Oludeniz: Butterfly Valley, St. Nicholas Island incl. Lunch

If you’re considering a day trip in Turkey’s stunning Aegean Coast region, this boat tour of Oludeniz offers a well-rounded mix of natural beauty, history, and relaxing beach time. While it’s not a covert secret, it’s a popular choice for travelers craving a balanced day of swimming, sightseeing, and authentic local flavor.

What we love about this experience is the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters, explore historical ruins, and enjoy freshly prepared food onboard. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making each stop informative and enjoyable. Plus, the boat’s relaxed vibe and scenic routes mean you won’t feel rushed or overwhelmed.

One thing to consider is that drinks aren’t included, so if you want a cold beer or soda to accompany your day, you’ll need to purchase these separately. This tour is perfect for those who love a mix of adventure, cultural exploration, and downtime on beautiful beaches — suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate a well-organized day at sea.

Good To Know

• Authentic experiences: Visit Butterfly Valley and St. Nicholas Island with opportunities for swimming, hiking, and exploring ancient ruins.
• Comfortable boat ride: A two-deck boat with plenty of space, lounge beds, and shaded areas for relaxing.
• Varied itinerary: Multiple swim stops, a scenic hike, and a chance to see rare butterflies and historic churches.
• Tasty onboard lunch: Enjoy a freshly prepared meal, with options that include chicken, fish, or vegetarian choices.
• Guided tour: Knowledgeable guides keep the day informative and entertaining.
• No hotel transfer included: Be prepared to meet at the Oludeniz harbor.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Detailed Look at the Day Cruise Experience

Starting the Day at Oludeniz Harbor

The adventure begins at the Grand Vega boat docked at Belcekiz Beach in Oludeniz. From here, you’ll board a spacious, two-deck vessel that promises a smooth ride through some of Turkey’s most picturesque waters. The boat’s design, with shaded areas and comfortable lounge beds on the upper deck, ensures you can relax whether you prefer sunbathing or seeking some shade.

The initial journey along the coast offers stunning views of the coastline’s dramatic cliffs and lush greenery, setting the tone for a day filled with scenic highlights. The crew, led by guides like those praised in reviews, is friendly and eager to ensure everyone is comfortable and informed.

First Stop: The Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is a standout for many visitors, thanks to its vibrant blue waters. Once you arrive, you’ll have the chance to swim in the bright, inviting water or simply watch others do so. The glow inside the cave is what makes this spot truly special; it’s a perfect opportunity for photos and marveling at nature’s color palette.

Discovering Butterfly Valley

Next, your boat will head toward Butterfly Valley, a protected nature reserve famous for its rare butterfly species, especially the Tiger Butterfly. Here, you’ll get to explore the area on foot, taking a short hike through the lush surroundings. The reviews mention that the guides are helpful when getting on and off the boat, and they help make the hike accessible for most fitness levels.

In the valley, you’ll find a beautiful beach where you can sunbathe or swim in the clear waters. Many reviewers have noted that the beach is pristine and perfect for a relaxing break. The chance to see colorful butterflies fluttering around adds a magical touch, although some mention that butterflies might be less active at certain times of the season.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Lunch Onboard

Midday, everyone gathers back on the boat for a freshly prepared lunch. The menu generally includes options like chicken cooked on the boat, fish, or vegetarian choices such as salads and grains. Reviewers consistently mention the generous servings and good quality, emphasizing that the meal adds value to the overall experience. Note that drinks are an extra cost, so if you want a cold drink, you should plan to buy it onboard.

Exploring St. Nicholas Island

After lunch, the boat moves toward St. Nicholas Island, a site rich with history. Once there, you’ll walk among ruins of 5th-century churches and ancient structures. The highlight is climbing to the island’s highest point, where panoramic views make the climb worthwhile. Reviewers mention that the guides are knowledgeable, sharing insights into the history and significance of the site.

The views from the top give a sense of the island’s strategic importance in the past and are perfect for photos. The ruins are well-preserved enough to give you a tangible sense of history, and the peaceful setting offers a break from the busy beaches.

