Marmaris: Dalyan Turtle Beach Tour with Mud Bath & Lunch

Key Points

• Affordable price: Only $32 per person for a full day of activities.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Marmaris, easing the logistics.
• Highlights: Dalyan River cruise, mud baths, Turtle Beach with turtle sightings, and mystical Lycian tombs.
• Duration: 10 hours, with a flexible starting time based on availability.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with fun mud baths and wildlife viewing.
• Food: Tasty lunch with options including chicken meatballs, pasta, and salad.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Explore the Wonders of Dalyan with a Full-Day Tour from Marmaris

The Dalyan Turtle Beach Tour offered by Payless Turizm combines natural beauty, cultural sights, and relaxation into a 10-hour adventure starting at just $32 per person. This trip is perfect for those seeking an easy way to explore southern Turkey’s coast, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making transportation hassle-free. The tour’s standout features include a visit to Turtle Beach to see loggerhead turtles, a mud bath experience, and a scenic boat ride across the Dalyan River.

This tour attracts many travelers thanks to its well-rounded itinerary, excellent value, and the chance to witness marine wildlife in their natural environment. While the day is packed with activities, it’s suitable for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure. Keep in mind, the tour runs for a full 10 hours, so comfortable footwear, sun protection, and cash for extras are recommended.

Discover Dalyan’s Top Highlights on a Day Trip from Marmaris

This day trip departs from Marmaris at around 08:30 AM, with hotel pickup arranged in advance. After roughly an hour on the bus, travelers arrive at the famous Dalyan mud baths. Here, you enjoy the sulphurous mineral mud baths, which are believed to have rejuvenating effects, and have fun playing in the mud. It’s an experience that combines health benefits with some good-natured messiness.

Following the mud baths, the group boards a river boat to cruise across the Dalyan River, which is fed by mountain streams and several rivers. This scenic boat ride offers stunning views of the rock-cut Lycian tombs carved into cliffs and the lush surroundings, making it a highlight for photography lovers and those appreciating peaceful landscapes.

The Magic of Turtle Beach and the Chance to See Loggerhead Turtles

After the boat cruise, the tour visits Turtle Beach, a notable spot for wildlife watchers. The beach is home to Caretta Caretta turtles, also known as loggerhead turtles, which you may spot swimming near the shoreline or moving around the sand. The chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a major draw, and guides often encourage feeding the turtles with crab shells, which the turtles seem to enjoy.

The beach’s natural beauty and the possibility of observing turtles make this stop a highlight of the tour. Visitors can swim, relax, and soak in the views at their own pace, with enough time allocated to explore and enjoy. The beach environment is quite pristine, and the experience of seeing turtles close up is both exciting and memorable.

Traditional Turkish Lunch with Legends and Local Stories

A key part of the day is the lunch break at a riverside restaurant. The meal features a local Turkish cuisine menu, with options including chicken meatballs, pasta, and salad. For those interested in seafood, there is an additional extra fee option to purchase fish or blue crab. The lunch setting provides a chance to relax and enjoy the view while guides share local legends and myths about the rock tombs at Caunos.

The lunch experience is praised for its simplicity and flavor, making it a satisfying break amid the day’s sightseeing. Travelers often remark on the value for money and the friendly atmosphere created by the guides and the restaurant staff.

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Free Time at Dalyan’s Historic Rock Tombs and Village

The tour includes a stop near the ancient Lycian tombs, carved into cliffs overlooking Dalyan. These rock tombs are a highlight for history and architecture enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the area’s past. The guides explain the legends around these structures, adding historical context to the stunning scenery.

You also get a chance to stroll around Dalyan village, soaking in the local atmosphere. While the tour’s main focus is the natural and archaeological sights, this free time allows for some optional shopping, local photos, or simply relaxing before moving on to the next activity.

Relaxing and Swimming at Turtle Beach

Once the lunch is finished, the group heads back to Turtle Beach for swimming and possibly more turtle encounters. The beach environment is calm and inviting, with clear waters perfect for a refreshing swim. If luck is on your side, you might see more turtles or even observe them feeding.

Visitors often enjoy feeding the turtles with leftover crab shells, which the guides mention as a fun activity. It’s a peaceful spot to unwind after a busy morning, with plenty of opportunity to relax in the sun or take photos of the beautiful coastline and wildlife.

Return Journey and Hotel Drop-Off in Marmaris

After spending time at Turtle Beach, the tour concludes with the bus ride back to Marmaris around 6:00 PM. The transportation is comfortable, and the pickup and drop-off service makes it convenient for travelers staying in Marmaris hotels. The full day’s activities are designed to be engaging but not overly exhausting, giving everyone a chance to unwind during the journey home.

The tour’s timing allows for a full experience of Dalyan’s natural wonders and cultural sites without feeling rushed, making it ideal for a single-day adventure.

Practicalities: What’s Included and What to Prepare

The tour package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, all entry fees, a guiding service, and a lunch. Optional extras include drinks (not included in the price), shower at the hotel (if chosen), and airport transfer for an additional fee.

Travelers should bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and cash for additional purchases. The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, but comfortable shoes and sun protection are essential.

Guides and Transportation: Friendly, Knowledgeable, and Well-Organized

Based on reviews, the guides—notably Berat and Dimitri—are praised for their friendly, informative, and humorous approach. They effectively explain each stop’s significance, share local legends, and ensure everyone is involved and comfortable.

The transportation from and back to Marmaris is efficient, with pickups on time and the bus generally comfortable, although some travelers note the absence of air conditioning in the bus during hot weather.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Similar Offers

Compared to other tours from Marmaris, this experience offers a comprehensive mix of natural sights, wildlife encounters, cultural heritage, and relaxation, all at an attractive price point. The inclusion of hotel pickup, lunch, and entry fees makes it a cost-effective choice.

The focus on turtle sightings, combined with the mud baths and river cruise, creates a well-rounded day that appeals to a broad audience, especially those interested in wildlife and history. The positive reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides and the overall value.

The Sum Up: A Fulfilling Day Out in Dalyan

The Dalyan Turtle Beach Tour from Marmaris offers a balanced day of discovery and relaxation at a reasonable price. Its main attractions—mud baths, scenic boat rides, and turtle sightings—are complemented by cultural insights and a tasty lunch. The tour’s friendly guides and well-organized logistics contribute to a smooth experience.

While it’s a long day, the variety of activities and the chance to see majestic turtles in their environment make it worthwhile. Perfect for families, wildlife lovers, or anyone wanting an authentic taste of southern Turkey’s coast, this tour provides good value for money and memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, with activities like mud baths, boat rides, and turtle watching that are engaging for children.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, and cash for extras. Comfortable shoes are also recommended.

Are drinks included in the tour?
No, drinks are not included, but they can be purchased separately on the boat or at the beach.

How long is the boat ride?
While the exact duration is not specified, the boat cruise across Dalyan River is part of the overall 10-hour trip, providing scenic views and a relaxing experience.

What food options are available?
The included lunch features chicken meatballs, pasta, and salad. For an extra fee, fish or blue crab can be purchased.

Can I see turtles at Turtle Beach?
Yes, the tour offers a good chance to observe loggerhead turtles swimming or moving around the beach, sometimes feeding on crab shells provided by guides.

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