The Turkish Riviera, or Turquoise Coast, runs along southern Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coastline. Well-known for its beaches and luxury resorts, it may surprise you to learn that this region is also full of opportunities to enjoy a variety of watersports. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, and diving are all amazing activities you can find along the country’s southern coast. And of course, open water swimming and sea soaking are available along this stunning region!
Alaçatı: a Windsurfing Paradise
Alaçatı Bay has become famous the world over for its ideal windsurfing conditions. The sea remains relatively shallow for 500 meters from the beach. Combined with flat water, a lack of strong currents, and the continuously blowing Meltemi winds, it’s the perfect place for beginner and advanced surfers alike.
Those who take windsurfing seriously head to Alaçatı in August and October for international windsurfing competitions like the IFCA Fine & Foil Slalom European Champions and the PWA Wind Fest.
Not sure how to get yourself started with windsurfing? Happily, there are no shortage of surf schools in Alaçatı where you can book lessons and equipment.
High as a Kite in Akyaka
Nestled in the Ula district of the Muğla Province, Akyaka sits at the far end of the Gulf of Gökova. The Gulf sitting between the Bodrum and Datça peninsulas provides a wide expanse of beach and calm, shallow turquoise waters for kitesurfers.
The best season to kitesurf here is between May and September when the winds blow reliably every day between 15-18 knots, perfect conditions for those just learning as well as those looking to level up their riding skills.
Kitesurfing can be amazing fun, akin to flying! But it can also be very dangerous, even for those who know what they’re doing. Strong winds are powerful enough to pull a rider to diving heights. One can attain serious injury by being lofted, dragged, carried off, blown downwind or dashed against sand, buildings, and even the water. If you’re new to kitesurfing, lessons are essential before you go out onto the water. Luckily, there are several schools in Akyaka including:
Kayaking in Fethiye
Sun, fun, and nature come together during a kayaking tour in Fethiye. Slow down and surrender to a peaceful break from life with a gentle paddle expedition around the coves and islands off the coast. Kayaking offers spectacular views of brilliant blue water and some of Turkey’s native wildlife like kingfishers, river turtles, and flying fish.
These tours are a great addition to your beach or adventure holiday.
A number of services in Fethiye offer equipment rental and guided kayaking tours including:
Explore Underwater Worlds in Kaş
With more than 30 dive locations to explore ancient relics, nature, and shipwrecks, Kaş offers a unique opportunity for scuba enthusiasts.
Extremely clear waters with more than 30 meters of visibility, Kaş is a dream location. Here you can swim with barracuda, grouper, nudibranch, rays, turtles, and possibly even spot an elusive and rare seahorse.
Ancient relics lay scattered over the seabed in Kaş and you don’t have to travel far to find one of these prime dive locations. Chief among them, Neptune, which is famous for its 2000-year-old amphora, some of which are still largely intact!
It may not be Atlantis but it’s close! Part museum, part dive site, the Lycia-Kaş Underwater Art Park boasts historical reproductions underwater. Marvel at Poseidon and his horses, a field of amphorae, and the Nereid Monument of the ancient city of Xanthos.
For wreck divers, head to Lighthouse, Flying-Fish Reef, Canyon, or Neptune to dive around ship and plane wrecks. At Canyon, you can also explore some of Kaş’s fascinating topography and rock formations.
There are more than 20 dive centers in Kaş including:
Hesitant to explore the waters on your own or just looking for a little extra support finding the location for your water adventure, a knowledgeable school or quality equipment rental?
Reach out to us for help planning your aquatic adventure!
