WEEKLY EXCURSIONS

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KEKOVA DELIGHT

SEA-KAYAK TOUR AROUND the KEKOVA SOUND

4 nights- 5 days

April-November

The exact dates are to be determined in accordance with traditional storm calendar.

 

A unique sea kayak adventure along Turkey's Mediterranean Coast 5 days paddling(sea kayak) & walking tour along beautiful, spectacular and unspoiled coastline.kayak sailing is fun

Escape from the crowds to crystal clear waters of Lycian coast for paddling, kayak sailing, camping, walking, swimming and snorkeling. Like the ancient Lycians you will be able to reach places accessible only by sea.

An English speaking guide(for closed groups of six we may provide French or German speaking assistants) will accompany you to further illuminate the history of the sights you will see.

Visiting natural harbors and fascinating islands along Kekova Sound of the Central Lycian Coast; explore the impressive rock tombs of ancient cities, spectacular cliffs, headlands, and the tranquil forested beauty and pebble beaches of the many islands, learn about ancient Lycian history, coastal ecology, natural history and the coastal culture along Turkey's Turquoise Coast. Days spent paddling on kayaks and swimming in secluded coves, the whisper of ancient voices in the maquis or pine trees above, just another hectic day on the Lycian Coast.

Previous kayaking experience is an advantage but is not essential. However paddlers should be in a good physical and mental fitness for the itinerary described below. A flexible state of mind and a sense of humor are also important when experiencing " Lycian time."

Remember to leave your clocks, deadlines and schedules behind so you can enjoy a state of mind where the local concept of time is measured by the seasons.

Come prepared for spectacular Lycian sunrises and sunsets that will take your breath away. Light along Lycian Coast, especially in spring and autumn days, has the clarity and pureness that photographers crave. Add to that an incredible variety of photographic subject matter-people, landscapes, architecture and wildlife. Nested between Mediterranean Sea and Teke Peninsula Range, Lycian coast's deep blue waters shimmer with life, providing surreal contrast to the surrounding landscape.

Experience mythical Kekova Sound like no one else has...via sea kayak!

 

Click for KAS Forecast

route map

 

ITINERARY

DAY 1 Arrivals

Mini-Bus transfer from Dalamn Airport / Antalya Airport to Ucagiz village (for the min. 4-people group arrivals only) in the Kekova Sound.

Free transfer to Kekova from Kas upon request (17:30).

Overnigth at pension with Dinner.

(L) Lunch or (D) Dinner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAY 2: Kekova West Route

en route-Kekova RoadsWe start paddling from Ucagiz(Teimiousa) to visit Simena - Sunken City – Tersane (Shipyard) Creek - Degirmenlik Cove respectively and get finished at the bay of Sicak (Aperlai isthmus) (5 hrs paddling).

This is a trip to a magnificent place, Kekova Sunken City (Dolichiste) that can only be reached by sea kayaks or boat. You can discover the magical world of Kekova Sunken City with its ruins just belowSunken City-Dolichiste the sea level and the mysterious chambers, steps, ducts and walls carved directly into the rocks. Kekova is actually a long thin island that separates the open sea from the mainland. The surrounding peculiar ecosystem formed by thin points and narrow bays is absolutely quiet and peaceful. We will take break on Tersane (Shipyard) beach to swim or snorkel. Tersane Creek was a temporary shelter for the ships during the stormy weather. Thanks to the ships taking shelter, Tersane Bay(Xera) became a little settlement which may be understood by the structures like a Byzantine church and its arch.

Tersane CreekThen, paddling west-north first we will go into a thin and long inlet called Degirmenlik cove and next, we plan to arrive in Sicak isthmus by the evening. After a swim or a quick shower with spring water, we will walk to Lycian ruins of Aperlai as the second sunken city of the region and watch the sunset with our drinks.

Guided tours tend to ignore the ancient site of Aperlai, located west of Ucagiz on the mainland and accessible only by boat from the sea and by the ancient trail on foot; the effort required to get there has ensured the preservation of another "sunken city" and you can plan some time on land to explore these ruins on foot. We will then have an opportunity to visit Aperlai ruins to witness intact history, after a 2+2-km walk.

Overnight at campsite of Sicak Bay (Isthmus) with all meals.

Paddling time: 5-hrs. Difficulty level: CLASS 2+.

