Setting Sail on a New Adventure

As a seasoned surfer and ocean lover, I’ve spent countless days chasing waves and exploring the vibrant beach towns of Central America. But this time, my wife and I decided to trade our surfboards for a different kind of adventure. We found ourselves in Marmaris, Turkey, ready to embark on the Turtle Beach and Koycegiz Lake Tour. The promise of sun-soaked beaches, rejuvenating mud baths, and the chance to see the famous Caretta caretta turtles was too tempting to resist.

Our day began with an early morning pick-up from our hotel. The air-conditioned ride was a welcome comfort, especially as the Turkish sun began to warm the day. As we boarded the boat, we were greeted by a lively crew and a tour guide whose humor and knowledge set the tone for the day. With a drink in hand and the gentle sway of the boat beneath us, we set off down the Dalyan Canal, the same waters where the classic film “African Queen” was once shot.

Mud Baths and Ancient Ruins

The first stop on our journey was the famed Dalyan mud baths. As someone who spends a lot of time in the ocean, the idea of covering myself in mud was a novel experience. The mud, surprisingly, didn’t have the pungent smell I had anticipated. Instead, it was a playful and communal experience, with everyone laughing and sharing stories as we slathered ourselves in the mineral-rich mud. After a refreshing shower, we took a dip in the lake, the cool water a perfect contrast to the warm mud.

Back on the boat, we were treated to a delicious lunch of chicken, pasta, and salad. As we dined, the boat drifted past ancient rock tombs, their history narrated by our guide. The ruins, carved into the cliffs, were a breathtaking sight, a reminder of the rich tapestry of history that Turkey holds. It was a moment of reflection, a pause in our otherwise carefree lifestyle, to appreciate the stories of those who came before us.

Encountering the Turtles

The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly Turtle Beach. This stretch of sand, flanked by the sea on one side and freshwater on the other, was a sight to behold. We eagerly scanned the waters, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive turtles. Just as we began to worry that we might not see them, several turtles surfaced, their graceful movements captivating everyone on the beach.

Feeding the turtles was a magical experience, one that felt like a rare gift from the ocean. As a surfer, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the sea and its creatures, and this encounter was a poignant reminder of why I love the ocean so much. As the day drew to a close, we boarded the boat for the journey back, our hearts full from the day’s adventures.

The Turtle Beach and Koycegiz Lake Tour was a brilliant experience, one that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Marmaris. It was a day of laughter, discovery, and connection with nature, a perfect complement to the nomadic, wave-chasing lifestyle my wife and I cherish.