Self-Launched Sea Kayak & Wild Camp Turkey's Seven Capes
7 days · Fethiye & Lycian Coast, Turkey
Much Better Adventures charges £1,295
No-markup version: ~£520 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Paddle Turkey's spectacular Aegean coastline from Fethiye to Patara Beach, weaving between the Seven Capes, wild camping on deserted beaches and snorkelling in turquoise waters — all without the guided tour price tag. This self-launched version replaces the all-inclusive operator package with independently booked sea kayak hire, a mix of guesthouse nights and wild camping, and self-catered beach meals. You'll follow the same cape-to-cape route along the Lycian Way from the water, visit the Kayaköy ghost village, explore sea caves, and paddle past ancient ruins. All kayaking equipment can be hired locally in Fethiye or Ölüdeniz. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.
Day-by-day
Arrive at Dalaman & Explore Kayaköy Ghost Village
Kayaköy, near Fethiye
Fly into Dalaman International Airport (DLM) — direct flights available from most UK airports with easyJet, TUI or Turkish Airlines. Take the Havaş airport bus or a shared dolmuş (minibus) to Fethiye town centre (~45 mins, ~£3-5), then a local dolmuş onward to Kayaköy (~£1). Check into your guesthouse or pension in or near Kayaköy. Spend the afternoon exploring the hauntingly beautiful Kayaköy ghost village (entrance ~£3) — a ruined Greek settlement abandoned after the 1923 population exchange. Pick up food supplies from the local market in Fethiye for your camping days ahead. Enjoy dinner at one of the simple local restaurants around Kayaköy (~£8-12).
🚌Havaş bus from Dalaman Airport to Fethiye (~£4), then local dolmuş to Kayaköy (~£1). Total airport-to-guesthouse: ~£5.
🛏Bali Boutique Hotel, Kayaköy, or a local pension/guesthouse (twin share ~£20-30pp). Alternatives: Kayaköy Pension or Villa Rhapsody — all within walking distance of the ghost village.
- →Explore Kayaköy (Levissi) ghost village open-air museum (~£3 entry)
- →Walk the rocky hillside ruins and abandoned stone churches
- →Stock up on camping food supplies in Fethiye market
- →Swim in the guesthouse pool or relax before the paddle begins
Island Hopping: Karaot Beach to Aquarium Bay
Fethiye Islands — Tavşan, Şövalye & Kızıl Ada
Head to Fethiye harbour early and hire a single sea kayak from a local outfitter such as Bougainville Travel or Fethiye Kayak (~£30-45pp per day including basic equipment). Launch from Karaot Beach after a self-briefing on your route. Paddle between the islands of Tavşan, Şövalye and Kızıl Ada, stopping for lunch at a quiet spot near the lighthouse on one of the islands. Continue to Aquarium Bay (Göcek area) for a swim, then find a small secluded beach to set up your first wild camp. Cook a simple meal on your camping stove.
🚌Dolmuş from Kayaköy to Fethiye harbour (~£1). Kayak is your transport for the day.
🛏Wild camping on a secluded beach (free — bring your own or hire a tent from the kayak outfitter ~£10/night). Pack all food and water for 4 camping nights.
- →Sea kayak hire from Fethiye (single kayak ~£35-45/day including paddle & buoyancy aid)
- →Island hop between Tavşan, Şövalye and Kızıl Ada
- →Swim at Aquarium Bay One
- →First night of wild camping on a secluded beach
Paddle the Iblis Peninsula & Wild Camp at Iblis Bay
Iblis Peninsula & Iblis Bay
Pack up camp and set off along secluded coves towards the dramatic cliffs of Iblis Cape. This is a 15km paddling day (4-5 hours). Explore a concealed sea cave en route and stop on a flat rocky ledge for a self-catered picnic lunch. Arrive at Iblis Bay in the late afternoon, enjoy a sunset swim and set up your second wild camp under the stars. The coastline here is remote and spectacular — you're unlikely to see another soul.
🚌Sea kayak.
🛏Wild camping at Iblis Bay (free).
- →Paddle 15km along secluded coves to Iblis Cape
- →Explore a hidden sea cave
- →Snorkelling stop at a sheltered bay
- →Wild camp at Iblis Bay with sunset swim
Aquarium Bay Two, St. Nicholas Island & Blue Cave
Aquarium Bay Two — Karacaören — St. Nicholas Island
Another 15km paddling day heading south. Stop at Aquarium Bay Two to rest on the ruins of an ancient harbour and snorkel in the crystal-clear water. Continue to Karacaören and St. Nicholas Island, where you'll paddle past the ruins of monasteries dating back to 500 BC. Explore sea caves along the clifftops. Make camp for the night next to the Blue Cave — one of the most photogenic spots on the entire route. Tip: bring a waterproof bag for your phone and snacks.
