Seakayak Turkey's Turquoise Coast!

Kayak and explore the coastline and caves of Turkey

Beginner and experienced kayakers alike will love exploring the rocky coastline and caves of Turkey's beautiful turquoise coast. Over the seven days, staying in small local hotels or camping on tiny islands, this holiday is about discovering the tranquil side of Turkey, far, far away from the traditional tourist haunts!

South West Turkey has it all really. Beautiful Mediterranean coastline, known locally as the 'turquoise coast', stunning beaches and a deeply rich history. Home to the ancient Lycian people, the area is crammed full of archaeological sites to explore. With the Taurus mountains forming a stunning backdrop, the 1600km coastline consists of sandy beach after sandy beach with interesting coves and bays to explore. Add to that an abundance of marine life (including the endangered logger sea turtles) and you have the ingredients for a perfect sea kayaking holiday!

This area of the Turkish coastline offers real variety with secluded bays, rocky cliffs and hidden caves. Your guides build up your skills and confidence as the week progresses, so no need to worry about your ability. Staying in small local hotels along the way, you will also spend two nights of the trip camping under the stars, enjoying a moonlit barbecue on the beach. Once you've got your confidence up, you can head out to explore the Gocek Islands. These pine tree-clad isles are a paradise for the seakayaker, with a shallow coast line and narrow passages to explore, you couldn't be further away from the coastal concrete jungle if you tried! As if all of that isn't enough, your trip will include a day’s whitewater rafting on the Dalaman river (with 3 - 4 class rapids) and, for a calmer day, a day’s hiking in the mountains.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Please be aware that the route used is subject to change and is dependent on the weather conditions.

Day 1: Arrival Day
You will be picked up from Dalaman airport and will then be transferred to you hotel.
Overnight: Dalyan (you have the choice between a basic and a mid-range hotel)

Day 2: Iztuzu Beach - Metin Gol Bay
This morning you will meet your guide and you will be briefed about your kayaking. The kayaks will then be loaded with camping gear and your personal luggage. On this first day you’ll be eased into kayaking, travelling past scenic coastline, with plenty of opportunities for you to get used to kayaking and for your guide to teach you techniques. There will be coffee and lunch breaks along the way.
Kayaking time: 3 - 4 hours.
Overnight: You’ll stay overnight at secluded Metin Gol Bay, where dinner is prepared on the fire.

Day 3: Metin Gol - Sarigerme - Dalyan
After gaining confidence on the first day, you’ll follow a route along the rocky coast alongside small caves, with the oppportunity to kayak into a stunning blue cave. You’ll have some more training before lunch in quiet Asi Bay and you will then then kayak to Sarigerme where you will take the kayaks out of the water and load them back into the van. You will then transfer back to your hotel in Dalyan.
Kayaking Time: 5 hours
Overnight: Dalyan

Day 4: Dalyan
Today is a day at leisure for you to explore the pretty town of Dalyan. You might decide to get a rowing boat across the river and then walk down to the ancient Kaunos ruins, complete with amphitheatre and ancient baths. Alternatively, you might choose to jump on a boat downstream to the beach. If you prefer something more active, we can arrange for you to spend the day canyoning, or exploring the mountains on a jeep safari.

Day 5: Dalyan - Gocek - Tersana Island
An early morning pick up from Dalyan to your starting point today in Gocek. You will leave the harbour and paddle towards Gocek Island. Today you will tour around 12 of the region’s famous islands. As you travel by kayak you have the opportunity to go to places that boat tours can’t reach: narrow passages, shallow coast line and hidden scenery. In addition to the kayaking, your guide will also teach you rescue training. In the afternoon, you are free to explore the island on foot, take in some snorkelling, or you might choose to take to your kayaks again for some more training.
Kayaking Time: 3 - 4 hours
Overnight: Camping on Tersana Island.

