Dalyan Cruise from Marmaris: Beach, Mud Bath & Tombs

Swim where loggerhead turtles nest, then soak in mineral-rich mud overlooking the Dalyan River.

A full-day cruise from Marmaris combines swimming, mud bathing and sightseeing along the Dalyan coast. After a morning swim at Aquarium Bay, you travel to Iztuzu Beach to spot nesting loggerhead turtles in the sand, cruise upriver to the thermal mud baths, and pass the ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs. Lunch is served on board and hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Fethiye Lycian Rock TombsEntry included45m
2. Dalyan Mud BathEntry included1h

Full-day Dalyan cruise and beach visit

• Pick up from hotel and board boat
• Swim at Aquarium Bay
• Visit Iztuzu Beach and swim
• Cruise along Dalyan River and see Rock Tombs
• Enjoy Dalyan mud baths and hot springs
• Swim again at Iztuzu Beach
• Return to Marmaris by boat

The experience

The boat leaves Marmaris in the morning and makes its first stop at Aquarium Bay for a swimming break in clear water. From there you head east to Iztuzu Beach, a 5-kilometer stretch of sand where endangered caretta sea turtles nest. You'll have about 50 minutes to swim and look for turtles in their natural habitat. The beach sits at the mouth of the Dalyan channel, which connects an inland lake to the Mediterranean.

After Iztuzu, the tour moves into the Dalyan River on a smaller boat. You'll cruise past the Lycian rock tombs at Kaunos, ancient graves carved into the cliffsides that date back to the 4th century BC and show influences from Anatolian, Greek and Persian cultures. The tombs are inaccessible but their scale and detail are best seen from the water. The river then takes you to the mud baths, where thermal pools are fed by mineral-rich springs. You wade into the warm mud, let it dry on your skin for a time, then rinse off in the hot springs nearby. Shower facilities and a cafeteria are on site.

Lunch is served on the boat during the day. The return journey to Marmaris takes approximately two and a half hours, with arrival around 19:30. A live English or Russian-speaking guide travels with the group throughout.

What’s included

• Return hotel transfer.
• lunch served on board.
• mud bath entrance fee.
• live guide in English or Russian throughout the day.

Before you book

Lasts 10h, from US$ 32 per person, with a live guide in English and Russian and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 4 Apr 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Infant (under 7)

GroupUp to 200 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Arbek Travel

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to combine beach swimming, wildlife spotting and a thermal spa experience in one day. The full itinerary fits all three into a single departure, so you don't need to plan separate trips to each site.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 12 years); Infant (under 7).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I really see loggerhead turtles at Iztuzu Beach?

Iztuzu Beach is one of the most important nesting sites for caretta sea turtles in the world. The tour includes a 50-minute stop there during nesting hours (08:00 to 20:00), so spotting turtles is possible but not guaranteed. They nest in the sand rather than appearing in the water.

What are the Lycian rock tombs and why are they worth seeing?

The Lycian rock tombs at Kaunos are ancient graves carved directly into the cliff face, dating to around the 4th century BC. The site once held over 170 graves and blends Anatolian, Greek and Persian architectural styles. Though you cannot climb to them, their imposing sight from the river is memorable and they appear frequently in travel documentaries and guides.

How does the mud bath work and what should I bring?

At the Dalyan mud baths, you enter thermal pools filled with sulphur-rich mud and minerals. You apply the mud to your skin, wait for it to dry, then rinse off in the hot springs. Bring a towel and swimsuit. Shower facilities are available on site. The mud is said to tighten skin and reduce wrinkles.

What is included in the lunch on the boat?

Lunch is served on board and consists of chicken nuggets, rice, salad and two slices of bread. Additional meals and all drinks, including water, are available for purchase on the boat. You can pay with cash or credit card.

How long is the full day and when do we return to Marmaris?

The tour runs approximately 10 hours from hotel pickup to return, with arrival back in Marmaris around 19:30. Hotel transfer is included in the booking.