🚌Sea kayak.
🛏Wild camping near the Blue Cave (free).
- →Paddle 15km south to St. Nicholas Island
- →Snorkelling at Aquarium Bay Two
- →Explore monastery ruins dating to 500 BC
- →Rock hopping and cave exploration near the Blue Cave
- →Wild camp by the Blue Cave
The Lycian Way from the Sea & Ruins of Kalabantia
Lycian Coast — Kalabantia ruins — Seven Capes approach
Your longest day so far — 22km of paddling (5-6 hours). Set off at dawn along the world-famous Lycian Way trail, following it from the water. Stop at the Blue Cave for a morning swim. Paddle through a dramatic channel flanked by rocky mountains dropping steeply to the sea. Pull up at a secluded cove and take a short hike up to the ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Kalabantia — a free and rarely visited site with stunning coastal views. Cross the first of the Seven Capes in the afternoon and make your final wild camp of the trip on the headland.
🚌Sea kayak.
🛏Wild camping on the headland near the first cape (free).
- →Paddle 22km along the Lycian Way coastline
- →Morning swim at the Blue Cave
- →Short hike to the ruins of ancient Kalabantia (free entry)
- →Cross the first of the Seven Capes
- →Final wild camping night on the headland
Cross the Seven Capes to Patara Beach
Seven Capes — Patara Beach — Kayaköy
The most exhilarating and demanding day: 22km crossing the remaining six capes one by one. Paddle along towering cliff faces, duck into hidden sea caves, and navigate the open water between headlands — watch your weather window carefully and start early. The route ends spectacularly at Patara Beach, a UNESCO-protected 12km stretch of golden sand (one of the longest in the Mediterranean). Arrange your kayak return logistics in advance with your hire company — many will collect from Patara. From Patara village, catch a dolmuş back towards Fethiye/Kayaköy (~£5-8) or pre-arrange a taxi. Return to your Kayaköy guesthouse for a celebratory dinner.
🚌Sea kayak to Patara, then dolmuş or taxi back to Kayaköy (~£6-10).
🛏Bali Boutique Hotel or local pension in Kayaköy (same as Day 1, twin share ~£20-30pp).
- →Paddle 22km crossing the remaining six of the Seven Capes
- →Explore hidden caves and secluded bays en route
- →Arrive at the stunning 12km Patara Beach (UNESCO protected)
- →Arrange kayak return/collection from Patara with hire company
- →Celebratory dinner at a Kayaköy restaurant (~£10-15)
Cold Water Bay Morning Swim & Fly Home
Kayaköy — Dalaman Airport
Enjoy a lazy morning by the pool. If you have the energy, take the 2km walk down to Cold Water Bay (Soğuk Su Koyu) for an early morning swim against the backdrop of the Kayaköy ruins — a beautiful send-off. Return to the guesthouse, pack up and take a dolmuş to Fethiye then the Havaş bus back to Dalaman Airport (~£4-5 total). Book a departing flight after 14:00 to give yourself plenty of time. Note: Turkey requires no visa for UK passport holders for stays up to 90 days.
🚌Dolmuş from Kayaköy to Fethiye (~£1), then Havaş bus to Dalaman Airport (~£4). Total ~£5.
🛏None (departure day).
- →Optional 2km hike to Cold Water Bay for a morning swim
- →Final breakfast at the guesthouse
- →Travel to Dalaman Airport by local bus
Self-launched vs. Much Better Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Much Better Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£520 | £1,295 |
| Duration | 7 days | 7 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £775 per person (60%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Much Better Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£520
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Self-Launched Sea Kayak & Wild Camp Turkey's Seven Capes cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £520 per person for 7 days in Fethiye & Lycian Coast, Turkey. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Much Better Adventures?+
Yes — Much Better Adventures charges around £1,295 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £520 — a saving of roughly £775 (60%) per person.
How long is the Fethiye & Lycian Coast, Turkey trip?+
This itinerary runs 7 days, covering 7 day-by-day stops through Fethiye & Lycian Coast, Turkey.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a adventure, kayaking, beaches trip through Fethiye & Lycian Coast, Turkey, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
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