Our most recommended things to do in Dalyan

From Marmaris: Dalyan, Turtle Beach & Köyceğiz Tour w/ Lunch

1. From Marmaris: Dalyan, Turtle Beach & Köyceğiz Tour w/ Lunch

Visit some of the top destinations on the Turkish Riviera with a day trip from Marmaris or İçmeler. Make your way to Turtle Beach near Dalyan and keep an eye out for the locals, admire Köyceğiz Lake, look out at the Lycian Tombs, and enjoy lunch on this full-day tour. Set off from Marmaris or İçmeler with pickup from your hotel in the morning. Once you arrive at Köyceğiz Lake, transfer from the bus to a boat and cross the lake. Take a dip in the hot water pools at Sultaniye or have a soak in the mud baths, a popular activity with locals and tourists alike. Enjoy a lunch of salad, pasta, and barbecue chicken or meatballs served on the boat. Sail through the Iztuzu Canal and, from the boat, admire the Lycian Tombs that are built into the cliffs and date back to the 4th century BC. Try your hand at crab fishing and see if you can catch some Blue Crabs. Arrive at the Dalyan Delta and look out for the Caretta Caretta or Loggerhead Turtles at the famous Turtle Beach. These large creatures can weigh between 300 to 400 pounds and the area is monitored by Turkey’s Environment and Forestry Ministry.

From Marmaris: Dalyan Cruise, Turtle Beach & Mud Baths

2. From Marmaris: Dalyan Cruise, Turtle Beach & Mud Baths

Enjoy a relaxing full-day tour of Dalyan on Turkey’s Lycian Coast, sailing by boat across the turquoise sea to Turtle Beach (officially known as Iztuzu Beach). Departing from Marmaris, admire the remarkable rock cut tombs of the Kings of Kaunos along the coast. Founded around the 9th-century BC on the border of the Kingdom of Lycia, Kaunos became an important Carian city around 400 BC and its culture reflected aspects of both kingdoms. The tombs were designated for the kings and other powerful people of the city, and filled with food, money, jewelry and other valuable items. Marvel at the Dalyan Canal as it weaves its way from Köyceğiz Lake to the beach, a peninsula jutting out from the mainland. Famous for the endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta Caretta) that lay their eggs in the sand, as well as blue crab, the beach is now protected to help conserve the turtles, making it out of bounds to the public from May through September. Jump into a mud bath for an indulgent and therapeutic wallow before your return transfer to Marmaris.

Dalyan: Full–Day Mud Bath & Turtle Beach Tour from Fethiye

3. Dalyan: Full–Day Mud Bath & Turtle Beach Tour from Fethiye

Enjoy a relaxing full-day tour of Dalyan on Turkey’s Lycian Coast, sailing by boat across the turquoise sea to Turtle Beach, officially known as Iztuzu Beach. Departing from Fethiye, admire the remarkable rock cut tombs of the Kings of Kaunos along the coast. Founded around the 9th century B.C. on the border of the Kingdom of Lycia, Kaunos became an important Carian city around 400 B.C. and its culture reflected aspects of both kingdoms. The tombs were designated for the kings and other powerful people of the city, and filled with food, money, jewelry and other valuable items. Marvel at the Dalyan Canal as it weaves its way from Köyceğiz Lake to the beach, a peninsula jutting out from the mainland. Famous for the endangered loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs in the sand, as well as blue crab, the beach is now protected to help conserve the turtles, making it out of bounds to the public from May through September. Jump into a mud bath for an indulgent and therapeutic wallow before your return transfer to Fethiye.

From Fethiye: Dalyan Day Trip with Mud Bath and Turtle Beach

4. From Fethiye: Dalyan Day Trip with Mud Bath and Turtle Beach

When joining our Dalyan Tour from Fethiye, you can expect to unfold the natural beauty of Dalyan River, and to create long lasting memories. The excursion begins in the morning, when a bus picks you up from your hotel in Fethiye. A professional driver will transfer you, for almost 40 minutes, towards the starting point of the boat trip. As the excursion is guided by a professional guide, expect to get a complete overview of the area’s history and importance. The schedule is designed in such way to offer you the best images of the area. When at the port, you will enter a spacious boat, and make yourself comfortable on the decks for an unforgettable river cruise. The boat trip is a great opportunity to unwind, snap some photos, and observe the unspoiled surroundings. At a point, you will be able to see the 4th century BC, rock-cut tombs of the ancient city of Caunos. An interesting stop takes place at the mud baths. During this time, you can enter the mud pools, and enjoy a relaxing and revitalise mud bath. The mud is known for its high concentration in minerals, and for having beneficial outcomes for the muscles and skin. The excursion’s highlight is, of course, the visit at the point where the river meets the sea. Turtle Beach is one of the most famous places in the area, as you can actually swim in both, the river, and the sea! The sandy terrain and the exceptionally tranquil setting are about to take your breath away. If you are lucky enough, you may spot some careta turtles. The tour finishes in the afternoon, when the bus drops you off back at your hotel in Fethiye.

