Dalyan Turtle Beach Tour Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about visiting İztuzu Beach and Dalyan from Marmaris
The Dalyan Turtle Beach day trip is one of the most popular excursions from Marmaris — and it's easy to see why. This magical journey takes you along the reed-lined Dalyan River, past ancient Lycian rock tombs, through the famous mud baths, and finally to İztuzu Beach, one of Turkey's most important nesting sites for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).
Duration
Full Day (10–12h)
Distance
~70 km from Marmaris
Price
From £25/person
Best Season
May – October
What's Included in the Tour?
Return transfer from Marmaris hotel
Boat trip along the Dalyan River
Visit to ancient Lycian rock tombs
Mud bath experience at thermal springs
Free time at İztuzu Turtle Beach
Lunch at a riverside restaurant
Tour Itinerary
Hotel pickup from Marmaris
Air-conditioned coach collects you from your hotel
Arrive in Dalyan town
Board your traditional wooden river boat
River cruise & rock tombs
Cruise past the spectacular 4th century BC Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs
Mud baths & thermal springs
Enjoy the famous therapeutic mud baths and warm thermal pools
Lunch at riverside restaurant
Fresh fish and Turkish cuisine at a traditional restaurant
İztuzu Turtle Beach
2 hours of free time on the stunning 4.5km beach — swimming, sunbathing, and turtle spotting
Return boat journey
Scenic cruise back along the Dalyan River
Return to Marmaris
Drop-off at your hotel
About the Caretta Caretta Turtles
Protected Nesting Site
İztuzu Beach is one of the most important nesting sites in the Mediterranean for loggerhead sea turtles. Between May and October, female turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs. The beach is protected by law — no sunbeds or umbrellas are allowed in the nesting zones, and the beach closes at sunset during nesting season. Visitors are asked to respect the turtles and their habitat.
Essential Tips
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water for the beach
Wear clothes you don't mind getting muddy at the mud baths
Book in advance during July and August — tours sell out fast
Bring Turkish Lira for drinks and souvenirs in Dalyan town
Don't disturb turtle nests — stay on marked paths on the beach
Bring a camera — the rock tombs and river scenery are spectacular
Book Your Dalyan Turtle Beach Tour
One of the most unforgettable day trips from Marmaris