Turkey Holiday Diary 8 min read
Why Boat Trips Turkey’s Coast Are a Must-Do
Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world, and the best way to experience it is from the water. Boat trips Turkey offers range from lazy full-day cruises around island groups to high-speed runs to hidden coves and secluded beaches you simply cannot reach by road. The water is ridiculously clear, the scenery is dramatic, and the whole experience — swimming in turquoise bays, eating freshly grilled fish on deck, sunbathing as pine-covered mountains slide past — is exactly what a holiday should feel like.
This guide covers the best boat trips from Turkey’s three most popular coastal destinations: Fethiye, Bodrum, and Antalya. Whether you want a group tour or a private charter, a full day or a half day, there is a perfect boat trip for you.
Best Boat Trips from Fethiye
Fethiye is the boat trip capital of Turkey. The coastline here is indented with dozens of islands, bays, and coves, and the water clarity is exceptional.
1. 12 Islands Tour (Fethiye)
The classic Fethiye boat trip. You board a traditional wooden gulet in Fethiye harbour and spend the day cruising around the islands and bays of the Fethiye Gulf. Despite the name, you typically visit 5-6 stops rather than all 12 islands, but each one is beautiful.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day (10:00 – 18:00) |
| Stops | 5-6 swimming stops including Yassıca Islands, Tersane Island, Aquarium Bay |
| Price | €15 – €30 per person (group tour) |
| Includes | Lunch (usually grilled chicken or fish), water, fruit |
| Best for | Budget travellers, groups, first-time visitors |
Aquarium Bay is the undisputed highlight — the water is so clear that boats appear to float in mid-air. Tersane Island has ruins of an old shipyard and a sheltered bay perfect for swimming. The Yassıca Islands (Flat Islands) are a cluster of small islands with shallow turquoise water between them.
For more on the Fethiye region, see our Fethiye travel guide.
2. Butterfly Valley & Ölüdeniz Boat Trip
This trip takes you along the dramatic coastline south of Fethiye to two of Turkey’s most famous spots — Butterfly Valley and the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day (09:30 – 18:00) |
| Stops | Butterfly Valley, Blue Lagoon, St Nicholas Island, Camel Beach, Cold Water Bay |
| Price | €20 – €40 per person |
| Includes | Lunch, water, entrance to Butterfly Valley (usually) |
| Best for | Scenery lovers, photographers, beach enthusiasts |
Butterfly Valley is a narrow gorge with 350-metre cliffs on either side, opening onto a small beach. In summer it is home to the Jersey Tiger butterfly. The Blue Lagoon needs no introduction — it is one of the most photographed spots in Turkey. St Nicholas Island (Gemiler) has fascinating Byzantine church ruins right on the hilltop.
Pro tip: On the 12 Islands tour and Butterfly Valley trip, boats get crowded in peak summer. For a more relaxed experience, consider a private boat. A full-day private gulet charter from Fethiye costs €300-500 and can carry 8-12 people — split between a group, that is often comparable to a premium group tour per person.
3. Göcek Islands Day Trip
Göcek is a quieter, more upmarket alternative to Fethiye — a small marina town surrounded by twelve islands and countless bays. Boat trips from Göcek visit the same stunning islands but with fewer people and a more exclusive feel. Prices are slightly higher (€30-50 per person for group tours) but the experience is noticeably more peaceful.
Best Boat Trips from Bodrum
Bodrum sits on a peninsula surrounded by clear Aegean water, and boat trips here have a different character — more rugged coastline, cooler blue water, and a party-meets-nature vibe.
4. Bodrum Peninsula Boat Tour
The standard Bodrum boat trip visits bays and beaches around the peninsula. Typical stops include Aquarium Bay (yes, there is another one), Black Island (Karaada) with its hot spring mud bath cave, Meteor Crater Bay, and several swimming stops.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day (10:30 – 17:30) |
| Stops | 4-6 bays including Karaada, Aquarium Bay |
| Price | €15 – €30 per person |
| Includes | Lunch, water |
| Best for | Relaxation, swimming, unique mud bath experience |
The hot spring cave at Black Island is a unique experience — you swim into a cave with warm mineral water and smear the orange mud on your skin. It sounds strange, but it is genuinely fun and supposedly good for your skin.