Dalaman/Sarigerme: Dalyan Turtle Beach Mud Bath & King Tombs

5. Dalaman/Sarigerme: Dalyan Turtle Beach Mud Bath & King Tombs

Boat Trip: Once we reach the Dalyan, we will board the charming river boats and start our tour across the beautiful Koycegiz Lake. The lengthy of this remarkable lake is a delightful experience on its own. The lake itself is a powerful sight, as it is created by gathering flows of several rivers and smaller mountain streams, and later flows into the great Dalyan river. Mud Baths in Dalyan: At its delta with Dalyan River, Koycegiz creates numerous rejuvenating baths and hot springs, known for their high-quality mineral mud and pleasant thermal springs. You will get to test these mud baths by yourself and enjoy some fun dips and swims in the warm mud pools. The place is also equipped with fresh-water showers, so you can clean yourself afterwards, and freshen up. Lunch break & Caunos: you will get to have open buffet lunch in a cute restaurant, while our guide tells you something about the scenery around you. After that point we will be taking a break near the ancient Rock Tombs of Caunos. These impressive tombs are said to be built high up into the mountain, so that the angels could reach the dead easily. Turtle Beach: After having information about the tombs, we will get to see the gorgeous Turtle beach, and take a swim nearby. It is a gorgeous stretch of beach about 4,5 kilometers long. It is naturally set so that it creates a barricade between the salt waters of Mediterranean, and fresh waters of Dalyan river. This famous beach is the breeding place of the protected species of Loggerhead turtles. Maybe some of you will even get to see a Loggerhead turtle up close if it swims near enough. Return to Sarigerme: Once our refreshing visit to the Turtle Beach is over, we will head back. We are expected to arrive back to Sarigerme at approximately 18.00.

Didim: Dalyan Tour with Turtle Beach, Mud Bath & Lunch

6. Didim: Dalyan Tour with Turtle Beach, Mud Bath & Lunch

Pick Up: On a pre-arranged time, a vehicle will pick you up from your hotel in Didim. The vehicle is fully air conditioned and comfortable for a pleasurable road trip towards Daylan. A professional tour guide will also be there with you. The guide will be in charge to provide assistance and let you know interesting information. River Boat Trip: After a road trip through picturesque villages and charming locations, we will arrive at the spot from where the boat departs. Then, a boat trip follows through the river. During the river boat trip, our guests can observe the mud baths of the area. In addition, the river is surrounded by imposing cliffs where the Lycian tombs are carved into rocks. During this time, the professional tour guide will provide information regarding the history and the importance of the tombs. This river boat trip will be a great opportunity to snap some photos or relax by enjoying the serenity of nature. Lunch: According to the excursion’s schedule, a lunch is included which will take place at a river side restaurant. There, you will enjoy delicious local recipes served in a relaxing setting. The most interesting highlight of this full day excursion is the visit at the river’s delta. A sand bank separates the river from the Mediterranean Sea, creating a truly spectacular and unique backdrop. A swimming break will be offered there which will be a great opportunity for those who seek some more relaxation or for those who wish to explore the location and admire nature at its best. Return: By the end of the swimming stop, the bus will continue on its way back to Didim. Our guests will enjoy again an interesting road trip until they arrive back to their place of accommodation. Arrival is expected late in the afternoon.

