandering through the charming town of Kas and craving a full day of history, stunning scenery, and crystal-clear waters, this day trip to Kekova, Demre, and Myra might just be what you need. We’ve gathered insights from travelers who’ve experienced it firsthand, and it sounds like a well-rounded adventure packed with highlights, but with a few considerations worth noting.

What really draws us to this tour are three things: the chance to see the Sunken City of Kekova from the water with its mysterious underwater ruins; the opportunity to walk around the authentic village of Kaleköy, with its castle ruins and stunning views; and the visit to ancient Myra, famous for its Roman theater and rock-cut tombs. Plus, the inclusion of swimming stops at beautiful bays like Esmeralda and Karemlik, where sea turtles often make an appearance, adds a splash of nature’s magic.

A possible drawback? The reviews highlight that there’s often little guide commentary during the boat cruise, which can leave you wondering about the sites you’re passing. If you’re someone who loves a knowledgeable guide sharing stories and context, this might be a minor downside.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a balance of history, scenery, and water activities, especially those eager to experience the coast and ancient ruins in one relaxed day. It’s great for families, solo explorers, and couples alike, offering a mix of sightseeing and leisure.

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Key Points

Stunning Boat Experience: The cruise along Kekova Island offers breathtaking views and the chance to see underwater ruins from the boat.
Authentic Village Visit: Kaleköy (Simena) provides a genuine local vibe with castle ruins and panoramic vistas.
Ancient Myra: Explore impressive rock-cut tombs and the large Roman-style theater.
Swim and Snorkel: Multiple stops at bays like Esmeralda, Karemlik, and Gökkaya promise clear waters and turtle sightings.
Value for Money: The price of $76 includes transportation, lunch, and several swimming spots, making it a good deal.
Limited Guided Commentary: Some travelers noted the lack of detailed explanations during the cruise, which might lessen the historical context.

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Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from Kas’s city center, which is convenient for most travelers staying locally. The transfer to Demre harbor is straightforward, and once aboard the boat, you’ll quickly realize that the vessel is spacious and comfortable, as several reviews pointed out. The boat’s ample space allows for relaxing, sunbathing, or just soaking up the views, without feeling crowded.

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The Boat Trip and the Highlights

The core of this experience is the boat cruise, which is designed to showcase some of Turkey’s most beautiful coastline sights. The highlight here is the Sunken City of Kekova, visible from the boat’s vantage points. This submerged ruin of the ancient city of Dolchiste is a photo magnet, and travelers have commented on how mesmerizing it looks from the water. While no one is diving here, just seeing the ruins from the boat creates a sense of mystery and history.

Simena Castle and Kaleköy are next. The boat drops anchor at this authentic hillside village, which features a small castle and charming narrow streets. Reviewers loved wandering around the old village, admiring the traditional houses and panoramic views. One traveler noted, “The views from the top are breathtaking, and it’s worth taking some extra time to explore.”

The tour then moves to Esmeralda Bay, a peaceful spot ideal for a hearty lunch and swimming. Several reviews praised the meal, describing it as “yummy and plentiful,” with some mentioning that it was a surprisingly good buffet-style spread that satisfied even the pickiest eaters. The bay itself offers calm, inviting waters perfect for a quick dip.

Next, the boat visits Karemlik Bay, known for its natural underwater springs, which keep the waters cool and refreshing. Look out for the sea turtles that frequently visit this area; many travelers had the chance to spot them, which added an extra layer of excitement.

Gökkaya Bay is another swim stop, often praised for its stunning natural surroundings. Some adventurous souls enjoyed water sports here, and the area’s tranquility makes it a perfect spot to relax and float in the clear water.

Pirates Cave and Other Natural Wonders

An intriguing stop is the Pirates Cave, famous for its large size and curved entrance. It’s a natural wonder that makes for a fun exploration. Reviewers enjoyed taking photos here and appreciated the chance to see a unique geological feature.

Karemlik Bay is also notable for being a sea turtle habitat, which pleased nature lovers. Keeping an eye out here might reward you with sightings of one or two of the seven known sea turtle species, adding a memorable wildlife encounter.

Demre, Myra, and Cultural Stops

After the cruise, the tour continues on land in Demre. Here you have two main options: the Santa Claus Museum, which was originally a church dedicated to St. Nicholas, or the ancient city of Myra. Reviewers appreciated the opportunity to walk through these historic sites, marveling at the rock-cut tombs and the impressive Roman theater, said to be the largest in Lycia. Some noted that the tombs seem carved straight into the cliffs, giving a ghostly and atmospheric vibe.

While the tour description mentions a guide, some reviews pointed out that commentary during the boat cruise was minimal. You might find that the staff provides basic information but not detailed stories or historical context, so researching a bit beforehand could enhance your experience.

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Practicalities and Value

For $76, the package offers a lot: transportation, a delicious lunch, multiple swimming and snorkeling stops, and access to ancient sites. It’s a good deal considering the full day of activities packed into roughly 8 hours.

The tour’s flexibility allows for spontaneous moments, like extra swimming or exploring the villages. You should bring a towel and perhaps some sunscreen, as most of the day is spent outdoors under the sun.

The most common complaint? The lack of detailed narration during the cruise. If you’re a history buff or someone who loves soaking up stories, this might be a minor disappointment. However, the stunning scenery and the chance to relax in beautiful bays often compensate for this.

This experience is ideal for travelers looking for a mix of history, nature, and leisure. It suits those who enjoy boat trips but aren’t necessarily seeking expert-guided commentary—though a little extra info would definitely enrich the experience. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who want to explore the coast without the hassle of planning multiple transport links or excursions.

If you’re after authentic local villages, ancient ruins, and swimming in calm bays with turtle sightings, this tour offers all that in one well-organized package. For travelers on a budget, it provides good value considering the inclusions, especially the lunch and multiple swimming stops.

This day trip from Kas combines history, natural beauty, and relaxation into a comprehensive experience. The boat cruise offers unforgettable views of the Sunken City and the chance to swim in pristine bays. Visiting Kaleköy and Myra provides a tangible connection to Turkey’s ancient past, while the abundance of swimming spots ensures a fun, leisurely day.

While the lack of detailed guide commentary might be a downside for some, the overall value, comfort, and variety make this tour appealing. It’s best suited for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, want a taste of local history, and love spending time in beautiful waters filled with wildlife.

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that balances sightseeing with fun in the sun, this tour from Kas is definitely worth considering.

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from Kas city center are included. The exact timing will be communicated the day before via WhatsApp or email.

How much does the tour cost?
The tour is priced at $76 per person, which includes transportation, lunch, and multiple swimming stops.

What should I bring?
You’ll want to bring a towel, sunscreen, and possibly a hat. The tour is mostly outdoors and involves water activities.

Is there an archaeological site entrance fee?
Yes, the entrance fee to sites like Myra is not included in the tour price.

Is the guide commentary available during the cruise?
Reviews indicate that there’s minimal guide explanation during the boat trip, so you might want to read about the sites beforehand.

Can I snorkel or swim at each stop?
Absolutely. Many stops are designed for swimming and snorkeling, and some travelers mentioned seeing turtles at Karemlik Bay.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, including transfers, sightseeing, and enough time for swimming and exploring.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely yes, especially if your children enjoy boat trips, swimming, and exploring small villages, but check with the provider for any age restrictions.

This comprehensive, balanced tour offers a fantastic way to experience the best of Turkey’s coast, blending ancient history with natural beauty and leisure.