Turkey is surrounded by three of the world's most important seas: the Mediterranean, the Aegean, and the Black Sea. Additionally, there are numerous bodies of water within Turkey's territory, such as the Bosphorus Strait, lakes, and rivers. Therefore, water sports in Turkey are widely available, attracting enthusiasts who come specifically to engage in these activities. Turkey aims to be the number one destination globally in this field and the top choice for tourists passionate about water sports.
Water sports are considered some of the most dangerous sports, which is why the Turkish government provides numerous safety measures to ensure the participants' safety. Water sports in Turkey are available on every beach, increasing travel to the country to enjoy these activities. Among the popular regions for surfing are the areas of Cesme and Bodrum.
In recent years, underwater diving has developed significantly in Turkey. The country's coasts offer warmth and clarity, underwater treasures, and sunken cities worth exploring. All these activities can be enjoyed at a lower cost than in other countries. In this article, we will take a closer look at these activities. Stay tuned
What are the best water sports in Turkey?
Many types of water sports in Turkey can be practiced, thanks to the variety of available water bodies. Let us present some of the most renowned types:
Surfing
Surfing is one of the popular water sports in Turkey, where surfers use a board to ride the waves on the beach. There are several excellent places to practice surfing, including.
Çeşme: Located on the Aegean Sea, it is one of the best places for surfing in Turkey due to its strong winds and perfect waves.
Alaçatı: It is near Çeşme, it is known for its steady winds and calm waters, making it ideal for both beginners and professional surfers.
Bodrum: The beaches of Bodrum provide an excellent environment for surfing.
Aydın: Known for its beautiful beaches suitable for surfing, especially in the Didim area.
Fethiye: Located on the Mediterranean Sea, it also offers good conditions for surfing.
Ordu: The beach in Ordu, located on the Black Sea, is considered a promising spot for surfing due to its favorable natural conditions and good winds.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is one of the popular water sports in Turkey, allowing divers to explore the underwater depths and witness diverse marine life, coral reefs, and underwater caves. Turkey offers numerous ideal diving sites thanks to its long coastlines and rich marine biodiversity.
The best places for scuba diving in Turkey include
Kaş: Kaş is considered one of the best diving sites in Turkey, known for its clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and shipwrecks that can be explored.
Kemer: Located near Antalya, Kemer provides excellent diving sites such as underwater caves and coral reefs.
Bodrum: Besides being a great destination for surfing, Bodrum is also renowned as one of the best places for diving.
Fethiye: A popular area for diving with calm and clear waters, where divers can explore underwater caves and coral reefs.
Marmaris: Marmaris is one of the most famous tourist destinations, offering several excellent diving spots.
Antalya: Provides numerous beautiful diving sites.
Alanya: Known for its beautiful diving sites and underwater caves, making it a great destination for divers of all levels.
Izmir: Offers some excellent diving sites along the Aegean Sea coast.
Parasailing
Parasailing is one of the popular water sports in Turkey to enjoy beautiful views of the beach and sea from above while being lifted in the air with a parachute attached to a boat moving at a moderate speed.
Fethiye: Fethiye is one of the best places in Turkey for parasailing, where participants can enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and sandy beaches.
Alanya: Alanya offers excellent parasailing opportunities with magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea and historic castles.
Antalya: Antalya also provides fantastic locations for parasailing, allowing participants to enjoy its beautiful beaches.
Bodrum: Bodrum, a famous tourist destination, offers great opportunities for parasailing with breathtaking natural landscapes along the Aegean coast.
Marmaris: Marmaris is an excellent area for parasailing, where participants can enjoy clear waters and charming beaches.
Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the favored water sports in Turkey for tourists and locals alike. This kind of activity depends on propelling a small boat known as a kayak using a paddle, allowing beginners and experienced individuals to explore Turkey's stunning natural landscapes.
Some of the best places for kayaking in Turkey include:
Göcek: Located near Fethiye on Turkey's Aegean coast, Göcek is renowned for its clear waters and picturesque landscapes, making it ideal for kayaking.
Dalyan: Dalyan is home to the Dalyan River, flowing through a natural valley, offering kayak trips across rivers and protected natural areas.
Bodrum: Along the Aegean coast, Bodrum provides excellent opportunities for kayaking amidst scenic views of the sea and small islands.
Cappadocia: Despite being an inland region, Cappadocia offers a unique kayaking experience in its natural lakes and water-filled caves.
Antalya: Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya provides calm waters and natural beaches perfect for kayaking adventures.
These locations showcase Turkey's diverse natural beauty, providing memorable experiences for kayakers of all skill levels.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing, an attractive kind of water sports in Turkey, attracts numerous tourists and water sports enthusiasts. This activity combines surfing with sailing using a sail attached to a specialized board.
The best places for Windsurfing in Turkey include:
Alaçatı: Located near Izmir on the Aegean coast, Alaçatı is internationally renowned for its ideal conditions with strong and consistent winds, making it perfect for both beginners and professionals.
Bodrum: A famous tourist destination on the Aegean coast, Bodrum offers sandy beaches and good wind conditions, providing an excellent environment for Windsurfing.
Fethiye: Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Fethiye boasts calm winds suitable for Windsurfing, making it easier for beginners to enjoy the activity.
Ordu: Ordu's beach on the Black Sea coast also offers good opportunities for Windsurfing, particularly during the summer when the winds are moderate.
Cappadocia: Despite being an inland region, Cappadocia provides some natural lakes where Windsurfing can be practiced amidst its charming natural landscapes.
Rafting
This is for adventure and an exciting time to sail through the water waves. Navigate in the rivers enjoy the stunning views and feel the excitement. We are in Azzam Tour Agency offers you many choices to interest in this kind of water sports in Turkey Antalya, Alanya, and Fethiye the amazing Medetirainean Cities with their alluring coastline and famous rivers give you the chance to have your rafting in the Manavgat River, Coruh River in Artvin, Firtina River in Rize, Dalaman River, and the Koprulu canyon trips. You can choose this kind of water sports alone or in a full adventure package.
COMBO TOUR RAFTING-BUGGY (ATV)-JEEP SAFARI-ZIPLINE - Azzam Tour
ANTALYA RAFTING TOUR - Azzam Tour
TAZI CANYON BIG ZIPLINE & JEEP SAFARI & RAFTING - Azzam Tour
RAFTING AND JEEP SAFARI TOUR FROM ALANYA - Azzam Tour
WHITE WATER RAFTING, ENJOY YOUR TIME - Azzam Tour
Kiteboarding
This is one of the most thrilling water sports in Turkey depending on the winds that help the kiteboarding. Turkey has many suitable coasts on the Medetirainean and the Aegean Seas to enjoy this sport that peaks between June and September annually but it is available from April to October.
The most well-known spots for this kind of water sports in Turkey are:
Alaçatı which is located in the Çeşme Peninsula on the Aegean Sea coast is famous for its continuous Summer wind called ''Meltemi''.
Akyaka in the south of the Alaçatı is famous for its powerful and constant wind.
If you are a Kiteboarding learner we advise Gokova Bay for its flat water that makes your first Kiteboarding try perfect.
Gökçeada is the largest island in the Aegean Sea known for its surface water making it a perfect choice for beginners.
Gülbahçe is situated in the west of Izmir and has consistent and kind winds besides the kites which make an alluring blend of pleasure.
Why is Turkey the Best Place for Water Sports?
Turkey is considered the perfect destination for water sports enthusiasts for several reasons. At first, its long coastlines along the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas provide diverse environments suitable for various water activities. Secondly, the clear waters and favorable weather conditions throughout the year offer ideal settings for water sports enthusiasts. Whether surfing, diving, kayaking, or windsurfing, Turkey offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities that attract water sports lovers worldwide.
In conclusion, Turkey stands out as an unparalleled destination for water sports enthusiasts worldwide. With its pristine coastlines, clear waters, and year-round favorable weather conditions, the country offers a perfect playground for surfing, diving, kayaking, and windsurfing. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping adventures or serene explorations of marine life, Turkey's blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities promises an unforgettable experience for all water sports enthusiasts.