Bucket list experience:
Dalyan, Aegean Region, Turkey
Credit Shutterstock.com/frantic00
Dalyan’s fleet of shaded timber caiques, which operate from the riverbank in the centre of the town, are the key to these wonderful waterways, and offer two different experiences, whether you travel up or downstream.
Downstream, the caiques range through the channels that wind among the reed beds, allowing stops at the ancient ruins at Kaunos and the turtle beach (also known as Iztuzu Beach) at the delta’s mouth. A wide stretch of sand, with a simple café, there are loungers and parasols to hire, and the sea is shallow and safe for swimming.
Heading upstream are sulphur mud baths at several locations; boats stop to allow time for slathering the mineral-rich mud onto your skin. Koycegiz lake, the final stop, offers the chance of a dip to rinse off any remaining mud. It’s wonderfully rich in birdlife too.
Other operators offer guided kayaking trips, stopping at all the main sights and great for spotting wildlife.
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Destination Guide >The caiques are for private hire, with (supposedly) set prices. Find the boats moored along the Dalyan waterfront, especially from mid-morning, where available captains are sure to be offering their services.
Departures and arrangements are flexible, with varying lengths of visits to beach, ruins etc. Agree a price and time with the captain beforehand; it pays to share boats with others to reduce the price.
For those only interested in Iztuzu Beach, a regular boat service shuttles between Dalyan and Iztuzu direct.
Some boats are fixed with barbecues and can include lunch in the price. However, the river banks are rich in lunch stops; a favourite is the family-run Gozde Cafe which serves gozleme (savoury pancakes) and salad on timber platforms among the orange trees. Perfection.
Most departures are mid-morning, returning late afternoon, between May and October. Boat availability falls away between November and March when there are few visitors and the water is cold.
On some mornings turtle tours leave at or around dawn, the best time for spotting these endangered creatures.
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