12 Islands Boat Tour from Fethiye
12 Islands Tour Overview: Price, Times & Details
The 12 Islands Boat Tour from Fethiye is a full-day cruise through the sheltered bays and islets between Fethiye and Göcek, with five swim stops, a BBQ lunch cooked on board, and a late afternoon return to Fethiye Harbour. Because the route stays inside the gulf and away from open sea, conditions are usually calmer, making it a good fit for families, older travellers and anyone who prefers a slower-paced day on the water.
Why is it called the 12 Islands trip? The name refers to the island-filled scenery of the gulf, not a fixed count of stops. There are far more than twelve small islands and rocky outcrops in the area, and on a typical day the boat anchors at five of them for swimming, with the crew setting the order according to the weather and sea conditions.
Pick-up is included from most Fethiye-area hotels. Check availability on WhatsApp or read on for the full route and timetable.
Where Does the 12 Islands Boat Tour Depart From?
The trip leaves from Fethiye Harbour, next to the town marina. We collect you from your hotel between 09:15 and 10:00 depending on where you are staying, and the boat casts off at 10:30.
From there it is straight into the Fethiye–Göcek Gulf, weaving past small islands and quiet coves for the rest of the day before heading back to the marina.
Main Stops on the 12 Islands Route
- Flat Island (Yassıca Islands): A scattering of tiny islets with channels running between them, in places barely knee-deep, so you can wade from one to the next. Gentle water and easy for younger children, which is part of the appeal for families.
- Dockyard Island (Tersane): A sheltered bay with the remains of an Ottoman shipyard and an old Greek settlement along the shore. Local Tip: Bring goggles, as some of the foundations sit just under the surface and you can swim straight over them.
- Rabbit Island: A tucked-away bay with deep turquoise water. Wild rabbits live on the slopes above, so while the boat is anchored, look up at the hillside and you may spot them.
- Red Island (Kızılada): The sand and rock here are a deep rust-red, most vivid in the afternoon light. There is plenty of room to swim, and the old lighthouse makes it the best spot on the route for photos.
- Aquarium Bay: The clearest water of the day, and the pick of the route for snorkelling. It sits a little deeper and cooler than the shallow bays, and on a still day you will see fish feeding around the rocks below.
Tour Itinerary & Timetable
*Pick-up times vary by hotel; the boat normally returns to the harbour at 17:30.
- 09:15–10:00 – Hotel pick-up and transfer to the harbour.
- 10:30 – Departure from Fethiye Harbour.
- 11:30 – First swim at Flat Island, around an hour.
- 13:00 – Swim stop and BBQ lunch on board, anchored in a protected bay near Dockyard Island.
- 14:30 – Afternoon swims at Rabbit Island and Red Island.
- 16:30 – Last swim of the day at Aquarium Bay.
- 17:30 – Back at the harbour, then your transfer to your hotel.
Is This Tour Right for You?
Best For
- Families looking for an easy-going full-day boat trip
- Couples wanting a scenic day around the Fethiye islands
- Older travellers and non-swimmers who prefer secluded bays
- Anyone new to boat trips, or wary of rougher water
- People after an unhurried cruise rather than a loud, crowded one
Not Suited For
- Anyone hoping for a party-boat atmosphere
- A fast route with short, back-to-back swim stops
Why Choose the 12 Islands Boat Tour?
- Calm Sea: The islands shelter the route, so you stay in the still water of the gulf instead of the chop you would find further out on the Ölüdeniz boat trip. This makes it easier for younger children and for anyone who gets seasick easily.
- A Quieter Boat: This is a traditional two-deck wooden gulet, not a party boat. The music stays low, so you can hear the person next to you and take in the scenery.
- Room to Spread Out: Two decks give you the choice of shade below or open sun above, with enough space that the boat never feels cramped even when it is full.
What's Included and What's On Board
What's Included
- Hotel pick-up and return transfer
- Freshly cooked BBQ lunch on board
- Passenger travel insurance
Not Included
- Drinks and extra snacks from the bar
- Snorkelling gear (available to buy on board, or bring your own)
Local Tip: The bar takes cash or card and accepts GBP, USD, EUR and TRY, so there is no need to change money before you come.
On Board
- Shaded seating and room to relax on deck
- Open-top deck with sunbeds
- Toilets and a changing area
- Life jackets, including children's sizes
- Freshwater showers on deck for rinsing off after a swim
BBQ Lunch
- BBQ main: chicken, fish, or a vegetarian option
- Served with pasta, seasonal salad and meze
- Cooked fresh on the boat at the midday stop
- Eaten in the shade on the lower deck
Have questions or ready to book?
Information & Booking via WhatsAppFast response • Tour details and booking support
Before You Go
What to Bring
- Swimwear & Towel: You will be in and out of the water all day.
- Sun Protection: High-factor sun cream, sunglasses and a hat.
- Water Shoes: Comfortable for the pebbly shorelines at some of the stops.
- Snorkelling Gear: Aquarium Bay is the best stop for it, so bring your own mask if you have one, or buy a set on board.
- Small Dry Bag: Handy for keeping your phone and wallet dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tour suitable for seniors and less confident swimmers?
Yes. The water in the gulf is usually calmer than on open-sea trips, and anyone who would rather not swim can stay on deck and enjoy the views at each stop.
Is it suitable for guests with limited mobility?
You board via a short ramp and the crew will help you on and off, though the boat is not fully wheelchair accessible. There are steps between the two decks, and the toilets are on the lower deck. If you let us know in advance, the crew will keep a shaded seat near the entrance for you.
How busy does the boat get?
July and August are the busiest weeks. Earlier and later in the season the boat is noticeably quieter, so those weeks suit you better if you want more space on deck.
Does the route ever change?
Yes. The crew adjusts the order of the stops on the day, based on the wind and the sea. The timeline shows a typical day, but the running order is decided on the water.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Through the main summer season the gulf is usually calm. In the shoulder months of April, May and October, the odd windy day can change the route or the timing. If conditions make the trip unsafe to run, we will reschedule it, or refund you in full if there is no suitable alternative.
How do I confirm and pay?
There is nothing to pay when you book. Our representative brings your tickets to your hotel beforehand and you pay at that point, or you can settle in advance by bank transfer if you prefer.
Ready to book? Browse our other trips in Fethiye to compare, or message us to check availability and book.