Sea Kayak Turkey's Carian Coastline
Tucked away between Bodrum and Marmaris, the Carian Coast is one of Turkey’s lesser-known destinations. But it offers an abundance of richness with its magnificent landscapes and archaeological remains overlooking the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
For lovers of adventure travel and history, this eight-day kayaking expedition along the Carian Coast is the perfect escape. It takes in hidden coves, ancient ports, and spectacular hiking trails along sections of the 509-mile-long Carian Way.
Follow in the footsteps of some of the region’s most famous residents, including the astronomer Eudoxus and the architect Sostratos while hearing stories of Hellenistic Greece. At the end of each day, we’ll stay in waterfront accommodations run by local Turks and be treated to their legendary hospitality and delectable cuisine.
Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Istanbul + Welcome Dinner
Fly into Istanbul, a buzzing cultural and historic epicenter that spans both the East and West. If you want to discover some of its monuments and marvels, we recommend arriving a few days in advance, with the option to explore independently or with the help of one of our guides.
Take time to settle into your room before the welcome dinner and orientation meeting with your guides.
Day 2
Selimiye + Kayak to Bozburun
This morning, we will fly south from Istanbul to Dalaman and make the two-hour drive to Selimiye. After checking into our charming, beachfront hotel, we’ll head to the water to become acquainted with our kayaks.
Learn how to paddle effectively and adjust your foot pedals before we head out on our first excursion to Bozburun, a major Turkish center for gulet construction. These traditional vessels were long used by fishermen and sponge divers before hosting tourist cruises along the coastline.
Day 3
Bozburun
Today we will kayak from Selimiye to Bozburun while admiring the fisherman’s shelters that dot the beaches and islets. In the afternoon, you can opt to relax at the beach, enjoy another leisurely paddle along the coast or visit a nearby shipbuilding yard to see a traditional Turkish gulet being constructed.
- Kayaking: 4 ½ miles
- Walking: 1-2 miles
Day 4
Datça + Kargi Cove
This morning will be spent kayaking through the crystal-clear waters that surround Bozburun’s peninsula. Upon returning to the harbor, we’ll hop aboard a boat and cruise north to Datça, which is a popular retirement destination for Turks. Enjoy some free time to explore the town before we return to our kayaks and paddle 2.5 miles to our beachfront hotel in Kargı Cove.
Day 5
Pig's Pit + Hayıtbükü
Today, you will have the option for a short paddle and a hike or a longer paddle along the coastline. Those who opt to stretch their legs will hike along a section of the historic Carian Way, a 509-mile trail that takes in pine-covered mountain slopes, olive and almond groves.
No matter which option you choose, we will all meet for lunch at Pig’s Pit before returning to our kayaks for the five-mile paddle to Hayıtbükü. This small inlet near Mesudiye features a sandy beach backed by a handful of bungalows where we will stay the night and enjoy a meal under the stars.
- Kayaking: 5-14 miles
- Hiking: 4 miles
Day 6
Palamutbükü
Our paddle today will take us west from Hayıtbükü to Palamutbükü while passing idyllic coves and untouched beaches. Palamutbükü was once renowned for the cultivation of acorns (“palamut” in Turkish) but in recent years has transitioned to olives and almonds. Take time to explore the surrounding countryside or opt for a 3.5-mile paddle to a nearby island.
- Kayaking: 5.5 miles + 3 miles (optional)
- Hiking: 1-2 miles
Day 7
Knidos + Palamubükü
We’ll begin the day with a short drive to the village of Yazıköy, from where we’ll hike along the Carian Way. After a picnic lunch, we’ll return to the water to kayak the remaining distance to ancient Knidos. If you prefer to kayak the entire way, this is also possible.
During ancient times, Knidos was an important port and is dotted with archaeological ruins. It was the birthplace of Sostratos, who designed the Lighthouse of Alexandria, as well as the astronomer Eudoxus, who was the first to calculate Earth’s circumference.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to our hotel in Palamubükü for a farewell dinner.
- Kayaking: 5-10 miles
- Hiking: 6 miles
Day 8
Dalaman Airport
After breakfast, we’ll make the three-hour drive to Dalaman Airport for our return flight to Istanbul. Once there, you can continue on your journey home or connect to one of our Cappadocia trips to experience the region’s spellbinding landscapes.
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 14, 2024 to Jun 21, 2024 Lowest Tier Price | $3,890£0€0$0$0 | $3,890£0€0$0$0 |
| Sep 20, 2024 to Sep 27, 2024 Lowest Tier Price | $3,890£0€0$0$0 | $3,890£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
Rates:
6 - 8 People - $4390/person
8-13 People - $3890/person
Domestic Air Within Turkey - $175 per person
Single Supplement - $590
Single Kayak - $100
Included:
- Service of our Adventure Consultants
- Boutique hotels 7 nights.
- All meals with great representation of Turkish cuisine.
- Bottled water with the meals.
- All bus, minibus transportation in Turkey.
- Certified professional kayak guide.
- Certified professional tour leader.
- Tandem Kayak rental, and the transportation of the kayaks.
- Baggage transfer.
- Boat trip from Bozburun to Datça.
- Support boats.
- Parking fees, guide’s expenses, etc.
- Entrance fees to museums and archeological sites.
Not Included:
- All air fares to, from and within Turkey.
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, souveniers, gratuity to main tour leader and kayak guide, etc
- Hotel before and after your tour dates
- Travel Protection Plan (Travel Insurance)
FAQ & More
Is there a single supplement fee for solo travelers?
Our tour costs are based on double occupancy on any included hotel nights. Solo travelers who would like their own single hotel room can pay a single supplement (see "Dates & Rates" above for the single supplement price for this tour), or can be matched up with another solo traveler of the same gender if one is available and willing to share. If we are unable to pair you with another solo traveler, we must apply the single supplement charge to cover our hotel costs.
Do I need an adaptor to charge my electronic devices in Turkey?
Turkey uses the Europlug type C and type F plugs. If you are coming from outside of Europe, you will want to purchase and bring along a power outlet adapter.
Will I have cell phone service on tour in Turkey?
Contact your service provider for the best options for taking your cell phone to a different country. If you have international coverage, you are likely to get good service in Instabul and other large cities. You are unlikely to receive cell service for the entire time while paddling, but you may pick it up from time to time. WiFi is available at most hotels and inns. Your guides will also be equipped with radios during the tour in case of emergency.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
This trip is best suited for people ages 12 and over.
Can you accommodate for dietary needs and food allergies in the menu?
As long as we are informed in advance of any food allergies or dietary needs, we can mostly accommodate for it. In some rare instances, where substitutions may not be locally available in Turkey, we may ask that you bring your own substitutions.
What is the weather like?
September is one of the best months to visit Turkey. The heat of summer has past but the days are long with about 11 hours of daylight and warm tempretures continue. The average daily temperatures in September range from 68-80 degrees F, making active travel comfortable. The water temperatures are also perfectly warm for swimming on both the the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines.
What are your Terms and Conditions?
Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.