Kayaking on the Turquoise Coast of Turkey

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 21 reviews.

Oisín Ó'Cuanacháin

KAYAKING ON THE TURQUOISE COAST

Written October 2011
The holiday lived up to my expectations, great weather, good food an interesting group of people. I had very little kayaking experience before the holiday and am not a good swimmer but I found the going easy although I was in a double kayak and am generally quite active.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Nothing 'inspirational' really but then i wasn't expecting to be inspired. The weather was great though and it was fantasitc to be able to get out of the kayaks or jump off the support boat straight into clear warm waters for a swim.
What did you think of your group leader?
There were eleven of us on the trip so we had two 'leaders'. One was not great, he wasn't the most communicative but he did mention the first day that this was his first time doing this particular trip so maybe he was pre-occupied with getting to know the ropes himself. The second guide was much better and ready to help with anything.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Might be an idea to pack some snacks for the days when you stay on the support boat (days listed as Camping on the itinerary), they sell drinks on board all day but no food (apart from the specific meals). This means that if you happen to have a very big appetite (particularly after a day of strenuous kayaking) or have a food allergy and can't eat some of the food at mealtimes then you may find yourself hungry unless you have packed some snacks.
Also apply mosquito repellant EARLY in the afternoon on the days on the support boat. I had read reviews warning to bring insect repellant, but having spent a week before the start of the trip in Turkey in rural locations and by the coast without a sign of a mosquito I though perhaps there weren't any after all. But the first night on the boat I got six bites. Its not that I didn't apply any repellant its just that I didn't apply it until about 6pm when I noticed a mosquito flying about on the boat but it seems I was too late.
David Francis

KAYAKING ON THE TURQUOISE COAST

Written September 2011
My partner and I enjoy sea kayaking at home and thought what could be better than combining our hobby with turquoise blue sea, fine weather, good food, interesting scenery, likeminded company and a support boat.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
We enjoyed the kayaking in such lovely conditions, but other highlights include the consistently good but simple food, investigating the ancient historic structures, the hotel and the pension, sleeping under the stars, the company of the group we were with, and the Exodus (and Oreo) staff, especially our guide Maho.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Maho set a fairly stiff pace in the kayaks. The group coped well with the daily distances and everyone's boat fitness seemed to increase throughout the week. He never tired of helping, lifting and shifting, organising and leading, his good nature contributing to the general good feeling of the group. I most liked it when Maho sang songs as he paddled.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I would advise some prior kayak experience and a reasonable level of fitness. A sense of humour is a bonus and a willingness to be flexible on the itinery (which may change if the sea conditions dictate) and maybe an ability to contribute some value.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This holiday would not suit everyone, and maybe that was part of the appeal for us. It will appeal to the semi-adventurous of spirit, and people who will step out of the circle a little, to nourish their body and soul. I would like to say that this was the best holiday we have had in some time and we would not have changed a thing. Perhaps the boats were a little tired, one or two of the rudders were loose. We will definately be looking at Exodus first for our next adventure.
christopher baughan

Written July 2011
Wonderful place, food, weather, kayaking. Great group of people.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Kayaking over sunken city and in cave. Sleeping under stars.
What did you think of your group leader?
Weakest part of holiday. Not a great cmmunicator. Very inflexible. Not at all supportive when one member of team was struggling. Very cursory safety talk when kayaking began. At times insufficient support when on the water.
Poor communication lead to two people paying for a canyoning trip for which they had expressed interest but not definitely committed.
This did not spoil the holiday as there was great support from his assistant, the gulet captain and the rest of the group.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take mosquito repellent and apply early in the evening!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Great holiday. We have already recommended it to friends.
Victoria Kate Naylor

KAYAKING ON THE TURQUOISE COAST

Written June 2011
If you are looking for an amazing way to see the gems that the coast of Turkey has to offer, then look no further. Paddling over some of the bluest sea, looking at the most amazing coastline, with the sun shining down and a great bunch of people…perfect.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Being on the glass-like water, finding my paddling rhythm, swimming in the early morning in warm seas, having ice-cream delivered by speedboat (and a birthday cake!) dancing to Bob Marley, sleeping under the stars.
What did you think of your group leader?
Dave was a truly inspirational guide. His knowledge of the history of the places visited was second to none. His ability to ensure safety at all times yet allow the group enough freedom that the need for safety did not become onerous was incredibly well demonstrated. He fitted into the group like a glove and had the most amazing stories to tell of the wonderful adventures that he had experienced. He was always willing to help with any questions and go above and beyond the call of duty if the need arose, for example arranging medical treatment in the blink of an eye when one of the group developed earache. Dave’s assistant Ozer was also a delight – incredibly helpful and again doing all that he could to ensure that the group had a fab holiday – including arranging for a surprise birthday cake for one of the group members. Without a doubt, Dave and Ozer helped make a wonderful trip absolutely fabulous.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You do not need to have experience of paddling - but i would suggest that you make sure that it is for you before you commit to a week of it. Pack gloves (you may not need them but its best to be sure), high factor suncream, a hat and Mosquito repellent!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks to Exodus for an amazing trip.
Thanks to Rebel Dave and the Dodgy Rudders for making this trip one to remember XX
Sophie Winkler

