All eyes to the sky next week as the spotlight turns on Oludeniz and the 21^st Oludeniz International Air Games. This annual event takes place from October 20^th to 24^th and is a must-see for anyone cruising in the area. It will feature many death-defying paragliding stunt shows, wingsuit flights and skydivers, and end with a spectacular Turkish Stars (Airforce) Show along the front between Fethiye and Calis.

About Oludeniz

The famous blue lagoon and beach of Oludeniz has fascinated domestic and foreign travellers for decades. Not only is it one of the worlds most beautiful locations, but it also has an adrenalin-pumping twist and attracts paragliders from near and far to fly from the lofty heights of Babadag mountain, a staggering 1,969m above the bay.

Oludeniz is a popular stop for most superyachts cruising the coast. The sight of the colourful canopies soaring like birds against the dramatic mountain backdrop makes for many great Instagram shots, especially when taken from the deck looking back towards the shore. The luxury travel press often report Oludeniz resort to be “too commercial”, and it has indeed grown considerably over recent years. However, it’s a bay that still has charm, especially early or late season when the traditional tourist masses are replaced by those who take to the air or simply want to relax and enjoy the mesmerising surroundings.

p/c Oludeniz International Air Games

The 21^st Oludeniz International Air Games

The Oludeniz International Air Games is always memorable and packed full of action. The event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, so the organisers have gone all out in 2021 to ensure a great lineup of shows and activities. So far, the main competitions include a World Acro Show featuring skilled acro pilots from and a World Spot Landing competition that’s sure to attract lots of attention.

Throughout the day, stalls will be present along Oludeniz beachfront and music will play. Solo and tandem pilots will take to the sky, and there will be wingsuit shows and base jumpers. The Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK) have planned hot air balloons, microlights, and paramotor shows. There will be free public concerts at night and parties in various bars and beach clubs throughout the 4-day event. The Oludeniz International Air Games will close with a performance by the fabulous Turkish Stars (Turkish Air Force) jets along the Fethiye/Calis beachfront at 15.30 on Sunday, 24^th October.

Tandem paragliding in Oludeniz

Why not take to the air and see the delights of Oludeniz from a different perspective? Tandem paragliding is one of the most exhilarating excursions we at 360 Yachting organise for guests and crew in Türkiye. Taking off from Babadag in the capable hands of a fully trained pilot really does get the heart racing and is an utterly unforgettable experience. Drifting above the famous arm of the lagoon or pulling aerial trickery down to the landing strip along the beachfront is hard to beat and recommended for any adventure seeker onboard.

Most assume you jump off the cliffside when discussing paragliding, but the take-off is far less scary. In reality, you run a few paces down a paved hillside with a professional pilot strapped securely to your back before you’re airborne. A flight lasts an average of around 20 minutes if you choose to drift down sedately and far quicker if you pull tricks to feel the G-force of spirals and wing-overs. Either way, it’s a wonderful experience and the chance to snap that all-important shot of your feet dangling hundreds of meters above the famed turquoise waters of the lagoon. If you would like us to arrange a tandem paragliding flight, please CONTACT US.

The Babadag Cable Car (Fethiye Skywalk/ Teleferik)

In July of this year, the long-awaited Babadag Cable Car, otherwise known as Fethiye Skywalk or Teleferik, opened making it far easier to reach the summit of Babadag and paragliding take-off points.  The project, which was 25 years in the pipeline, takes passengers to the top in just 16 minutes from its base station above Oludeniz bay.

p/c Babadag Teleferik

The cable car is modern and a great piece of engineering. Up to 8 guests are seated in large glass pods that rise smoothly up the mountainside serving up panoramic views over Oludeniz, the lagoon, and the beautiful headland towards St. Nicholas Island.

p/c Babadag Teleferik

The ride up on Fethiye Skywalk is not a white-knuckle trip, so ideal for those who wish to soak in the area’s beauty without taking to the sky in a paraglider. The pods terminate at 1,700m. Here you find the main paragliding take-off point, a glass viewing walkway above a koi carp filled lily pond, and a popular restaurant and bar that’s ideal for drinks or a meal. There is also an open chairlift running to 1,900m (200m further) where you find another restaurant/café and a helipad. More facilities and restaurants are planned for the future. If you would like to attend the Oludeniz International Airgames, fancy tandem paragliding or wish to add Oludeniz to your itinerary, please CONTACT 360 YACHTING.