5. Orak Island Trip
Orak Island is further from Bodrum and less visited than the standard route. The water here is some of the clearest in the entire Aegean, and the island has a wild, untouched feel. Trips to Orak usually include fewer stops but more time at each one. This is the choice for people who prefer quiet beauty over a packed itinerary.
6. Bodrum to Kos (Greece) Day Trip
The Greek island of Kos is only 40 minutes by ferry from Bodrum. You can do a day trip — leave in the morning, explore the charming Greek island, and return in the evening. You will need your passport, and ferries run daily in summer. Prices are around €25-35 for a return ticket.
Best Boat Trips from Antalya
Antalya’s boat trips combine stunning Taurus mountain scenery with the warm, calm Mediterranean.
7. Antalya Old Harbour Boat Tour
Short and sweet — boats depart from the picturesque old harbour below Kaleiçi and cruise along the dramatic cliffy coastline. You pass the Lower Düden Waterfall (which cascades directly into the sea), Rat Island, and Falez Beach. Tours last 1-2 hours and cost just €10-15.
8. Suluada Island Trip
Often called the “Turkish Maldives,” Suluada is a small island off the coast near Adrasan, about 90 minutes from Antalya. The water is an almost unbelievable shade of turquoise over white sand. Full-day trips from Adrasan cost €20-30 and include lunch, swimming stops, and time on the island.
9. Phaselis Bay Trip
Phaselis is an ancient Lycian port city set among three small bays surrounded by pine forests. Boat trips from Kemer or Antalya take you to the ruins and the incredibly beautiful bays. You can swim right next to 2,500-year-old harbour walls. A full-day trip costs €20-35 including lunch.
10. Kekova Sunken City Trip (from Demre)
While technically closer to Kaş than Antalya, this trip is accessible as a day excursion. You cruise over the partially submerged Lycian city of Kekova, visible through the clear water. The nearby castle village of Kaleköy (ancient Simena) is charming, and the whole area feels untouched by mass tourism. Prices are €20-35 for a boat tour from Üçağız.
Private vs Group Boat Trips
| Feature | Group Tour | Private Charter |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | €15 – €40 | €40 – €80 (with 8+ people) |
| Flexibility | Fixed route and schedule | You choose the stops and timing |
| Crowd level | 30-80 passengers | Your group only |
| Food quality | Basic but adequate | Often much better, sometimes BBQ on board |
| Music and atmosphere | DJ music, party vibe (sometimes) | Your playlist, your pace |
Pro tip: If you are a group of 6 or more, always get a quote for a private boat before defaulting to a group tour. The per-person cost difference is often surprisingly small, and the experience is incomparably better. Many private boats will also stop at spots that group tours skip.
What to Bring on a Boat Trip
- Swimsuit and towel — you will swim multiple times
- High-SPF sunscreen — reapply frequently; the water reflection intensifies the sun
- Waterproof phone pouch — essential for photos in the water
- Cash — for drinks on board and small purchases at stops
- A light cover-up — for when the breeze picks up
- Seasickness tablets — just in case, especially for Bodrum’s choppier Aegean water
Boat trips Turkey offers are among the best-value activities in the country. For multi-day cruising, see our Blue Cruise Turkey guide. For other coastal adventures, check out scuba diving in Turkey and paragliding in Ölüdeniz. And for a full trip plan, see our 10-day Turkey itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best boat trip in Turkey for families?
The 12 Islands tour from Fethiye is ideal for families. The bays are sheltered and calm, swimming stops are in shallow areas, and the pace is relaxed. Lunch is included, so you do not need to worry about feeding the kids. A private boat is even better for families as you can adjust the schedule to suit children’s energy levels and nap times.
Are boat trips Turkey safe for non-swimmers?
Yes. Life jackets are available on all boats (required by Turkish maritime law). You do not have to swim at any stop — many people are happy just sunbathing on deck or dangling their feet in the water from the boat’s swimming platform. If you want to enter the water but are not a confident swimmer, wear a life jacket and stay near the boat.
Can I book boat trips on the day or should I book in advance?
Group tours can usually be booked the day before or even on the morning of departure — just walk to the harbour and you will find operators selling tickets. In peak August, popular trips can fill up, so booking 1-2 days ahead is wise. Private charters should be booked at least a few days in advance, and in July-August a week ahead is safer for the best boats.
Our previous article Lycian Way Hiking Guide: Turkey's Best Trek in our article titled Adventure, Mediterranean ve Nature provides information about.