|
Can a beginner do this? Yes, a beginning kayaker can join us since the
paddling is easy and the water is calm. We will provide some
instruction but participants may want to take a class before
joining the tour to get the most out of the program. Beginners
usually join easy paddles and stay on the boat when they don't
feel up to paddling.
Can you stay on the boat if you don't
want to kayak? If you don't want
to kayak just stay on the boat and enjoy the yacht all to yourself.
You can read, swim, snorkel, sunbathe, play backgammon with
the crew, and explore villages on your own.
Is the boat within the sight all the
time? Most of the time the gulet
is within sight. After we launch from the gulet in the morning
the boat passes us enroute to our pre-arranged lunch spot, usually
a protected cove just ahead. The guides have marine VHF radios
so in case of emergency we can contact the boat.
Kayaking time & snacks: We'll be kayaking about three to four hours a
day. We take a 30-40 minute break in the middle to stretch our
legs, swim, and have some energy snacks. Each kayaker will be
provided with a big bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Guides: Perry and Jale lead our sea kayaking programs.
Perry handles sea kayaking logistics and Jale is a licensed guide
so she will be giving lectures at the historic sites such as
the Blue Mosque, Topkapi palace, etc. On the boat we will hike
to ancient ruins where we'll learn the history of that site and
the civilization. For those who are really into history, this
is a great trip because we'll be visiting Lycian, Roman, Byzantine
sites, to see the ruins such as the temples, basilicas, tombs
etc.
Kayaks:
We offer new (1998) Necky kayaks. We have 6 double (amaruk) and
2 single kayaks (kayook). They are very stable, with wide cockpits,
and rudders to make steering easy. The boats are made of durable
roto-mold hard plastic not fiberglass. We put the kayaks on the
front deck of the boat while cruising.
How does one get in and out of the kayaks
from the gulet? The gulet is equipped
with a stable ladder with hand-rails that has a water level platform
which is ideal for boarding and exiting the kayaks. Guests are
assisted into their kayaks by the trip leader who holds the boat
steady for easy entry.
Where are the kayaks stored when cruising?
We found the best solution is to
securely store the kayaks at the bow of the gulet. It takes
the crew about 15 minutes to load all the kayaks onboard and
set sail. It also takes about 15 minutes to get everyone into
their kayaks and paddling. The kayaks are out of the
way and do not take up any usable deck space.
Space in kayaks to store things: We provide waterproof "dry bags" so
you can store your camera and day gear in the hatches of your
kayak. While kayaking all you'll take with you is your camera,
sunscreen and a bottle of water. We can leave most of our gear
on the mother ship since it's always with us.
Clothing:
We usually paddle in our swim suits and since the water is warm
wetsuits are not needed. We provide a detailed clothing list
once our guests are confirmed but in general we wear a wide brim
sun hat, t-shirt or lightweight long sleeve for sun protection,
shorts, and a pair of water sports sandals like the Teva brand.
Paddles:
We provide high quality DR "D" touring paddles with
varying sizes ranging from 210 288 cms (wide and narrow
blades available). Light and easy to use these are some of the
best paddles on the market.
Equipment:
All necessary kayaking equipment is included in the tour. We
provide coast guard certified life jackets (Extra sport brand),
bilge pumps, sponges, paddles, paddle floats, spray skirts, rescue
throw bags, and dry bags for storing gear.
What's the group size: Our kayaking trips are based on a minimum of
8 guests, and a maximum of 14 guests. Guides (2) and crew (4)
are not included in this total.
Where does the crew sleep? The crew has separate quarters towards the bow
of the gulet. They are very discreet and low key.
Hotels: We'll be staying at hotels that have an ambiance
of charm and history reflecting the local architecture. In Istanbul
and Antalya our hotel is located in the old quarter of the town
in 19th century Ottoman buildings. In Kalkan we'll be staying
at a hotel which is right by the marina with easy access to the
beach where our kayaks will be waiting for us.
Transportation:
We'll be using a minibus or a mid-size tour bus depending on
the group size. All vehicles are in excellent working condition
and have received recent safety inspections. Most are air-conditioned
except the one we'll take from Dalaman to Kalkan (2.5 hours).
Travel Times
From the hotel in Istanbul to the
airport: 30 minutes drive
From Dalaman airport to Kalkan village: 2.5 hours
From Phaselis to Antalya: 1.5 hours
From the hotel in Antalya to the airport: 30 minutes
Restaurants:
We choose to dine at small traditional restaurants where our
guests enjoy Turkish specialties. At the welcome dinner in Istanbul
we'll eat at the terrace of a hotel in the old quarter where
we'll watch the light show at the Blue Mosque. In Kalkan we'll
eat at a restaurant which is a converted olive oil factory, now
famous for its regional cuisine and live traditional music which
we'll belly dance to. In Antalya we'll have our farewell dinner
at a restaurant built on the ancient city walls where we'll have
a great view of the Mediterranean and the old quarter of the
town.
Bottled water: We'll supply bottled water on the kayaking
portion of the trip and during all group meals included in the
tour cost.
Climate and seas: The
weather is consistently good. There's a stable maritime climate
along the coast. It may be a little windy in the afternoon so
we often kayak in the mornings. If there is any swell it usually
appears in the afternoon and crests at 2-3 feet.
Support boat:
Our gulet features a "tender" or support boat used
for shuttles to and from the shore. The tender is also available
for emergencies if needed.
|
