Scala Dei Turchi SUP Experience Review: Paddle & Snorkel
The Scala Dei Turchi in Sicily, is this striking, chalky white cliff that meets the crystal sea, it’s one of those spots that really just sticks with you, you know? I mean, pictures really don’t do it justice, and I’d heard tales of people experiencing it from a totally different angle using a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), very cool right? So, when I got the opportunity to paddle and snorkel there, of course I grabbed it with both hands. I’m gonna tell you what the whole thing’s like, hopefully it’ll help you decide if it is a great fit for your travel plans. From the initial paddle strokes right up to seeing all those marine critters swimming down below, it’s all here. Get comfy and I’ll walk you through what to keep in mind before you go, what to expect when you are there, and that, overall, if it should make your Sicily to-do list.
Setting the Stage: About Scala Dei Turchi
The Scala Dei Turchi, which basically means “Stair of the Turks,” is much more than simply like, a pretty coastline, but it carries a stack of history, too. You see, back in the day, this blindingly white rock formation apparently served as a landing spot for Saracen pirates, isn’t that wild? Legend says they’d clamber up these natural “stairs,” which are carved by time and weather, to raid nearby villages, which is kind of a grim story when you’re looking at something so stunning now. These days, the cliffs are there for folks like you and me. very appealing to people who love exploring the outdoors. And the contrast, there is something very special when you look at that bright white rock next to the azures in the sea – that really does make it something you aren’t soon forgetting!
Booking the Experience: What You Need to Know
Okay, so, the early bird catches the worm when you book this sort of outing. Especially if you’re headed over in peak season, because these tours? Very well regarded, is that the right term? Lots of providers offer the SUP and snorkeling dealio around Scala Dei Turchi. Very, you need to do a comparison shop and view customer feedback before you get to Sicily. A handful of important things that you have to check out while you make the reservations:
- Group Size: Tour group sizes are usually very tiny. That means that there’s very individualized direction and very manageable small-group outings. Smaller is normally much more enjoyable in this situation if you prefer space to spread out and feel less like you’re one of too many.
- What’s Included: You’re gonna want to look for a tour that provides things such as the SUP gear, a life vest (because staying secure matters), snorkeling kit, and, quite possibly, photographs. That part’s brilliant considering that it lets you remain in the time, without having to think about getting good pictures. You may see certain tours add things like snacks and drinks. Very very awesome bonuses if those are things you may like.
- Experience Level Required: A number of the tour companies that I saw asked that you have basic swimming capabilities, but a lot of them make available intro classes, so there shouldn’t be really a thing to stress about if it’s like the first time. Just simply make sure you assess truthfully.
- Language: Determine whether the tour happens in a language you can speak without difficulty. English is usually spoken in these tours, especially throughout peak tourism times, yet validating can’t hurt.
Gearing Up: What to Bring
To get totally set for your SUP and snorkeling thing, there are certainly a number of basics to bring! These items should actually lead to more satisfaction and allow you to feel comfortable. For example, the Sicily sunshine can be extremely intense during specific times of the year, very essential to lather on high SPF sunblock regularly! Consider a cap or wide-brimmed hat as well as UV protecting sun shades. The clothes you need to put on should really be lightweight and comfortable. Think quick-dry fabrics. Should you choose to protect your skin even better, think about a rash guard, since it will save you from sun rays whilst not impacting your flexibility. Water footwear will ensure it is much easier strolling around those stony areas and, also offer more hold while paddling. In conclusion, never, ever miss getting a water resistant case to your mobile phone so that you could grab photographs and videos along the way whilst defending it. It’s generally advisable to make sure your valuables are in the protection of a water-resistant dry bag which could be secured onto your SUP.
On the Water: The SUP Experience
So, the time’s come to get into the water! Most tours will likely get you set on one of the neighboring shores. Getting up onto your SUP can actually be initially challenging; however, keep at it! Once I stood on my board and oriented myself a bit, wow. What a view! ThoseScala Dei Turchi cliffs give off this awesome shimmer. And the sea, it’s seriously the most see-through body of water around. Paddle strokes let me creep along the coastline in a gentle way and so, hearing stories from our guide just provided like more context to the entire experience.
The actual rhythm that comes from the paddling is amazingly relaxing, almost like an outdoor treatment session. As you slip past those staggering formations of stone and enter little grottoes which open from out of the stone, make sure you’re on the lookout. It really isn’t unusual at all to get some seabirds and also, occasionally, wildlife around.
