Sea Kayak the Carian Coast of Turkey
Our roots in Turkey go back to 1984 and we’ve shared this magical country with hundreds of travelers over the years. Turkey is an evocative mix of history, culinary magnificence, warm hospitality, and natural beauty.
This lodge-based sea kayaking trip takes place just south of Bodrum, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Halicarnassus. This was the epicenter of Hellenistic Greece, and each wave that laps the shore tells a tale of ancient times, while the earth itself seems to murmur ancient wisdom. You may feel like a modern-day Odysseus as we paddle warm, transparent Mediterranean waters along the Bozburun and Datça peninsulas. This is a wild coast of hidden coves and we paddle from one beach to the next, along gentle terrain as well as rocky outcrops. There are also options for hiking on this trip, and the mix of land and water is ideal.
The trip is designed with minimal need to change accommodations, with three nights in two different locations. This gives us the most flexibility for choosing each day’s paddling destination. Drive times are minimal and at the end of each day’s paddling, we return to stay in comfortable, local accommodations set on protected bays. Here we meet some of the friendliest people in the world. They say that to call a Turk hospitable is redundant. We also feast on one of the world’s greatest cuisines, a fusion of tastes cultivated during the Ottoman Empire.
If you love history and kayaking, this trip is the perfect marriage. The famous historian Herodotus was born in Caria in the 4th century B.C.E. as well as Eudoxus, the astronomer and mathematician who was the first to measure the circumference of the earth. A highlight is our final paddle into Knidos, a popular port in ancient times where the legendary statue of Aphrodite by Praxiteles once stood and the perfect place to salute the setting sun from the Temple of Aphrodite.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Istanbul, Welcome Dinner & Orientation Meeting
Travel from your home to Istanbul. If you’ve never been to this epicenter of culture and history that spans civilizations and is adorned with monuments of the ages, then plan to arrive at least two days in advance to discover the wonders. Do this on your own or better yet, with one of our guides. And if you have been to Istanbul before, come ahead of time anyway to recover from jet leg and find tucked away corners with exotic cafes, and curious faces.
Day 2
Selimiye, Kayaking Introduction, Kayak to Bozburun
Morning transfer to the airport to fly south to the Dalaman Airport and transfer to Selimiye (125 miles, 2 hours). After lunch we head to the beach for a safety talk and kayak orientation. Then, we adjust foot pedals and start our first paddle. Weather will be a factor in each day's paddle. Today weather conditions will determine our exact paddling location. We may paddle around a coastal island, or simply along the coast. Either way we glide on gorgeous water with hills of pines in our gaze.
After our kayaking we drive a short distance to Bozburun, one of the 3 major places known for gulet (wooden yacht) construction. In the 1950's gulets were sea vessels used by fishermen, octopus hunters, and sponge divers long before gulet tours in Turkey became popular. It all started when Cevat Şakir Kabaaağaçlı, who was known as Fisherman Of Halicarnassus, a Turkish writer of novels, short stories and essays, as well as being a keen ethnographer and travelogue, invited a bunch of intellectuals to explore the Turkish coast by sea. These gulets evolved into today’s comfortable boats with private facilities, that are featured on our yachting tours in Turkey.
Bozburun is a lovely town and our accommodation for the evening is just across a narrow road from the sea with expansive views and stunning sunsets.
Day 3
Paddling Azure Waters
Today we have a couple of choices and depending on the group's ability and wind, our guides will decide the best paddling destination. One option is to go around the Bozburun peninsula, past Canak Limani and a rugged coastline of sublime hues of browns, greens and yellows. Goats and shepherds wander these slopes as they have for thousands of years. Another option would be a paddle in more protected waters in the direction of Sogut.
We picnic on a beach and enjoy swimming or snorkeling in the warm, transparent water. By later afternoon we return to Bozburun and our evening hotel. After a shower and rest, there’s time to walk, shop, converse with locals and then meet for dinner.
Kayaking: 5-10 miles, depending on conditions.
Walking: As desired in town.
Day 4
To Ancient Loryma
Today is a highlight for lovers of ancient history! We drive past Sogut and Taslica to a protected cove to launch our kayaks and beging our paddle to the ancient port town of Loryma. On the peninsula called Rhodian Chersonesus which is just some 25 miles from the Greek island of Rhodes, the ancients built an impressive fortified city. The walls here of huge ashlar block lead to questions of how they were moved and admiration for the skilled workmanship. We visit the site and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Afterwards we explore the bay of Bozukkale and then paddle back to our starting point, stopping for a swim along the way.
Our last night in Bozburun promises yet another gastronomic experience and the tranquility of village Turkey.
Kayaking: 5-10 miles, depending on conditions.
Walking: As desired at the ancient site of Loryma.
Day 5
To Datça
After a leisurely breakfast we board a private boat for a lovely journey northwest towards Datça. We stop for a swim or snorkel in a protected cove with views to the seabed below. We continue across the bay, enjoying lunch along the way. By mid- afternoon we arrive in Datca, a lively town and favorite retirement destination of Turkish intellectuals. We have some free time to explore this town.
In the afternoon we visit the historic center of old Datça and enjoy a visit to a local winery that carries on a centuries-old tradition.
Another dinner out and time to enjoy the scenes of people wandering the seafront and mixing with friends and family.
