Kayaking the Turquoise Coast
8 Days Starting in Göcek and ending in Kas
Visiting: Turkey
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ATK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Those lucky enough to have explored the southwest coast of Turkey often rank it among the finest in the Mediterranean. Here, the mountains of the hinterland stretch to the sea, forming bays, inlets and islands of extraordinary natural beauty, and the waters are clear and deeply coloured, giving rise to the name the Turquoise Coast. On the mountain flanks are beautiful areas of cedar and Mediterranean oak forest. In essence, the perfect place to explore by sea kayak. These long, stable vessels are easy to steer and paddle, great fun to pilot and require no previous experience. They can approach beaches and inlets where larger crafts cannot reach and allow us to take a closer look and explore the quieter areas of the wonderful Turquoise Coast. We kayak in two distinct areas, the beautiful islands and bays of the Gocek region near Fethiye, then we move east, towards the sunken city of Kekova and remote islands.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Meet In Göcek
Our trip begins in Göcek, a pretty harbour town of yachties and marinas, just 30 minutes from Dalaman Airport. Today is all about settling into the adventure. We may have time for an optional group meal tonight, depending on when everyone arrives.
Day 2 : Sea Kayaking In Göcek
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today begins with a safety briefing and basic exercises to get used to the kayaks. Then we set off to paddle along the Turquoise Coast, visiting bays and coves with swimming stops. The route is flexible and depends on the conditions at the time, but in general this is the perfect place to learn the joys of paddling.
Our course should include interesting spots such as Cleopatra’s Bath, a beautiful bay with the ruins of a Roman baths said to have been built for the Egyptian queen, as well as quieter areas away from the yachties. Lunch is a picnic. In the late afternoon, we return to our base.
Day 3 : Sea Kayaking In Göcek; Afternoon Transfer To Üçağız In The Kekova Region
Meals Included: Breakfast
After further exploring Göcek for half a day, we return to our base and load the kayaks onto the trailer. We then take a transfer (2hr 40min) to Kekova, a picturesque region of beautiful islands and bays, ancient Lycian settlements and sunken ruins. In short, the ideal spot for a kayaking adventure.
Day 4 : Full-Day Sea Kayaking In The Kekova Region
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast at the pension, we set out by kayak for the secluded Tersane Bay on Kekova Island; here we have a swim stop to make the most of this lovely location.
We then paddle over the remains of the Sunken City Wand walk up to the castle at Simena, which is inaccessible by road, and are rewarded with 360-degree views before heading back to base.
Day 5 : Another Day Exploring Kekova By Kayak
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we explore the eastern end of Kekova, popping into secluded coves and bays and paddling into a cave before returning to Üçağız.
Day 6 : Last Chance To Explore Kekova By Kayak; Transfer To Kaş
Meals Included: Breakfast
We spend our final morning in the Kekova region, taking one last chance to paddle along this beautiful stretch of coastline, before returning to Üçağız for our transfer to Kaş (50 minutes).
Day 7 : Free Day In Kaş
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is all about choosing your own fun. Kaş is a lively town with a buzzy café culture and the perfect jumping off point for a variety of aquatic adventures. Optional activities here including scuba diving, canyoning and paragliding. Alternatively, take it easy and enjoy the comforts of the local spas and Turkish baths.
Day 8 : Finish In Kaş
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our adventure ends in Kaş. We say a fond farewell to each other and begin our return journey home. If you’d prefer to spend a little more time in this idyllic seaside town, speak to your representative about extending your stay.
What's Included
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Seven breakfasts and three lunches
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All accommodation
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout
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Necessary luggage transfers
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Visas or vaccinations
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Food
In the itinerary we state which meals are included on which day.
All breakfasts included plus 3 lunches.
Breakfasts normally include boiled eggs, cucumber, tomatoes, cheese, honey or jam and yoghurt, olives and bread. Lunches may be taken as picnics or in lokantas (small local restaurants). For dinners, Kas, Gocek and Ucagiz have plenty of excellent restaurants and cafés for you to choose from. Some specialise in locally caught fish dishes, others in various lamb dishes. There are also plenty of snack bars where ‘Pide’ (Turkish Pizza) is served. Most restaurants also offer selections of Meze (mixed starters). Your tour leader will arrange group meals (non-obligatory, if you would rather explore yourself) in a variety of establishments. The Turks have a sweet tooth, so expect plenty of pastries covered in honey, as well as cakes and ice creams.
Accommodation
We use hotels in Gocek and Kas (both for two nights each) and a pension-style lodge in Ucagiz for three nights.
In Gocek, we typically stay at the Riverside Gocek Hotel, a fantastic base to explore this bay-side town where islands and coves create a beautiful environment. The property has apartment style accommodation and an outdoor pool.
In Ucagiz, a peaceful fishing village, we stay right by the water at Babaveli Pension. All the rooms have sea views and a balcony, plus air conditioning and a seating area.
In Kas, a lively town with a vibrant cafe culture, our base is usually the town centre Phellos Hotel. It has 76 air-conditioned rooms, which are modern, clean and comfortable (some rooms have balconies). There is also an outdoor swimming pool (open from May to October) and a restaurant-bar where breakfast is served.
Please note: We might use different hotels of similar standards on occasion.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.