Kalkan Day Trip: Sunken City Myra and Kekovas Crystal Waters

Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Kalkan to Kekova and Myra. Explore the Sunken City, visit Simena Castle, and swim in stunning bays like Burç Bay and Karemlik Bay. A perfect blend of history, adventure, and relaxation.

Kalkan Day Trip: Sunken City Myra and Kekovas Crystal Waters | ®ExcursionMania
Kalkan Day Trip: Sunken City Myra and Kekovas Crystal Waters | ®ExcursionMania
Kalkan Day Trip: Sunken City Myra and Kekovas Crystal Waters | ®ExcursionMania
Kalkan Day Trip: Sunken City Myra and Kekovas Crystal Waters | ®ExcursionMania
Kalkan Day Trip: Sunken City Myra and Kekovas Crystal Waters | ®ExcursionMania
Kalkan Day Trip: Sunken City Myra and Kekovas Crystal Waters | ®ExcursionMania
Kalkan Day Trip: Sunken City Myra and Kekovas Crystal Waters | ®ExcursionMania
Kalkan Day Trip: Sunken City Myra and Kekovas Crystal Waters | ®ExcursionMania
Kalkan Day Trip: Sunken City Myra and Kekovas Crystal Waters | ®ExcursionMania
×
Kalkan Day Trip: Sunken City Myra and Kekovas Crystal Waters | ®ExcursionMania

Overview

Experience the best of southern Turkey’s natural beauty and rich history with our full-day tour to Kekova Island and Myra. Departing from the charming town of Kalkan, this immersive trip offers a unique opportunity to explore the Sunken City of Kekova, swim in crystal-clear turquoise bays, and delve into the ancient ruins of Myra and Demre. Whether you're a history enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing day on the water, this tour offers something for everyone.

Your journey begins with a convenient pick-up from Kalkan, where you'll travel by air-conditioned vehicle to Demre Harbour. Once at the harbour, step aboard a comfortable boat, ready to embark on a scenic ride to the famous Sunken City of Kekova. This ancient Lycian city was submerged due to an earthquake in the 2nd century, leaving behind fascinating underwater ruins that are visible as you cruise along. The water is clear and calm, providing perfect conditions for a relaxing boat ride as you capture unforgettable photos of this unique site.

After the Sunken City, the boat will anchor at Kaleköy (ancient Simena), a small village with an incredible history. Here, you’ll have an hour to explore the charming streets, visit the ancient Simena Castle, and enjoy breathtaking views of Kekova Island. For those feeling adventurous, a short hike up the hillside leads to spectacular panoramas of the turquoise coastline. Alternatively, relax by the water, or take a swim in the serene bays surrounding the village. The tranquil waters here are perfect for swimming, and you can even take a dip while enjoying the beauty of the landscape.

Next, we’ll head to Esmeralda Bay for a delicious lunch served on board. Enjoy a break in this peaceful bay, where you can swim and relax in the refreshing waters. After lunch, we’ll make our way to Burç Bay, where the cool waters, due to natural cold springs beneath, provide a refreshing swim amidst beautiful surroundings. Continuing the adventure, we will stop at Gökkaya Bay, where you can opt for thrilling water sports or simply relax and swim in the clear waters.

One of the tour’s highlights is a visit to Pirates Cave, a fascinating natural cave with a dramatic entrance that you can explore by boat. Afterward, we’ll sail to Karemlik Bay, where three species of sea turtles roam the Mediterranean. Here, you have the chance to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

As the boat ride winds down, we’ll return to Demre Harbour, where the final leg of the tour awaits. After disembarking, we’ll visit the ancient ruins of Myra, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the region. Wander through the rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs, and admire the well-preserved Roman theatre, the largest in Lycia, which dates back to the 5th century B.C. The historical significance of Myra will leave you in awe as you learn more about the ancient Lycian civilization.

The tour concludes with a return trip to Kalkan, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel or the designated meeting point. This day trip offers the perfect combination of history, nature, and adventure, giving you a chance to explore some of the most iconic sites along Turkey’s stunning coastline.

Whether you’re interested in ancient history, underwater exploration, or simply enjoying breathtaking landscapes, this tour from Kalkan is an experience you won’t forget.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1 , Infant x 0

Adult

Age 6-25+

Infant

Age 0-5

Excursion Itinerary

Kalkan
Start Activities

Van (Transfer)
Duration: 1.5 Hours.

Meet your guide in front of the Petrol Office in Kalkan, and get ready for a day full of adventure.


Kekova Island & Sunken City
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour,
Duration: 45 Min.

Cruise around the Sunken City, an ancient Lycian town submerged by a 2nd-century earthquake. Swimming is not allowed in this protected area.


Simena Castle
Swimming,
Duration: 1 Hour.

Stop at Kaleköy (Ancient Simena), explore the castle ruins, enjoy panoramic views, or take a swim in the bay.


Lunch & Swim at Esmeralda Bay
Swimming,
Duration: 1 Hour.

Enjoy a delicious lunch and relax in the serene waters of Esmeralda Bay.


