Gulf of Fethiye (Fethiye Körfezi)
The basics
Cruise ships set sail around the Gulf of Fethiye from Fethiye and Marmaris, with options ranging from a day cruise around the 12 islands, to 3-, 4-, or 7-night cruises along the Turkish Riviera. Choose to cruise the coast in a traditional wooden gulet, with accommodation on-board, or charter a private yacht for a luxury experience. Along the way, visit islands such as Gocek, Tersane, and Domuz; stop to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive at remote beaches and bays; or discover ancient sites such as the Lycian tombs of Dalyan or the white-seashell beach of Cleopatra Island.
Things to know before you go
- The Gulf of Fethiye is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, with many colorful coral reefs and a wide variety of tropical fish.
- Most boats have restrooms and showers, and cruises typically include breakfast and lunch served on board. Multi-day cruises include onboard accommodation and meals.
- Some boats are accessible for wheelchairs, but it’s best to check in advance.
How to get there
The Gulf of Fethiye lies roughly between Marmaris and Fethiye, along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. The only way to explore the Gulf is by boat and cruises set sail from both cities. The closest airport to Fethiye is Dalaman airport, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) west.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Cruises set sail from May through to mid-October. The busiest season is July and August, when advance bookings are essential and the small islands of the Gulf can get crowded with day-trippers during the day.
Day Trip Destinations around the Gulf
As well as exploring the 12 islands, day cruises set out from Fethiye to nearby Ölüdeniz beach. Nicknamed Turkey’s ‘Dead Sea’ for its calm waters, it’s famous for its Blue Lagoon, separated from the ocean by a spit of white sand, with the rocky peak of Babadağ Mountain looming in the background. Close by, another day trip favorite is the Butterfly Valley, a remote beach and rocky gorge that can only be reached by boat and takes its name from the hundreds of rare butterflies that fill the valley during the spring and summer months.
- Fethiye Roman Theater (Telmessos Theatre)
- Fethiye Lycian Stone Sarcophagi
- Fethiye Old Town (Paspatur)
- Fethiye Museum (Fethiye Muzesi)
- Calis Beach (Calis Plaji)
- Kayakoy
- Ölüdeniz Beach and Blue Lagoon
- Gemiler Island (Gemiler Adasi)
- Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi)
- Tlos
- Saklikent National Park (Saklikent Milli Parki)
- Patara Beach (Patara Plaji)
- Fethiye Lycian Rock Tombs (Tomb of Amyntas)
- Dalyan Mud Bath