Dragoman Diving and Outdoor

PADI Diving center, seakayak & outdoor activites in Kas

Kaş & Lake Girdev Birdwatching Tour

By

Led by experienced Birdwatcher Cem Orkun Kıraç

(to be re-scheduled)

In Double Occupancy, Per Person: 1995 TL

Single room: 2335 TL

For people who will join from Kaş (2 days, 2 night): 1695 TL

LİKKUŞ üyelerine 10 % indirim!

  • For kids and LİKKUŞ members 10 % discount!
  • Guidance + bird watching and identification briefing + tour transfers + 3 lunches + 2 dinners + 4 nights accommodation and snacks
  • Number of Participants: 6 – 15
  • Any preliminary knowledge is not necessary.
dragoman-kus-gozlem-turu-3dragoman-kus-gozlem-turu-3
dragoman-kus-gozlem-turu-4dragoman-kus-gozlem-turu-4
dragoman-kus-gozlem-turu-5dragoman-kus-gozlem-turu-5

Kemal Gökhan Türe

The nice cool wind of the plateau will be a plus. We will have the opportunity to observe many different water birds encircled by the picturesque summits living around the deep blue waters of the lake.

Girdev is one of the most important birdwatching points of the the whole Lycian region. Not only the birdwatching, but also its different geography, unique high-plateau eco-system and its serenity make it very special in the whole region. We will pass the hearth of Elmalı plateau to arrive at 1730 m altitude. Going there we will pass summits higher than 1800 m’s.

Dragoman Kuş Gözlem Turu

TOUR PROGRAMME

Day 1

Arrival and Checking in

Accommodation (Kaş)

Day 2

Early Morning transfer to Patara.

Accommmodation (Kaş), Breakfast, Lunch, Tour Transfers, Guidance

Day 3

Early Morning Transfer to Avlan Lake for Bird watching and lunch at Elmalı, check in to Girdev Camp in the afternoon.

Accommodation, Breakfast, Snacks Lunch, Dinner, Guidance, Tour Transfers

Day 4

Early Morning bird Watching Girdev.

Accommodation, Breakfast, Snacks Lunch, Dinner, Guidance, Tour Transfers

Day 5

Transfer to Kaş after breakfast

Breakfast

WANT TO JOIN

    Coasteering – Sea Level Traversing

    By

    Dragoman Coasteering

    Coasteering is a unique adventure sport where you experience the exhilaration of sea level traversing, rock climbing, cliff jumping and swimming into sea caves and takes adventure sports to a whole new level! It’s a coastal exploration along the wild and beautiful coast – we encourage you to coasteer Kas for the ultimate Lycian coasteering.

    Your experience will start at the pebble cove where you will meet your group and guides. You will then be given a safety briefing and issued with your kit which includes wetsuit, buoyancy aid, and helmet before heading out with your experienced instructor. The next several hours will be full of adrenalin as you explore the stunning coastline using whatever means possible – climbing, scrambling, swimming and jumping. After lunch at Limanagzi corner of the Bayindir Bay, you can visit the necropolis (graveyard) ruins of the ancient Lycian settlement of the Sebeda and a sinkhole where the old monk’s chapel remains from Byzantium times. You can snorkel & swim, or just laze on the beach. The tour will finish back at the Kaş harbor via boat.

    Our qualified coasteering guides will take you out to the best untouched and rugged wilderness locations on the stunning Kaş coastline, all within a 5 minute drive of the Big Pebble Beach Cove. We’re continually developing our own, all new, coasteering routes where you’ll enjoy the seclusion and awe inspiring nature of the coastline; just beautiful, clean, unsullied wilderness, brimming with monk seals, sea birds, idyllic coves, pebble beaches and rocky headlands.

    Climb, jump, swim, swirl, plunge, slither, dive, giggle, splash, clamber and relax.

    You need to have a reasonable level of fitness and be able to swim to do this experience.

    Dragoman Coasteering

    Route: Büyük Cakil (Big pebble beach) – Limanagzi (return by boat)

    Price: 50 €

    lunch + transfers + guidance + snacks + equipment INCLUDED !

