Dalyan Tour from Fethiye
The Dalyan tour from Fethiye is a full day trip built around the Sultaniye mud baths, a river boat trip past the Kaunos Rock Tombs, and free time at Iztuzu (Turtle) Beach. Once you leave the pine hills around Fethiye, the landscape gives way to Dalyan's reed channels and wide delta, a quieter and greener stretch of coast than most of what you will find around the main resorts. Alongside the many boat trips in Fethiye that head out to sea, this one offers something different: a river journey through the Dalyan delta.
The day begins with a drive of around an hour and a quarter along the coast to Dalyan, where you swap the vehicle for a traditional river boat for the rest of the day.
Hotel pick-up is included from Fethiye, Çalış, Ölüdeniz, Hisarönü, Ovacık, Kargı and Yanıklar. Check availability on WhatsApp or read on for the full route and timetable.
What to Expect on the Dalyan Day Trip
- A varied itinerary: Mud baths, a river cruise, a clear view of the Kaunos Rock Tombs and free time at Turtle Beach, rather than a single beach stop.
- The river does the work: A large part of the day is spent on the water, drifting through Dalyan's channels instead of being driven from place to place.
- Time at each stop: Around an hour at the mud baths and thermal pools, and around an hour and a half on the beach.
Is the Dalyan Tour Right for You?
The day is manageable for most people, though it is a long one at around ten hours in total, including the drive. There is shaded seating on board and no strenuous walking, though the ground at the mud baths and the surface of the jetty can be uneven.
Who the Dalyan Tour Suits
- Families looking for a relaxed full-day outing
- Couples who want scenery, a swim and some history in one day
- Older travellers who prefer a gentler day
- Anyone who likes river landscapes as much as the beach
- Travellers who would rather see several places than spend the day in one
Who It Does Not Suit
- Anyone looking for a short trip or a half-day out
- Visitors who want to explore the Kaunos site on foot rather than see it from the river
- Travellers looking for a full beach day with no stops
- Anyone who finds stepping on and off a boat difficult, even with assistance
Main Stops on the Dalyan River Boat Trip
- Sultaniye Mud Baths: On the shore of Lake Köyceğiz, with sulphur-rich mud and warm thermal pools. Changing cabins and showers are free to use.
- River Boat Cruise: A traditional wooden boat through Dalyan's reed channels, narrow enough in places to feel like a maze before they open out across the delta. You may pass local fishermen selling freshly grilled blue crab from their boats.
- Riverside Lunch: A sit-down meal at a restaurant on the water, with a choice of chicken, fish or a vegetarian dish.
- Kaunos Rock Tombs: As the boat passes below the cliffs, you get a clear view of the temple-fronted tombs of Kaunos, cut into the rock face some 2,400 years ago and known locally as the Kings' Tombs. Your guide explains the history of the old city.
- Iztuzu (Turtle) Beach: A 4.5 km sandbar where the Dalyan River meets the sea, with time to swim, walk or simply sit on one of the region's best-known beaches. Iztuzu is a protected nesting ground for loggerhead turtles, so please keep your distance from any you see and follow the instructions of your guide and the beach wardens.
Dalyan Tour Itinerary and Timings
*Times are approximate and may vary depending on your hotel, traffic and conditions on the day.
- 08:30 – Hotel pick-ups begin
- 10:00 – Arrive in Dalyan and board the boat
- 10:30 – Sultaniye Mud Baths, with around an hour at the mud baths and thermal pools
- 12:00 – Cruise through the reed channels before the lunch stop
- 12:30 – Lunch at a riverside restaurant overlooking the delta
- 13:30 – Drift below the Kaunos Rock Tombs
- 14:30 – Iztuzu (Turtle) Beach, with around an hour and a half to swim and relax
- 16:00 – Board the boat for the return journey along the river
- 16:30 – Leave Dalyan
- 18:30 – Back at your hotel, with drop-offs in reverse order
What Is Included in the Price
Included in the Price
- Hotel pick-up & return
- Freshly prepared lunch (choice of chicken, fish or vegetarian)
- English-speaking local guide
- River boat cruise & mud bath entry fee
- Compulsory passenger insurance (this does not replace your own travel insurance)
Not Included in the Price
- Drinks & snacks
- Iztuzu Beach entry fee (60 TL, cash only)
- Sunbeds and umbrellas at Iztuzu Beach
- Anything bought from boats along the river, such as blue crab
Best Time to Take the Dalyan Tour
The tour runs from April to October, and the season that suits you depends on what you are looking for. Late spring and early autumn suit anyone who wants warm days without the high-summer heat; July and August give you the warmest water and the liveliest beach.
Questions, or ready to book?
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What to Bring
- Dark Towel: Bring a dark towel, as the mud stains pale fabric.
- Jewellery Warning: Remove silver jewellery before the mud baths; sulphur can tarnish it quickly.
- Sulphur Sensitivity: The thermal pools have a strong sulphur smell. If it bothers you, keep your time in the mud short and wait in the shade nearby instead.
- Footwear: Flip-flops or sandals are the most practical choice for moving between the boat, the baths and the beach.
- Sun Protection: The river boat is open-sided and the glare off the water is strong, so bring high-factor sun cream, sunglasses and a hat.
- Facilities: Changing cabins and showers at the mud baths are free to use, so you can rinse off before boarding again.
- Dry Bag: A small waterproof bag keeps your phone or camera safe on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we see sea turtles at Iztuzu?
Possibly. Iztuzu is a major nesting beach, so you may see one during the cruise or near the shore, especially on calm days, but they are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed.
Is the Dalyan tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes. It is an easy-paced day for families, children and most older guests. The most active part of the day is getting on and off the river boat, and the crew helps with that. If you have a pushchair, a foldable one is more convenient.
Are there reduced rates for children?
Yes. Children travel at a reduced rate, and the exact price depends on their age. Send us a message on WhatsApp with your children's ages and we will confirm the fare before you book.
Which areas do you pick up from?
Hotel pick-up is included from Fethiye, Çalış, Ölüdeniz, Hisarönü, Ovacık, Kargı and Yanıklar. Pick-up times vary by area, so send us your hotel name on WhatsApp and we will confirm yours.
Can we swim at Iztuzu (Turtle) Beach?
Yes. Iztuzu is open to the public, with a sea-facing stretch of open water and a calmer, shallower area where the river meets the sea, which families tend to prefer.
Is there an entry fee at Iztuzu Beach?
Yes. The entry fee is 60 TL, payable in cash only, and it goes towards the protection of the nesting beach. Sunbeds and umbrellas are not included.
How do I confirm my booking and pay?
There is nothing to pay when you book. Our representative delivers your tickets to your hotel on any day before the trip, and you pay in cash at that point. If you prefer, you can also settle in advance by bank transfer.
Questions about the tour? Message us on WhatsApp, or browse our other tours in Fethiye to compare.