Fethiye: 12 Islands Boat Trip with Lunch & Swimming Stops

Sail Fethiye’s islands for sun, swims and laughter with locals

You’ll start your day at Fethiye port and sail out among the 12 Islands with a local crew—expect swimming stops at places like Red Island and Gocek Island, plus a fresh lunch onboard. There’s time for snorkeling or just floating under the sun while laughter drifts across the deck. By afternoon you’ll return feeling lighter somehow—maybe it’s all that salt air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day 12 Islands boat trip

• Meet guests at Fethiye port
• Visit first island with turquoise waters
• Stop at Red Island for photos
• Photo break for 30 minutes
• Swim and explore Yassica Bay
• Lunch with chicken, pasta, salad
• Swim at Gocek Island
• Return to Fethiye port

The Experience

I opened my eyes to the sound of ropes slapping wood and the smell of sunscreen mixing with sea air—already felt like summer even though it was barely 9am in Fethiye. The port was busy but not rushed, just people half-awake or laughing quietly over tea. Our guide waved us over (I think his name was Cem? I’m still not sure if I pronounced it right), and we found our spot on the deck. It’s funny how quickly you forget time once you’re out on the water—the city faded behind us, replaced by blue that kept shifting shades every time I looked up.

The first stop was Red Island, which honestly sounded made up until I saw the stones—actually red, especially where the sun hit them. There were rabbits hopping around too, which nobody warned me about. My friend tried to take a photo but they were too quick; she just laughed instead. We drifted from there to Yassica Island—our boat anchored in this quiet bay where the water felt colder than expected when I jumped in (not complaining though, it woke me up). Some people stayed on deck for sunbathing or wandered off for photos. I mostly floated and listened to kids arguing about who could swim furthest.

Lunch came right after—a simple plate of chicken, pasta, salad. Nothing fancy but somehow tasted better with salty hair and wet feet dangling off the side. The crew handed out soft drinks and joked with us about Turkish pop songs playing from someone’s phone nearby. Next stop was Gocek Island; honestly by then I’d lost track of which island was which but it didn’t matter much. Each one had its own color—rocks here, trees there, always that clear water underneath. At one point I just lay back and let myself drift a bit (probably should’ve paid more attention to sunscreen at this point).

On the way back to Fethiye port, everyone got quieter—maybe tired from swimming or maybe just full from lunch and sun. There was this moment when the light hit the water just right and everything went gold for a second—I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic at home.

Top questions

How long is the Fethiye 12 Islands boat trip?

The tour lasts a full day, returning to Fethiye port in the afternoon.

Is lunch included on this boat trip?

Yes, lunch is provided onboard—usually chicken or fish with pasta and salad.

Are swimming stops included during the tour?

Yes, there are several swimming breaks at different islands such as Red Island and Gocek Island.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Hotel transfer is included if selected during booking.

Can children join the 12 Islands boat trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

What should I bring on this day trip?

You should bring swimwear, sunscreen, towel, camera, and some cash for extras.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

The description mentions swimming stops but does not specify if snorkeling gear is provided; bringing your own is recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if selected when booking, a friendly English-speaking crew guiding you through each stop among Fethiye’s 12 Islands, plus a fresh lunch served onboard with soft drinks before heading back to port in the afternoon.