Dalyan Mud Baths and Iztuzu Turtle Beach Day Tour from Fethiye
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be comfortable boarding small boats and walking on uneven beach sand for short periods.
Overview
Float down the Dalyan river past cliffside Lycian tombs, smother yourself in sulfur-scented mud at Sultaniye thermal pools, and spend time on Iztuzu — Turtle Beach — where loggerhead turtles nest. This full-day trip from Fethiye combines archaeology, coastal geology, and a surprisingly restorative mud bath.
Dalyan Mud Baths and Iztuzu Turtle Beach Day Tour from Fethiye
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You step off the air-conditioned coach into a different temperament of Turkey — a low, reed-stiff river that moves like a slow pulse toward the sea. The boat rocks gently as it slips from Dalyan’s jetty, and cliffs with Lycian rock-cut tombs peer down as if watching centuries of comings and goings. Salt air rides upstream, and somewhere close the sulfurous breath of thermal springs promises a peculiar kind of renewal.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Protect turtles — give distance
Iztuzu is a protected nesting area; avoid closed sections between May and September and follow your guide’s instructions to minimize disturbance.
Bring waterproof storage
Sand and sulferous mud can damage cameras and phones — use a dry bag for valuables and a zip-lock for your phone.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Bring water shoes or sturdy sandals for rocky river landings and hot sand at Iztuzu.
Leave jewelry on the coach
Mud baths can stain or snag jewelry; store valuables with the guide or on the bus before the mud treatment.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)
- Herons and kingfishers along the Dalyan reedbeds
History
Kaunos was an important Carian trade city from the 1st millennium BC; the cliff tombs are carved into soft limestone and marked royal burials visible from the channel.
Conservation
Iztuzu Beach is a protected nesting site with seasonal access rules; follow local guidelines to reduce disturbance and avoid leaving trash on the sand.
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Adventure Hotspots in Fethiye
Recommended Gear
Swimwear and quick-dry change of clothes
Necessary for mud baths, pools, and the beach swim stop.
summer specific
Waterproof bag or dry sack
Protects electronics and documents from water, sand, and mud.
Water shoes or sturdy sandals
Useful for rocky landings, riverbanks, and hot sand at Iztuzu.
summer specific
Sunscreen and wide-brim hat
Long exposure on boat decks and beach requires high SPF and sun protection.
summer specific