Saklikent Canyon Safari Tour From Kas and Kalkan

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines nature, culture, and adrenaline, the Saklikent Canyon Safari Tour might just be the experience for you. While I haven’t taken this tour myself, the overwhelmingly positive reviews and detailed itineraries paint a clear picture of what travelers can expect. It’s designed for those who love outdoor activities, scenic landscapes, and a dash of fun-filled chaos.

Two aspects that really stand out are the variety of activities—from walking in impressive canyons to trying ziplining or rafting—and the delicious food offerings, including a Turkish pancake breakfast and a hearty lunch. That said, a potential drawback is the schedule can feel a bit tight, especially if you like to take your time at each stop. This tour seems best suited for adventurous travelers eager to pack a lot into a single day, especially those who enjoy guided excursions that handle all the logistics.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a small group, this tour offers a balanced mix of exploration, excitement, and comfort. If you’re after a lively day with friendly guides and plenty of photo opportunities, it’s worth considering. Let’s explore what makes this tour tick and what you can realistically expect from start to finish.

Key Points

• Diverse activities keep the day exciting, including canyon walking, swimming, ziplining, and rafting.
• All-in-one experience with breakfast, lunch, entrance fees, and guided commentary included.
• Impressive scenery at Saklikent and Gizlikent Canyons, plus visits to historic sites like Xanthos.
• Good value for money considering the extensive list of included activities and meals.
• Group size capped at 29, making for a more intimate experience.
• Potentially tight schedule means some stops might feel rushed for those who prefer longer leisure time.

An Overview of the Tour Experience

The Saklikent Canyon Safari from Kas and Kalkan is designed for travelers who want to see a broad section of the region’s natural beauty and historical sites in a single day. The journey kicks off early, at 9:00 am, with a pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point. From there, the adventure starts with a drive that has its own charming highlight — a stop in Üzümli village, famous for grapes, where you’ll enjoy a simple yet authentic Turkish breakfast of pancakes and tea.

What makes this stop fun is the playful water fight that usually kicks off the day, creating instant camaraderie among participants. If you enjoy lively, spontaneous moments, this set-piece really sets the tone for the day. Plus, the opportunity to chat with locals and experience a real village atmosphere adds a layer of authenticity.

Exploring Gizlikent Waterfall and Canyon

After breakfast, you’re off to Gizlikent Waterfall, about an hour-long exploration. Walking 600 meters in the canyon, you’ll get a close-up view of a lush waterfall that makes for some fantastic photo ops. Many reviewers mention how the waterfall looks stunning, and some even say it’s worth the trip just for that.

Expect the smell of fresh water and greenery, with plenty of opportunities to snap some memorable pictures under the cascade. The guide will be with you throughout, explaining details and ensuring you’re comfortable. The admission fee is included, so there’s no extra cost here, which adds to the value.

Walking Through Saklikent Canyon

This part of the tour is a highlight — walking in Turkey’s longest canyon, which is a major draw for outdoor lovers. The walk lasts about 45 minutes, passing through cool waters that often come up to your knees or higher, depending on the season and water levels. You should be prepared to get wet — the tour recommends sea shoes, which are available for rent if you don’t have your own.

The canyon walls tower overhead, creating a narrow, winding passage that feels almost like stepping into another world. The cool water and impressive rock formations make this a memorable experience. Numerous reviews praise the canyon’s beauty and the fun of walking through a natural spring water stream, with one reviewer mentioning, “Water was cold,” but still enjoyable for cooling off.

Adventure Activities and Lunch Break

Post-canyon, there’s time for some adventure options like ziplining and rafting, which are paid extra but highly recommended by those who took part. Many reviews mention these as highlights, especially rafting, which adds a splash of excitement to the day.

Lunch is served at Saklikent Park, offering a tasty Turkish meal. The included lunch is appreciated for being hearty and flavorful, giving you the energy to continue with more sightseeing. Afterward, the tour takes you to Mad Bath, a fun mud pool where you can rinse off and relax — a quirky but enjoyable way to unwind after all the walking.

