Oludeniz Boat Trip

Ölüdeniz and the Blue Lagoon

Ölüdeniz, about 15 km south of Fethiye, is famous for its sheltered Blue Lagoon and long Belcekız beach, framed by the slopes of Babadağ mountain. The lagoon is a protected nature park, and its still, shallow water shifts from turquoise to deep blue, making it one of the most photographed coastlines in Türkiye.

The boat departs from Ölüdeniz at 10:00. If you are staying in Fethiye and wonder how to get to Ölüdeniz, local minibuses run frequently from the town centre in about 25 minutes, and taxis are easy to find. The best time to visit Ölüdeniz for boat trips is May to October, when the sea is warm; June and September are less crowded than midsummer.

Butterfly Valley

Butterfly Valley is a narrow canyon that opens onto a small beach between towering cliffs, reachable only by boat or by a very steep path from the village of Faralya above. The valley is a protected area with simple bungalows and a lush interior, where a shaded trail leads to a small waterfall at the back of the gorge.

The valley takes its name from the Jersey tiger moths and other butterflies that gather here, especially from June to September. Is Butterfly Valley worth visiting? Yes: it is one of the most dramatic beaches on the Lycian coast, and the boat stop gives you time to swim off the beach and look up at the walls of rock rising above you.

The Blue Cave

Close to Butterfly Valley, the Blue Cave is a sea cave in the cliffs where sunlight reflects off the sandy floor and turns the water an electric shade of blue. The boat stops just outside, and you can swim or snorkel to the entrance to see the light glowing inside the rock.

The water here is deep and very clear, so it is a favourite spot for jumping off the boat. Strong swimmers enjoy exploring the cave entrance, while younger children can watch the colour from the deck or swim close to the boat with a life jacket. The stop usually lasts around 30 to 40 minutes, enough for a swim and plenty of photos.

St. Nicholas Island

St. Nicholas Island, known in Turkish as Gemiler Adası, lies just off the coast west of Ölüdeniz. The island is covered in the ruins of Byzantine churches, chapels and houses from around the 4th to 6th centuries, connected by a long covered processional way that once climbed to the summit. From the boat you see stone walls and arches among the olive trees.

The boat anchors in the sheltered bay facing the island, where the water is calm and ideal for swimming. It is a peaceful stop with a sense of history, and the view of the ruined walls reflected in the water is one of the most beautiful moments of the day.

Aquarium Bay, Cold Water Bay and Camel Beach

Aquarium Bay earns its name from its glass-clear water: look down from the deck and you see fish swimming above the rocks and sand. Bring a mask to snorkel and you will spot bream, wrasse and small shoals moving through the shallows. It is often the best stop of the day for snorkelling.

At Cold Water Bay, freshwater springs rise from beneath the sea, so you feel sudden cool currents as you swim, refreshing on a hot afternoon. The last stop is Camel Beach, a pebbly cove where camels are kept and rides are sometimes offered at extra cost. After a last swim the boat cruises back to Ölüdeniz in the late afternoon.