Burç Bay Swim
Swimming,
Duration: 30 Min.

A refreshing swim break in Burç Bay, known for its cool waters thanks to natural underwater springs.


Gökkaya Bay
Visit, Guided tour, Swimming,
Duration: 30 Min.

Swim or take part in exciting water sports in Gökkaya Bay.


Pirate's Cave
Visit, Guided tour, Swimming,
Duration: 15 Min.

Explore the mysterious Pirates Cave with its impressive curved entrance.


Karemlik Bay
Visit, Swimming,
Duration: 30 Min.

Stop at Karemlik Bay to search for sea turtles in their natural habitat.


Visit Myra Ancient City
Visit,
Duration: 1 Hour.

Discover the rock-cut tombs and Roman theatre at Myra, a key Lycian archaeological.


Van (Transfer)
Duration: 1.5 Hours.

After a day filled with history and adventure, we will return you to Kalkan, where your tour ends.


Kalkan
Finish Activities

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Explore the fascinating Sunken City of Kekova by boat.
  • Visit Simena Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the region.
  • Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Burc Bay, Esmeralda Bay, and Karemlik Bay.
  • Discover the ancient Myra ruins, including rock-cut tombs and a Roman theatre.
  • Spot sea turtles in Karemlik Bay and enjoy a relaxing boat ride through scenic bays.

What's Included and What's Not?

Included

  • 7-hour boat trip around Kekova Island and Demre
  • Delicious lunch on board
  • Professional guide and crew
  • Insurance for the duration of the tour

Not Included

  • Castle of Simena Entrance Ticket (€4)
  • Church of St. Nicholas Entrance Ticket (€17)
  • Myra Entrance Ticket (€13)
  • Additional food and drinks

Not Suitable For This Activities

  • People prone to seasickness

Not Allowed This Activities

  • Alcohol and drugs

Important Information

What to Bring

Beachwear
Camera
Cash
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Swimwear
Towel

Information Before Booking

  • The tour is a full-day excursion, so be prepared for a day out on the water.
  • It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the ancient ruins.
  • Be aware that the tour includes walking at historical sites, which may involve stairs and uneven paths.
  • The boat is comfortable with shaded areas, but sun protection is recommended.
  • Lunch will be provided onboard, but drinks are extra.

Know Before You Go

  • Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before departure.
  • If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know in advance.
  • Be sure to bring cash for any additional expenses (entrance fees, drinks, etc.).
  • The boat tour runs in all weather conditions unless deemed unsafe.
  • The tour operates with a professional guide, and we encourage questions during the stops.

4.7/5

18
Reviews

About This Activity

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve Now & Pay Later

Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot and pay nothing today

Duration 9  Hours

Check availability to see starting times.

Host or Greeter

English, Turkish

Pickup Optional

Please be ready at the meeting point 10 minutes before.

Location

Kalkan Türkiye

Book Today

From

€65.00

per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Sophie Lancaster - United Kingdom
12 April

My partner and I had the best day on this tour! Everything from the boat ride over the Sunken City to swimming in the bays was just beautiful. Kaleköy was such a lovely surprise—we hiked up to the castle for the view and it was well worth it. The ruins in Myra were a great way to end the day. Hig...

Read More

Jonas Meyer - Germany
05 June

As someone traveling solo, I was looking for a day trip that would mix history and nature—and this tour nailed it. Seeing the ruins of Myra in person was like stepping back in time. The swimming stops were a nice way to break up the day. Very chill vibe, good food, and plenty of space on the boat ...

Read More

See More Reviews

Customer Reviews

All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.

Overall Rating

4.7/5

Based on 18 Reviews

Guide

4.8/5

Transportation

4.9/5

Value for Money

4.8/5

By Traveler Types
By star rating
S
Sophie Lancaster - United Kingdom
12 April

My partner and I had the best day on this tour! Everything from the boat ride over the Sunken City to swimming in the bays was just beautiful. Kaleköy was such a lovely surprise—we hiked up to the castle for the view and it was well worth it. The ruins in Myra were a great way to end the day. Highly recommend this for anyone staying in Kalkan.

Helpful? Yes

J
Jonas Meyer - Germany
05 June

As someone traveling solo, I was looking for a day trip that would mix history and nature—and this tour nailed it. Seeing the ruins of Myra in person was like stepping back in time. The swimming stops were a nice way to break up the day. Very chill vibe, good food, and plenty of space on the boat to relax.

Helpful? Yes

A
Alicia Romero - Spain
07 May

We were a group of four friends visiting Kalkan and this tour ended up being the highlight of our trip. The boat was spacious and comfortable, and the swimming stops were just unreal. We loved the little village of Kaleköy—so cute and peaceful. Honestly, we didn't expect the history part to be that interesting, but Myra was amazing!

Helpful? Yes

C
Cameron Ellis - United Kingdom
12 March

This was a really well-organized tour. Pick-up was smooth, the boat was great, and we were impressed by how much was packed into the day without it feeling rushed. Swimming in Gökkaya Bay was a personal favorite. Would definitely do this again if we come back.

