Main Info
12 Islands Boat Trip from Fethiye (2026)
The 12 Islands boat trip from Fethiye is a full-day boat tour through the Fethiye–Göcek Gulf, with several swim stops, BBQ lunch on board, and return from Fethiye Harbour. Because the route stays inside the gulf, it usually feels easier than open-sea boat trips, so it is often preferred by families, seniors, first-time boat-trippers, and anyone looking for a gentler day on the water.
Why is it called the 12 Islands boat trip? The Fethiye–Göcek Gulf contains many small islands and rocky islets, but the daily route usually includes five main swim stops rather than twelve separate landings. The exact order of stops may change according to wind and sea conditions, with the route focused on sheltered bays, clear swimming spots, and the calmest anchor points available on the day.
Where Does the 12 Islands Boat Trip Depart From?
The 12 Islands boat trip departs directly from Fethiye Harbour, beside the town centre marina. Hotel pick-up is usually scheduled between 09:15 and 10:00, depending on your hotel location, before departure from the harbour at 10:30.
After boarding, the boat heads into the Fethiye–Göcek Gulf, where the route passes small islands and quiet swim bays throughout the day. As the trip stays inside the gulf rather than heading out into the open Mediterranean, the route is generally more protected from wider sea conditions.
🕒 Daily Timeline – How the Day Flows
*Pick-up times vary by hotel location; the typical return to harbour is 17:30.
- 09:15–10:00 – Hotel pick-up and transfer to Fethiye Harbour.
- 10:30 – Departure into the sheltered gulf.
- 11:30 – First swim stop, usually at Flat Island, for around 1 hour.
- 13:00 – Freshly prepared BBQ lunch served on board, usually near Dockyard Island or a nearby protected bay.
- 14:30 – Afternoon swim stops, often including Rabbit Island or Red Island.
- 16:30 – Final swim stop, usually at Aquarium Bay.
- 17:30 – Return to Fethiye Harbour and transfer back to your hotel.
If strong wind or poor weather makes the tour unsafe to operate, the trip may be rescheduled. If no suitable alternative is available, a full refund may be offered.
🏝️ Why This Boat Trip Feels Different
- Sheltered Gulf Route: The boat remains within the Fethiye–Göcek Gulf rather than heading into the open Mediterranean. This protected route ensures calmer waters, making the trip better suited for those prone to seasickness or guests who prefer a steadier journey.
- Focus on Relaxation: This tour is designed as a scenic cruise rather than a party boat. The music is kept at a low background level, maintaining a quiet atmosphere focused on nature and the surroundings between swim stops.
- Functional Vessel Layout: The boats feature dedicated shaded areas for dining and open upper decks for sunbathing. This layout provides enough space for passengers to find a comfortable spot, whether they prefer sun or shade during the day.
🗺️ Main Stops on the 12 Islands Route
- Flat Island (Yassica Islands): This stop is known for its shallow channels and calm water, making it ideal for families and children. The shallow depth between the islets often allows guests to swim or walk through the water to the nearby shorelines.
- Dockyard Island (Tersane): A naturally sheltered bay containing historical remains of an old Ottoman shipyard and a former Greek settlement. The surrounding land protects the water from wind, ensuring a still surface for swimming even on breezier days.
- Rabbit Island: A turquoise swimming stop where wild rabbits are often visible on the island’s hillsides from the boat. The bay is known for its high water clarity, allowing for clear views of the seafloor while anchored.
- Red Island (Kizilada): Named after the reddish stones and soil of its shoreline, this stop features a wide swimming area and views of the island’s historic lighthouse. It is typically one of the final stops where the open bay allows for plenty of space.
- Aquarium Bay: The deepest and clearest stop on the route, making it the primary point for snorkelling. The high underwater visibility and rocky seafloor provide the best conditions for using a mask and snorkel before returning to the harbour.
✅ What’s Included
- 🔹 Hotel pick-up and return transfer
- 🔹 BBQ lunch (chicken, fish, or vegetarian option)
- 🔹 Salads, pasta, and Turkish-style mezes
- 🔹 Passenger travel insurance
❌ Not Included
- 🔸 Cold drinks and extra snacks from the bar
- 🔸 Snorkelling gear
💳 Local Tip: Drinks and extras can usually be paid in cash or by card. GBP, USD, EUR, and TRY are commonly accepted.
🚤 Boat Comfort
- Shaded seating areas for dining and resting
- Open upper decks for sunbathing
- On-board toilets and changing facilities
- Freshwater deck showers for rinsing after swimming
- Sheltered route inside the gulf for steadier conditions
🍽️ Lunch on Board
- BBQ main course (Chicken, Fish, or Vegetarian options)
- Served with pasta, seasonal salad, and local mezes
- Prepared and served on the boat during the noon stop
- Dining take place in the shaded seating area
🎒 What to Bring
- Swimwear & Towel: Essential for a full day of swimming stops.
- Sun Protection: Bring high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Snorkelling Gear: If you have your own mask, Aquarium Bay is one of the best places on the route to use it.
- Small Dry Bag: Useful for keeping your phone, wallet, and valuables dry.
- Easy Route: Because the boat stays inside the gulf, the day usually feels steadier than open-sea trips, making it a good choice for first-time boat trips and guests prone to seasickness.
- Freshwater Shower: The boat has a deck shower so you can rinse off after swimming.
- Shaded Lunch Seating: Lunch is usually served in a shaded seating area, which is especially welcome during the midday sun.
✅ Best For
- Families with children looking for a calmer full-day boat trip
- Couples wanting a scenic day on the water around the Fethiye islands
- Older guests and non-swimmers who prefer sheltered bays
- First-time boat-trippers or guests who usually prefer calmer sea conditions
- Anyone who wants a relaxed sightseeing cruise rather than a party atmosphere
❗ Not Suited For
- A loud party-boat atmosphere
- A very fast-paced route with short swim stops
❓ FAQ
Is the tour suitable for seniors and non-swimmers?
Yes. The route stays inside the sheltered Fethiye–Göcek Gulf, so the water is usually calmer than on open-sea boat trips. Guests who do not want to swim can relax on deck and enjoy the views during each stop.
How crowded does the boat get?
This trip is planned as a relaxed full-day cruise, with sun decks and shaded seating areas for the time between swim stops. If you want a quieter atmosphere, this route is usually a better fit than party-style boat trips.
Does the route ever change?
Yes, the order of stops may change according to wind and sea conditions. The route remains focused on sheltered bays and safe swimming stops inside the gulf.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If strong wind or poor weather makes the tour unsafe to operate, the trip may be rescheduled. If no suitable alternative is available, a full refund may be offered.
Can I stay on the boat instead of swimming?
Yes. Many guests spend part of the day relaxing on deck, taking photos, or enjoying the scenery while others swim. The trip works well for both swimmers and non-swimmers.
Are there toilets and changing rooms on board?
Yes. The boats used for this tour are equipped with toilets and changing facilities, and a freshwater deck shower is usually available after swimming stops.
What should I bring for the 12 Islands boat trip?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. If you enjoy snorkelling, bring your own mask so you can make the most of clearer stops such as Aquarium Bay.
How do I confirm my booking and pay?
You can confirm your booking by paying our representative during a hotel visit or by bank transfer. After confirmation, your tour voucher is issued before departure.
Ready for a relaxed day on the water? See all Fethiye excursions and choose the tour that fits your holiday plans.
