Fethiye Boat Trips: 12 Islands and Ölüdeniz Bays

In short: there are two main day trips. The 12 Islands trip leaves from Fethiye harbour and visits the islands and bays of Fethiye Bay. The Ölüdeniz boats leave from the beach at Ölüdeniz and head south along the coast to places such as Butterfly Valley and the Blue Cave. You can join a big shared boat or hire a smaller private boat for your family or group.

Last checked: 9 November 2026

The 12 Islands trip from Fethiye

“12 Islands” is a traditional name for the islands scattered across Fethiye Bay. You won’t land on twelve islands: a typical day has around five swimming stops, chosen by the captain on the day depending on the wind and the sea. Stops often include:

• Yassıca Islands: a cluster of small, flat islets with shallow, clear water between them, good for families and less confident swimmers.
• Tersane Island: a sheltered bay with the ruins of an old shipyard on the shore.
• Kızılada (Red Island): named after its reddish rocks; good for snorkelling.
• Cleopatra’s Bath: ancient ruins on the shore, partly under the water.
• Aquarium Bay: a cove famous for its very clear water.

Boats leave from the harbour along the Fethiye seafront in the morning and return in the late afternoon; the season runs from spring to autumn. See our Fethiye marina guide for the harbour and evening cruises.

Photos: a Çalış resident, used with permission

Boat trips from Ölüdeniz

From the beach at Ölüdeniz, boats sail south along the coast below Babadağ. Stops often include Butterfly Valley, Gemiler (St Nicholas) Island, Cold Water Bay, where cold spring water meets the sea, and the Blue Cave. This is a good choice if you are staying in Ölüdeniz or Hisarönü. Read more: Gemiler Island.

Shared boat or private boat?

• Big shared boats: the easiest and most common choice. Lunch is included and there is plenty of space on deck, but in high season they can be busy, and some have music and a party feel.
• Private boats: smaller boats you hire just for your family or group. You can agree the route with the captain, stay longer at the quiet bays you like, and swim at your own pace. Many come with a freshly cooked lunch on board.
• Gulets and longer trips: for several days at sea, see our Blue Cruise guide.

What real travellers say

• The swimming stops are the highlight. Visitors talk most about the clear water, the islands and the caves.
• Choose your boat carefully. Walk along the harbour the evening before, look at the boats and ask what is included. Quieter boats suit families; party boats suit groups of friends.
• Lunch is usually included. Drinks are often extra, so ask what the price covers before you book.
• Expect busy bays in high summer. In July and August the popular swimming stops are at their busiest; earlier or later in the season is calmer.

Summarised in our own words from holidaymaker reviews and local guides.

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Sources we checked (November 2026): Turkey's For Life: Fethiye boat trips · TripAdvisor forum: Fethiye – which boat trip – 12 Islands? Help! · TripAdvisor forum: 12 Island Boat Trip including food · Letoonia blog: Fethiye boat tour tips

What to bring

• Swimwear, a towel and sun cream, plus a hat for the open deck.
• A snorkel mask if you have one.
• Cash for drinks on board.
• For children: ask whether the boat has children’s life jackets.

Fethiye boat trips: questions

Header photo: a day boat in a bay near Fethiye, by a Çalış resident, used with permission. We don’t list prices because they change often.