Visit to Xanthos and Kaputas Beach

In the afternoon, the journey continues to the ancient Lycian city of Xanthos, passing by at a relaxed pace. While the visit here is brief, it offers a glimpse into Turkey’s deep historical roots, with a guide providing quick insights. If history interests you, it’s an added bonus, but don’t expect a full archaeological tour.

Finally, the day winds down at Kaputas Beach, one of Turkey’s most photographed beaches, famous for its stunning turquoise waters and white sand. The walk down 160 steps is manageable, and many reviewers rave about the beach’s natural beauty. Here, you’ll have about an hour to swim, relax, and soak in the views before heading back.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the guides — many mention Mustafa, Umut, or Umur as being helpful, friendly, and informative. The activities are described as fun and varied, with water fights, canyon walks, and water sports keeping energy levels high.

Several reviews highlight the value for money, noting that the included meals and entrance fees make it a comprehensive experience. The scenery at Gizlikent and Saklikent Canyons gets particular praise, with visitors saying the views are “breathtaking” and the water “cool and perfect for summer.”

However, some mention the tight schedule — with a packed itinerary, you might feel hurried at times, especially if you want to linger longer at each stop. The water in the canyon is often described as cold, so bring towels and water if you plan to swim or walk in the water.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses safari vehicles for transport, which adds to the adventure feel. The group size is capped at 29 travelers, creating a more personalized environment and easier coordination. The tour starts at 9:00 am and lasts about 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day.

Pricing and Overall Value

At around $52.70 per person, the price for this all-inclusive day trip is quite reasonable. Considering the variety of activities, multiple scenic stops, authentic meals, and professional guiding, many reviewers feel they received good value. The fact that most travelers book this 16 days in advance suggests it’s popular and well-regarded.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This safari tour is ideal for adventurous souls who want a mix of nature, history, and fun, all in one day. It’s perfect if you enjoy guided experiences, don’t mind a packed schedule, and want to maximize your sightseeing time. If you’re traveling with a group of energetic friends or a couple eager to explore multiple highlights without the hassle of planning each stop, this tour will suit you well.

It’s also a good choice for those who like to try some adventure activities like ziplining or rafting — these are optional but highly recommended for the thrill-seekers.

Who Might Want to Skip It?

If you prefer slower-paced travel or want more time at each individual site, this tour might feel a little rushed. Also, if you’re not comfortable walking in water or don’t enjoy physically active tours, some parts of the day could be less enjoyable. The water in the canyon is cold, so those very sensitive to temperature might want to prepare accordingly.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers all entrance fees to canyons, guided walks, breakfast in Üzümli village, lunch at Saklikent, and transfers during the day.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, there’s a Turkish pancake breakfast and a full lunch included. Alcoholic beverages, soda, bottled water, and pictures are extra.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to the meeting point in the evening.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the activities involve walking in water and adventure sports. If traveling with kids, consider their comfort with water and physical activity.

Do I need to rent water shoes?
Sea shoes are recommended for walking in the canyon, but they can be rented on the tour if you don’t have your own.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
Most reviews highlight summer visits, as the water and outdoor activities are most enjoyable then. The water’s often cold, so bring towels and change clothes.

Can I cancel the tour if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within that window are non-refundable.

Final Thoughts

The Saklikent Canyon Safari Tour from Kas and Kalkan offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, activity, and cultural insight. It’s a great choice if you want a full, fun-packed day that covers canyons, waterfalls, historic sites, and beaches—all with the benefit of guided logistics. The varied activities and authentic meals make it feel like a true adventure, and the positive reviews suggest most travelers leave with big smiles and great memories.

This tour is best for those who enjoy active, social outings and are eager to experience a little bit of everything Turkey has to offer — all in one day. Just keep in mind the schedule can be tight, so be ready to move at a lively pace and bring your enthusiasm along.

Whether you’re after stunning scenery, fun activities, or a taste of Turkish culture and hospitality, this safari trip is likely to tick several boxes. It’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a memorable, well-organized, and lively day out.