THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Cruise from Demre to Kekova and Myra on a day tour that combines glass-bottom views of submerged Lycian ruins, a swim at Esmeralda Bay, and a visit to St. Nicholas Church. Expect a full 12-hour itinerary with archaeological stops and coastal scenery.
Cruise from Demre to Kekova and Myra on a day tour that combines glass-bottom views of submerged Lycian ruins, a swim at Esmeralda Bay, and a visit to St. Nicholas Church. Expect a full 12-hour itinerary with archaeological stops and coastal scenery.
The boat slips quietly out of Demre harbour, the sea pulling the hull forward as limestone cliffs and a strip of turquoise open up. A glass-bottom section reveals shadowed foundations below — the outlines of streets and walls from a city that the sea claimed centuries ago. The sound of gulls and the steady engine set the pace; the coastline of Kekova dares you to look closer.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Arbek Travel · Demre, Antalya
The boat slips quietly out of Demre harbour, the sea pulling the hull forward as limestone cliffs and a strip of turquoise open up. A glass-bottom section reveals shadowed foundations below — the outlines of streets and walls from a city that the sea claimed centuries ago. The sound of gulls and the steady engine set the pace; the coastline of Kekova dares you to look closer.
This route threads history and geology: Lycian tombs carved high into rock faces, a 2nd-century earthquake that sank parts of Dolchiste, and later Byzantine stonework around St. Nicholas’s basilica in Myra. The Taurus Mountains push down to the shore here, creating steep terraces and sheltered bays like Esmeralda where the boat will pause for a swim. Local wooden caiques still ply these waters, carrying fishermen and the same salt-weathered traditions that have linked coast and village for millennia.
Expect a full day: a 2–2.5 hour drive from Antalya, a coastal cruise to Kekova (about 90 minutes each way on water depending on stops), shore visits to Myra’s amphitheatre and rock-cut necropolis, lunch and a swim at a calm bay, then St. Nicholas Church in Demre. Terrain ashore is uneven with steps and loose stone; comfortable shoes and steady footing are required. Swimming is allowed in designated bays, but the protected Sunken City is viewed from the boat or via glass-bottom sections; touching ruins is prohibited. Reconfirm pickup, bring sun protection and a dry bag for cameras. The day balances archaeology, geology and simple seaside relaxation — an efficient way to read the coast’s long story in a single, scenic loop.
No — the protected submerged ruins are viewed from the boat (including a glass-bottom section); swimming is allowed only at designated bays like Esmeralda.
Pickup from Antalya typically requires around 2 to 2.5 hours each way depending on traffic and your hotel’s location.
Yes — the tour is family-friendly but infants must sit on laps; stroller access is limited by boat boarding and uneven terrain ashore.
The itinerary lists admissions as not included for some archaeological sites; your operator will confirm which entries are covered when you reconfirm pickup.
Arbek Travel operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The boat slips quietly out of Demre harbour, the sea pulling the hull forward as limestone cliffs and a strip of turquoise open up. A glass-bottom section reveals shadowed foundations below — the outlines of streets and walls from a city that the sea claimed centuries ago. The sound of gulls and the steady engine set the pace; the coastline of Kekova dares you to look closer.
The boat slips quietly out of Demre harbour, the sea pulling the hull forward as limestone cliffs and a strip of turquoise open up. A glass-bottom section reveals shadowed foundations below — the outlines of streets and walls from a city that the sea claimed centuries ago. The sound of gulls and the steady engine set the pace; the coastline of Kekova dares you to look closer.
This route threads history and geology: Lycian tombs carved high into rock faces, a 2nd-century earthquake that sank parts of Dolchiste, and later Byzantine stonework around St. Nicholas’s basilica in Myra. The Taurus Mountains push down to the shore here, creating steep terraces and sheltered bays like Esmeralda where the boat will pause for a swim. Local wooden caiques still ply these waters, carrying fishermen and the same salt-weathered traditions that have linked coast and village for millennia.
Expect a full day: a 2–2.5 hour drive from Antalya, a coastal cruise to Kekova (about 90 minutes each way on water depending on stops), shore visits to Myra’s amphitheatre and rock-cut necropolis, lunch and a swim at a calm bay, then St. Nicholas Church in Demre. Terrain ashore is uneven with steps and loose stone; comfortable shoes and steady footing are required. Swimming is allowed in designated bays, but the protected Sunken City is viewed from the boat or via glass-bottom sections; touching ruins is prohibited. Reconfirm pickup, bring sun protection and a dry bag for cameras. The day balances archaeology, geology and simple seaside relaxation — an efficient way to read the coast’s long story in a single, scenic loop.