Turkey-Sea-Swimming-Holiday

Turkish Lycian Coast – Kaş

Our week-long Turkish trip on the Lycian coast offers you swimming and exploring some of the best parts of the warm Mediterranean sea. Southern Turkey is a great place to enjoy open water holidays surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Taurus mountains and crystal clear turquoise water. We follow the Lycian Way from the historical town of Kaş to Aperlai's sunken city, five islands, and Kaş peninsula. Our traditional gulet boat takes you to swimming locations over some of the world's top diving spots, an old bronze shipwreck, rock-cut tombs, and underwater city walls. While onboard traditional gulet our Turkish crew prepares delicious mezes and grilled kebabs from local organic food. Our base in Kaş is located in front of the colorful Greek island of Meis.
Trip details:
  • Duration: 7 Days (6 Nights)
  • Tour Type: Island Hopping and Coastal Sea Swimming
  • Average Daily Swim: 4-5 kms
  • Accommodation: Hotel on the Lycian Coast
  • Escort: Traditional Gulet Boat, Two Dinghies, Kayak
Overview

This unique trip has something for everyone. We cruise the stunning Southern Turkish coast from island to island, swim in the warm Mediterranean sea over some dramatic diving spots, an old bronze shipwreck, ancient tombs and walk on the Lycian way. The trip is very suitable for non-swimmers and partners as well.

This tour is suitable for all levels of swimmer (please see our FAQs), with three separate escorts for the safety and enjoyment of all guests. It is expected that you can swim 2+ kms per each swim on our itinerary.

Kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) with paddles and life jackets are available to use for those who do not want to swim the whole itinerary. It is also suitable for friends and family members to join our trip and follow our swimmers in a kayak or with a stand-up paddleboard (SUP).

Tour Highlights:
– Swim in the Mediterranean turquoise warm sea
– Swim over interesting sights, old shipwrecks and old city walls
– Enjoy gulet cruising, sun-tanning and Turkish organic food on board
– Stroll around the historical town of Kaş and feel laid-back environment for the week

Local Operational Policy
All our treks ensure that in the team of guides there is at least one team-member who has in-depth experience and knowledge of the local waters, the main swimming routes and the alternatives as well as a fluent local language speaker.

Included in the price
Fully guided tour with comprehensive safety escort (3 boats, 2 swimming guides, 1 local boat pilot), swimming stroke analysis, 6 nights accommodation, all breakfasts and five lunches on the boat.  Each guest receives a silicone swim hat and Turkish Strel Swimming towel. Limited fins, rash vests, tow floats, and other swimming gear will be available on each tour. If you need a wetsuit, rash vest or other swimming kits, please bring it with you.

Additional cost
Travel to and from the start of the tour, all evening meals. Single room supplement: from 100 EUR

Oct 2020: We hosted a travel writer – Wall Street Journal feature article

PDF: Trip Notes – Swimming Holiday Turkey – Lycian Coast

Drone Photos and article from our recent Turkish Lycian coast swimming trips

Swimming-Turkey-Mediterranean-2020

KAYAK and SUP board are available on our swimming trips to use (friends or partners)

SUP board and Kayak Available on Swimming Trips

Video Trailers and Testimonials (select HD quality and watch full screen)





Accommodation

Maki hotel and Narr Twin hotel
Website: Maki and Narr Twin Hotel 
Kas, Turkey

We are based in Kaş at Maki and Narr Twin hotels (sister hotels). Hotels are set on the hillside in a quiet street about 500m from the Kaş town center next to each other. Both have beach access. All rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite facilities. Rooms available are: double, twin and double for single use. Please note that both properties (Narr twin hotel and Maki hotel) belong to the same owner and our group may be split into rooms at either one. Breakfast for everyone is served at the Maki hotel each morning.  Wi-fi is available at the hotel free of charge.

Check-in and reception desk are at Maki hotel.

Address: Maki Hotel, Küçük Çakıl Mah. Kaş – Antalya, 07970, Turkey
Maki Hotel Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/iHaHZLjjVCiB127a8
Narr Twin Hotel Google Map:
 https://goo.gl/maps/w2mdqnZXDJvnMbfBA
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], Tel: +90 505 429 96 26 (Mr. Ege)

Extra nights (before and after our trips) at the hotel
For extra nights before or after our trip, please email the hotel directly at [email protected] and [email protected] or WhatsApp: +905054299626 (Mr. Ege)

Maki-Hotel-Kas-Turkey
Maki-Hotel-Kas-Turkey
Maki-Hotel-Reception
Maki-Hotel-Reception
Maki-Hotel-Kas-Turkiye
Maki-Hotel-Kas-Turkiye
Narr-Twin-Hotel
Narr-Twin-Hotel
Maki-Hotel-Kas-Pool
Maki-Hotel-Kas-Pool

 

Itinerary

Day 1: meet at the Maki hotel at 6.30 pm for a trip briefing.
Day 2: short acclimatization 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 the five islands facing the Greek island of Meis, an afternoon swim in the Limanağzı Bay.
Day 4: morning swim in Aperlai – Yalija Bay, walk to Sahilkılınclı Bay overlooking Kekova island, afternoon coastal swim along UluBurun point.
Day 5: morning swim in Ufakdere Bay, lunch in the bay, afternoon swim from Ufakdere Bay towards Choban Bay.
Day 6: we explore the northern side of the Peninsula with two coastal swims all the way to Incebogaz veach. Optional Antiphellos theatre visit.
Day 7: morning beach swim down at Kaş beach, trip finishes at 10 am.

Full itinerary:

Day 1
We meet in Kaş at the hotel lobby at 6.30 pm 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.

Turkey-Swimming-Holidays-05
Swimming around five islands between Kastellorizo, Greece and Kas, Turkey

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 five 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).

Swimming-Turkey-Holidays-05
Blue water swimming around Kas, Turkey

Day 4
Depart Kaş Marina for our Ufakdere Bay 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 Ufakdere Bay. Our lunch spot is right in the bay with crystal clear water and stunning views around. For those who want to stretch legs, we go for a short hike on the Lycian trekking route around the bay. On the way back to Kaş we do our second swim out of Ufakdere Bay towards Choban Bay. Drive back to Kaş.

Day 5
Today is our “Ancient Aperlai” day. Our boat takes us towards the Aperlai bay area for about 1.5 hrs where we get ready for our morning swim. Our first swim takes us over the sunken city and we finish right at the end of the Aperlai bay. After our great aquatic experience in turquoise water, we enjoy our boat lunch. Aperlai, a historical Lycian city, is known from silver coins bearing its name that have been discovered and go back to the 5th century BC. 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 Ucagiz village.

We pass by several chapels, polygonal constructions from Roman times, tombs and sarcophagi. For the afternoon we usually swim out of Inonu bay towards the end of Uluburun point. Boat ride back to marina.

Day 6
Today is our final peninsula day swim. We sail off from Kas harbour to the south-western part of the peninsula. We swim along the peninsula towards Kas marina direction for about 2.4 km. We base ourselves for lunch in a small bay. After some rest and tasty lunch, we continue with our afternoon swim towards Incebogaz Beach point for about 2.2 km. Return to Kas harbour.
(Note! In case of bad weather (sea conditions) we will do an alternative day closer to Kaş town or in Limanağzı Bay).

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 (diving, sightseeing, shopping, hiking, paragliding, cycling, kayaking). Or you take a 10 am 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. The ferry returns to Kaş at 4 pm.

Turkey-Swimming-Holidays-04
Local Turkish lunch served on our boat

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.

Swimming-Turkey-Holidays-06
Our main traditional local gulet boat
Swimming info

Swimming Info

Swimming distances

Swim Distance
Kas peninsula – Güvercin Island 2.2 km
Güvercin Island – Incebogaz bay 2.5 km
The five islands 2.6 km
Limanağzı Bay – Büyük Çakıl Bay 2.2 km
Yalija Bay coastal 2.1 km
Ufakdere bay coastal 2.5 km
Ulu Burun – Ince Burun Bay 2.5 km
Aperlai Bay – Körmen Island 2.6 km
Kas Peninsula north-second bay 2.5 km
Kas peninsula second bay-marina 2.0 km
Kas beach morning swim 1.0-1.5 km

 

Temperatures:

Month Water Temp.(°C/F) Air Temp.(°C/F)
May 23 / 73 28 / 82
June 24 / 75 30 / 86
September 26 / 79 32 / 90
October 25/ 77 28 / 82

 

Keep in mind that you can skip any of the swims and relax on our main escort boat.

Wetsuit, fins, rash vests, pull buoys Availability
We have a range of swimming equipment available on each trip if required.

Walking conditions
Walking on the trip is easy. In order to enjoy your walks, please bring comfortable walking shoes and suitable clothes for summer temperatures.

Walking distances
Aperlai ruins: 3km
Ufakdere bay vista point: 1.5km

Essential equipment
In addition to normal items, we recommend the following:
at least 2 swimming costumes, at least 2 pairs of swimming goggles (one clear and one tinted recommended), sweater/fleece, towel, sun hat, small daypack, waterproof sun cream and jacket, walking shoes.

We provide swim hats and limited pieces of other equipment, such as flippers, tow floats, rash vests, if required. We cannot guarantee all the right sizes, so please bear this in mind and bring your own item if your swimming depends on this.

Group size
Up to a maximum of 16 swimmers (or more if agreed in advance).

Swimming speed
Please read and check our FAQs about the expected swimming speed while on our trips.

Swimming awareness
Your safety is of utmost importance to us. In the event of adverse weather conditions at any of our swimming locations, we may need to adapt our itinerary. Our team always includes local guides who know the safest and most picturesque places to swim, so rest assured you won’t be missing out!
Swimming in the open sea amongst natural wildlife is a unique experience, but you may come across certain marine life such as jellyfish, coral and sea urchins from time to time. There are very few jellyfish along the Dalmatian coast and so the risk of any unfortunate encounters with them is low, and we will always show you the safest areas to swim. If you are stung by a jellyfish and are unable to carry on swimming, you will never be far from an escort boat where one of the guiding team will be able to treat the affected area immediately. If you suffer from Anaphylaxis or any other allergic reactions it is important to inform us at the time of booking.

Travel info

Start Point: Maki Hotel in Kas, Turkey
Start Time: 18.30 on 1st day
Finish Point: Maki Hotel in Kas, Turkey
Finish Time: 10h on 7th day
Maki and Narr Twin Hotel
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/w2mdqnZXDJvnMbfBA

Getting There

To get to Kaş (Turkey) you need to make your way down to Southern Turkey. There are numerous flights from all over Europe to two major airport cities of Dalaman and Antalya. Dalaman is the closest to Kaş and it is best to fly there if you can. Overseas flights often connect you via Istanbul. Transfer by car/van from Dalaman airport takes about 2 hours and from Antalya about 3 hours.
Search flight times and prices via www.skyscanner.net

1) Shuttle Bus Service Dalaman airport – Kas (and return)

It runs every 2 hours during summertime from Dalaman airport to Kas town (and return) and you can book it online at https://www.transferkas.com/ (click on EN tab and then below Buy Shuttle Ticket) or email at [email protected]. The cost per person is 600 TL (Turkish Lira) – 17 Euro. You can book online and have a ticket printed or on your phone. The shuttle team member shall wait for you and others outside the airport terminal with a Shuttle Transfer Dalaman Airport board (Dalaman – Kas & Dalaman – Kalkan trip).
For further information, please contact Hoppala Travel.

PDF Instructions: English Website-Shuttle-Transfer-Information.

Another shuttle company with service Dalaman Airport – Kas is Gumus Travel.

2) Private transfers from Dalaman or Antalya airports

You can contact our local partner transfer company in Kaş (Deniz Rent a Car Kaş) and they will send a car/van to pick you up. The driver will wait for you at the arrivals with a name board in hand.

Car for up to 4 people
Dalaman airport-Kas: 70 Gbp
Antalya-Kas : 85 Gbp
Fethiye-Kas: 67 Gbp

Minivan (up to 8 people)
Dalaman airport-Kas: 105 Gbp
Antalya-Kas : 125 Gbp
Fethiye-Kas: 85 Gbp

Service is paid on location in Turkish Liras, Euros, US dollars, or British pounds.

To book a private transfer, please contact: Deniz Rent a Car Kaş at: [email protected], Ph: +90 242 836 4151, Mob: +90 532 768 9709.
Or Bougainville Turizm: [email protected], Ph: +90 554 500 1717 (Ufuk).

