Dalyan Day Trip: Mud Bath, Turtle Beach & River Cruise

Swim at Turtle Beach and soak in thermal mud on the same day

A full-day tour from Fethiye to Dalyan combines a scenic boat cruise through reed-lined waterways, a stop at the Sultaniye Thermal Mud Baths, lunch at a riverside restaurant, and time at Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach), where Caretta caretta sea turtles nest. The itinerary also includes the ancient Lycian rock tombs of Kaunos and a pass through the protected Dalyan Delta ecosystem. Hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide in English, Turkish or Russian, entrance fees and lunch are all included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dalyan Day Trip with Mud Bath and Beach

• Hotel pick-up and travel to Dalyan
• Stop at Köyceğiz Lake for photos
• Relax at Sultaniye Thermal Mud Baths
• Boat cruise through Dalyan River
• Riverside lunch by Dalyan River
• Continue Dalyan Delta boat cruise
• Visit ancient Lycian rock tombs of Kaunos
• Relax at Iztuzu Turtle Beach
• Return to Fethiye and hotel drop-off

The experience

The day starts with a 1.5-hour drive from your Fethiye hotel to Dalyan, traveling through the Turkish Riviera landscape. A stop at Köyceğiz Lake gives you time to photograph the mountains and pine forests before moving on to the Sultaniye Thermal Mud Baths, where you wade into mineral-rich thermal waters for a natural spa experience. The mud itself is the draw: warm, silty, and said to be therapeutic, though the operator leaves the science to you.

Once at the Dalyan River, you board a boat for a cruise through the delta's reed-lined canals and protected waterways. Lunch arrives at a riverside restaurant with views of the river itself, serving freshly prepared Turkish dishes. The boat ride continues through the calm delta ecosystem before reaching Kaunos, where Lycian rock tombs are carved into the cliff face: ancient burial chambers you can see from the water and learn about from your guide. Then comes Iztuzu Beach, the world-famous Turtle Beach where Caretta caretta sea turtles come ashore to nest. You swim and sunbathe in clear water, though the turtles themselves are seasonal and not guaranteed.

The return journey to Fethiye takes another 1.5 hours. An air-conditioned vehicle handles all transport, and your guide (speaking English, Turkish or Russian) stays with the group throughout. The tour runs 10.5 hours from pickup to drop-off, so plan for a full day away from your hotel.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• boat cruise on the Dalyan River through the delta.
• professional guide speaking English, Turkish or Russian.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Fethiye and surrounding areas.
• lunch at a riverside restaurant.
• entrance fee to Iztuzu Beach.

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 08:30Last departure this season: 30 Oct

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish, Russian and Turkish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hesaplı Tatilci by Mobius Travel

Is this one for you?Pick this tour if your group speaks English, Turkish, or Russian and you're comfortable with extended driving to see multiple natural sites (Iztuzu Beach, the mud baths, lake, and rock tombs) in a single day.

Traveler reviews

4.48★★★★★★★★★★

29 verified traveler reviews

5 ★20

4 ★5

3 ★2

2 ★2

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Russian and Turkish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

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.

What are the Lycian rock tombs at Kaunos, and can you get close to them?

The Kaunos rock tombs are ancient burial chambers carved into the cliffs by the Lycian civilization. You view them from the boat as you cruise the Dalyan River, and your guide explains their history and significance as you pass.

Will I see sea turtles at Iztuzu Beach?

Iztuzu Beach is home to Caretta caretta sea turtles, but sightings depend on the season. The beach is protected for nesting, and you'll swim and sunbathe in the same waters where they come ashore, though the turtles themselves are not guaranteed on every visit.

What's included in the lunch at the riverside restaurant?

Lunch consists of freshly prepared Turkish dishes served at a riverside restaurant overlooking the Dalyan River. Drinks are not included and are available for purchase separately.

How long is the boat cruise through the Dalyan Delta?

The boat cruise spans multiple segments of the day: an initial scenic ride through reed-lined canals to Iztuzu Beach, then a continuation through the protected delta ecosystem toward Kaunos. The exact duration of each segment varies, but the entire river and delta experience is woven throughout the 10.5-hour tour.