Marmaris: Dalyan, Turtle Beach, and Kizilkum Bay Boat Tour

Exploring Turkey’s coast can be a highlight of any trip, and this full-day boat tour from Marmaris offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty, history, and relaxation. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, it packs a lot into 11 hours, making it a great value for those wanting a comprehensive experience of the Dalyan region.

Three things we genuinely appreciate about this tour are the chance to see the ancient rock tombs of Kaunos, the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters at Kizilkum Bay, and the iconic visit to Iztuzu Beach, known as Turtle Beach. Plus, the mudbaths promise a fun, silly way to feel rejuvenated—and maybe even a little younger.

One potential downside? The long day can feel a bit packed, especially for those prone to seasickness or looking for a leisurely, unhurried pace. But if you’re eager to tick off multiple highlights in one go, this tour hits most of the must-sees in the Dalyan area.

This experience suits travelers who want a full, active day out with a good mix of sightseeing and beach time, especially families, couples, or solo adventurers eager for diverse activities. If you love the idea of combining history, nature, and a bit of pampering, you’ll want to read on.

Good To Know

• All-in-one tour that covers Dalyan delta, Turtle Beach, and Kizilkum Bay
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience
• Swim in clear waters and relax on beaches with golden sands
• Visit ancient rock tombs of Kaunos for a touch of history
• Enjoy a mudbath to feel revitalized and youthful
• Lunch included onboard with drinks available for purchase

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This 11-hour adventure starts early, with hotel pickups from four main locations around Marmaris—Armutalan, Çmeler, Siteler, and Armutalan—making it convenient no matter where you’re staying. The journey begins with a cruise that lasts around two hours, where you’ll settle onto a comfortable boat equipped with sunbeds, showers, toilets, and a bar to keep you refreshed. The boat’s crew, including guides speaking English, Russian, and Turkish, makes sure everyone is comfortable as you sail through the turquoise waters.

The Dalyan Delta and Rock Tombs

Your first major stop is the Dalyan delta, a lush, environmentally protected area famous for its wetlands and the famous rock tombs of Kaunos. These tombs, carved into cliffs overlooking the river, are believed to date back to the Lycian period, around the 4th century BC. The sight offers a perfect photo opportunity and a moment to appreciate how ancient civilizations integrated themselves into this beautiful landscape.

Some reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge, with one noting: “The guide was very informative, sharing stories about the tombs and local wildlife,” which adds depth to what otherwise might be a quick photo stop. The delta itself is a peaceful place, and while you may not have much time for an extensive explore, the views alone make it worthwhile.

Lunch Break and Relaxation

After the delta, the boat anchors for a delicious onboard lunch—a welcome treat after a busy morning. Some travelers mention the meal as satisfying, with a variety of Turkish dishes served buffet-style, giving everyone a chance to refuel. The crew makes it easy to enjoy your meal while taking in the scenery.

Kaunos and Historical Insights

Post-lunch, the boat docks at Kaunos, an ancient city built by the Lycians. You’ll have about an hour to wander around the ruins, which include the remains of a theater, temples, and city walls. While this isn’t a full archaeological tour, it’s enough to give you a sense of the historical importance of the area. As one reviewer put it, “The ruins are quite evocative, and the guides offer just enough context to make it interesting without overloading.”

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Turtle Beach (Iztuzu Beach)

Next stop is the renowned Iztuzu Beach, often called Turtle Beach because it’s a nesting site for loggerhead turtles. The golden sands stretch over a kilometer, providing plenty of space to relax or swim. Many visitors highlight the chance to see the turtles, although sightings are dependent on the season and timing.

You’ll spend about an hour here, enough to soak up the sun and maybe spot some turtles if you’re lucky. The beach’s natural beauty makes it a prime spot for unwinding after a busy morning.

Kizilkum Bay and the Mudbaths

The final highlight is Kizilkum Bay, where you’ll have time to swim in the crystal-clear waters. The bay’s calm environment makes it ideal for taking a dip, and many guests enjoy floating on their backs or simply relaxing in the warm water.

A fun part of the trip is the mudbath experience—a chance to smear yourself with natural mud from the surrounding area. Reviewers often mention how silly and fun it is, with one noting, “It felt ridiculous but also invigorating—like a spa session mixed with a kids’ playdate.” The mud is believed to have skin benefits, and after washing off, many say they felt rejuvenated and even more youthful.

Return Journey and Final Relaxation

The boat returns to Marmaris in the late afternoon, with plenty of time to reflect on the day’s activities. The group size tends to be moderate, and the crew keeps the atmosphere lively yet relaxed.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour ticks most boxes in terms of convenience: hotel pickup and drop-off, a sightseeing cruise, an informative guide, and lunch onboard. Facilities on the boat make the journey comfortable, with sunbeds for lounging and bathrooms for convenience.

However, drinks from the bar are not included, so if you want bottled water, soft drinks, or alcohol, you’ll need to purchase them separately. The tour is also not suitable for those prone to seasickness, given the length and open water cruising involved.

Practical Tips

• Pack a hat, sunscreen, towel, and camera to capture memories.
• Wear swimwear and be prepared for mudbaths—bring a change of clothes or a cover-up.
• The timing of the tour means an early start, so aiming for a good night’s sleep beforehand helps.
• The long day suits those ready for a full schedule rather than a leisurely, unhurried pace.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers eager to experience a blend of history, nature, and relaxation. It’s great for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a well-rounded day out. If you enjoy sightseeing coupled with beach fun and don’t mind a full schedule, you’ll appreciate what this trip offers.

While it might not appeal to those who prefer a slow pace or are sensitive to seasickness, it provides a satisfying snapshot of the Dalyan region’s highlights in one seamless day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup from four locations around Marmaris, making the start hassle-free.

How long is the cruise? The cruise itself lasts around two hours per segment, with stops at different locations totaling approximately 11 hours including transfers and activities.

Are drinks from the bar included? No, drinks are available for purchase onboard, so bring some cash if you’d like to buy refreshments.

What should I bring? A hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and camera are recommended. Don’t forget a change of clothes if you plan to do the mudbath.

Is this tour suitable for children? Generally yes, but consider their comfort with long boat rides and mudbaths. Seasickness could be a concern for some.

Can I see turtles at Turtle Beach? Sightings depend on the season and timing, but Turtle Beach is a known nesting site, and many travelers hope to see them.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour from Marmaris delivers a solid mix of history, scenery, and fun. It’s designed for those who want a full day of exploring, swimming, and relaxing with minimal fuss. The inclusion of key highlights like the rock tombs, Turtle Beach, and mudbaths makes it a practical choice for first-time visitors seeking a broad overview of the Dalyan region.

The experience’s value depends largely on your interest in combining diverse activities in one day. While the schedule can be tight, the variety of sights and the opportunity to enjoy the natural landscape and ancient sites make it well worth considering.

This tour offers a well-organized, engaging way to discover some of Turkey’s most beloved coastal attractions. If you’re looking for a trip that balances adventure, culture, and leisure, it’s a good option to add to your Turkey itinerary.

In Summary: This journey is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive, lively day out with a mix of history, beach time, and mudbaths. It suits travelers who appreciate convenience and a packed schedule, aiming to see the highlights of Dalyan while enjoying some downtime on the sands and in the waters.

You can check if your dates are available here: