Dalyan River & Iztuzu Beach boat tour: Kaunos rock tombs

Reed beds, ancient tombs, and two hours in the water at Turtle Beach

A half-day boat tour on the Dalyan River near Dalyan takes you through wetlands and past the Kaunos rock tombs (carved Lycian burial sites from the 4th century BCE) with a swimming and snorkeling stop at Iztuzu Beach, a protected nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles. The tour runs about 4.5 hours total, includes snorkeling equipment and refreshments, and operates with an English-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Ancient City of Kaunos30m · entry included
2. Iztuzu Beach2h · entry included

Dalyan River and Iztuzu Beach tour

• Pick up guests from pier
• Boat trip on Dalyan River
• Stop for photos at Kaunos rock tombs
• Boat trip to Iztuzu Beach
• Swim and relax at Iztuzu Beach
• Return boat trip via Dalyan River

The experience

The boat leaves the pier and moves slowly up the Dalyan River, winding through lush reed beds and wetlands that connect Köyceğiz Lake to the Mediterranean. After 40 minutes to an hour on the water, you stop for about 30 minutes at a viewing point where the Kaunos rock tombs rise from the cliffs above the river: monumental facades carved into the rock face, with columns and pediments that mark the burial places of Lycian kings and nobles from around the 4th century BCE. The guide provides historical context while you photograph the site and take in the scale of the ancient architecture.

A 15-minute boat ride brings you to Iztuzu Beach, a 4.5-kilometer stretch of golden sand protected as a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. You have roughly two hours to swim, snorkel with the provided equipment, and watch for turtles if they surface. The beach is known for sightings, though they are not guaranteed. The water is clear and the beach remains relatively undeveloped, backed by hills rather than resort buildings.

The return journey retraces the river route, giving you a second view of the Kaunos tombs and the chance to spot other wildlife and ecological areas of the region from a different angle. Snorkeling gear and coffee or tea are included throughout the day.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• coffee and tea.
• English-speaking guide for the full 4.5-hour tour.
• pickup from the pier and return to the same location.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

Book up toStart time

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dalyan Boat Tours

Is this one for you?The boat moves at a slow pace on the river and the swimming portion is optional, so the tour suits a range of fitness levels. The main commitment is two hours in the water at Iztuzu Beach, so bring a swimsuit and be comfortable entering the sea.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What are the Kaunos rock tombs and how old are they?

The Kaunos rock tombs are ancient Lycian burial sites carved into the cliffs above the Dalyan River, dating to the 4th century BCE. They feature monumental facades with columns and friezes, built as the burial places of local kings and noble families, and stand as evidence of the ancient city's wealth and architectural skill.

Will I see sea turtles at Iztuzu Beach?

Iztuzu Beach is a protected nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles, and sightings do happen, but they are not guaranteed. The beach is named Turtle Beach for its ecological importance to the species, and you'll have two hours in the water to look for them.

How much time do I spend swimming at Iztuzu Beach?

You have approximately two hours at Iztuzu Beach for swimming, snorkeling and photos before the boat returns to the pier.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included in the tour, so you can explore the water at Iztuzu Beach without bringing your own gear.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide conducts the tour in English and provides historical information about the Kaunos tombs and the river ecology throughout the day.