Turkish Lycian Coast – Kaş

Day 1: meet at the hotel at 6.30pm for a trip briefing. If you arrive late, we can do another briefing in the next morning..
Day 2: short acclimatisation swim at Kaş beach, gulet drive to our swim along Kaş peninsula and second around Gurmenli Island, video stroke analysis.
Day 3: morning swim between 12 islands facing the Greek island of Meis, afternoon swim in the Limanağzı Bay.
Day 4: morning swim in Aperlai – Yalija Bay, walk to Simena Castle, afternoon swim in Köyü Fakdere bay.
Day 5: morning swim from UluBurun point to Ince Burun, walk to Aperlai old city, afternoon swim from Aparlai Bay to Körmen Island.
Day 6: we explore Blue Cave (Mavi Magara, known as the largest cave in Turkey) and swim coastal along the mountainous Lycian coast.
Day 7: morning beach swim down at Kaş beach, trip finishes at 11am.

Full itinerary:

Day 1
We meet in Kaş at the hotel lobby at 6.30pm for the trip briefing. We will explain to you the plan for the week in detail. In case you are late arriving this evening, we are happy to do another briefing the next morning 30 min before breakfast. Please email us about your late arrival.

Day 2
Before breakfast we walk down to the hotel beach for a short acclimatisation swim.
Following breakfast, we take our first boat ride on a comfortable Turkish gulet to Hidayet Bay along the Kaş peninsula. From there we swim south along the peninsula for about 2 km passing Güvercin Island (Pigeon Island, named for its notable bird population). You will swim over a special spot of stone sculpture of an interesting ocean animal. Water clarity is unbelievable and this is one of the main diving spots in the Kaş area. After a lunch break we will film you with our professional underwater camera for later video analysis in the evening. Most swimmers greatly enjoy seeing themselves swimming in crystal clear water and getting some good tips on their technique.
Our second swim is around Gurmenli Island about 3km away from the peninsula. An impressive underwater view is waiting for you while you circle the island once or twice. Head back to the marina.

Day 3
We set off towards the 12 islands situated across the channel from and facing the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo, or Megisti in Greek). We hop from one island to another and explore unique underwater landscapes such as a shipwreck and underwater canyon. While you enjoy swimming, our local cook on-board our gulet prepares lunch of tasty Turkish mezes and grilled kebabs using organic and local ingredients. Our afternoon base is at Limanağzı Bay (Harbour’s Mouth Bay). Here we enjoy our lunch and a bit of rest, followed by the second swim from ancient tombs carved into the mountainside to the Büyük Çakıl Bay (Big Pebble beach).

Day 4
Depart Kaş Marina for our “Kekova day trip” as locals call it. We enjoy our gulet ride and morning sunshine along the Turkish southern coast. A fantastic blend of nature and history is the key ingredient of this unique day tour. After a good hour on our gulet we reach our first swimming spot in a beautiful and calm Yalija Bay. Our lunch spot is along the Kekova Island in front of Üçağız village at Tersane Bay (an ancient shipyard and remains of a Byzantine church). After a hearty lunch of Turkish mezes and tasty vegetables, we head to the picturesque Sunken city of Simena, which is ancient ruins and a World Heritage site. We walk up 30min to Simena Castle to enjoy the magical view over the Kekova gulf. On the way back we do our second swim at Fakdere bay, crystal clear waters stretch hidden behind an islet between Çoban Burnu and UluBurun points. Drive back to Kaş.

Day 5
Today is our “Aperlai day”. We take a boat ride to our first swim from UluBurun point to Ince Burun Bay. Our 3km swim takes us over the 3000+ year old bronzeshipwreck, discovered and excavated by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology in Kaş. After our great aquatic experience in turquoise water, we head towards the Aperlai bay for lunch. Aperlai, a historical Lycian city, has been identified as an ancient town by some fifth century BC coins. It is located on Sicak peninsula with many interesting sights to see. We make our way exploring by foot through a narrow strip connecting to the other side of peninsula facing Üçağız village. We pass by several chapels, polygonal constructions from Roman times, tombs and sarcophagi. On the way back to our boat, you can swim over this ancient area passing the remains of the city walls underwater. For the afternoon we swim out of Aparlai Bay to Körmen Island. Boat ride back to marina.

Day 6
Today is our Blue Cave day. We sail off from Kas harbour to Kaputas beach along the mountainous Lycian coast where we prepare for our first swim. The stunning sandy beach is an excellent place to start our adventure. After a few hundred metres we swim into and explore the Blue Cave (Mavi Magara, known as the largest cave in Turkey). We base ourselves for lunch along the Sarıbelen island where we enjoy our delicious lunch and take a break on the top deck of our gullet. We continue to sail to Maradi island where we stop for an afternoon swim around this little gem in the clear blue Mediterranean. Return to Kas harbour.

Day 7
The final morning is reserved for a swim down at the Kaş beach or time to ask your guide for final tips about your technique. For those having some extra time or a day in Kaş, you can do many different outdoor activities. We have partnered with a local adventure company that can take you diving, sea kayaking, canyoning, paragliding, and more. See more at: www.bougainville-turkey.com/. Or, you take a 10am ferry to the island of Meis (7 km away). You can visit the Blue cave, walk up to the top of the island or just spend a day at this colourful Greek island. Ferry returns to Kaş at 4pm.

Itinerary changes
Please note that our swimming days are carried out in the natural environment and we rely on the current weather conditions. As a consequence, sometimes on-trip changes in the planned itinerary are required.