Hike, Kayak and Sail Turkey's Turquoise Coast
Paddle to crystalline coves and wander ancient trails to mystical sites, cooling off in the glittering sea as you go
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesAll accommodation
1 night in a hotel, 2 nights in cabins, 2 nights in locally run guesthousesMeals
All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
All your SUP and kayaking gearSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Pick up a paddle and SUP your way through the lush surroundings and towering rock faces of Kapuz Canyon
Tread the ancient paths of the Lycian Way, and head out on a twilight hike to marvel at the flaming rocks of Chimera
Sail on a traditional gulet boat and kayak the turquoise waters of Kekova Island, exploring sunken ruins
Master the art of Antalyan cooking, whipping up some delicious dishes with local chefs who call this region home
Key Information
Day 1
Touch down in Antalya
Welcome to the enchanting city of Antalya! Meet your host at the airport for your transfer to your hotel in the city. Famous for its charming narrow streets, picturesque Ottoman-era houses, and historic architecture, you can explore at your leisure until 18:00, when you'll meet your local guide. Settle in and enjoy a local welcome dinner, getting to to know your fellow travellers and discussing the epic adventure ahead.
Day 2
SUP wild canyons and hike ancient routes at Chimera
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Hiking
This morning, pick up a paddle to SUP your way through the beauty of the Kapuz Canyons, a picturesque gorge with turquoise waters surrounded by fruit and olive trees. Afterwards, head to Çıralı to settle into your bungalows and relax during the hottest part of the day. Late afternoon, jump in the van up to drive to the hillside village of Ulupinar, joining the trail to hike a section of the Lycian Way. Make your way up to Mount Chimera (which lends its name to the mythological fire-breathing creature) and witness the fascinating 'Eternal Flame'. Here, bare flaming rocks have been alight for thousands of years, thanks to fumaroles in the mountain releasing gases. At sunset, headlamps at the ready, continue down the trail to Çıralı beach. Enjoy a leisurely evening in Çıralı, where you'll find many meyhane (Turkish taverns) along the beachfront.
Day 3
Hike and swim along the Lycian Way
Hiking
Lace up your hiking boots this morning to explore another section of the Lycian Way, Turkey's long-distance coastal trail dotted with historic and cultural sites. Today's route runs along stunning Mediterranean beaches, past large caves and through cool forests, leading to the old Genovese Fortress and the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos. Continuing on, you'll loop back to the coast, admiring fantastic views of the impossibly blue sea. After your hike you'll head back to Çıralı, where you will tuck into a delicious lunch at a restaurant on the beach before enjoying some free time on the long stretch of sand, or chilling out in your cosy bungalow.
Day 4
Sail the clear waters of the Mediterranean
Sailing
Hiking
After a tranquil morning in Çıralı, take a the scenic journey to Üçağız village where you'll hit the water. Board a traditional gulet-style boat and head to the ancient city of Aperlai. Amongst its ancient walls, you'll discover the echoes of history – a Christian church and chapel, Lycian sarcophagi, and a monumental tomb carved into the rocky landscape. After heading back to Üçağız, settle into your room before joining a vibrant cooking class led by local women, who not only share their culinary secrets but also double as skilled chefs on the gulet boats.
Day 5
Sea kayak above the sunken city of Dolikhiste
Kayaking
Wake up in the paradise of Üçağız this morning and get ready for one of the best ways to explore this region – by sea kayak! Paddle your way 3km south to Tersane Bay where you'll discover the sunken city of Dolikhiste, a UNESCO World Heritage Site partially submerged on the shores of Kekova Island. Cross to the mainland to wander through picturesque streets adorned with flowers, where you could try the famous homemade ice creams with unique flavours like cactus fruit or tahini. After lunch, get back into your kayak to paddle to your final swim-stop, making the most of the perfect turquoise waters. Take a break at your hotel before enjoying a traditional farewell dinner this evening, next to the Mediterranean.
Day 6
Güle güle
After a glorious adventure discovering the spectacular scenery of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, it’s time to head back home. After a final breakfast with your travel companions and a chance to swap photos, transfer back to Antalya Airport for your flight home.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Antalya Airport
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Antalya Airport
12:00 on Day 6
Transfers
Upon your arrival at Antalya Airport, your local host's driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel in the city's old town. The 30 minute transfer will be scheduled to work with the time your flight lands on Day 1. Ideally aim to arrive by 5pm so you can be at the hotel in time for the 6pm welcome briefing with your host. On Day 6, you will be transferred to Antalya Airport, with drop-off scheduled around 12:00. We recommend booking a return flight that departs no earlier than 14:00. If you plan to stay in Antalya, a drop-off service can be arranged to take you into the city, at no additional cost.
