Kekova Sunken City Tour Review: Worth It

For history enthusiasts and adventure seekers, the Kekova Sunken City Tour promises an immersive experience that’s well worth the investment. From the captivating underwater ruins to the ancient sites like Myra, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the past. With convenient hotel pick-ups and a delectable lunch included, the tour’s highlights elevate the overall experience. While potential downsides like cramped bus conditions and additional costs for optional activities may arise, the tour’s ability to captivate and educate makes it a compelling choice. Intrigued travelers would be wise to explore the tour’s offerings further and determine if it aligns with their interests and budget.

Key Points

• The Kekova Sunken City tour offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient underwater ruins and historical sites, including Myra and St. Nikolaus Museum.
• The tour includes essential services like hotel pick-up/drop-off, air-conditioned transport, guiding, and lunch, making it a convenient option.
• The optional boat cruise along Kekova Island provides a captivating view of the 2,000-year-old submerged city, adding to the overall experience.
• Accessibility is generally good, with the tour accommodating most travelers, including families, though individual needs may vary.
• Drawbacks include long travel times from certain locations, cramped bus conditions, and unclear additional costs, which should be considered when booking.

Tour Overview and Inclusions

This tour provides an opportunity to explore the Kekova Sunken City, St. Nicolas Demre, and Myra.

Departing from Antalya, Alanya, and Side, the tour costs from $70.34 per person and can accommodate up to 100 travelers.

Operated by FAM TOUR TRAVEL AGENCY, the tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, tour guiding, and lunch.

Entrance fees to Myra ancient city and St. Nikolaus museum are also covered.

Participants can opt for a boat cruise along the sunken city for an additional €10.

Drinks and personal expenses aren’t included.

The tour meets in Demre, Antalya, and returns to the same location.

Meeting Points and Accessibility

The tour picks up participants from the main entrance (security point) of their hotels. The meeting point is in Demre, a town in the province of Antalya, Turkey.

At the end of the tour, the group returns to the same meeting point.

The tour is accessible to most travelers. Infants can sit on laps, and the tour is stroller and wheelchair accessible. This makes it a family-friendly option.

However, guests should keep in mind that accessibility may vary depending on the specific needs of the individual.

Highlights of the Tour

The Kekova Sunken City Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the ancient underwater ruins and the historic sites of Myra and St. Nicolas Demre.

The highlight of the tour is the boat cruise along the partially submerged Kekova Island, where you’ll witness the fascinating remnants of a 2,000-year-old sunken city.

You’ll also get to visit the captivating Myra ancient city, known for its impressive Lycian rock-cut tombs, and the St. Nikolaus Museum, which honors the saint’s legacy.

The included lunch provides a delightful respite, allowing you to savor local cuisine.

While additional costs like the boat tour may arise, the overall experience of this comprehensive tour makes it a memorable adventure.

Pros and Cons of the Tour

A key benefit of the Kekova Sunken City Tour is the opportunity to witness the captivating underwater ruins and explore the historical sites of Myra and St. Nicolas Demre.

The tour provides an efficient way to visit these notable destinations, with hotel pickup and drop-off as well as an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation. Travelers are also provided with a tasty lunch and guided tours of the ancient sites.

However, the tour does have some drawbacks, such as late pickup, cramped bus conditions, and additional costs not clearly stated upfront.

Plus, some reviewers noted communication issues with the tour guide.

While the tour offers memorable views and swimming opportunities, the long travel times, especially from Alanya or Side, may be a deterrent for some.

Recommended Starting Locations

For travelers looking to embark on the Kekova Sunken City Tour, the most recommended starting locations are Antalya, Alanya, and Side. These cities offer convenient pick-up points and easy access to the tour’s departure points.

The benefits of starting from these locations include:

1. Shorter travel times, especially for those staying in Antalya or Side.

2. More tour availability, as Antalya, Alanya, and Side are popular tourist hubs.

3. Better transportation options, as these cities have well-connected public and private transportation networks.

Ultimately, choosing a starting location that minimizes travel time and maximizes convenience can significantly enhance the overall experience of the Kekova Sunken City Tour.

Budgeting and Additional Costs

When budgeting for the Kekova Sunken City Tour, travelers should consider the additional costs beyond the tour price. The base tour price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, tour guiding, lunch, and entrance fees to Myra and the St. Nikolaus museum.

However, an optional boat cruise along the sunken city costs an additional €10 per person. Plus, the tour doesn’t include drinks and personal expenses, which can add up quickly.

Travelers should also factor in the long travel times, especially if they’re joining the tour from Alanya or Side. Overall, it’s essential to account for these extra expenses to avoid any surprises and ensure a seamless and enjoyable Kekova Sunken City experience.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Kekova Sunken City Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore an ancient underwater archaeological site, coupled with visits to the historic towns of Demre and Myra.

While the tour provides memorable views and swimming opportunities, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The tour can involve long travel times, especially from Alanya or Side, and the bus conditions may be cramped. Plus, some additional costs, like the optional boat cruise, aren’t clearly stated upfront.

The tour is a decent option for those interested in this region’s history and natural beauty, but travelers should be mindful of the potential downsides.

Some key recommendations include:

1. Book the tour from a centrally located city like Antalya to minimize travel time.
2. Inquire about the bus size and seating arrangements to ensure comfort.
3. Ensure you have a clear understanding of all included and additional costs before booking.

Since You Asked

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any specific age restrictions. Infants can sit on laps, and the tour is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, so most travelers can participate regardless of age or mobility needs.

What Type of Boat Is Used for the Sunken City Cruise?

The tour provides an optional boat cruise along the sunken city, which allows visitors to view the ruins up close from a small boat. The specific type of boat used is not specified in the tour details.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes lunch, but any additional drinks or snacks not provided must be purchased separately. Bringing outside food and beverages is not permitted.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers can add a boat cruise along the sunken city for an additional €10 per person. This allows more time to explore the unique underwater ruins.

How Long Is the Drive From Antalya to the Meeting Point?

The drive from Antalya to the meeting point in Demre is approximately 1.5 hours. Travelers can expect a scenic journey along the Mediterranean coast before arriving at the starting location for the Kekova Sunken City, St. Nicolas Demre, and Myra tour.

The Sum Up

The Kekova Sunken City Tour is an excellent choice for history enthusiasts seeking a unique and captivating experience. While some minor inconveniences may arise, the stunning underwater ruins, ancient sites, and overall immersive journey make it a worthwhile adventure. With convenient transportation and an informative lunch, this tour provides a memorable glimpse into the past that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.