Bodrum: Dalyan Mud Baths & Iztuzu Beach Day Trip with Lunch

7. Bodrum: Dalyan Mud Baths & Iztuzu Beach Day Trip with Lunch

Soak in the mud baths of Dalyan, see the ancient rock-cut tombs of Caunos, and watch out for turtles at Iztuzu Beach on a tour from Bodrum. Have a lunch made of local dishes by the riverside and enjoy boat rides between attractions as well. Your tour begins in the morning with a pickup from your hotel in Bodrum. Hop on the bus and sit back as you pass by beautiful landscapes during your drive. Stop for a breakfast break (which is at your own expense) on the way. Arrive in the quaint town of Dalyan and board a boat to reach the mud baths and spa with thermal pools. Revitalize in a mud bath that contains sulfur and other elements said to be beneficial for your skin and help you to loosen up. Relax at the spa before having lunch by the riverside. After lunch, make your way to the former city of Caunos, founded around the 9th century BC. Once a Mediterranean port, Caunos is now known for its rock-cut tombs of kings and important people. Visit the tombs and hear about the grieving rituals of pagans and unfortunate grave robbing. From Caunos head to the sea by boat and arrive at Iztuzu Beach, otherwise known as Turtle Beach. See the over 4 miles of sandy beach stretch and go to the turtle rehabilitation station to learn how the loggerhead sea turtles nest and care for their eggs at the beach and see them if you are lucky. Take an hour and a half to spend at Iztuzu Beach before boarding your boat back to Dalyan to catch your return bus to Bodrum. On the way back to your hotel, have a short refreshment break (at your own expense) at a restaurant.

Dalaman: Jeep Safari from Sarigerme

8. Dalaman: Jeep Safari from Sarigerme

Be collected from your accommodation in Sarigerme. The first stage of your journey takes you through a typical Turkish village and a beautiful liquid amber forest. Travel through the magnificent scenery of the environment and continue to the cold clear waters of the Yuvarlakcay River. Take your first break close to the Yuvarlakcay Spring. Go on a ten-minute walk through the canyon to the sources of the spring, where you will have a chance to cool off in the icy water. After lunch at a fresh trout restaurant, head into the more remote region which are only accessible by jeep. Explore little-known areas and deserted places of unsurpassed beauty. After having a break to sunbathe and swim at Asi Bay Beach, drive up to Bozburun Hill, 600 meters above sea level, where you can photograph the spectacular views of Dalyan, Koycegiz Lake, and Iztuzu Turtle Beach.

Dalyan Mud Bath and Beach Tour

9. Dalyan Mud Bath and Beach Tour

Arrive at Turtle Beach, ana amazing beach to explore and provide you with a unique experience. Surrounded by salt water on one side and fresh water on the other, is one of the last breeding grounds of the Sea Turtles and therefore delightfully undeveloped.  You will then take a riverboat cruise through the maze-like passages of Dalyan Delta on your way to the mud baths. The riverboat will stop at the magnificent rock tombs. The tombs belong to the Kings of ancient Lycia and date back to the 4th-century B.C. You will then continue onto the rejuvenating mud baths and thermal springs of Dalyan. The thermal springs and mud baths have drawn in a legion of famous people over the years like Dustin Hoffman, Sting and David Bowie to name a few. Apparently it has worked for them, so why not let it work for you?!

From Marmaris: Day Trip to Dalyan with Lunch

10. From Marmaris: Day Trip to Dalyan with Lunch

Be collected from your accommodation in Marmaris at 8:30 AM and travel 45 minutes to Koycegiz. When you arrive, board your riverboat and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Koycegiz Lake. Visit the thermal springs and mud baths, which provide secret health benefits. The waters are rich in blue-hydrogen and radon, which relieve joint pain and aid the musculoskeletal system. In the vicinity of the village of Dalyan, there are 12 springs with different chemical compositions of water. Continue your tour and sail through the narrow ducts of the river. See rock tombs built between the 5th and 4th centuries BC during the oligarchy of the ancient city of Kaunos. They are the best examples of Lycian graves in the territory of Turkey. Return to your boat and be served a mouth-watering meal. The final stop will be at Turtle Beach. The unique sandy Iztuzu beach is where Caretta-Caretta turtles lay their eggs. The beach is a natural reserve and is under state protection but you can swim in the freshwater lake beside the beach. If you are lucky, you will see turtles on the beach. In the evening, from May to October, the beach is closed. Be dropped off at your accommodation around 7:30 PM. 

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What people are saying about Dalyan

Overall rating

4.0 / 5

based on 34 reviews

From pick up to drop off this trip was amazing, tour guide explained everything in great detail and each stop there was an explanation and plenty of time to enjoy the activities. The food that was served was very tasty and a good size portion. Would definitely recommend doing this trip

A great day out for all ages. The mud baths and spa weren’t my cup of tea but the rest of the family enjoyed the experience. Saw some turtles and the ancient tombs were my highlight. Highly recommended and everyone was great from the tour guide to the boat crew.

We had a lovely day I fell in the mud bath be careful step-in slowly because there a holes you can drop in haha

Brilliant day trip, highly recommend this boat trip. Loved every minute of it.

Great day our, well worth the money and we were very well looked after