Beneath the Surface: Snorkeling Adventures
Switching from SUP to snorkel can make the outing more enjoyable. All of our tour instructors gave us good snorkeling equipment combined with a quick safety briefing, of course before we went out, really helpful too! Leaping into that see-through sea looks like plunging into a different realm. With visibility that expands so, much underwater, one can understand vibrant fishes swimming between beds of underwater vegetation. It actually is exciting to observe all that environment down in the ocean close up and personal; I had to focus myself and take as much of it in as I could. The snorkeling over there surrounding the Scala Dei Turchi? It seems so distinctive for the reason that the waters have a rich population of aquatic organisms on account of the unique geographic composition nearby. Bring an underwater cam or mobile phone waterproof holder in the event that catching amazing underwater experiences really does get you jazzed!
Photographing Scala Dei Turchi
Scala Dei Turchi looks really spectacular and is worthy of some very amazing photographs for keepsakes. Timing can certainly be important regarding getting that ideal photo to preserve. Mornings offer warmer light that brings about a brighter feel and appearance on that limestone rock structure. Early mornings or evenings provide far more diffused lighting that’s devoid of any extreme glare which typically arises while taking shots in high-noon day light. You will get more detail in that shot in softer sunlight as you photograph. I advise checking angles since they shift the image entirely! Should you point upwards towards the Scala Dei Turchi, one gets to appreciate its height while, for any expansive shot which brings together the Mediterranean’s rich tones that will call to everyone after they see your pics from vacation!. And lastly, do not overlook using that drone digital camera; bird’s eye imagery happens to be phenomenal at providing complete appreciation. Regardless if catching with your smartphone and some special equipment make time to consider; It pays benefits through gorgeous souvenirs!
Respecting the Site: Responsible Tourism
Because popularity for Scala Dei Turchi climbs, making certain our visit respects and preserves it really is very important indeed! You should actually always be adhering to those principles in sustainable travels. Remain with tour groups which feature smaller sized teams that restrict eco effect and also always pay attention for them providing specifics about preservation and security during that location. Reduce misuse simply by providing everything with oneself particularly things to eat/drink to ensure waste material has zero chances regarding scattering all over; remove anything disposed following your holiday. Keep in mind to not interrupt organic life–this can include marine habitats even, also ensure to be mindful regarding where exactly you walk making sure these actions never worsen environment.
Adopting practices in environmental preservation will really let the visitors coming soon see how magnificent all of our world remains whereas conserving such prized locations long haul!. It seems that certain parts of Scala dei Turchi ended up closed away sometimes on account that preserving them from over excessive travel can definitely lead towards its erosion/deterioration- abide those guidelines put down by regional managers constantly if going out for expeditions like this!.
Other Activities and Attractions Nearby
While checking out Scala Dei Turchi that there may also occur prospects regarding enjoying diverse interesting tourist spots near its perimeters giving richer exposure around just what Sicily will give you at whole!
- Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples: History fanatics will delight regarding taking trips to Agrigento visiting that iconic “Valley of those Temples”, having magnificent ancient Greek structures (including Temple involving Concordia!).
- Realmonte’s Beach: Get yourselves into lounging across “Realmonte Beach”; this wide-open beachfront delivers immaculate sand as well waters quite suited relaxing plus seashore treks.
- Sciacca’s historic town: Give an afternoon concerning traveling around picturesque lanes winding around that coastal-town relating to Sciacca. Notable mainly considering getting fantastic eateries; art plus even festive affairs occurring periodically (including the Sciacca carnival!).
- природе Torre Salsa Nature Reserve: For enthusiasts concerning safeguarding animals, consider excursion concerning touring natural reserve located within Torre Salsa since seeing countless Mediterranean plantlife and various varieties bird along panoramic landscapes.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
After the paddling, after all the snorkeling…absolutely yes, a visit out on the Scala Dei Turchi by means of SUP offers unique panoramic perspective which actually combines excitement/culture simultaneously.
Just imagine moving silently alongside dramatic limestone hills that rise above glimmering sea whereas catching views underneath packed to those limits in breathtaking life swimming within every underwater alcove surrounding Sicilia shore — who exactly could refuse!. Simply give time for a booking process; come adequately prepped physically. Also always consider demonstrating commitment protecting what must remains for future many decades still enjoying similar chance because you right at those present moment? Now, that question really demands to become responded!.
Key Takeaways:
- Book Early: Guarantee the time by creating booking arrangements well onward in cases regarding peak trips since tourist activities occur widely in demand!
- Essential Items To bring with including Waterproof Sunscreen & Cases: Provide essential safeguards in protecting coming harm because UV Sun lights affect badly even ensuring personal valuables tend continue without any issue within water whenever grabbing pictures!
- Consider Ethical Practices with tourism: Assistance maintaining ethical ideals about environment keeping since any time could protect that very exquisite website over eras down onward always adopting ideal means visiting tourist attraction anywhere worldwide basically speaking !.
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