WEEKLY EXCURSIONS
" we dream you share "
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" we dream you share " |
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Mothership based SEA-KAYAKING TOUR CENTRAL LYCIAN COAST 6 nights-7 days 3 overnights in boat, 3 nights hotel accommodation,4 days kayaking 2008 Tour dates May 17-23, June 7-13, July 12-18, August 2-8, August 23-29, September 6-12, September 13-19, October 11-17, November 8-14 The dates above are determined in accordance with traditional storm calendar. |
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This tour is designed exclusively for those people who are used to or willing to kayak and partly sail on a traditional Turkish boat, Gullet(schooner). The group will meet with the boat at the end of the daily paddling and at the lunch times as well wherever possible. The one, who may wish to cancel half-day kayaking, can join boat at the lunch stop or vice versa. Overnigths are in the boat
Escape from the crowds to crystal clear waters of Lycian coast for paddling, walking, swimming and snorkeling. Like the ancient Lycians you will be able to reach places accessible only by sea. An English speaking guide will accompany you to further illuminate the history of the sights you will see.
Central LyciaVisiting natural harbors and fascinating islands along Central Lycian Coast; explore the impressive rock tombs of ancient cities, spectacular cliffs, headlands, and the tranquil forested beauty and 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 campgrounds 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 Lycian Coast like no one else has...via sea kayak!
Itinerary for Option1 or Option2 Option1: cabin sleeping on traditional sail boat Option2: deck sleeping(no privite cabin) on traditional boatDay 1: Antalya-Kas: Arrive in Turkey.
Meet
in the Antalya Airport; transfer to hotel in AntiPhellos (Kas) passing
through Turkmen villages via mountain road or coastal road. Kas, a beautiful town of whitewashed houses, covered with the rich purples of bougainvillea. The town of Kas lies on a small bay nestled into the mountains not far from the southern point of Lycia. As is the case in so many parts of the Lycian coast, a small, sleepy fishing village has been transformed into a lively vacation center. Just above the modern port, known to antiquity as AntiPhellos, lays the older colony of Phellos. In Hellenistic times, the port town of AntiPhellos gradually came to dominate its mother colony of Phellos, until the latter faded into obscurity. In addition to the Lycian tombs, the view of the bay from the theater is well worth seeing. A short walk from the harbor brings us to the ancient theatre hidden amongst olive trees. There is a marvelous view across to Castellorizo, the Greek island closest to Turkey. The sea and the mountains are equally appealing to visitors of this coast. OVERNIGHT IN HOTEL. (D) Welcome Dinner Day 2: Kas-Kas Archipelago-Fakdere (Factoria Bay)
Start your kayaking adventures
off right by learning essential paddling and safety skills on calm waters
of the Limanagzi (Bayindir Liman) bay-ancient natural harbor of ancient
Sebeda. Our safety boat will be following us at a discrete distance off
the group while catching fish for a good supper.
This skill-drill day covers sea kayaking and coastal camping techniques, Adaptation to equipment & sea kayaks; reviewing basic paddling and rescue techniques; bracing, re-entries, strokes, landing, launching; preparation of camping equipment and loading to kayaks which are to be ready for next day departures to open sea, are also to be evaluated. Practicing these skills in warm temperatures ensures a comfortable and enjoyable learning experience. Safety is first! Our guides are passionate about outdoor pursuits. We know how to have fun. But we also respect our natural heritage and the potential perils of adventure travel-we are very safety-oriented. Then, making a large arc like track, we first pass through Kas Archipelago islands. This will be your first open sea experience in the region. We can take our first break either on the islands or at the Shepard's Bay for a late lunch time on board. The last leg of the day will also cover the 3 small island opposing to Factoria Bay where we will end the first day's paddling. Bring your camera equipment and immerse yourself in the visual ecstasy that Lycia provides...Don't forget to bring your splash proof cases along with you. OVERNIGHT IN BOAT. Paddling time: 3 hours. Difficulty level: CLASS 2. (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner Day 3: Fakdere (Factoria Bay)-Aperlai Bay
Today, we
paddle remoter coast to Inonu
Cove, where the landscape became more bizarre by the
hour. But here the coast became brittle and rocky. Twisted claws of stone
emerged from the water. Jagged islets seemed to rise and fall with the
tides – no wonder Greek sailors considered them the barbs of Poseidon’s
trident.