Airport transfers are included in the main price if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 6. For those arriving early or wanting to stay on longer, extra nights at the hotel can be arranged with your host at an additional cost. Please see Optional Extras for more information.
Travel options
There are direct international flights to Antalya from the UK and various major hubs in Europe, as well as indirect flights which transit via Istanbul.
From the US, there are indirect flights from various major hubs to Antalya which transit via Istanbul.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
The food in Turkey is more than just your classic kebab, with traditional and local meals as varied as its history. Many dishes make good use of seasonal vegetables, with fresh bread always in easy reach. A classic Turkish breakfast (kahvalti) is a mezze-type affair with bread, butter, olives, white cheese, cucumber, tomatoes, jam and honey, with strong coffee or freshly brewed Turkish tea. For lunch or dinner you could be served dolma (stuffed vegetables packed with a rice, spices, pine nuts, and maybe small dried fruits). Many types of kebap or köfte are popular, along with sweet or savoury börek (filo-based pastries) or lahmacun (flatbread topped with minced meat and seasoning), followed by sweet specialities.
Dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for, but please note that in some areas it may be difficult to cater for all special diets – please request these on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Antalya
In Antalya you’ll stay at the Argos Hotel, located in the heart of the old town and a short walk from the marina. You’ll stay in twin-share rooms with private bathrooms. Relax by the pool or head out to explore the historic centre.
Çirali
You'll spend two nights in Çıralı at the Kibala Hotel and Cabins. The wooden cabins sit among a large garden, with hammocks strung amongst orange, lime and avocado trees. You’ll stay in twin-share rooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning. The valley and coast of Çıralı is a low-key haven with a relaxed vibe and a protected loggerhead turtle beach.
Üçağiz
In Üçağiz village you’ll stay at Onur Pension in the region of Kekova. Overlooking the turquoise sea and boats bobbing at anchor, this guesthouse is a great place to sit back and watch the world go by. You will have twin-share rooms with private bathrooms. In the case of larger groups, your host may arrange accommodations across several guesthouses, such as Kekova Theimussa or Ekin Pansiyon, which offer a similar level of comfort.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Easy
Whilst no prior experience is needed, a reasonable level of general fitness is required – you'll be paddling, hiking and kayaking at different points across the itinerary between two and five hours in duration and using different muscle groups.
The hiking within the itinerary will be through forested hills and on rocky trails, although not at high altitude. The potential of changeable weather will mean you need to be prepared and hot weather may make activities more strenuous than expected. Sea kayaking around the coast of Kekova will be a leisurely paddle on reasonably calm water, although it's possible that higher waters and currents could make the paddling a little more challenging.
What will I need to carry?
You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daypack to carry personal items and a water bottle each day.
The weather in spring, late summer and early autumn in southern Turkey will be warm and pleasant, with ideal temperatures for the included activities. Although the likelihood of rain is low, the weather could be changeable in the Mediterranean at either end of the trip dates scheduled, with the occasional storm a possibility.
In the southwestern region of Turkey, the daytime temperatures will be generally in the region of 19ºC/66ºF to 30ºC/86ºF, and down to between 10°C/50°F to 19°C/66°F at night.
Swimming & sailing
I had done a couple of solo trips with another company in previous years but this was my first with MBA and was by far the best. I was looking for a trip which would fit my annual leave dates and whilst Turkey wouldn’t have been my first choice, I have to say it was absolutely brilliant.
Our guide Cahit was so knowledgeable and made the trip run so smoothly, he had years of experience guiding tours in various places and I couldn’t have asked for a better leader. There were 14 of us on the tour spanning approx. 20 years in age and we all gelled so well, it really was a fabulous bunch of people and they really made the trip for me.
I particularly enjoyed the variety of activities on this tour and there was also some down time included so it wasn’t too tiring. The tour is classified as easy and I would mostly agree although the hike on day 1 was a little more challenging, especially given the heat.
You also won’t go hungry on this trip, the food is outstanding especially during the sailing trip but there are plenty of places to get snacks for the hikes if you feel you need them.
I would advise to definitely bring sea shoes, you will need them when carrying your paddleboard from the vehicle to the canyon and also during the kayaking. Another good thing to bring would be a snorkel and mask if you have one, I wish I’d brought mine with me. The company provide waterproof containers for money and phone etc on the kayaking part of the trip but you might want a dry bag or a waterproof phone case for the SUP.
The standard of accommodation was good although the first hotel in Antalya was very noisy so if you’re a light sleeper you might struggle to sleep, so definitely bring ear plugs. The second and third places we stayed were absolutely lovely, all had AC and were very peaceful although the rooms in the third place were very small, not ideal if you’re sharing with someone you don’t know although many of us had paid for our own rooms.
The sailing was probably one of the highlights for me although make sure you wear insect repellent as we got bitten a lot! Also it gets quite chilly later on so a fleece or something would be a good idea.
Overall I couldn’t recommend this trip highly enough, it was thoroughly enjoyable and I can’t wait to book my next MBA adventure!
Sun, Sea, Sunrises and Hikes!
Had an absolutely AMAZING time. It was a great mix of hikes and more water-based activities, definitely one if you love to be in the sea!
We also decided to go on some sunrise swims before the activities, so if you're an early bird, would highly recommend that as an addition to the adventure.
The people were so lovely. I was nervous because it was my first MBA trip, but it was great to explore with similar curious-minded people, meet locals, and truly find some hidden gems and off-the-beaten-track paths.
Our Guide was GREAT! Very knowledgeable and imaginative, adjusted the hiking to fit the speed of the group and recommended some great local restaurants.
I couldn't recommend this trip more!
My first solo adventure
This was an adventure of a lifetime, the first time doing a solo trip but I honestly made friends for life!
The trip had the right balance of activities and downtime (which was your own time to do what you want with it). I loved all the activities and only wish I could do them all again! The food was amazing and I did not go hungry that’s for sure!
Our tour guides were AMAZING!! Jahid and Ahmed always had smiles on the faces, had a laugh, and made everything run so smoothly!
If you’re considering booking it, don’t think twice just do it!
Word for the wise if you are booking this trip;
- trekking trainers were easier than walking boots for the hikes
- Take a snorkel, there are plenty of amazing places to enjoy the clear Mediterranean
- Go for sunrise swims! The landscape is beautiful and watching the sunrise is a truly magical moment!
Great week away
This was my first group tour and i loved every minute of it, the guide was great, the activities brilliant and the people and food absolutely. The vegetarian options were incredible, especially on the boat. 5 stars all round
Amazing Trip!
Wow! I can't say enough good things about this trip! Turkey was BEAUTIFUL! Our group was fantastic and the guides were amazing! It was really nice to not have to think about a travel itinerary. From the airport pick-up to group dinner plans, some last minute adjustments to the itinerary and even an impromptu birthday celebration - I can't say enough good things about this trip. Be sure to bring trail snacks, plenty of water (I add sea salt to keep electrolytes up), and I would strongly suggest a water shoe be added to your kit list. I would absolutely do this trip again - the group we had was phenomenal and I think we all had loads of fun.
Thanks for your fantastic review and helpful feedback.
We have now added 'water shoes' to the kit list, as we appreciate that these would be useful on this trip.
Ruth MBA Operations Team
Turkish Delight!
As a first-timer with MBA I was not sure quite to expect but was not disappointed. The locations were stunning and the mix of activities and free time provided an excellent taster for adventure holidays. The SUP location was ideal for a beginner, the hikes manageable but some elements more moderate than easy for inexperienced hikers and the Kayaking broken into comfortable sections. The accommodation and food was excellent in all areas and our guides knowledgeable and friendly. The highlight was the boat trip with amazing food and a journey back under stars. Would definitely recommend.
Truly memorable
This was an excellent experience. Our days were active yet flexible, and everything was very well-considered. The scenery was gorgeous, the food was plentiful, and the guide was a delight. As a novice, the hikes were challenging, but manageable and very rewarding. Would definitely recommend.
Good for the soul!
This tour is an awesome way to experience a beautiful part of Turkey - it just kept getting better and better as the days went by! The hikes, SUP and kayaking activities were varied in length, exertion and terrain. The free-time was well distributed with lots of opportunity to go swimming in the ocean, explore the local areas, and go out in the evenings. The home-made meal while nighttime sailing was absolutely perfect. Highly recommend this tour!