Day 6: Tersana Island - Sarsali Bay - Dalyan
Today you’ll put together all the skills you’ve learnt over the holiday. You’ll kayak through many islands and bays, including Cleopatra’s Bay, with its white sand and clear water. There will be a chance to paddle into a bat cave and also the option to visit some ancient ruins on one of the islands At the end of the day the kayaks are loaded on the jeep to drive back to Dalyan.
Kayaking Time: 4 hours
Overnight Dalyan

Day 7: Dalyan
Today is a free day. You might want to spend the day on Turtle beach, exploring the Kaunos ruins, or simply relaxing by the pool with a good book. More active pursuits (such as hiking or canyoning can be arranged)

Day 8: Dalyan - Onwards/Home
You will be transferred to Dalaman airport for your flight home. If you want to extend your stay in Turkey, please contact us.

Getting there
Fly from the UK...
Fly to either Dalaman Airport (ATM) or Antalya Airport (AYT). Dalaman is the closest but Antalya is also a possibility depending on the availability of charter flights.

-From the South East: easyJet flies several times per week from London Stansted to Dalaman.
-From the West Midlands: Lufthansa flies several times per week from Birmingham to Dalaman.
-From Scotland: Thomas Cook Airlines fly several times per week from Glasgow to Dalaman.

Transfers from Dalaman...
When you arrive at Dalaman Airport you will be met at the bottom end of the ramp exiting the airport arrival hall. Walk down the ramp, pass the Taxi stand and continue on the left. 50 metres on you will see your driver with the sign.

Comfort level
Down to earth (hostels, camping, huts)

Experience required
A reasonable level of fitness and interest is all that is needed

Travellers should bring
Recommended kit list sleeping bag; rucksack or rollbag (fits better in the kayak); sleeping bag (can be hired from tour provider); sleeping mat; long sleeved shirt; shorts; T-shirts; comfortable walking shoes; comfortable trainers or sandal shoes (will get wet); swimming costume; sun protection - sun cream, sunglasses, hat/bandana; daily medicines; daily toiletries.

Additional items to remember 10 GBP for your visa at the Turkish border; a copy of your travel insurance; a credit card and telephone of your bank in case of emergencies; some spending money for soft drinks and alcohol (water is included) - bring GBP: you can easily change it in post offices in Turkey; headlight or torch; a pair of dry shoes; books/magazines; camera (spare battery).

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodation
On this holiday, you will spend 5 nights in a hotel in Dalyan and 2 nights wild camping on beaches. For the hotel accommodation, you will be based in the pretty river-side town of Dalyan, which is a far cry from the package holiday resorts found in Marmaris. You have the choice between a basic and mid-range level hotel. Both options enjoy a peaceful riverside setting, with a 5 - 10 minute walk to the town centre and restaurants. They are both locally owned, small and have their own pools, the price is reflected in the room decor and quality of the bathrooms, service in both is good.

Mid-range option
The Calypso Plus hotel is a locally owned hotel and is a real find. It is made up of several small villas each housing 3 - 4 rooms, located within gardens by the Kaunos river. All of the 31 en-suite rooms are air-conditioned and come equipped with hair dryers, television, telephones and wi-fi access. Most rooms (but not all) have riverside views and they all have balconies. Rooms are nicely decorated with traditional and authentic Turkish designs. There is a nice pool (and a kids pool) with sunbeds and the hotel also has its own private jetty.

Budget option

Camping
The camping part of the trip is not in campsites; you camp on deserted beaches, so there are no facilities. Two man tents are provided and you are asked to pitch your own tent. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag & mat with you (or you can rent them).

Food

All meals are provided when you are out kayaking and the food used is fresh & locally sourced. A traditional Turkish breakfast is served, with tea, coffee, bread, salami, cheese & olives. Picnic lunches are sandwiches and dinners consist of a meat (or vegetarian) main, accompanied with a fresh salad, with fruit & yoghurt for dessert. Group members are all expected to help with food preparation and cooking. Drinks are not provided on the trip, so you will need to bring your own. Your guide will take you to a supermarket to stock up.

When you are not kayaking, you will need to make your own arrangements for meals, although traditional Turkish breakfasts are included and served at your hotel. There are lots of lovely restaurants in easy walking distance of your hotel - specialities to look out for include the popular mezze starters, followed by fresh seafood dishes such as calamari kebabs and sea bass.