On a lucky
day, you may encounter sea turtles (Caretta caretta) or Mediterranean
monk seals (Monachus monachus)...During the trip, linking the town
of Kas with the Inonu cove; you see the splendid rock tombs carved into
the hills, the powerful remnants of Lycian civilization. The surrounding
peculiar ecosystem formed by thin points and narrow bays is absolutely
quiet and peaceful. Leaving our second spot behind, we continue paddling to the site of Aperlai, while exploring coastal features and islets, to snorkel over its sunken ruins. Marble columns, paved floors and the foundations of a church lie just below the surface. Twelve miles from Kas, this ancient walled city and port may be seen both above and, with mask, under water. Then arriving to Ancient City of Aperlai you will see the ancient port city of Aperlai, including structures now underwater as a result of earthquake subsidence over the centuries. Known as Aperlai, the 2,400 year-old settlement likely supported no more than 1,000 people at its zenith in the fourth to sixth centuries.The shore is still covered with murex shells from which the famous purple dye was made. …You can smell old days of the city partially submerged on the Mediterranean Sea in present-day Turkey has yielded a second underwater church, leading researchers to believe the settlement was a magnet for pilgrims traveling to and from the Holy Land nearly 2,000 years ago.
n addition, the popularity of Saint Nicholas -- the bishop in a town called Myra located just 15 miles from Aperlai in the early fourth century - was growing due to reports of his miracles that included saving drowning sailors, filling empty ships with grain and providing gifts to children. The close proximity of Myra likely increased the number of pilgrims visiting Aperlai. The Lycia region enveloping Aperlai also was the final landfall for ships bound for the Holy Land, which sailed from the Turkish coast south into the open sea, skirting the southern coast of Cyprus and then bearing east to present-day Israel. Returning ships sailed north past Lebanon, Syria and the southern coast of Turkey – including Aperlai – in order to take advantage of prevailing winds and currents.….Camp at this hidden cove where is also one of the campsites on Lycian Trail. OVERNIGHT IN BOAT. Paddling time: 4 hours. Difficulty level: CLASS 2+. (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner Day 4: Aperlai-Kekova Sound-Simena Paddling along the coastline of the long Sicak Peinsula, passing through Akar Bogazi (Sicak Peninsula narrows); ıt will take for about two hours continious paddling along the peninsula's NE side where there o spots for any break on land. Once we reach the other side we explore the sheltered waters of Kekova Sound & Kekova Island(s); explore ancient towns of Teimioussa and Simena, both the most evocative of all Lycian burial grounds.
Kekova is famous for its Sunken City that can only be reached by sea. With its ruins just below sea level, mysterious chambers, steps and walls carved directly into the rocks, Kekova is a long thin island that separates the open sea from the mainland. Weather conditions allowing, we will have a chance to visit a sea cave at Kekova Island’s South shore. Across from the island near the mainland village of Ucagiz lies ancient Teimioussa ("place of the three outlets," referring to its location). Interesting are the necropolis and ancient Simena (Kalekoy), certainly one of the quaintest towns in all Lycia. Kekova, "the home of the sun" for some, "the island of the partridges" for others, is an island, as well as the name of a whole ensemble of picturesque islands, numerous bays and ancient cities. These bays provide natural harbors in all seasons, and kayakers particularly enjoy exploring the unspoiled landscapes. Along the northern shore of Kekova Island, earthquakes have disturbed the land causing some of the ancient houses to sink under the clear water, creating a sunken city where you can watch the floor of the sea passing 60 feet(18 m) below; it seems your boat is floating on air, not liquid. The water glows as if a million broken mirrors were scattered on its surface, so blindingly reflective you had to avert your eyes.
We then continue to Kalekoy
Castle (ancient Simena) which offers a bird's-eye view of the bays, inlets,
islands and colorful yachts, sailing peacefully on the glassy water. During
a delightful approach to
Kale (ancient Simena) you'll notice
the unusual shapes of the islets and outcrops that you pass, results of
quarrying along the water line to provide stone for the buildings you've
been seeing all day. The medieval castle of the Knights of Saint
John, sitting high on the hill is surrounded by the remains of the ancient
city. Old Lycian ogival sarcophagi, sometimes partially submerged, constantly
remind you of the prosperous Lycian civilization.
