WEEKLY EXCURSIONS
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WEEKLY EXCURSIONS |
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CENTRAL LYCIA HOTEL BASED SEA KAYAKING TOUR " we dream you share " 8-day tour: 7 hotel/pension nights B & B, 5 daily paddling outings Saturday-Saturday 2008 Tour dates March 15-22, April 12-19, May 10-16, June 14-21, July 12-19, August 2-9, August 23-30, September 6-13, October 4-11, November 8-15
The dates above are determined in accordance with traditional storm calendar. |
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A
unique sea kayak adventure along Turkey's antique Mediterranean Coast,
along Itinerary Day 1: Antalya-Kas Transfer:
Day 2: Kaş Archipelago; AntiPhellos (Kaş)-Islands-Limanagzi (Sebeda Isthmus)-Kaş
Paddling time: 4-hrs, Difficulty level: CLASS 2. Day 3: Kekova Sound- west route; Ucagiz(Teimioussa) & Kekova Islands-Sunken City-Sicak(Polemos) Bay-Aperlai-Simena / Teimioussa.
Paddling westward
we plan to arrive in Sicak isthmus by lunchtime..
Guided tours tend to ignore the ancient site of Aperlai, located west of Kekova Sound 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" here, and you can plan some time on land to explore these ruins on foot. If the time is allowable you will then have an opportunity to visit Aperlai ruins to witness history, after a 2+2-km walk. After a tiring day, we will paddle again to Ucagiz village discovering the ecological and geological diversity of the Lycian shore. Lunch at restaurant included. Accommodation at Simena or Ucagiz. (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner. Paddling time: 5-hrs. Difficulty level: CLASS 2+. Day 4: Kekova Sound-east route; Ucagiz/Simena-Gokkaya(Smugglers Bay)-Cayagzi (ANDRIAKE-River Mouth of Andrakos River)
The medieval castle of the Knights of Saint John, sitting high on the hill is surrounded by the remains of the ancient city, offers a bird's-eye view of Kekova, with its bays, inlets, islands and colorful yachts sailing peacefully on the glassy water. Odd Lycian ogival sarcophagi, sometimes partially submerged, constantly remind you of the prosperous Lycian civilization... Lunch break at a fisherman restaurant. In the afternoon, paddling eastward take us to Kisneli island and Asirli Island with its big sea cave used at one time by pirates, then to quiet 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. After the break we paddle to Demre-Cayagzi river mouth, also called Kokar Bay, and we disembark at the ruins of Andriake, port for Myra, home of St. Nicola’s church known to the world as Father Christmas. If time permits, there we will paddle up a spring flow in search of birds and natural springs. The afternoon is spent relaxing and visiting Myra ruins, St. Nicholas Church and the town of Demre. Lunch at restaurant or lunch box included. (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch Paddling time: 5-hrs. Difficulty level: CLASS 2+. Day 5: Kalkan-Firnaz Bay-Pinar Kürü Spring-Kalkan(Kalamaki)
Kayakers’ performance and sea conditions allowing, your guide may decide to make an open crossing to Sican (rat) and Yilan (snake) Islands which are uninhabited and named after their shape, then proceeding to Gerenlik Bay on the western shore of Kalkan Bay: inaccessible by road, this bay has a very fine sand beach. If a break is planned, we may land at this location but a better spot is Pinara Kürü, which has a fresh water supply and is a little closer to Kalkan. Although there is no sandy beach at Pinar Kürü, there is plenty of shade offered by huge trees, a bonus not to be overlooked in hot summer months. Back to Kalkan beach. Lunch at restaurant or lunch box included. Accommodation in Kalkan or Kaş. (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch Paddling time: 4-hrs. Difficulty level: CLASS 2. Day 6: Kalkan-Kas
Paddling time: 6-hrs. Difficulty level: CLASS 2+. Day 7: Kas: Free day in Kas and its surroundings.