KAYAKING ON THE TURQUOISE COAST

Written May 2011
Endless days of blue skies, sunshine and crystal clear waters - bliss! The days we spent on the boat were easily the best part of the holiday, along with the delicious food. There was plenty of time for relaxation - enough for me to finish a whole book! A really enjoyable holiday.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The time we spent on the gulet was absolutely fantastic. It really became a home from home, especially as on our departure we slept for 3 nights on the boat rather than camping. The gulet was always moored in really quiet coves with nothing to see but blue sea, blue sky and craggy rock. Sleeping out on deck for the 3 nights was great - going to sleep listening to the owls and then waking up to the wonderful scenery was definitely an unforgettable experience. We were incredibly well looked after on the boat with a very friendly captain and assistant providing us with 3 delicious meals a day, including a hot meal every lunchtime. There was plenty of time to relax, read, sunbathe and play backgammon (very popular in Turkey!). The kayaking itself was really good and pretty exhilarating when it was choppy!! Nobody in our group was a hard core kayaker but I think it helps enormously being quite fit as we had a couple of long mornings where we were kayaking for 2 and a half hours.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader, Ozgur, looked after us very well. He arranged for us to visit the mosque in Kas on the request of a group member which was a very interesting and enjoyable time.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Definitely sleep out on deck if you have the chance - much better than in the cabins! Everybody in our group had paddling gloves with them but only 1 person actually used them. I think you definitely need to take them as you just don't know if you will get blisters or not. Sea sickness tablets are a must if you get even remotely seasick - we spent a lot of time on the boat and during the first day of kayaking I felt really seasick! Once I took tablets though I felt fine - so fine in fact that I got a bit land sick when we were back on dry land!! A dry bag is really useful and doesn't need to be too big - enough for sun cream, maybe a spare t-shirt and sunglasses/sun hat. It did get quite windy on the boat and sometimes a little chilly in the evening (we were there in May) so make sure you have enough warmer clothes. All of us were wearing long trousers and a jumper in the evening on the boat. As you can't shower on the boat we ended up just wearing the same clothes for about 3 days so you really don't need to bring too many. Half of mine went home unused! A running/sports top is really good for kayaking as they dry quickly and wick the sweat away. Make sure you are fit enough to enjoy the kayaking rather than struggling through it. It is worth taking a pack of cards or similar to play on the boat in the evening. Make sure you try the local icecream - it is absolutely wonderful.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was a really fun, enjoyable holiday. We had lots of laughs! The food was great - lots of fresh, local produce, particularly vegetables, fantastic fish and an unending supply of bread with every meal! The time on the gulet was really relaxing and the kayaking definitely enabled us to see Turkey from a slightly different perspective. When you are coming home, try not to buy anything at Dalaman Airport as it was incredibly expensive (for example about £3 for a small bottle of water and about £6 for a cup of coffee). The hotel and pension were both nice and all the Turkish people were really friendly with no hard sell anywhere. Go for it!!
Peter Savin

KAYAKING ON THE TURQUOISE COAST

Written October 2010
A great trip which far surpassed my expectations, a great mixed group and fine boat crew and captain. The kayaking was great and well supervised.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Kayaking over the ruins of the sunken city also dolphins following us across the bay. We also enjoyed exploring the remote ruined city. A place filled with history.
What did you think of your group leader?
Dave was a great leader, always making sure we stayed safe whilst at sea. He also spoke Turkish which made the trip run smoothly and was able to alter the trip when sea was too rough and actually increased the enjoyment of the holiday by finding us some ruins to explore on foot. Sign of a great guide.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We went in October so the sea is unpredictable so be prepared for changes in the route, our guide made great choices to cope with this so nothing was lost in terms of the trip in fact some changes made the trip better for me as a photographer. Kayaking was mainly easy, ask for a single kayak, the local company has plenty to hire. Kayak gloves are worth taking.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Like all trip travelling go with and open mind and you’ll have a great trip.
Anthony Bloomfield

KAYAKING ON THE TURQUOISE COAST

Written October 2010
Great holiday! Combined enjoyable exercise and activity, with good company, sun, sea, fresh air. Good food and entertainment - a disco complete with glitter ball in the cockpit of the gulet was great fun.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Sleeping under the stars on the deck of the gulet. Disco on the gulet. The gulet barbecue and of course the exercise to work up an appetite.
What did you think of your group leader?
Dave was a lovable character. Ex SAS and slightly older than us, he was fit as a fiddle and very easy to get on with. He was also mindful of our safety. His side kick Yasser came up behind the flotilla to look after stragglers.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This was a mixed group of various ages. We represented the senior end of the group. Before the holiday my main worry was keeping up, but my wife and I shared a double kayak all week and when we got into our rythm we kept well ahead of the bunch.
This holiday was advertsied as 3 nights camping and didn't mention our gulet escort and mothership. We slept on the deck although those who wanted to could camp on the shore. You only need the thinnest of sleeping bags to stay on the gulet, blankets and pillows were supplied.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you are reasoanbly fit you will enjoy it!