    PROGRAMME

    09:00 Meeting in the harbour and moving to the Big Pebble Beach (Büyük Çakıl)

    09:10 Briefing about the tour at the Big Pebble Beach and equipment

    09:30 Starting of Sea Level Traversing

    13:30 Arrival at the beach of Limanağzı. Lunch. Time to relax (swimming and rest). Visit of the Cave of Hıdırellez and of the tombs of Sebeda. Time to relax (swimming and rest).

    16:00 Return by boat to Kaş harbour

    Transfer time : 10 min

    Duration: 3-4 h

    Distance: 3 km

    Level: Moderate – strenuous

    Min. Age: 16

    Min. Person: 5

    Click to read our blog post Why I love coasteering as a tour leader in Kaş

    Coasteering Rezervation Form

      The COAST of LIGHT Sea Kayaking Tour

      By

      Central Lycia Coast Sea Kayaking Tour

      5 nights – 6 days paddling trip

      2 hotel/pension nights (B&B), 3 camp overnights

      Price:  800 €

      The dates are determined in accordance with traditional Fisherman Storm Calendar.

      A unique sea kayak adventure along Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast 6 days paddling & camping tour along beautiful, spectacular and unspoiled coastline.

      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.

      Coast of Light Sea Kayaking Tour

      CENTRAL LYCIA REGION 

      Visiting 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!

      Coast of Light Kayaking Maps

      Tour Details

      • Tour Duration: 5 Nights, 6 Days
      • Destination: Kas(AntiPhellos)- Demre(Myra)
        TURKEY: Antalya- Mediterranean Coast; Ancient Lycian Coast
      • Speciality Categories: Sea Kayaking (paddling) and Camping & Walking
      • Airfare Included?: NO
      • Tour Customizable?: YES for min 5 peoples
      • Number of Participants:
        Minimum group: 4 paddlers + 1 guide
        Maximum: 12 +2 staff* paddlers
        *(Group leader and an assistant).
      • Accommodation: Overnights in tented camps and hotel / pension
      • Meals: Lunch box / restaurant / camp cooking / hotel
        Vegetarian rations are possible.
      • Transfer & transport: by minibus and/or 4 x 4 vehicle
        A 4 x 4 vehicle and/or a support boat is provided for logistics and security matters, if necessary.
      The COAST of LIGHT Sea Kayaking Tour

      TOUR PROGRAM – THE COAST OF LIGHT

      Day 1: Antalya-Kas: Arrive in Turkey.

      Transfer from Airport. Check-in to the hotel. Tour briefing and dinner.

      Hotel in Kaş, Dinner

      Day 2: Sea Kayaking: Kaş Archipelago-Factoria Bay-Üzümlü

      Start your kayaking adventures right off by learning/reviewing essential paddling and safety skills on calm waters of Kas Archipelago.

      This training session could be replaced by a longer trip on the peninsula for experienced groups, before your first open sea experience in this excursion: making a large arc like track, we first pass through Kas Archipelago islands.

      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 opposed to Ufakdere (Factoria) Bay and Üzümlü where we will end the first day’s paddling.

      Paddling Time : 4 hours

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      Camping

      Day 3: Sea Kayaking: Üzümlü-Aperlai

      Today we paddle along remote coasts to Inonu Cove, where the landscape becomes more bizarre by the hour.Here the coast is brittle and rocky. Twisted claws of stone emerge from the water. Jagged islets seem to rise and fall with the tides – no wonder Greek sailors named them “barbs of Poseidon’s trident”.

      After our breakfast, we will paddle over the waves of Cape Uluburun, where oldest known shipwreck has been excavated by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology. After this cap we paddle towards Inonu cove; you see the splendid rock tombs carved into the hills, powerful remnants of Lycian civilization.

      Arriving to the ancient city of Aperlai at the end of a long bay, you will see the ancient port, now mostly underwater, as a result of earthquake subsidence over the centuries.

      We camp at this hidden cove where is also one of the campsites on Lycian Trail.

      Paddling Time : 5 hours

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      Camping

      Day 4: Sea Kayaking: Aperlai-Simena

      Paddling along the coastline, passing through Akar Bogazi (Sicak Peninsula narrows), 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.

      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.

      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.

      We then continue to Kalekoy (ancient Simena) which can only be reached by kayak/boat or along footpaths.

      The little village of Kalekoy that lies below and around the Simena Castle is 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 is well worth it for the fantastic panoramic views it offers. We camp or alternatively stay overnight in a pension.

