Oludeniz Boat Trip to Butterfly Valley and St Nicholas Island from Fethiye

Discover the beauty of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast with the Oludeniz Boat Trip to Butterfly Valley and St Nicholas Island from Fethiye. Priced at $48.15 per person, this 7-hour tour offers an immersive experience around Ölüdeniz’s bays, islands, and caves. Starting with hotel pickup options, this trip is ideal for those seeking a full day of swimming, scenic views, and historical sights. While some stops require an entrance fee, the overall value includes lunch onboard and visits to key spots like the Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley, and Gemiler Island.

We like how this tour balances relaxation and adventure, with plenty of swimming opportunities and spectacular vistas. A notable limitation is that during peak season, the Blue Cave stop is not included, which could affect those looking for a specific experience. This tour suits travelers who want a well-organized day out with a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and local history.

Key Points

• Full-day tour lasting approximately 7 hours with hotel pickup options
• Visits to Butterfly Valley, St Nicholas Island, Gemiler Island, Aquarium Bay, and Blue Cave
• Includes onboard lunch, with drinks available for purchase
• Entrance fees for Butterfly Valley and St Nicholas Island are paid separately
• Swim in multiple bays, with over 4 swimming stops during the day
• Tour maximum size is 75 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable group

Convenient Pickup and Drop-Off in Fethiye

This tour begins with hotel pickup between 08:45 and 09:15, making it easy for visitors to join without worrying about transportation logistics. After the day concludes, the boat returns to the original meeting point in Ölüdeniz Beach. It’s important to note that pickup from Oludeniz hotels is not included, so travelers need to make their way to the designated meeting spot.

The pickup process is generally smooth, allowing for a stress-free start to the day. The tour operator, Arbek Travel, manages the logistics efficiently, with the boat departing once all passengers are on board around 10:30-10:45.

Exploring the Stops: From Blue Cave to Butterfly Valley

The tour’s first stop is the Blue Cave in the Faralya region, located opposite the Dead Sea. Visitors can admire the glittering lagoon nestled inside this cave, a highlight for photography and swimming. The cave is free to access, but note that during peak season (July 1 – September 15), the Blue Cave stop may be canceled to prioritize other activities.

Next, the tour visits Butterfly Valley, where a 30-minute stop allows for swimming and, for an extra fee, visitors can walk into the valley itself. The enchanting canyon is famed for its vivid butterflies, although reviews mention that the hiking trails may not appeal to everyone. The beach at Butterfly Valley is a perfect spot for relaxing or taking a dip.

Following Butterfly Valley, the boat heads to Aquarium Bay, which offers another hour for swimming. This bay features crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and enjoying the scenery. The bay is free to access, making it a popular refreshment point.

Visiting Gemiler Island and Its Historical Significance

A key highlight is Gemiler Island, home to remains of churches built between the 4th and 6th centuries AD. Visitors can explore the archaeological site and get a glimpse of Saint Nicholas’s supposed tomb, adding a historical dimension to the day’s adventure. An entrance fee of approximately 3 per person applies for those wishing to visit the island’s ruins.

The island’s geographical shape, which resembles a camel (hence its Turkish name Gemile), makes it a scenic spot. The exploration typically lasts an hour, providing enough time for photos and a brief walk around the historic remains.

Swimming at Camel Beach and Soguk Su Bay

The tour includes two more swimming stops: Camel Beach and Soguk Su Bay. Camel Beach is known for its sandy shores and offers a relaxing environment for swimming and sunbathing. The visit here lasts about 1.5 hours, with no entrance fee.

Soguk Su Bay is another inviting spot to cool off, with a swimming duration of around an hour. Both beaches are ideal for those wanting to spend quality time in the crystal waters and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

The Onboard Lunch and Refreshments

A standout feature of this tour is the included onboard lunch, which receives positive remarks for its deliciousness. The meal is served as the boat floats around the bay, allowing diners to enjoy the views while eating.

While drinks are not included in the price, passengers can purchase beverages from the bar during the trip. Some reviews mention that soft drinks served during lunch could be complimentary, but currently, they are paid extras.

Practical Tips and Additional Notes

Travelers are advised to bring a swim suit and towel for the swimming stops. The boat prohibits bringing food or drinks onboard, so plan accordingly. Photos and CDs of the day are sold independently, so visitors interested in souvenirs should check contact details to purchase images.

Regarding seasonal variations, during high season, the Blue Cave stop is not available, so visitors should adjust expectations accordingly. The maximum group size of 75 travelers helps ensure a lively atmosphere without feeling overcrowded.

The Experience on the Boat

The boat itself is described as clean and well maintained, with plenty of cushioned loungers on the top deck, suitable for sunbathing or relaxing in the shade. The crew and captain are praised for their friendly service and good music, creating a lively and enjoyable environment.

Some reviews highlight that the boat’s size might be a factor—smaller boats could offer a more relaxing experience, but this particular trip balances group size and comfort well. The pacing allows for ample swimming, with stops spread out to prevent fatigue.

The Scenic Views and Photo Opportunities

One of the tour’s biggest draws is the stunning scenery at each stop. The hilltop ruins of St Nicholas Island provide spectacular vistas suitable for photography, especially after climbing to the top. The beaches and bays are praised for their crystal-clear waters and beautiful landscapes.

The Blue Cave offers a unique photo opportunity with its glowing lagoon, although its availability depends on the season. Butterfly Valley, with its dramatic canyon walls, remains a favorite for many, despite some criticism of the hiking trails.

Reviewing the Food and Drink Options

The onboard lunch is often described as delicious, with generous portions and good variety. Some reviews note that soft drinks during the meal are not free, which could be an unexpected expense for some.

Additional beverages and snacks are available for purchase from the bar during the trip. Passengers should prepare for the possibility of extra charges for entrance to Butterfly Valley and St Nicholas Island—fees are approximately 1 and 3.50 respectively.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This full-day boat trip is perfect for families, couples, and groups eager to enjoy multiple swimming stops and explore historic sites in a relaxed setting. It’s suitable for most fitness levels, although those planning to visit Gemiler Island or St Nicholas Hilltop should be comfortable with walking and some climbing.

Travelers interested in scenic views, cultural history, and crystal waters find this tour offers a balanced mix. It’s also a good value considering the lunch, multiple stops, and transportation included.

Important Considerations for Booking

Booking tends to occur about 18 days in advance, reflecting strong popularity. During peak season, availability might be limited, so early reservations are recommended. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, providing flexibility if plans change.

Travelers should also consider weather conditions, as poor weather can lead to cancellation or changes in the Blue Cave stop. Be prepared for a busy boat environment, but know that the crew strives to keep the experience enjoyable.

This full-day excursion combines scenic boat cruising with entertaining stops at some of Turkey’s most picturesque locations. It balances relaxation and exploration, making it an appealing choice for those who want a comprehensive day out on the water. With positive reviews emphasizing stunning scenery, delicious food, and good organization, it remains a popular option for visitors to the Fethiye region.