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.
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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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 22, 2023 to Sep 29, 2023 | $3,590£0€0$0$0 | $3,590£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
Rates:
5-7 People - $3990/person
8-13 People - $3590/person
Groups of 4 or less -Starting at $4390/person (please inquire for custom or charted trip prices.)
- Domestic Air Within Turkey - $175 per person
Included:
- 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.
- Special Guest Guide Peter Grubb.
- 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, gratuity to main tour leader and kayak guide
- Hotel before and after your tour dates
FAQ & More
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