      Paddling Time : 5 hours

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      Hotel in Simena

      Day 5: Sea Kayaking: Simena-Andriake

      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.

      If we arrive on time, the afternoon is spent relaxing and visiting Myra, St. Nicholas Church and Demre.

      Paddling Time : 5 hours

      Breakfast, Lunch
      Hotel in Kaş

      Day 6

      Free morning and checkout. Transfer to Airport.

      Breakfast

      WANT TO JOIN

        Great Nature Expeditions – Costa Rica Nature & Wildlife Photography Tour

        By

        Following is a detailed description of the custom designed Costa Rica Nature Photo Trip. The areas to be visited offer great opportunities for wildlife observation, enjoy the landscape and learn about the people and culture.

        Costa Rica Nature-Wildlife Photography Tour GNE-DRAGOMAN 2017

         

        Locations

        1. Hotel Bougainvillea – Central Valley, Heredia
        2. Laguna Lodge – North-East Coast, Tortuguero
        3. La Selva Biological Station – Caribbean Lowlands, Sarapiqui
        4.  Arenal Observatory Lodge – Northern Zone, San Carlos
        5. Cerro Lodge – Central Pacific Area, Puntarenas
        6. Savegre Mountain Hotel – Talamanca Mountain Range, Dota
        7. Hotel Buena Vista – Central Valley, Alajuela

        Included

        • Professional English speaking Naturalist & Birding Guide services throughout the program.
        • Private transportation throughout the program (Airport pick-up and drop-off included).
        • Meals indicated with B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner.
        • All lodging from day 1, ending with day 12.
        • All entrance fees and excursions to attractions indicated in the program (all tours are private and exclusive for the group).

        Not Included

        • Airline Ticket
        • Travel Insurance
        • Gratuities
        • Alcoholic Beverages

        Price

        3.590 USD (Per Person)

        Botanic Tour of the Kaçkar Mountains

        By

        Led by a Plant Expert

        (8 days, 7 nights, full board)

        We are shaking off the heat of the summer to capture the coolness, colours and smells of autumn in the Black Sea where hundreds of flowers provide a feast for the eyes under firs, spruce, birch and beech trees.

        This plant-centred tour will create a unique opportunity to enter a botanical world full of wonders. It is a trip that nature lovers, plant enthusiasts, walkers and photographers should not miss.

        Every day you will take a different excursion, sometimes under monumental trees, sometimes on high plateaus looking at the plants of the Black Sea region. You do not need to be an experienced walker, either, since you can choose which level of route you take.

        On this eight-day tour you will have the chance to see more than 200 of the most beautiful flowers of the hundreds of species of plants found in the Black Sea area.
        Kackar Botanik Turu 3
        You will spend the whole day surrounded by nature and as you walk you will hear mythologies and stories about the plants and where they are used. Not only that, our experts will tell you how you can use them as medicines and cosmetics.

        You will see birch, for, spruce, sweet chestnut, hornbeam, ash, pine, rowan and yew trees and get to know (and photograph) elder, sage, henbane, belladonna, [güvey feneri], wild myrtle and many other plants from close quarters.

        Travellers will discover the eastern Black Sea, otherwise known as the Pontic Alps, by walking and exploring its historical, cultural, archaeological and natural riches.

        Accommodation will be in Şavşat, Camili and Çat Vadisi.

         

        Price per person 2799TL based on two people sharing a room. Single room supplement 350TL (for all seven nights). This includes activities, accommodation, packed lunches, snacks on journeys and dinners. Breakfasts are included with the accommodation. Tour transfers are included but not intercity transport or flights.

        ASK US ABOUT PAYING IN INSTALMENTS.

        Tour numbers:

        Minimum: 10 walkers + 1 guide
        Maximum: 14 walkers + 2 guides

        Recommended Flights

        Outbound (İstanbul – Kars)
        İstanbul (Atatürk) 12:25 TK2714
        İstanbul (Sabiha) 10:40 Pegasus2590
        Return (Trabzon – İstanbul)
        Trabzon 20:25 TK2835
        Trabzon 20:50 Pegasus2819

        Kackar Botanik Turu 10TOUR PROGRAMME

         Day 1

        Arrive in Kars, meet at the airport no later than 15:00.
        Briefing in transit.
        Arrive at Şavşat, Artvin, and eat at the pension.

