Oludeniz Boat Trip
The Ölüdeniz boat tour is a full-day trip along one of the most varied stretches of this coastline: tall cliffs, sea caves, historic ruins and freshwater bays. The route takes in Butterfly Valley, St. Nicholas Island, Blue Cave, Cold Water Bay, Camel Beach and Aquarium Bay. The trip leaves from the main beach rather than the lagoon, keeping to the open water where visibility is usually clearest.
Hotel pick-up is included from Fethiye, Çalış, Ölüdeniz, Hisarönü and Ovacık. Check availability on WhatsApp or read on for the full route and timetable.
Is This the 6 Islands Boat Trip?
Yes, this is the Ölüdeniz 6-stop trip. People often call it the "6 islands" tour, though the route is really a mix of sea caves, ruins and quiet bays rather than a group of islands. It is not the same as the 12 Islands Boat Tour. That route stays inside the sheltered Fethiye–Göcek gulf, while this one follows the open coast past caves and Butterfly Valley. Where possible, we head to Blue Cave early in the day, when the morning light reaches deepest into the cave and it is quieter before the other boats arrive.
Boarding & Accessibility Note
This tour boards directly from Ölüdeniz Beach. There is no harbour jetty, so you wade through the water before stepping onto the boat. In normal conditions the water is usually around knee-deep, and the seabed is stony in places.
The crew will help you on and off the boat, but this trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or guests with serious walking or balance difficulties. Very elderly guests may also find the beach boarding difficult, especially when the sea is moving.
Is This Tour Right for You?
Best For
- Families and couples looking for an unhurried full-day boat trip from Ölüdeniz
- Guests who want Butterfly Valley, Blue Cave and St. Nicholas Island in one route
- Travellers who prefer a laid-back family boat to a loud party boat
- Non-swimmers who are happy to stay on board and enjoy the views
Not Ideal For
- Wheelchair users, guests with limited mobility or balance, or anyone uncomfortable wading out to board
- Anyone looking for loud music or a party-boat atmosphere
- Visitors who want a long hike inside Butterfly Valley rather than a short boat-tour stop
The Route: 6 Scenic Stops
- Blue Cave: A big sea cave cut into the limestone cliffs. When the sea is calm, you can usually swim inside and watch the light play across the water in different shades of turquoise.
- Butterfly Valley: Under steep 350-metre rock walls, one of the most photographed bays on the coast. It is about a 15-minute walk up to the small waterfall along a rough path.
- St. Nicholas Island: Byzantine-era church ruins line a short uphill path. There is almost no shade, but the view back over the bay from the top is worth the climb.
- Cold Water Bay: Fed by freshwater springs running down from Babadağ, so near the rocks you will feel sudden cold patches where the mountain water meets the sea.
- Camel Beach: This bay is shallow, sandy and usually calm, which makes it a favourite with families and young children.
- Aquarium Bay: The water here is clear and usually calm, which makes it the best snorkelling stop on the route. Around the rocks you may spot small shoals of fish weaving through the shallows.
Typical Daily Timeline
Times are approximate and may vary slightly with sea conditions and weather.
- 09:30 – Hotel pick-ups begin
- 10:30 – Depart from Ölüdeniz Beach
- 11:00 – Blue Cave, a short swim stop
- 11:45 – Butterfly Valley
- 13:15 – St. Nicholas Island, with lunch served on board
- 14:45 – Cold Water Bay
- 15:45 – Camel Beach & Aquarium Bay, the last swims of the day
- 17:30 – Back at Ölüdeniz Beach
- 18:00–18:30 – Hotel drop-off
What's Included
- Hotel pick-up & return
- Freshly prepared lunch (chicken, fish or vegetarian, with pasta, salad and mezes)
- Passenger insurance
Not Included
- Drinks & snacks from the on-board bar
- Snorkelling gear (available to buy on board)
- St. Nicholas Island entrance fee
Local Tip: The on-board bar takes both cards and cash, in GBP, USD, EUR or TRY.
On Board the Boat
The boat is laid out over two decks, with plenty of room to move between the sun and the shade during the day.
Deck & Facilities
The open top deck has sunbeds and cushions, while the covered lower deck holds the seating where lunch is served and offers shade whenever you want it. There are toilets and a simple changing area on board, along with a freshwater shower for rinsing off the salt after a swim. Life jackets are kept on board in adult and children's sizes.
Atmosphere & Bar
This is a relaxed family cruiser rather than a party boat. Music is kept very low throughout the day, and there is enough space for everyone to spread out, so the boat rarely feels crowded. The bar serves cold drinks and snacks from departure until the return to Ölüdeniz.
Have questions or ready to book?
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Before You Go
What to Bring
- Water shoes or flip-flops: For wading out to the boat and for the stony parts of the beach.
- Towel and swimwear: There is a freshwater shower on board, but no towels are provided.
- High-factor sun cream and a hat: The top deck has little shade and there is none on St. Nicholas Island.
- Cash: For the St. Nicholas Island entrance fee, which is paid on the spot.
- Sturdy sandals or trainers: If you plan to walk towards the waterfall at Butterfly Valley.
- A light cover-up: For the cooler breeze on the return leg.
- Your own snorkelling mask: If you prefer not to buy one on board.
Local Tip: Leave valuables at the hotel where you can. There is space for bags on the lower deck, but the boat has no lockers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Blue Lagoon included in the boat tour?
No. The Blue Lagoon is a protected Nature Park that large boats cannot enter, so the trip leaves from Ölüdeniz Beach and follows the wider coastal route, where the water is deeper and better suited to the swim stops.
Does the route ever change?
Rarely, yes. The route itself can change because of weather or sea conditions on the day, and the boat may follow a different course or visit an alternative stop instead. If this happens, the crew choose the safest option available.
Do we go ashore at Butterfly Valley?
In most conditions, yes. The boat stops at the beach, so you can go ashore and walk part of the way into the valley towards the waterfall.
Is boarding easy from Ölüdeniz Beach?
You wade out from the beach, usually about knee-deep, and the crew help you aboard. Water shoes or flip-flops make it easier on the stony seabed.
Is it suitable for non-swimmers and children?
Yes. Life jackets are available on board, and non-swimmers can stay on the boat and enjoy the views. Families usually prefer the calmer stops, such as Camel Beach.
How do I confirm my booking and pay?
You can confirm your booking through WhatsApp. Payment can be made to a Fethiye Tours representative in person at your hotel, or by bank transfer. Your ticket is issued before the tour date.
Questions about the tour? Message us on WhatsApp, or browse our other day trips from Fethiye to compare.