Post-trip extensions and daily programs are possible. (B) Breakfast Day 8: Kaş-Antalya: Final transfer and Fly to home. Transfer to Antalya Airport passing through eastern Lycia seashore via coastal road. (B) Breakfast
Notes: o The Itinerary represented above is the one taken under normal weather and ocean conditions. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary for any reason necessary to ensure the best trip possible. o Previous sea 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. o 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 less than six hours a day. o Price includes: 7 nights B&B accommodation in a hotel/pension, 5 days paddling, lunch 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, and service charges. For terms & conditions and reservations, please refer to our reservations page on our web site. o Prices do not include international and domestic flights; gratuities to tour guide(s) and driver(s); any items of a personal nature. o We offer 5% discount for customer groups who may wish to join this trip at Ekomarin's Kas office without any transfer requested. We can also arrange transfers from/to Dalaman Airport. o 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. o A recommended gear & essential equipment list is to be sent to the participants before the tour. o Whenever required a support boat will follow the paddlers and be in contact with the group leader. She is positioned for security matters. o Travel Insurance is highly recommended for all International outdoors & adventure travel. Our insurancs may not protect you. Please check your own policies. 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 without notice
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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beautiful, spectacular and unspoiled coastline: escape from crowds to
crystal clear waters for paddling, walking, swimming and snorkelling amid
history and wildlife. 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. This is a great chance to explore a very special region of
Turkey by environment friendly sea kayak, at your own speed (within
comfort limits: approximately 6 hours a day). Visit natural harbors
and fascinating islands along Central Lycian Coast; explore the impressive
rock tombs of ancient cities along spectacular cliffs and headlands, enjoy
the tranquil forested beauty and beaches of the many islands, learn about
ancient Lycian history, coastal ecology, natural history and coastal culture.
A
good introduction at ‘Big Pebble’ beach: start your kayaking adventures
off right by learning essential paddling and safety skills on calm water.
Training session, briefing about the tour, then paddling to Limanagzi
(Bayindir Liman) bay: natural harbor of ancient Sebeda reachable only
by sea. Visiting Hidrallez grotto and ancient Lycian rock cut tombs...
A well deserved swimming break, lunch at a fisherman's restaurant, then
to Kas Archipelago islands. On a lucky day, we may encounter sea turtles
or Mediterranean monk seals... Lunch at restaurant
or lunch box included.
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. Paddling in the sheltered waters of Kekova
Sound & Kekova Island(s), we aim to explore the ancient cities of
Teimioussa and Aperlai, 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. The surrounding peculiar ecosystem formed
by thin points and narrow bays is absolutely quiet and peaceful. Weather
conditions allowing, we will have a chance to visit a sea cave at Kekova
Island’s South shore. If the weather conditions
are okay, we will have a chance to visit a sea cave at Kekova Island’s
South shore. The ancient towns of Aperlai, Teimioussa and Simena have
been turned into ruins, partly submerged by the water; therefore one can
swim in the crystal clear water brushing against remains of walls or a
Lycian sarcophagus which seems to emerge from the waves as if by magic.
Very few other places have managed to blend in so well the charm and fascination
of antiquity with the pleasure of life that passes serenely and timelessly
in these little fishing villages. 
We start the trip at Ucagiz again and paddle eastwards: 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.
We travel from Kas to Kalkan by vehicle, waking up to a fascinating coastal
view. After the departure from Kalkan beach, we first visit the old district
of Kalamaki, then Firnaz Bay: this large natural harbor provides a haven
for sailors seeking protection from the strong breezes. For anyone interested
in archaeology, your guide may lead you to walk uphill, to see an ancient
aqueduct, which was providing water to the city of Patara. There is a
tremendous view over the cliffs and the sea between Patara and Kalkan.
Swimming and snorkelling may be enjoyed before or after the climb. Having
the pleasure of paddling in crystal clear blue waters, sunbathing and
swimming on the isolated beaches make the impact of the trip much stronger.
While open water crossing, we may have an encounter with dolphins, swordfishes
or sea turtles.
After all the training, we are ready for our longest day paddling: we
will cover about 11 miles from Kalkan to Bucak harbour in Kas, to experience
the unique coastal surroundings of this coastline. Whether it is investigating
centuries old coastal remains, geological diversity of French Cove, sea
caves (“Pigeon” caves with their underwater springs, and Blue Cave, the
largest known sea cave in Turkey sometimes inhabited by endangered Mediterranean
monk seals), Kaputas Beach terminating its famous canyon, or biogeographical
features of Saribelen and Heybeli islands inhabited only by birds and
goats, your day will be truly educational! Lunch box is included.