Final Swim at Cold Spring Bay

The last stop is Cold Spring Bay, where you can enjoy a final swim in the freshwater spring flowing into the sea. This spot is known for its refreshing waters, providing a cool, tranquil end to a day packed with activity. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to rinse off after a day of sun and exploration.

Return to Oludeniz Harbor

The cruise concludes back at the starting point, with the crew ensuring everyone is comfortable and accounted for. The entire day’s pace is relaxed, with plenty of time at each stop to swim, walk, or simply soak in the scenery.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour includes the cruise on a two-deck boat, guided commentary, and a delicious onboard lunch. This setup offers great value, especially considering the multiple stops and the scenic routes.

However, drinks are not included, and you’ll need to purchase them separately—something to remember if you like to stay hydrated or want a cold beverage during the day. Also, hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package, so you’ll need to make your way to Oludeniz harbor on your own.

The tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours, which provides enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Starting times vary, so checking availability and planning your day accordingly is advised.

Authentic Traveler Experiences

Many reviews highlight the crew’s helpfulness and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere onboard. For example, one reviewer mentioned that the staff kept everyone entertained and helped with getting on and off the boat, making the experience perfect for families and those with mobility concerns.

Another guest noted that the boat’s calm environment, devoid of loud music or party vibes, was ideal for relaxing and enjoying the surroundings. The emphasis on good food and ample time at each location received praise, with many saying they would highly recommend this tour.

Some travelers pointed out that the day might be slightly shorter than advertised, but they still found it to be a full and satisfying experience. The boat’s layout and the guides’ knowledge help ensure each stop feels meaningful and well-paced.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This boat trip is ideal for travelers who love a mix of adventure, history, and relaxation. It offers enough variety—swimming, exploring ruins, hiking, and lounging—to satisfy diverse interests. Families with children, couples seeking a scenic day, and solo travelers wanting a relaxed group outing will all find this tour appealing.

Those looking for a peaceful environment without loud music or party vibes will appreciate the calm, friendly atmosphere. While drinks are extra, the fresh, tasty lunch and beautiful scenery more than compensate.

If you’re after a day that combines stunning nature, light cultural exploration, and leisurely beach time, this tour hits the mark perfectly.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour? No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to meet at the Oludeniz harbor, where the boat departs.

What should I bring for the trip? You should bring swimwear, as swimming is a key part of the day. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are also recommended for sun protection.

Are drinks included in the tour? No, drinks are not included. You can purchase beverages onboard, but they are an additional cost.

How long is the tour? The activity lasts approximately 7.5 hours, with multiple swim stops, sightseeing, and a scenic hike.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues? Yes, reviews suggest the crew is helpful and accommodating, making it suitable for most travelers, including families.

What is the food like? The onboard lunch is freshly prepared, with options such as chicken, fish, or vegetarian salads, and generous servings.

Can I see butterflies at Butterfly Valley? You might see butterflies fluttering around, especially during certain seasons, but some reviews mention that they may be less active at times.

What kind of boat is used? A two-deck boat with shaded and sunbathing areas, designed for comfort and scenic enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

This Oludeniz boat tour offers a well-balanced day of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing in some of Turkey’s most scenic spots. The combination of natural beauty, historical sites, and tasty food makes it a worthwhile experience for a wide range of travelers.

The knowledgeable guides and friendly atmosphere help create a day that feels both educational and enjoyable, without the chaos of loud party boats. It’s particularly suited for those who want a peaceful, scenic day out, with enough variety to keep everyone entertained.

While drinks are an extra expense and hotel transfers aren’t included, the overall value, comfort, and authentic experiences make this trip a solid choice for exploring Oludeniz’s best features.

Whether you’re after stunning photo opportunities, a taste of history, or just some time to unwind in nature, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a chance to enjoy Turkey’s coastline from a different perspective—with plenty of opportunities for fun, discovery, and relaxation.

You can check if your dates are available here: