THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Cruise from Olympos to Kekova and Demre for sunken ruins, hilltop castles and a Roman theatre. This nine‑hour boat-and-land day trip blends swim stops and short hikes with archaeology and turtle watching.
Cruise from Olympos to Kekova and Demre for sunken ruins, hilltop castles and a Roman theatre. This nine‑hour boat-and-land day trip blends swim stops and short hikes with archaeology and turtle watching.
You step onto a low-slung gulet as limestone cliffs slip past, the Mediterranean brushing the hull like a steady hand pushing you forward. The boat eases into turquoise pockets between islands; wind and salt sharpen the air as Simena’s castle crowns a little village and the ruins below sit half-sunken where the sea dared to reclaim them.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by SAILNSTAY · Demre, Antalya
You step onto a low-slung gulet as limestone cliffs slip past, the Mediterranean brushing the hull like a steady hand pushing you forward. The boat eases into turquoise pockets between islands; wind and salt sharpen the air as Simena’s castle crowns a little village and the ruins below sit half-sunken where the sea dared to reclaim them.
This route threads together Lycian history and coastal geology: earthquakes in late antiquity drowned parts of Dolchiste (the Sunken City of Kekova), while nearby Myra preserves a grand Roman theatre and cliff-cut tombs carved into soft limestone. Demre (ancient Myra) is also known for its association with Saint Nicholas, whose legacy colors local culture and pilgrimage.
Expect a mix of slow coastal cruising and short onshore windows — a 30–60 minute stop at Kaleköy (Simena) for a castle hike or village stroll, swim breaks in Esmeralda and Gökkaya Bays, and a guided walk amid Myra’s archaeological remains. Wildlife often punctuates the day: loggerhead turtles may surface; gulls wheel overhead.
Practically: bring sun protection, a small daypack and water shoes; swimming is allowed at bays but the Sunken City itself is a protected no-swim zone, best viewed from the boat or its glass-bottom section. The trip runs about nine hours with pick-up from Olympos; pacing is relaxed but you’ll encounter stone steps and short hikes.
Timing your visit for morning departures reduces midday heat and increases chances of calm seas. With a mix of archaeology, coastal scenery and safe swim stops, this day trip delivers both immersive sights and straightforward logistics for explorers of varied fitness levels.
moderate.
9 hours.
Suitable for travelers with light-to-moderate fitness who can walk short distances, climb stone steps, and swim briefly.
No—Kekova’s main sunken ruins lie in a protected zone where swimming is prohibited; the site is viewed from the boat or glass-bottom sections.
Yes—this tour includes a boat lunch served during the bay stops, though bring snacks if you have dietary needs.
Pick-up times vary by season; the operator notifies guests via WhatsApp or email the day before with exact pickup details.
Yes—there are short shore visits and easy swim stops; non-swimmers can remain aboard during swims, but supervise children near water.
This coastline is central to ancient Lycia; Myra was a major Lycian and Roman center and Demre later became associated with Saint Nicholas, giving the town long cultural significance.
Kekova’s protected marine area restricts swimming around submerged ruins and regulates boat traffic to protect archaeological and turtle habitats; follow local guidelines to minimize impact.
SAILNSTAY operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step onto a low-slung gulet as limestone cliffs slip past, the Mediterranean brushing the hull like a steady hand pushing you forward. The boat eases into turquoise pockets between islands; wind and salt sharpen the air as Simena’s castle crowns a little village and the ruins below sit half-sunken where the sea dared to reclaim them.
You step onto a low-slung gulet as limestone cliffs slip past, the Mediterranean brushing the hull like a steady hand pushing you forward. The boat eases into turquoise pockets between islands; wind and salt sharpen the air as Simena’s castle crowns a little village and the ruins below sit half-sunken where the sea dared to reclaim them.
This route threads together Lycian history and coastal geology: earthquakes in late antiquity drowned parts of Dolchiste (the Sunken City of Kekova), while nearby Myra preserves a grand Roman theatre and cliff-cut tombs carved into soft limestone. Demre (ancient Myra) is also known for its association with Saint Nicholas, whose legacy colors local culture and pilgrimage.
Expect a mix of slow coastal cruising and short onshore windows — a 30–60 minute stop at Kaleköy (Simena) for a castle hike or village stroll, swim breaks in Esmeralda and Gökkaya Bays, and a guided walk amid Myra’s archaeological remains. Wildlife often punctuates the day: loggerhead turtles may surface; gulls wheel overhead.
Practically: bring sun protection, a small daypack and water shoes; swimming is allowed at bays but the Sunken City itself is a protected no-swim zone, best viewed from the boat or its glass-bottom section. The trip runs about nine hours with pick-up from Olympos; pacing is relaxed but you’ll encounter stone steps and short hikes.
Timing your visit for morning departures reduces midday heat and increases chances of calm seas. With a mix of archaeology, coastal scenery and safe swim stops, this day trip delivers both immersive sights and straightforward logistics for explorers of varied fitness levels.