Day 6
Paddling and Hiking Through Myth and History
We rise for another glorious day of discovery and fun. We drive a short distance to our launching point for what may be our most spectacular day of paddling. We are traveling west, and it’s easy to imagine Odysseus himself sailing on these turquoise waters. Past cliffs and sea caves we go!
We end a couple of hours later on a beach to share another tasty picnic lunch. Afterwards is an optional hike of about 6 miles with a few hundred feet of elevation gain and loss. Our trail is the historic Carian Way, a waymarked 530-mile trail that follows footsteps dating back more than 2000 years. Your Turkish guide will share their knowledge of the history and flora of the region.
Our hike ends close to Datça and we return to the hotel for a rest. Once again, we enjoy a Turkish feast under the stars.
Kayaking: 9-12 miles.
Day 7
To Knidos
Again weather and winds may dictate our day. We have a choice of a couple of paddling distances as well as a hike. If the winds are predicted to pick up in the afternoon, we’ll paddle in the morning. If not, we’ll hike rocky trails in the morning and paddle in the afternoon. Either way, we end in ancient Knidos.
Knidos was one of the most visited port of the commercial ships in the ancient times. We explore the extensive classical site, birthplace of Sostratos, the architect of the Lighthouse of Alexandria (another of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world), and Eudoxus, the astronomer who first calculated the circumference of our planet. Our visit to Knidos is a fitting climax to our adventure.
We return to our hotel in Datça and enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner.
Kayaking: 5-10 miles
Hiking: 2-6 miles
Day 8
Dalaman Airport
After breakfast, we transfer 3 hours by van to Dalaman Airport for an early afternoon flight to Istanbul. From there you might begin your journey home, or connect to a highly-recommended post-kayaking extension to Cappadocia.
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||
| May 23, 2025 to May 30, 2025 Lowest Tier Price | $4,190£0€0$0$0 | $4,190£0€0$0$0 |
| Jun 13, 2025 to Jun 20, 2025 Lowest Tier Price | $4,190£0€0$0$0 | $4,190£0€0$0$0 |
| Sep 19, 2025 to Sep 26, 2025 Lowest Tier Price | $4,190£0€0$0$0 | $4,190£0€0$0$0 |
| Nov 07, 2025 to Nov 14, 2025 Lowest Tier Price | $4,190£0€0$0$0 | $4,190£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
2025 Rates:
-
6 - 8 People - $4590/person
-
9 - 12 People - $4190/person
- Domestic Air Within Turkey - $250 per person (estimated)
- Single Supplement - $690
- 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.
- 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, souvenier, gratuity to main tour leader and kayak guide, etc
- Hotel before and after your tour dates
- Travel Protection Plan (Travel Insurance)
Reviews
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, Carian, and Mediterranean coastlines.
Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
If you are a U.S. passport holder, you are eligible to apply for an e-visa at www.evisa.gov.tr.
What is the currency in Turkey?
The current currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira. We recommend you exchange currency and always travel with cash for taxis, souvenirs, tipping, etc. Please see here for the most up to date exchange rates.
Do I need to get any immunizations prior to my trip in Turkey?
There are no required vaccinations for visiting Turkey. However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that travelers should be up-to-date on their routine vaccinations, including measles, chickenpox, diptheria, tetanus, and polio. It’s also recommended that you are protected against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, as well as rabies if you plan on being in close contact with animals.
Do I need travel insurance?
It’s not compulsory to have travel insurance when visiting Turkey but it is highly recommended. It will protect you against any financial loss from injury, illness, or theft, as well as covering the costs of any transport cancellations or delays. Before purchasing any travel insurance policy, you should carefully check what is covered and what is not, so you aren’t left with any surprises later on.
What are your Terms and Conditions?
Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.
Reviews
Every day was a GREAT day
Wonderful kayaking in gorgeous country. The staff was great, fun , and flexible. Food was amazing. I left the dinner table with a painfully full stomach every night because the food was so good and varied....I just needed to taste one other dish....Loved the history and historical sites we visited. Had plenty of time to swim, snorkel, and explore the small towns. Lots of Turkish tourists and few foreigners which was great. Hotels were varied from fancy to simple and all were great. This was a wonderful and very well put together trip and I have no suggestions on how to improve it!
This vacation should be added to your bucket list
If you enjoy fresh air, beautiful scenery, and physical activity on a vacation, this kayaking vacation should be added to your bucket list. The crystal clear turquoise water was beyond belief. With Peter and two guides we learned so much history along the way. There was plenty of time for play and relaxation. The meals were exquisite, allowing us to experience a wide array of Turkish cuisine. The activities, the meals, the places we stayed along the way were varied, leaving us open to surprise at all times. My hat is off to the planner of this trip and the wonderful guides who accompanied us
A Knowledge Blast!
The tour guides in this trip are amazing- they were chock full of knowledge, whether about ancient peoples and migration patterns, history including Ottoman Empire, plants, environmental sustainability and tourism, Turkish foods, Cultural norms and religion, etc. The hotels have incredible views of turquoise bays or are beachside. Food was delicious and appeared never ending and included many mezze (appetizers such as bread dips, dolmas), great seafood (such as the best three different sea bass preparations of my life!), fresh vegetables like cukes and tomatoes at breakfast, tasty and juicy fruit throughout. Transfers were in very comfy buses with good a/c and seats with friendly drivers. Great overall value- definitely feel like you got your money’s worth!
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