Half-Day Dalyan Boat Trip to Kaunos, Iztuzu Turtle Beach & Mud Baths
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness; able to climb a low boarding ladder and take short swims
Overview
Glide through reed-lined channels, pass 4th-century cliff tombs and swim the long sands of Iztuzu on a private half-day boat trip from Dalyan. Finish with a sulfur-rich mud bath and a dip in thermal pools that have been used locally for generations.
Half-Day Dalyan Boat Trip to Kaunos, Iztuzu Turtle Beach & Mud Baths
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A small wooden gulet eases away from Dalyan harbor as morning light presses along the reed beds; the engine is a steady heartbeat, and the river narrows into a green corridor. Reed stalks brush past the hull, gulls argue overhead, and the carved faces of Lycian rock tombs watch the slow procession from their cliffside perches. In four hours you move between ecosystems—river delta, coastal sands and warm sulfur pools—and the pace is quiet enough to listen: water sliding under the hull, a local captain calling a greeting, the distant slap of surf on Iztuzu.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential for long sun exposure on deck; use biodegradable formula to protect marine life, especially turtle nesting areas.
Wear water shoes for rocky landings
Boarding ladders and pebbled shoreline at some stops mean light water shoes will keep feet comfortable and protected.
Keep distance from nesting zones
During nesting season (May–Sept), respect marked turtle areas and avoid leaving belongings on the sand near marked nests.
Cash for small purchases
Small cafes and beach vendors may not accept cards—bring cash for drinks, snacks or locker rentals.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle)
- Mediterranean gulls and herons in the reedbeds
History
The ancient city of Kaunos—visible from the delta—was a Carian port city with rock-cut tombs dating from the 4th century BC and a Roman theater near the shore.
Conservation
Dalyan is part of a protected area with strict turtle-nesting regulations; visitors should use reef-safe products, avoid marked nests and follow local guidance to minimize disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Dalyan
Recommended Gear
Biodegradable sunscreen
Protects skin while keeping sea life safe during turtle-nesting months.
summer specific
Quick-dry towel
Dries fast after swims and for use after the mud bath rinse.
Water shoes
Useful for rocky landings and walking on mixed sand and pebble beaches.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated on deck—refill from the boat to reduce plastic waste.
summer specific