        Day 2

        Walk in and around Karagöl National Park.
        Get to know Georgian culture.

        Accommodation: Şavşat.

        Day 3

        Explore Artvin then travel to the Camili basin via Borchka and Hopa. Camili is known to be Europe’s only rainforest.

        Accommodation: Camili

        Day 4

        After a fabulous breakfast, walk to Maral Waterfalls where it is possible to swim in the pool or the stream. Endemic Caucasian bees are found here and are one of only four groups of bees in the world whose genes are not compromised by hybridisation. Return to the pension after tasting the Chestnut honey they make and learning how it is produced.

        Accommodation: Camili

        Kackar Botanik Turu 5

        Day 5

        Leave Camili and move to the Fırtına River, travelling through Borçka, Hopa and Rize to Camilihemse. After visiting Zilkaley, settle in at the pension by the riverside.

        Accommodation: Çat Vadisi

        Day 6

        Walk above the clouds in the Pokut and Amlakit plateaus.
        Accommodation: Çat Vadisi

        Kackar Botanik Turu 4Day 7

        Walk in the flowery meadows of the plateaus over 3000m above sea level, stopping to take photographs of marsh orchids and wild myrtle and raspberries.

        Accommodation: Çat Vadisi

        Kackar Botanik Turu 2Day 8

        Check out of the pension.
        Palovit Waterfall, Ayder Plateau and walk to Bulut Waterfall if time permits.
        Visit Rize Botanical Garden, tea tasting of genuine Rize tea at the first and only Tea Research Institute of Turkey.

        Arrive in Trabzon and transfer to airport by 19:00 latest.

         

        PADI Instructor Development Courses in November

        By

        padi_egitmen_kursu_nov2

         If you want to continue your diving career as a “PADI Instructor” and be part of the diving industry by organising course programmes, we would be happy to see you at our PADI Instructor Courses (IDC).

        PADI Instructor Development Courses (IDC):  14-24 Nov  /  Kaş
        PADI Instructor Exam: 26 – 27 Nov Kaş

        Dragoman 100% Project AWARE partner

        By

        awareblogimageArchipel Diving – Dragoman is proud to be the only 100% Project AWARE partner in Turkey.

        To honour this commitment we make a donation on behalf of every student we certify to dive to the Project AWARE Foundation for Ocean Protection.

        We love what we do and acknowledge that without our amazing underwater world our duties would be much different.

        awareblogimage2In our opinion it is only fair to give back and Project AWARE offers a great opportunity for us and our students to do so!

        100% AWARE partners and our contributing guests make a big difference by contributing vital funds to protect the ocean planet.

        Please visit www.projectaware.org for more information.

        Red Sea in the Med

        By

        red-sea-in-the-med-kitapWhilst diving in the Aegean and the Med in the 90’s, Murat Draman heard that some of the big-eyed fish hiding under the rocks had actually come from the Red Sea. Since then, impressed by this region and having decided to base his professional activities here, he had the opportunity to follow his interest in the amazing biodiversity and dynamics of Kaş underwater. Draman says that having the privilege to dive 12 months a year in Kaş-Kekova Marine Protected Area and being a stakeholder in this region made him see it as a duty to record and document his observations.
        A closed sea, the evolution of the Mediterranean is affected profoundly by invasive species. The Kaş region, given its geographical position, is influenced by those coming through the Suez Canal. Since its earliest days, this “lessepsian” migration has attracted the interest of scientists, locals and divers alike. They are following the changing biodiversity with curiosity and sometimes with concern.
        With this book, without a presumption of being scientific or complete, but rather tentatively an aesthetic approach, Draman offers his underwater observations on Red Sea species seen in this region between 2000 – 2015 with 128 photographs of 58 species. Commentaries are kept as short as possible, aiming at providing some species-specific or local information, through the eyes of a diver. Dr. Baki Yokeş made a valuable contribution to the book with his scientific highlights.
        It’s hard not to be amazed by nature’s creatures, but those that are underwater are harder to reach and mysterious: impossible to reveal those fabulous colours without the flashlights of underwater cameras.
        With the observation forms at the end of the book readers are invited to a citizen science application by reporting new species.
        You can order your copy from www.redseainthemed.com.