Top 5 Activities in Kalkan

Adventure activities:

If you like a rush of adrenaline and simply enjoying a day by the water doesn’t satisfy you then try out some of the many adventure activities available in Kalkan. Experience the thrills from on above and below the surface.

Paragliding in Kalkan

One of the best ways to take in the magnificent and vibrantly colourful beauty of Kalkan is from above. With ideal conditions the most popular way to experience this is with tandem paragliding. Soar high over this stunning harbour town and experience its breathtaking beauty from 3,600+ feet.

What does it involve? With Skyline Paragliding you will be collected from the harbour and driven high up into the Bezigran Mountains. The view during this journey up to your take off point is almost as good as the view going down. The Bezigran Mountain at 3600 feet and the Durman Mountain 6,500 feet tower above Kalkan and have unbelievable thermals and perfect conditions for paragliding flights. Contrary to popular belief it does not involve a leap of a cliff. All you need to do is take a few steps to become airborne. Whether you want a gentle scenic flight or an adrenaline fuelled joy ride your pilot can tailor your flight to suit you. Unlike some adventure sport harnesses, paragliding harnesses are built for comfort and safety and they feel more like an armchair. Once you have taken off, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Skyline paragliding feels safe in the knowledge that you are in the hands of fully qualified and experienced pilots and you are insured from the moment you get in the transport truck till the moment you land safely by the harbour. Skyline provides all the necessary equipment all you need to remember is your camera. They fly four times a day, every day from April to November and cost around 75 pounds. The best way to contact them is by phone or at their booth on the main street where they advertise and take bookings for an evening.

There are also a few other popular places for paragliding in the area. Kas is only 23km from Kalkan and is another excellent spot with stunning views from above this quaint and beautiful harbour town and the Greek island maze. Olu Deniz is another popular spot located near Fethiye and about 1 and a half hours from Kalkan. It is one of the most photographed beaches of the Mediterranean and is regarded as one of the best places in the world to paraglide due to its unique panoramic views, and the Babadağ Mountain’s exceptional height. Transportation to these locations is very easy with local buses travelling daily. Time tables and tickets can be obtained from the bus station at the top of the hill above the Thursday market by the Petrol Ofisi petrol station.

Diving in Kalkan

Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, discover the colourful life beneath the surface in ideal conditions. Kalkan has more than 15 excellent dive sites including islands, reefs and walls. A great variety of marine life can be found here including: sea bream, rainbow wrasse, damselfish, bonita, sea mullet, starfish, groupers, sardines, moray eels, turtles, stingrays, barracudas, octopus, dolphins, nurse sharks, squid, mackerel and more. Most of these animals are commonly seen in the clear waters around Kalkan. Discover the wreck of an old steam ship from the 1920’s and the remains of ancient pottery lost from ships in rough seas.

The visibility at all of the dive sites is usually excellent, often in excess of 25-30m. Water temperatures range from about 18oC in April to 30oC in August. Tidal streams are negligible or very modest, except where stated to the contrary.

Two dive companies operate out of Kalkan, Dolphin dive and Kalkan Dive Centre. Both have certified PADI and CMAS instructors and trained in first aid so feel safe in the knowledge you are in the hands of professionals. Both companies also offer PADI courses for beginners and refreshers.

Kalkan dive centre operates out of the stunning Kalmar beach club in conjunction with Aquasports. Shore dives can be taken here in the crystal clear waters of Kalamar Bay which are abundant in marine life, including; rainbow wrasse, barracuda, sea bream, bonito, octopus, sea turtles etc. and antique amphoras. This shore dive is ideal for inexperienced and first time divers.

Dolphin Dive has a purpose built 20-metre steel dive boat, Osmanbey I, where divers and non-divers alike enjoy a day out at sea with all the comfort of a day boat plus the added bonus of scuba diving activities. The boat can be easily spotted in the harbour of an evening and instructors are readily available for any queries you might have.

Water sports in Kalkan

Got a need for speed? Water sports companies operating out of Kalkan offer various activities for all ages. For joy riders try out the banana boat, ringo’s and the popular Big Mable all you need to do is hold on and let the driver whip you around on the beautifully clear sea. For some serious power jet skis and speed boat trips are also available. For something that requires a bit more skill, wakeboarding, water-skiing and mono skiing sessions are on offer as well.

If you’ve never tried one of these before you will need a lesson, however the skilled and patient instructors along with the calm waters of the bay provide perfect conditions to ensure your success. Learning how is just like riding a bike once you’ve got it you’ll never forget it even if it’s five months later or five years, it is truly a skill for life. Prices are quite reasonable considering the cost of fuel in Turkey is the most expensive in the world. All activities range from 12- 100 pound depending which one you choose and are based on time and fuel consumption. Boat hire is also available from these companies (see boat hire section) where you can explore the bay of Kalkan on your own boat for the day.

Three main companies operate out of Kalkan bay all are extremely safety conscious and provide the same services however they differ slightly in price and quality. Aristos Water Sports operates from Indigo beach just by the harbour and also services Patara Prince and Palm Beach. Aquasports operates from the beautiful Kalamar Bay and Blue Marlin operates from their office just by the harbour. The best way to book activities is by going to see them or by phone.

Boat hire in Kalkan

Boats can also be hired from local water sport companies from 9.9hp up to 115hp. For the 9.9’s no licence is required and it is so easy to drive yourself. A guide will give you a quick lesson before sending you out for the day and give you tips on anchoring and manning the boat. They will also explain the areas which you can explore in the bay of Kalkan. Most boats are complete with parasols for shade, sunbeds for comfort and cool boxes for refreshments.

Enjoy the freedom of captaining your own boat for the day, take a picnic and some drinks and explore the sunning and secluded small bays and coves in the area. Anchor at the large and tranquil Firnaz Bay and enjoy some snorkelling and discover the life beneath the surface. You can use the small ladder to climb back into the boat and head to Gerenlik beach and give yourself a mud bath or enjoy a freshly cooked lunch at the very reasonably priced fish restaurant. Explore Mouse Island or try your hand at some fishing. Finish your day relaxing in the peaceful and equally gorgeous Frank bay. These are just some suggestions how you decide to spend your day exploring Kalkan bay is completely up to you.

The boats are rented out for half days and full days. A half day is roughly 35 pounds plus fuel and can be hired from 9.30-1.30 or 1.30-6. A full day is more flexible but usually from 9.30-6 and costs roughly 55 pounds plus fuel. Should you have any difficulties during your trip, feel comfort in the knowledge that you can easily contact the company by phone and they will happily come straight out to assist you.

Click to read our updated Kalkan Boat Trips article.