One of the best ways of getting to know Kalkan and surrounding area is to take a boat trip. Small and medium size boats leave Kalkan harbor at approximately 10 a.m. each morning and return in the late afternoon. Private boat parties may be arranged and the price will, of course, vary depending upon the number of passengers and the size of boat needed. "Moonlight" cruises can be arranged upon request and these are especially romantic during the full moon. It is advisable to book all trips in advance to ensure that the boat of your choice is waiting for you the following day.
Most boatmen will provide a light lunch and again upon request (preferably during the early evening of the previous day) a barbecue can be cooked on a distant shore by the crew. Frequently your captain or a member of the crew wil take a harpoon and go fishing on your behalf and an already special day may have added treat of fresh caught fish added to the menu.
Usually the day begins with the longest non-stop part of the journey, about 4.5 kilometers to the East, to Güvercinlik and Güvercinini caves around the Iðne Ada Burnu. The deepest point of the entire Mediterranean, where depth plunges to several thousand meters, is one and a half kilometers away. These caves can only be visited by swimmers. The second stop is at small but wonderful Kaputaþ beach. The Blue Cave is the next port of call. It is possible for a very small boat to enter this cave but this is not recommended since the best way to appreciate the incredible color effects is to swim in or better still, dive and swim underwater.
Your boat will return, journeying West, via Sidek Island. Some of the boat anchor for a swim break between Siçan (rat) and Yilan (snake) Islands which are uninhabited and named for their shape. These are the islands which can be seen from Kalkan. You will then proceed to Gerenlik Bay on the western shore of Kalkan Bay. This bay has a very fine sand beach an inaccessible by road. If a barbecue is planned, it may be cooked at this location but a better spot is Pinara Kürü which has a fresh water supply and is a little closer to Kalkan. Although there is no sandy beach at Pinar Kürü, there is plenty of shade offered by the huge trees which is a bonus not to be overlooked in the hot summer months.
The final stop is Firnaz Bay and this large natural harbor provides a haven for sailors seeking protection from the strong breezes. Afternoon tea and biscuits may be enjoyed before or after last a swim and Kalkan is in easy reach, only twenty minutes away.
Frenk Limani (French Cove), on the eastern shore of Kalkan Bay, is also a very pleasant place for a swim stop and it is often included on the itinerary.
In addition to your fishing and swimming gear, which should include a pair of paddling shoes, make sure that you have your camera and binoculars because dolphins are often sighted in the bay.
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