Oludeniz Butterfly Valley Tour

Ölüdeniz and the Blue Lagoon

Ölüdeniz, about 25 minutes by road from Fethiye town, is famous for its calm Blue Lagoon and the long pebble beach of Belcekız, framed by pine forest and the peak of Babadağ. The lagoon is a protected nature park, and its sheltered water shifts from pale turquoise to deep blue within a few metres. Boats for the coastal cruises depart from the Ölüdeniz shore in the morning.

How to get to Ölüdeniz from Fethiye? Frequent dolmuş minibuses run between the town centre and the beach, and taxis are easy to find. If you prefer not to arrange the trip yourself, choose the option with hotel transfer and we collect you from your hotel in the covered areas. Arrive a little early to settle on deck before the 10:00 departure.

The Blue Cave

The first stop is the Blue Cave, a sea cave in the cliffs south of Ölüdeniz where sunlight entering below the surface turns the water a glowing, almost electric blue. Depending on the sea, the captain brings the boat close to the entrance so you can admire the colours, and on calm days swimmers can enter the mouth of the cave.

This stretch of coast is part of the Lycian shore, where mountains fall straight into the Mediterranean and the only access to many coves is by boat. From the deck you see fishing hamlets, goat paths and pine trees clinging to the rock. Keep your camera ready: the light is at its best in the late morning.

Butterfly Valley

Butterfly Valley is the highlight of the cruise: a narrow canyon that opens onto a small beach, enclosed by cliffs that rise several hundred metres straight up from the sea. The valley is a protected nature area and a refuge for many butterfly and moth species, most visible from June to September, and a footpath leads inland through orchards and shade to a small waterfall.

The boat anchors off the beach long enough for a swim, a stroll into the valley or simply a rest on the pebbles. Is Butterfly Valley worth visiting? Reaching it overland means a steep, demanding trail, so a private Butterfly Valley tour by boat or a group cruise like this one is by far the easiest way to see it. Bring sandals for the walk to the waterfall.

Aquarium Bay and Gemiler Island

After Butterfly Valley the boat continues to Aquarium Bay, named for water so clear that you can watch shoals of fish around your feet. Lunch is served on board during this part of the cruise, so you can relax in the shade before jumping back in to snorkel above the rocks and seagrass.

Next comes Gemiler Island, a small island scattered with the stone ruins of Byzantine churches, chapels and a covered processional way, once a pilgrimage centre on the sea route along the coast. The boat passes close to the island, and the green slopes dotted with ruins make one of the most photographed views of the day. On calm days the crew may also suggest a quick swim nearby.

Camel Beach and Soğuksu Bay

Camel Beach is a long, shallow bay where children can paddle safely and adults can float in warm, clear water. The name comes from the camel rides that used to be offered on the shore, and the gentle slope of the seabed makes it one of the best family swimming stops of the cruise.

The last stop is Soğuksu Bay, whose name means cold water: freshwater springs flow into the sea here, creating refreshing cool patches that feel wonderful after a hot afternoon. The best time to visit Butterfly Valley and these bays is from late May to early October, when the sea is warm. Afterwards the boat cruises back to Ölüdeniz in the late afternoon.