Main Info
Ölüdeniz Boat Tour: Butterfly Valley & St. Nicholas Island (2026)
The Ölüdeniz boat tour is a full-day 6-stop coastal trip including Butterfly Valley, St. Nicholas Island, Blue Cave, Cold Water Bay, Camel Beach, and Aquarium Bay. It is one of the best ways to leave the busy sands of Belcekız behind and spend a relaxed day on the water, combining dramatic cliffs, hidden bays, and generous swimming breaks along one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in the region.
The boat passes the 350-metre cliffs of Butterfly Valley and stops near the historic ruins of St. Nicholas Island, giving the day a scenic but unhurried feel. Because the Blue Lagoon is part of a protected Nature Park with restricted boat access, departures take place from the nearby main beach instead, allowing the trip to reach the deeper, clearer waters offshore where snorkelling is usually at its best.
Is This the Famous 6 Islands Boat Trip?
Yes — this is the classic Ölüdeniz 6-stop boat trip. Although many visitors refer to it as the “6 islands” tour, the route actually includes a mix of sea caves, historic ruins and freshwater bays along the coastline. We also try to time certain stops to avoid the busiest arrival periods, particularly at Blue Cave, where the morning light often makes the turquoise water look especially vivid.
🕒 Typical Daily Timeline
Times are approximate and may vary slightly depending on sea and weather conditions.
- 09:30 – Hotel pick-up begins (Fethiye, Hisarönü and Ovacık areas)
- 10:30 – Departure from Belcekız Beach (boarding usually involves walking through knee-deep water from the beach before climbing aboard)
- 11:00 – Blue Cave (a short swim stop to see the cave’s vivid turquoise water)
- 11:45 – Butterfly Valley (free time to walk towards the waterfall or relax in the shade)
- 13:15 – St. Nicholas Island & lunch (freshly prepared lunch served on board)
- 14:45 – Cold Water Bay (a refreshing stop where cold mountain spring water meets the sea, and the temperature change can feel surprisingly sharp near the rocks)
- 15:45 – Camel Beach & Aquarium Bay (final swimming and snorkelling stops in clear water)
- 17:00 – Return to Ölüdeniz Beach
- 17:15–18:00 – Hotel drop-off
🗺️ The Route: 6 Scenic Stops
- Blue Cave: A large sea cave set into the limestone cliffs. When the sea is calm, you can usually swim inside and watch the changing light bring out the cave’s vivid turquoise tones.
- Butterfly Valley: Backed by steep 350-metre cliffs, this is one of the most photographed bays on the coast. You can walk towards the small waterfall in around 15 minutes, although the path is uneven, so sturdy sandals are a good idea.
- St. Nicholas Island: Dating back to the Byzantine period, the island has several old church ruins along the short uphill path. There is very little shade, but the view from the top is one of the most rewarding on this stretch of coastline.
- Cold Water Bay: Known for its noticeably cooler water, this stop is fed by freshwater springs flowing down from Babadağ. Near the rocks, you may suddenly feel colder patches where the spring water meets the sea.
- Camel Beach: Shallow, sandy and usually calm, this is often one of the easiest and most comfortable swimming stops of the day, particularly for families with children.
- Aquarium Bay: With clear open water and good visibility on most days, this is usually the best stop for snorkelling. Around the rocks, you can often spot small Mediterranean fish in the shallows.
✅ What’s Included
- 🔹 Hotel pick-up & return
- 🔹 Freshly prepared lunch (chicken/fish or vegetarian option + pasta, salad & mezes)
- 🔹 Full passenger travel insurance
❌ Not Included
- 🔸 Drinks & snacks from the on-board bar
- 🔸 Snorkelling gear (available to buy on board)
- 🔸 Entrance fees (Butterfly Valley & St. Nicholas Island)
💳 Local tip: The bar accepts cash (GBP, USD, EUR, TRY) and credit cards.
- Boarding: Boats depart directly from the beach, so you should expect to walk into the sea, usually up to knee depth, before climbing aboard. Flip-flops or water shoes are the easiest option.
- Blue Lagoon access: The Blue Lagoon Nature Park is a restricted area for large boats, so departures take place from the main beach just beside it rather than from inside the lagoon.
- Atmosphere on board: The trip has a relaxed, easy-going feel, with low background music rather than a loud party-boat atmosphere.
❓ FAQ
Is the Blue Lagoon included in the boat tour?
No. The Blue Lagoon is part of a protected Nature Park with restricted access for large boats. The tour departs from Belcekız Beach and follows the wider coastal route, where the water is deeper and generally better for swimming.
Do we stop at Butterfly Valley or do we swim ashore?
In most weather conditions, the boat stops at the beach so you can walk ashore and explore the valley or head towards the waterfall.
What is the atmosphere like on board?
The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with light background music rather than a loud party-boat feel.
How busy does the boat usually feel?
We aim to keep the atmosphere comfortable on board, with enough deck space for guests to sunbathe or sit in the shade without feeling cramped.
Is it suitable for non-swimmers and children?
Yes. Life jackets are available for all ages, and stops such as Camel Beach usually have shallow, family-friendly swimming areas.
How do I confirm my booking and pay?
Bookings can be confirmed with a hotel visit for ticket delivery and payment, or by bank transfer for 2026 reservations.
