Dalyan Mud Baths & Iztuzu Turtle Beach Day Trip from Fethiye — Boat, Mud and Lycian Tombs
Board a riverboat from Fethiye and follow the Dalyan channel past Lycian rock tombs to Iztuzu, a protected nesting beach. The full-day tour pairs a thermal mud bath at Sultaniye with a guided boat ride and a beach break where you may spot Caretta caretta turtles.
The Experience
Before You Go
Respect nesting season
Iztuzu Beach limits public access May–September to protect loggerhead turtles — follow guides' instructions and avoid lights or flash photography at dusk.
Bring water shoes
Sultaniye’s mud pools and the river's shallow edges can be slippery — water shoes give grip and protect feet from sharp shells.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
The bay and lagoon are sensitive ecosystems; choose biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen to minimize impact on marine life.
Pack a dry bag and spare clothes
Mud baths are messy — keep electronics dry and have a change of clothes for the return transfer.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Sultaniye’s lesser-used hot pools behind the main baths — quieter for photos and short soaks
- •Evening birdwatching along Köyceğiz Lake where kingfishers and herons hunt the reed margins
Wildlife
- •Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
- •Grey heron and small wading birds such as kingfishers
Conservation Note
Iztuzu Beach is actively protected to support turtle nesting; visitors should follow seasonal closures, avoid disturbing nests, and use local guides to minimize impact.
The rock-cut tombs above the Dalyan canal belong to Kaunos, an ancient Carian-Lycian trade city that flourished from the 1st millennium BC and used cliff tombs for elite burials.
What to Bring
Water shoesEssential
Protects feet on riverbanks, in mud pools and on mixed sand/shingle beaches.
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin while limiting harm to marine life at Iztuzu and in the lagoon.
Quick-dry towel and spare clothesEssential
Useful after mud baths and swimming; saves you from sitting wet on the coach.
Dry bag or waterproof phone caseEssential
Keeps camera and documents safe during boat transfers and mud-bath visits.
Common Questions
Will I definitely see Caretta caretta turtles on this tour?
Turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed; Iztuzu is an important nesting area and you may spot turtles offshore or tracks on the sand, but encounters depend on season and luck.
Is the mud bath safe and hygienic?
Sultaniye’s mud and thermal pools have long been used for bathing; follow operator guidance, rinse after mud application, and avoid if you have open wounds or certain skin conditions.
Can infants join the tour and are transfers included?
Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; hotel pickup and drop-off are included — confirm exact pickup time with the provider in advance.
Is the beach open year-round for swimming?
Iztuzu is generally open for swimming outside nesting season, but parts may be restricted during May–September to protect nesting turtles and their hatchlings.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 hours
Location
Dalyan, Muğla Province
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks, boat boarding and light standing.
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