Simena can only be reached by kayak/boat or along footpaths. The ruins are interspersed among houses standing beneath the pewter-capped walls and turrets of the medieval city. Since ancient times, the coast has continued to gradually sink into the sea, creating surreal scenery of partially submerged sarcophagi and other ruins. Snorkellers may be disappointed: As much of this is an archaeological protection zone, even snorkeling is forbidden. Landing Simena, the nearby village of Kalekoy lies below an idyllic Ottoman fort on the site of ancient Simena, one of the most romantic settings of the entire trip. Level walks then a short, steepish climb up to the castle of the Knights of Saint John - worth it for the fantastic views. OVERNIGHT IN BOAT.
Paddling time: 6-hrs. Difficulty level: CLASS 2+. (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner Day 5: Simena-Gokkaya Bay-Cayagzi (Andrakos River Mouth of Myra)
Early morning paddling
eastward take us to Kisneli island and Asirli Island with its big sea
cave used at one time by pirates, then to quiet and beautiful Gokkaya
harbor. We then return inland for a long tea break while discovering
the coastal ruins of Istlada and the coastal features of Gokkaya Bay where
a short walks to ancient ruins nearby the landing beach is possible.
It
was as though you enter an ancient water maze, with a thousands coves
hidden from the rest of the world.
After the break, heading east we paddle to Demre-Cayagzi river mouth. If time permits, we will paddle up a spring flow in search of birds and natural springs. We land at Kokar bay, alongside of which are the ruins of Andriake. Situated at the mouth of the Andrakos River, Andriake was the port for Myra, home of St. Nicola’s church known to the world as Father Christmas. In AD 61, the ship that brought the Apostle Paul to Rome for his last visit anchored here to wait for better winds. The strong current of the river prevented the silting up of the port until the Byzantine era.
The afternoon is spent
relaxing and visiting Myra, St. Nicholas Church and Demre.
Located between Finike
and Kas, Myra was one of the most important cities among the other six
Lycian cities.
It was settled in the 5th century B.C. Although it was originally a coastal town, it has retreated from the sea because of the alluvium from the Demre stream (once Andrakos River). It was abandoned in the 9th century A.D. after the Arab invasion. The rock tombs, the theatre and St. Nicholas Church have survived to make it a place worth visiting. St. Nicholas, born in 245 A.D. in Patara near Fethiye (known variously as St.Nicholas, Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Heilige Nikolaus and Pere Noel) died in 363 A.D., having spent his life in Anatolia. Son of a wealthy family and of good education, he devoted himself to mankind. Because of the assistance he rendered to those around him, St. Nicholas was known as the protector of children and sailors, and to this day the legend of Father Christmas has continued to live as vividly as ever. As the Bishop of Demre, by his religious and social work, he solved the problems of the people in a humane way. After he died he was buried in Demre and a church was built there for his memory. In 108 Italian pirates stole some of his bones and took them to Bari. In their haste they left a few behind and these are today on display in the Antalya Museum. In a number of countries the death of St. Nicholas is commemorated by special ceremonies and by giving presents to children, and in fact it takes on the significance of a new year. OVERNIGHT IN HOTEL. Transfer to Kas by bus(Option1) or boat(Option2); Transfer time: 45 minutes(by bus)-4 hours(by boat). Paddling time: 5 hours. Difficulty level: CLASS 2+ (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner Day 6: Kas: Free day in Kas and its surroundings.
Post-trip extensions and daily programs are possible. OVERNIGHT IN HOTEL. (B) Breakfast, (D) Farewell Dinner
Transfer to Antalya Airport passing through eastern Lycian seashore via coastal road. (B) Breakfast (if the flight time is available)
please ask for coastal camping version of the same tour cabin sleeping on traditional sail boat
deck sleeping(no privite cabin) on traditional boat
Included in Land Cost
Not Included in Land Cost
INDIVIDUAL RESERVATIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE. WHEN THE MINIMUM GROUP NUMBER IS REACHED, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED IN A REASONABLE TIME PERIOD.
prices are subject to change any time
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.
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.
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LIVEABOARD PADDLING & SAILING
A uniq
It is speculated that
Lycia, a small region encompassing Aperlai, may have been a stopover for
pilgrims heading for the Holy Land -- then Palestine -- in the fourth,
fifth, sixth and seventh centuries. Helena, the mother of Roman Emperor
Constantine who ruled from A.D. 306 to 337, visited Palestine, and she
and Constantine began spreading the word of Christianity and encouraged
church construction throughout the Roman Empire. 
This trip to Kekova and
Ucagiz will be the highlight of your stay in antique Lycia. The
'three mouths' of Ucagiz are the openings South, East and West of Kekova
Island. 
