Kekova Sunken City & Demre Boat Tour
Glass-bottom boat over Lycian ruins, St. Nicholas Church in Demre, and Simena castle views.
Drift over an entire submerged civilisation on this unforgettable day along Turkey's Lycian coast. The Kekova region — a protected marine and archaeological zone since 1990 — hides the remains of Dolchiste, a 2nd-century BC city that slid beneath the sea after a devastating earthquake. From the deck of a traditional wooden gulet with glass viewing panels, you look straight down onto staircases descending into turquoise water, amphora fragments, harbour walls and the outlines of houses that once bustled with Lycian traders. The day begins with hotel pickup from Antalya, Kemer, Belek or Side, and a scenic drive along the D400 coastal highway with photo stops overlooking the Mediterranean. In Demre — ancient Myra — you visit the Church of St. Nicholas, where the real Saint Nicholas served as bishop in the 4th century and where his tomb once lay before Italian merchants spirited his relics to Bari. The rock-cut Lycian tombs of Myra and its magnificent Greco-Roman theatre are optional add-ons. Boarding your gulet at Ucagiz harbour, you cruise past Kaleköy — the tiny village crowned by Simena Castle, accessible only by sea, with its lone Lycian sarcophagus rising from the water. Swim stops in secluded coves let you snorkel over submerged foundations. A leisurely lunch of freshly grilled fish, mezes and salads is served on board as you glide back through the calm inland waters. Small groups, expert English-speaking guide, and unhurried pacing make this the most rewarding coastal excursion in the region.
Highlights
- Glass-bottom cruise over the Sunken City of Kekova
- Church of Saint Nicholas in Demre (Myra)
- Simena Castle and floating Lycian sarcophagus
- Swim & snorkel stops in protected coves
- Fresh grilled-fish lunch on board
- Hotel pickup from Antalya, Kemer, Belek, Side
- Small groups & licensed English-speaking guide
- Air-conditioned transfer both ways
Itinerary
- 1Hotel pickup
- 2Church of St. Nicholas
- 3Board the gulet at Ucagiz
- 4Sunken City cruise
- 5Simena Castle & swim stop
- 6Lunch on board
- 7Return sail
- 8Hotel drop-off
Included
- Hotel pickup
- Boat
- Lunch
- Soft drinks
Not included
- Castle entry (€5)
FAQ
Can I swim above the Sunken City?+
Swimming directly over the ruins is forbidden by law to protect the archaeological site, but you can swim in adjacent coves.
Is the boat suitable for children?+
Yes. The gulet has shaded areas, life jackets in all sizes, and calm inland waters make it perfect for families.
How long is the drive from Antalya?+
About 2 hours each way along a scenic coastal highway with stops.
Is lunch included?+
Yes — a full grilled-fish lunch with mezes and salads is served on board. Vegetarian option on request.
Can I climb up to Simena Castle?+
Yes, it's an optional 15-minute walk up from the village; wear sturdy shoes. A small entrance fee applies.
What should I bring?+
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, and cash for the optional Myra site entrance.
Reviews (9)
Kekova gezisi mükemmel geçti. Batık şehri cam tabanlı bölümden görmek ayrı keyif. Kaptan Ali usta çok deneyimli, sakin koylara demirledi. Öğle yemeği taze balık, mezeler ev yapımı. Fiyat/performans çok iyi.
Full-day boat trip from Kaş harbor. The sunken Lycian city seen through the glass-bottom section is unreal — steps, doorways, pottery all preserved. Skipper found quiet swimming spots away from the crowds. A proper day out.
Кекова — самое красивое место в Турции, честно. Прозрачная вода, руины прямо на дне, свободное плавание в бухтах. Обед на лодке простой но вкусный. Экскурсовод Дениз рассказывала про ликийцев увлекательно.
Von Kaş mit dem Glasbodenboot über die versunkene Stadt — man sieht Treppen und Amphoren direkt unter Wasser. Mittagessen an Bord war frisch (gegrillter Fisch, Salat, Wassermelone). Simena mit der Burgruine ist Bilderbuch-Türkei.
تجربة رائعة، أنصح بها لكل من يزور أنطاليا.
Rehberimiz çok bilgiliydi, her şey dakik ve düzenliydi.
