Boat Trip to Dalyan- Caunos, Turtle Beach includes Mud bath from Marmaris

Travelers looking to combine scenic sailing, nature encounters, and a dash of history often find themselves drawn to the popular boat trip from Marmaris to Dalyan. This full-day tour, offered by Arbek Travel, promises a mix of relaxing sunbathing, therapeutic mud baths, and the chance to see the renowned Lycian rock tombs—all from the comfort of a boat exploring Turkey’s idyllic coast.

While not perfect for everyone—some find the schedule a bit long or the onboard food less appealing—the trip offers a wonderful way to spend a day immersed in nature and history, especially if you appreciate good value and authentic experiences. We love the opportunity to float along Aquarium Bay, soak in mineral-rich mud, and walk on the famous Turtle Beach. However, potential travelers should consider the mixed reviews about food quality and timing.

This tour best suits those who enjoy a full day of outdoor activities, scenic cruising, and cultural sights. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxing sea day with a touch of adventure, this trip offers a well-rounded experience—albeit with some caveats.

Key Points

• Scenic sailing: Enjoy the cruise along Aquarium Bay with plenty of photo opportunities and relaxing sunbathing.
• Unique mud baths: The Dalyan mud baths are a highlight, offering mineral-rich treatments said to rejuvenate skin.
• Historical sights: The Lycian rock tombs provide a glimpse into Turkey’s ancient past without needing a history degree.
• Authentic local flavor: The included lunch offers a simple but satisfying meal, with options to purchase extras.
• Good value: For just over $33, the tour includes transportation, multiple stops, and entrance fees.
• Mixed reviews: Some guests loved the experience, while others found parts of it less enjoyable, mainly due to timing and food quality.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transport

The adventure kicks off with hotel pickup in Marmaris, making it a convenient choice for travelers staying locally. You’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the boat, which is a major perk if you want to avoid the hassle of organizing logistics yourself. The journey typically lasts about 9 hours, including time spent on the water and at each stop.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Aquarium Bay
The first stop is a classic start—an opportunity to dip into the sparkling waters of Aquarium Bay. The calm, clear sea makes for an ideal swimming spot, with enough time allocated for a 30-minute dip. Guests rave about the chance to relax and take photos, although the experience can be crowded at peak times. “We loved the way we could just float and sunbathe,” one review notes, making it a perfect way to ease into the day.

Stop 2: Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach)
Next, the boat approaches the legendary Turtle Beach, known for being a nesting site for caretta carettas. Transitioning from the main boat to a smaller boat that slips into the canal adds a touch of adventure. Here, you’ll get about two hours to relax, swim, or wander along the sandy shoreline. The beach’s status as a nesting site makes it a protected area, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. Travelers often comment on the beauty of the beach but note that the water can sometimes be busy with other boats.

Stop 3: Lycian Rock Tombs
Cruising past the Lycian rock tombs offers a chance to appreciate Turkey’s ancient past. The guide provides brief insights, helping you understand the significance of these tombs carved into the cliffs, remnants of the once-thriving city of Caunos. The 45-minute stop is enough to snap some photos and admire the impressive cliffside carvings, which evoke a sense of timelessness.

Stop 4: Dalyan Mud Bath
The highlight for many—an hour at Dalyan’s famous mud baths. Rich in sulphur and minerals, these dark, warm mud pools are reputed to tighten skin, erase wrinkles, and provide a full-body detox. Visitors often find the experience fun and rejuvenating; one review mentions that the mud baths are “rich in sulphur and contain minerals that soothe and rejuvenate your skin.” Be prepared for a somewhat messy but amusing activity, as you cover yourself in mud and then wash it off with thermal water. The entrance fee to the mud baths is included, making this a standout part of the tour.

Stop 5: Iztuzu Beach Again
After mud baths, there’s a second visit to Turtle Beach for about 50 minutes of swimming and relaxing. The timing means you can enjoy a swim with less crowd than earlier, and the setting is beautiful with the Dalyan channel’s end connecting to the Mediterranean. Just keep in mind that this stop is not included in the tour price, so if you want to spend more time here, you’ll need to buy a ticket or plan accordingly.

Return Journey: Marmaris
The trip concludes with a cruise back to Marmaris, arriving around 7:30 pm. The return trip takes roughly two and a half hours, giving you time to unwind and reflect on the day’s highlights.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package includes lunch, mud bath entrance, and hotel pickup if selected. The lunch is simple—a chicken nugget plate with rice, salad, and bread—and some travelers find it satisfying, especially given the full day of activities. Drinks are extra, and you might want to bring some cash to purchase snacks or additional drinks on board.

Several reviews mention the quality of the onboard food; one guest found the free lunch “cold and disgusting,” emphasizing the importance of bringing snacks if you’re picky. Conversely, others appreciated the value of the included meal, especially considering the overall price.

Considerations and Tips

• Timing: The schedule is quite full, and some reviews suggest that part of the day feels rushed or that the boat spends too much time encouraging purchases rather than relaxing.
• Food: The included lunch is modest and may not satisfy everyone, especially after a busy morning.
• Comfort: The boat can get crowded, especially at popular stops like Turtle Beach.
• Weather: Since it’s a full day on the water, check the forecast, as bad weather can lead to cancellations or uncomfortable conditions.
• Packing: Remember to bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, and possibly cash for extras.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers seeking a combination of scenic cruising, wildlife, and cultural sights without the hassle of organizing multiple transfers or tours separately. It’s good for those who enjoy relaxing in natural mineral pools, exploring ancient tombs, and spending a day on the water with a group.

If you value good value for money, enjoy simple but satisfying meals, and don’t mind a busy schedule, you’ll find this tour rewarding. However, if you’re sensitive to long days or picky about food, you might want to consider alternatives or prepare accordingly.

The Sum Up

This boat trip from Marmaris to Dalyan offers a well-rounded glimpse into Turkey’s natural beauty and history. You’ll love the chance to float in crystal waters, soak in rejuvenating mud, and admire ancient tombs—an authentic experience at a fair price. The trip’s relaxed sailing, scenic views, and inclusion of key sights make it a practical choice for travelers wanting a full day of varied activities without the hassle of planning.

That said, modest criticisms about the quality of onboard food and the timing of some stops serve as reminders to pack snacks and set expectations. It’s a tour that delivers good value but requires a laid-back attitude and a willingness to participate fully.

If you’re looking for a memorable day combining nature, history, and seaside fun, this Dalyan boat trip offers an authentic taste of Turkey’s coast with enough flexibility for individual preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, if you select the option, the tour includes hotel pickup from Marmaris.

How long does the whole tour last? The full-day experience lasts approximately 9 hours, including travel, stops, and cruising time.

What is the price per person? Around $33.71, which covers transportation, entrance fees for mud baths, and lunch.

Are drinks included? No, all drinks, including water, are charged separately. You might want to bring cash or a credit card for extras.

Can I buy additional meals or snacks on the boat? Yes, additional food can be ordered for a fee, and some guests bring their own snacks.

What should I bring? A towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, and cash for additional purchases are advisable.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers? Most travelers can participate, but consider the full-day nature and the physical activity involved.

Is the tour weather dependent? Yes, poor weather can lead to cancellations or a different schedule, so check the forecast.

What are the main highlights of this trip? The scenic cruise, Turtle Beach, Lycian rock tombs, and mud baths are the major highlights.

Are the views and scenery worth the price? Absolutely—if you enjoy scenic boat rides, wildlife, and cultural sights, this tour offers strong value and memorable moments.