Helpful? Yes

K
Kelly Watson - United Kingdom
26 June

We joined this tour as a family with teenagers and it was a great mix of activities for all of us. My kids loved swimming and exploring the castle, while I was fascinated by the ruins in Myra. Lunch was simple but tasty, and the guides were friendly without being overbearing. It’s a long day, but totally worth it.

Helpful? Yes

D
Daniel Rousseau - France
02 June

Really enjoyable tour. The underwater ruins at Kekova were more impressive than I expected—very cool to see from the boat. The scenery throughout the day was incredible and I appreciated the relaxed pace. You get to learn, swim, and relax. Can’t ask for more.

Helpful? Yes

M
Marta Kowalska - Poland
05 May

This day trip was the perfect balance between history and nature. We especially enjoyed the castle at Kaleköy—climbing up was a bit steep but the views were unforgettable. The water at all the bays was crystal clear and perfect for swimming. A beautiful way to see this part of Turkey.

Helpful? Yes

T
Tomás Silva - Portugal
10 March

We booked this tour last minute and we’re so glad we did. From start to finish, everything ran smoothly. The guide shared just the right amount of info—never boring. The highlight for us was spotting sea turtles near Karemlik Bay! Awesome experience.

Helpful? Yes

L
Leila Haddad - Morocco
05 June

Kekova and Myra in one day? Yes please! This tour was packed but never felt rushed. We swam in the most beautiful bays and got some amazing photos of the Sunken City. Visiting the rock tombs and Roman theatre in Myra gave the day a meaningful historical twist.

Helpful? Yes

O
Owen McCarthy - United Kingdom
13 April

We were a bit worried about a full-day tour with our two young ones, but it turned out to be a great experience. The boat was kid-friendly, and the stops were spaced out just right. They especially loved swimming at the cold spring bay. The history parts were more for the adults, but even the kids were intrigued by the tombs!

Helpful? Yes

E
Elena Petrova - Bulgaria
19 May

If you're staying in Kalkan and want to see more of the region without planning too much, this tour is perfect. The whole day was seamless, and I appreciated how peaceful it felt out on the water. The visit to Myra added a thoughtful cultural layer to the trip.

Helpful? Yes

M
Marco Benedetti - Italy
05 May

A lovely and varied day trip. We weren’t expecting the ruins at Myra to be so well preserved—they were honestly incredible. And swimming in Esmeralda Bay after lunch was just the cherry on top. A calm and scenic escape from the crowds.

Helpful? Yes

A
Anja Sørensen - Denmark
01 April

Three friends, one perfect day on the Mediterranean. We loved how the tour combined sightseeing with plenty of time to chill and swim. The water at Burç Bay was surprisingly cold—but in a good way! Really refreshing after being in the sun. Myra at the end added a nice cultural touch.

Helpful? Yes

A
Aidan Phillips - United Kingdom
30 June

This tour was one of the best things we did in Turkey. My teens actually put their phones down to enjoy the ruins and the swim stops—which says a lot. The guides were knowledgeable but relaxed, and the scenery throughout the day was just stunning.

Helpful? Yes

H
Hannah Müller - Germany
02 April

Overall, we really enjoyed this day trip. The boat ride was relaxing, the bays were stunning, and the historical sites were very interesting. The visit to Kaleköy was a highlight—such a charming little village and the view from the castle was beautiful. We’re giving 4 stars instead of 5 because the lunch on board was a bit basic, and we had to wait a bit at the harbour before boarding. But all in all, a great day and definitely worth doing if you're in Kalkan.

Helpful? Yes

Y
Yusef Alami - Morocco
03 June

This tour has a lot to offer—history, nature, and swimming in amazing bays. The boat was comfortable, and the group size wasn’t too big, which I appreciated. I especially liked exploring the ruins at Myra and seeing the ancient tombs up close. One small downside: the guide was friendly but not very detailed in the explanations, so I ended up looking up a lot of the history myself later. Still, it was a memorable day and a good mix of relaxing and sightseeing.

Helpful? Yes

S
Sara Thompson - United Kingdom
01 May

We had a fun time on this trip. The swimming spots were gorgeous, and seeing the Sunken City was super cool. Kaleköy was our favorite part—we grabbed some ice cream and wandered through the little streets. We knocked off one star because the drive from Kalkan to Demre felt a bit long and bumpy, but we get that it’s part of the journey. Would definitely recommend the tour, just be prepared for a full day!

Helpful? Yes

E
Emma Ruiz - Argentina
01 April

The tour had some beautiful moments—especially the boat ride and the swimming spots, which were really refreshing and scenic. I also appreciated seeing the ruins in Myra, though we didn’t have much time there. The reason I’m giving 3 stars is that the day felt a bit too long, and there was quite a lot of waiting around between stops. Also, the lunch was very average, and there wasn’t much communication from the guide throughout the day. It’s not a bad tour, just not as smooth or informative as I expected.

Helpful? Yes

Book now

Select person

Adult

12y+

01
Children

2 - 12 years

01
Infant

Below 2 years

01
Proceed to Booking