Gulet Charter – The Dalyan River – Turkey
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When chartering along the southern coast of Turkey, don’t miss the Dalyan River Trip. The Dalyan River makes its presence known meandering out through a delta into a bay just next to the town of Ekincik. Ekincik is located between Marmaris and Gocek, so a charter starting in either port allows easy inclusion of the Dalyan River Trip into your charter itinerary.
The mouth of the Dalyan River is both an important natural area for turtles laying eggs, is shallow enough for net fishing, but is also the cruising entrance, in flat bottomed river boats to cruise up the river to the ruins of Caunos, the Cliffside Lycian Tombs and the lovely riverside town of Dalyan.
Dalyan River Trip
A “must do” is the Dalyan River Trip. Your yacht will anchor at Eckincek where you will be picked up by a flat bottomed river boat and guide to motor to the entrance of the river mouth. The trip begins with the spectacular beauty of pine trees lining the beaches surrounding the entrance and the river winding inland around tall reed banks. As you pass over the sandbar and into the narrow, reed-clad channels, it feels like the “African Queen” revisited! This image is quickly dispelled as the river opens up further on, and the Lycian cliff tombs come into view. These amazingly complex carvings date from around 3rd & 4th centuries BC – this is now most definitely a journey into the ancient world.
Lycian Cliff Tombs
Caunos Ruins
The ancient city of Caunos is the centerpiece of the river trip. Even people who’ve claimed little interest in “piles of old rocks” have emerged well and truly impressed with the sense of history that emanates from this place; the extent of the remaining ruins still creates a strong impression of the city that was once a lively and bustling seaport. Here visitors can walk to the Ancient Theatre, the Roman Bath, the Temple of Apollon, and the Acropolis up the hill.
Enjoy lunch and shop in the bustling bazaar in the little town of Dalyan. The boat will then take you up to the freshwater lake at the head of the river – another chance to swim. On the return, stop at Iztuzu (a protected turtle reserve), take a walk along the sandy beach, lie out for a while, or swim more in the ocean. Then, return to Eckincek for the evening.
Labels: boat, charter, chartering, Eastern Mediterranean - Turkey, sailing, yacht
