Boat Trip to Dalyan- Caunos, Turtle Beach includes Mud bath from Marmaris

Dive Into the Dalyan Boat Trip Experience for $33.71

This full-day boat tour from Marmaris offers a chance to explore some of Turkey’s most iconic coastal sights for $33.71 per person. Spanning approximately 9 hours, the trip includes hotel pickup, a variety of scenic stops, and the opportunity to relax at Turtle Beach and enjoy therapeutic mud baths in Dalyan. While the tour primarily operates via boat, some reviews highlight areas where the experience could be more satisfying, especially around onboard food and the pacing of the trip.

Designed for those seeking a mix of relaxation, sightseeing, and unique experiences, this tour suits travelers prepared for a full day on the water. Although the lunch served is simple—featuring chicken nuggets, rice, and salad—it provides a practical meal amid the day’s activities. The tour’s inclusion of a mud bath and visits to historical sites makes it a well-rounded outing for curious visitors eager to see Turkey’s natural and cultural highlights from a boat.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $33.71 for a full-day adventure, including lunch and mud bath entrance fee
• Duration of approximately 9 hours, with hotel pickup available for convenience
• Multiple stops, including Aquarium Bay, Turtle Beach, and the Lycian Rock Tombs
• Highlights include swimming, sunbathing, and taking photos along scenic coastlines
• Optional mud bath treatment rich in sulphur and minerals, ideal for skin rejuvenation
• The tour’s timing and pacing may leave some feeling the first stop at Aquarium Bay is rushed

Starting Point and Logistics in Marmaris

The tour begins at Tepe, Kordon Cd. NO: 48, Marmaris, with hotel pickup included if you select that option. The group size is limited to 150 travelers, ensuring enough space and a lively atmosphere. The return to Marmaris is expected around 19:30, giving plenty of time to unwind after a busy day.

Meeting the boat in Marmaris, travelers step onto a big boat that leads the adventure across the waters. The pickup and drop-off services from specific hotels, such as Cooks Club Adakoy and Marmaris Resort & Spa, add ease for visitors staying nearby. It’s worth noting that extra drinks, which are charged separately, can be purchased on the boat, while food and drinks from outside are not allowed.

Exploring Aquarium Bay and the Seaside Swims

The tour’s first stop is Aquarium Bay, where the swimming break lasts about 30 minutes. This spot is known for its crystal-clear waters, perfect for a quick dip and sunbathing. The calm, inviting waters make it ideal for families and anyone wanting a peaceful start to the day. The admission is free, and you can enjoy the scenery while relaxing on the boat’s deck.

Because the stop is early, it sets a tranquil tone for the rest of the trip, although some may feel the half-day could be more efficiently spent. The boat staff encourages spending money on drinks and food, which might be seen as a push for onboard sales. The waters here are a highlight for their clarity and calming atmosphere.

Visiting Iztuzu Beach and Turtle Conservation

The tour approaches Iztuzu Beach, known for its sand dunes and as a nesting site for caretta carettas (loggerhead turtles). A small boat takes you from the larger vessel into the canal for a 2-hour visit, during which you can walk along the beach or observe turtle conservation efforts.

This stop offers a chance to see nesting sites and possibly spot turtles, making it an educational experience. The admission fee for this part is included, adding value to the trip. The beach itself is famous for its natural beauty and clean sands, although the crowds can vary depending on the season.

Discovering the Lycian Rock Tombs

As the boat cruises along Dalyan’s coast, the Lycian Rock Tombs emerge prominently on the cliffs. These ancient tombs are remnants of the Kaunos necropolis, which once held over 170 rock-cut graves. The guide provides brief explanations about their history and significance, enriching the sightseeing experience.

This 45-minute stop offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate Turkey’s historical architecture. The admission fee is included, providing an affordable glimpse into the region’s past.

Rejuvenating at Dalyan Mud Baths

The Dalyan Mud Bath, lasting about 1 hour, is a key highlight. The mud is rich in sulphur and minerals, renowned for soothing skin and rejuvenation. Regular treatments are believed to tighten skin and reduce wrinkles, making it a favorite for visitors seeking natural wellness therapies.

The entrance fee is included in the tour price, and the experience allows for full-body application of the warm, dark mud. After the mud bath, you wash off with natural thermal water, leaving skin feeling refreshed. Despite some reviews mentioning the lunch quality, the mud bath itself consistently earns praise for its therapeutic benefits.

Swimming and Relaxation at Iztuzu Beach

The second swimming break takes place at Iztuzu Beach, where about 50 minutes are allocated for sunbathing and swimming. Known for its clean sands and tranquil waters, it’s a popular spot for relaxation.

Being at the end of the Dalyan channel, the beach offers a scenic setting with opportunities to feed turtles (turtle food available for purchase) and enjoy the sea breeze. This stop provides a more leisure-focused moment after the sightseeing and mud bathing.

Return Journey and Final Stop in Marmaris

After leaving Iztuzu Beach, the small boat transports everyone back to the big boat for the return trip. The journey back to Marmaris takes approximately two and a half hours, arriving around 19:30. The afternoon on the water is lively, with opportunities to sunbathe, chat, or capture photos of the coastline.

The return marks the end of a full, activity-packed day exploring both natural and historical sites from the comfort of the boat.

Practical Tips and What’s Included

The tour includes lunch—a modest plate with chicken nuggets, rice, salad, and two slices of bread—served on the boat. Additional meals and extra drinks are available for purchase, with options to pay by credit card or cash.

Towel and swimsuit are essential, as well as sunscreen, hat, and a fully charged phone for photos. You can buy turtle food if you wish to feed the turtles, but outside food and drinks are prohibited for hygiene reasons.

The mud bath entrance fee is included, and photos or CDs can be purchased from independent photographers. This full-day adventure offers a solid value, especially considering the group discounts and flexible cancellation policy—free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Weighing the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Tour

The main strengths are its affordable price, the variety of stops, and the unique experience of the mud bath and rock tombs. The scenic cruising along Aquarium Bay and Dalyan channel provides memorable views, and the historical sites add an educational layer.

However, some reviews suggest the first stop at Aquarium Bay could feel rushed, with half a day spent on the boat when more time at Turtle Beach might be preferable. The lunch quality has also been criticized as cold and disappointing. Still, the overall package offers a fun and relaxing day out, especially for those keen to combine beach time, history, and wellness in one trip.

Dalyan Boat Trip: An Overview for Potential Travelers

This full-day Marmaris tour combines scenic sailing, natural mud baths, and ancient tombs for a comprehensive experience of Dalyan’s seaside charm. Its price point and inclusion of lunch and mud bath entrance make it an accessible option.

While the pacing might not appeal to those wanting more time at Turtle Beach, the variety of stops ensures a balanced day filled with swimming, photography, and historical exploration. It’s well suited for travelers who enjoy water-based activities and are comfortable with full-day excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is available if you select the option, making the start of the day more convenient.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, and fully charged phone for photos. Remember that outside food and drinks are not allowed, but turtle food can be purchased separately.

How long is the boat trip?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours, with returns to Marmaris around 19:30.

Are the meals included?
Yes, lunch is included, though it’s a simple plate with chicken nuggets, rice, salad, and bread. Additional meals can be ordered for a fee.

This Dalyan boat trip provides a well-rounded day for those eager to explore Turkey’s coast, historical sites, and natural mud baths—an experience worth considering for a budget-friendly yet diverse adventure.