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner

 

DAY 3 : Kekova East Route via open sea side of Kekova Island

We will leave Aperlai isthmus(Polemos bay) behind after a nice breakfast and get to the western end of Kekova island passing through little islands circumventing a shallow area called Aquarium as the name implies. We will carry down on the south shore of Kekova Island and on thAperlai-another Sunken Citye way we will enter a big sea cave by our kayaks. Then, we keep following the coastal line this time to visit a spiral and peaceful long cove called Karalos. We will go around the Kekova Island’s eastern nose to reach at Gokkaya Bay on the main land. Today, we will see the water-site settlement of Istlada Lycian City. (5 hrs. paddling)

Istlada on Gökkaya Bay is connected to the parts in Hoyran site where there are sarcophagi. You will see a magnificent Lycian tomb carved on a rock in the place called Bucak. This tomb dated to the fourth century B.C. has two figures sitting on top of it. Next to these structures, you will see the apse of a church. It is very easy to climb from Gökkaya Bay to this point. You can reach here by climbing next to the church remains in the bay.This will give you the chance to see works from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods all in a single place.

Overnight at campsite with all meals.

Paddling time: 5-hrs. Difficulty level: CLASS 2+.

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner

 

DAY 4 Gokkaya-Simena-Ucagiz(Teimiousa)

In the morning we will set off our campsite to paddle around Asirli island with its big sea cave used at one time by pirates and then Kisneli island. Our final break will be in Kalekoy village and Simena castle located on top of it. (5 hrs. paddling)

Kalekoy (Simena) which faces Kekova island is remarkable with its historical cites left from the Lycian era. The Lycian Castle, which has been restored during the Middle Ages, still stands proudly with a small amphitheatre. SimenaWe will then visit Kalekoy, to witness history and traditional village life intermingles. Getting lost in its narrow streets with traditional houses, stores and natural beauty, we will have our lunch in a local restaurant.

Next, we will paddle back to Ucagiz village. Before getting to our pension, we will have a walk to see ruins of Teimiousa ancient city.

Ucagiz Bay is surrounded with boats and the bay looks like a natural port. The remains in Ucagiz on the north coast of the bay belong to the ancient city of Teimiousa. We know little about the history of this city, but we do know from inscriptions that it existed in the ninth century B.C. There are remains of several tombs here and on the coast of the village, there is a door and the remains of a tower on rocks. Just as Simena in Kaleköy formed a union with Apollania, Isinda and Aperlai, Teimiousa could have formed a union with Myra and Kyaenai and one of these cities was represented in the Lycian Union. On the eastern end of the city, there is a massive dock some 28 meters long and 8 meters wide formed by cutting rocks. Today it is even possible to still see the cut marks on the rocks.

Overnight at pension with all meals.

Paddling time: 5-hrs. Difficulty level: CLASS 2+.

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner

 

DAY 5: Departures

End of the trip after the breakfast at our pension (10:30).

Transfer to Antalya Airport or Dalaman Airport.

Free transfer to Kas upon request. Post-trip possibilities are available. Please contact us for Extended Itinerary and other options.

(B) Breakfast

 

 

scenes from sea kayak trips:click on the picture

prices are subject to change without notice

Tour Prices

Double Occupancy

2-4 persons 460 Euro/person

  5-7 persons 435 Euro/person

 8-12 persons 415 Euro/person

please add 25 Euro/person for single occupancy

10 % discount for 14-17 ages in triple rooms

Airfare is not included in the tour price.

Tour Duration:

4 Nights, 5 Days

2 nights in pension, 2 nights in tents, 3-day paddling & sailing 

Destination:

Demre(Myra)-Kas(AntiPhellos)

TURKEY: Antalya- Mediterranean Coast;

Ancient Lycian Coast

Speciality Categories:

Sea Kayaking(paddling & sailing) and Walking 

Airfare Included?: NO

Tour Customizable?: NO

Number of Participants:

Minimum group: 4 paddlers + 1 guide

Maximum: 12 +2 staff* paddlers.

*(Group leader and an assistant).

Accommodation

Overnights in tents-coastal camping- /pension rooms

Meals

Lunch box / restaurant / pension

Vegetarian rations are possible.

Transfer & transport:

by minibus and/or 4 x 4 vehicle

due to group profile or size a 4 x 4 vehicle and/or a support boat may be provided for logistics and security matters.

 

scenes from sea kayak trips: click on the picture

 

 

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Notes:

  • The Itinerary represented above is the one taken under normal weather and sea conditions. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary for any reason deemed necessary to ensure the best trip possible.
  • Previous kayaking experience is an advantage but is not essential. However, in order to participate in a sea kayak trip you must know how to swim and paddlers should be in good physical and mental fitness.   Pre-Instruction and all kayaking equipment is supplied.
  • CLASS 2+  paddling grading involves protected water tours in lightly populated areas with exposure to currents up to two knots and crossings of one hour or more, with a fetch greater than five miles, sheltered coves and safe beaches every mile or so, with small surf and a schedule of six hours a day which is in comfort zone limits.
  • Price includes: B&B accommodation in a hotel/pension, 3 days paddling, breakfast + lunch + dinner for all paddling days, all transport during the tour, transfers from/to Antalya Airport for groups of minimum 4 persons; all kayaking equipment: kayaks, buoyancy aids, paddles etc.; services of professional and experienced guides; VAT 18% and service charges.
  • Prices do not include international and domestic flights; gratuities to tour guide(s) and driver(s); any items of a personal nature.
  • We offer 5% discount for customer groups who may wish to join this trip at Ekomarin  Kas office or Teimiousa(Ucagiz village) without any transfer requested. We can also arrange individual or small group transfers from/to Dalaman Airport : 120 EURO €.
  • If requested, all archaeological, ecological and historical information about the tour route will be presented to the participants as a printed document and/or to be sent via Internet.
  • A recommended gear & essential equipment list is to be sent to the participants before the tour.
  • A support boat will follow the paddlers and meet with the group at certain points. She is positioned at a discrete distance for logistics and security matters.
  • Travel Insurance is highly recommended for all International outdoors & adventure travel. Our insurances do not protect you. Check your own insurance policies!.
  •   Included in Land Cost

  • Accommodation as double occupancy basis in hotel/ pension room for individuals. Your fellow campmates may be foreign as well, adding to the international nature of your adventure.
  • Services of a professional guide, drivers and boat man.
  • All airport transfers by minivans.
  • All sightseeing and admission fees to sites/museums.
  • Meals as indicated B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner).
  • Bottled water and all soft drinks on paddling days and bottled water with lunch and dinner throughout.
  • Service charges and all taxes.
  •   Not Included in Land Cost

  • International airfare.
  • Airport transfers for individual arrivals (less than 4 people).

  • Domestic airfare in Turkey (Istanbul/Antalya/Istanbul).
  • Post-Tour Extension. Please ask for the possibilities.
  • Items of a personal nature such as soft drinks (except on paddling days at the sea), liquor, laundry, phone calls, medical assistance, postage, additional hotel nights and meals not specified in the itinerary, traveler's insurance, gratuities to guide, drivers and crew.
  • Trip cancellation, travel delay or baggage insurance (Please refer to Terms & Conditions on the web page).
  • Passport or Turkish visa fees.
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond control of Ekomarin Sea Kayak Centre & Dragoman Travel Agency.
  • Grading the sea-kayak trips

    Sea kayaking tours are here divided arbitrarily into four categories according to potential difficulty and risk. It should be remembered that every situation is different and your trip may not fit readily into one category or another.

    CLASS 1: Involve gentle tours in sloughs and deltas, and in inhabited, non-challenging, protected waterways not exposed to current more than one knot or open water. Such trips are usually undertaken for a secondary purpose such as bird watching, photography, etc. and call for a schedule of less than three hours per paddling day.

    CLASS 2: Involve protected water tours in lightly populated areas with exposure to currents up to two knots and crossings of one hour or more with a fetch greater than five miles, sheltered coves and safe beaches every mile or so with small surf and a schedule of less than six hours(4-hour) a day.

    CLASS 3: Involve exposure to remote areas (half a day to the nearest known help), Open Ocean with crossings up to two hours, exposure to a rough coastline that precludes landing for up to two hours, currents that exceed 3 knots, or beaches with mild to moderate surf.

    CLASS 4: Involves conditions beyond CLASS 3.

     Factors that increase the seriousness of the trip include: - severe weather - use of single rather than double kayaks - very young, old or handicapped clients - larger group size - smaller staff to client ratio.

     Factors that reduce the seriousness of the trip include: - clients with skills and previous kayaking experience - an accompanying support vessel - smaller group size - larger staff to client ratio.

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     Sea Kayaking  Eco-philosophy

  • Ekomarin Sea Kayaking Centre staff is totally dedicated to the protection and well being of nature. 
  • All of our staff shares the same love of nature and the same philosophy when it comes to mother earth. 
  • On a local basis we clean up areas, which we use i.e., beaches, islands and we also collect whatever plastic or rubbish we see floating on the sea. 
  • Our kayaks are very environmentally friendly as they silently glide along with very little noise and certainly no trail of pollution. 
  • We use as much local staff as possible. 
  • When it comes to supplying meals and foods for our clients, we use organically grown produce whenever we can. 
  • We cook mostly vegetarian meals the exception being fresh seafood or local meals when available. 
  • Every year we also donate numerous kayaking hours to many different association's research and conservation projects.
  •  

    EKOMARIN SEA KAYAK CENTRE

    DRAGOMAN OUTDOOR TRAVEL

    Uzuncarsi Caddesi No: 15, KAÞ

    07580, Antalya – TURKEY

                    Phone: + 90 242 836 3614,  Fax: + 90 242 836 3615

    ekomarin@eko-natura.com

    www.dragoman-turkey.com