Other private transfer options to book online
2.a) Eco Transfer

2.b) Sun Transfers

3) Bus option from Dalaman airport

To get to Kaş you can use public bus (Havas and Muttas shuttles) transportation from Dalaman Airport to Fethiye. The cost is 100 TL (Turkish Lira) and it takes about 1 hour. From Fethiye bus station you can get on the bus to Kaş every hour (until around 20h). The Cost is around 150 TL and it takes about 2.5 hours. Total travel time is up to 4 hours.
See our PDF for more details: Bus from Dalaman airport to Kas (via Fethiye).

4) Bus option from Antalya airport

To get to Kaş you can use public bus (Havas shuttles) transportation from Antalya airport to Antalya main bus station. The cost is 20 TL. From there you can travel by the long-distance bus (company Baki Antalya) to Kaş every hour until 21.30. The drive takes about 4 hours and it costs around 80 TL. Bus departure times to Kaş and online booking can be found here: http://www.batiantalyatur.com.tr/.
See more details in PDF: Bus from Antalya airport to Kas (via Kemer) in Turkey.

5) Bus option from Kas to Antalya town and airport
From Kas town, you can travel to Antalya town almost every hour every day with BATI Antalya bus company.
See the departure schedule below and their website for up-to-date information.
PDF: BATI ANTALYA BUS KAS FINIKE ANTALYA

Kaş bus station
Once you arrive in Kaş town, you can use a local taxi to take you to the hotel or just walk for about 10 min.

We recommend you have some local currency Turkish Lira with you when paying for local transport. ATMs are widely available in Turkey to get cash out.

Reviews

“Terrific guides, great company, lovely boat and crew (simply the best) and of course, glorious swimming!”
~ Ellery, UK (Oct, 2020)

“It was one of the best travels swim @strelswimming! Warm and the cleanest water in the Mediterranean sea with shades of blue and turquoise swimming over the ruins of the Sunken City, many islands and just wonderful company!”
~ Natalia, Russia (Sept, 2020)

“Over 26,000 yards in the clear blue Turkish sea this week. Great venue, fantastic food, well organized. Thanks #strelswimming!”
~ Dennis, USA (October, 2018)

“I feel stronger in body and mind. I have met some amazing swimmers and inspiring people. What else could anyone ask for. Vitamin Sea! Thank you Borut Strel and Laura Sharrod for puttting up with me for nearly 2 weeks! See you in 2020!”
~ Dory, Australia (October, 2018)

“I just returned from a week in Turkey with Strel and it was a fabulous experience! It’s easily one of the best trips I’ve ever made (and I’ve travelled a lot!). Kas is such a beautiful place: the sea is so clean, calm and blue, the people are amazing, the food is delicious, the hotel excellent and the swims…. Wow! The guides took extra good care of us, knew the area and people really well and are clearly experienced swimmers. I really couldn’t fault it! If you’re not sure whether to book I’d urge you to do it now!”
~ Jessica, UK (trip in May, 2018)

“Just to thank you again for an outstanding week. Everything was superb and it was great to spend time with you again. I’m already trying to see how quickly I can get back to Turkey.”
~Donna, South Africa (trip in May, 2017)

“That was one of the best holidays I have ever had and I want to thank you all for giving us all such a lovely time. It really was amazing. I really needed a fabulous break and I got it and more than I could have dreamt of. The swimming was wonderful, the company such fun and you ran it in the most professional but seemingly relaxed way. It was all just perfect.”
~ Sarah, UK (trip in October, 2017)

Availability
Dates
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Price from
18 May - 24 May, 2025
2 available
1150 EUR
25 May - 31 May, 2025
Trip available
1150 EUR
29 Jun - 05 Jul, 2025
Trip available
1250 EUR
06 Jul - 12 Jul, 2025
Trip available
1350 EUR
01 Sep - 07 Sep, 2025
Trip full
N/A
08 Sep - 14 Sep, 2025
Trip available
1350 EUR
15 Sep - 21 Sep, 2025
5 available
1350 EUR
13 Oct - 19 Oct, 2025
Trip full
N/A
20 Oct - 26 Oct, 2025
4 available
1200 EUR
27 Oct - 02 Nov, 2025
Trip available
1200 EUR