Fethiye Boat Trips: Where They Depart, Times and Prices

Where Do Fethiye Boat Trips Depart From? A Complete Guide to Departure Points

Fethiye Town Harbour: Beşkaza Square and the Harbourfront

Most boat trips leave from the central pier next to Beşkaza Square. Walk from Fethiye's bazaar down to the seafront and you'll reach the square; the boats wait at the quay on the left-hand side from early morning. Most of the large gulets, pirate boats and catamarans depart from here.

Note: several companies share the same quay. Find out your company's exact meeting point in advance – in the busy morning rush, it's easy to board the wrong boat.

Town Harbour Pros and Cons:

• Pro: Within walking distance of the town centre

• Pro: Easy to reach by public transport and taxi

• Pro: The quickest departure point for the 12 Islands route

• Con: Can be crowded in the morning

• Con: Parking can be hard to find

Ölüdeniz Pier: The Alternative Departure Point

Ölüdeniz, around 15 kilometres from Fethiye town centre, is a far more sensible choice for holidaymakers staying by the beach there. Our Ölüdeniz boat trip leaves from here at 10:00 and stops at the Blue Cave, Cold Water Bay (Soğuksu), Camel Beach, Gemiler (St Nicholas) Island, Butterfly Valley and Aquarium Bay; the route runs through the coves around the Blue Lagoon. As the boats are smaller, they offer a real advantage for anyone looking for a calm, more personal experience. To get there, you can take one of the regular dolmuş minibuses from Fethiye town centre.

Tip: If you're staying on the Ölüdeniz seafront, choose a tour company that offers hotel transfers. Many companies provide a free shuttle from hotels in the centre, so you avoid the stress of finding a taxi early in the morning.

Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Trip Route: Which Coves Do You Visit?

The Fethiye 12 Islands boat trip is the area's most popular day out. The standard route usually includes 4–5 swim stops; the boats weigh anchor at Fethiye harbour in the morning and return in the evening.

Stop · Highlight

Göcek Island · Swim stop in a cove

Yassıca Islands · Swim stop in shallow, clear water

Kızılada · Sandy beach and swim stop

Aquarium Bay · Swimming and snorkelling in clear water

Lunch · Served on board

Göcek Island, the Yassıca Islands and Other Stops

The Yassıca Islands, with their turquoise water, are a favourite with photographers, and on most trips this is where the longest swim stop takes place. At Göcek Island there's a swim stop in a cove; Kızılada stands out for its sandy beach, and Aquarium Bay for its clear water and snorkelling. Lunch is served on board. Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) and Gemiler Island (St Nicholas Island), meanwhile, are usually on the route of trips departing from Ölüdeniz. Butterfly Valley, reachable only from the sea, is a shallow cove ringed by towering cliffs where you can swim and stroll along the shore, and trips that set off early catch it at its quietest (entry to the valley costs extra). Gemiler Island, with its ancient Lycian ruins and crystal-clear water, offers something special for history lovers.

In short: The 12 Islands route includes 4–5 swim stops. Swim stops usually last 30–60 minutes; if you want to swim at every cove, wear your swimsuit when you board, or you'll waste time.

Fethiye Boat Trip Times: When Do They Start and Finish?

Day trips usually depart at 10:00 and return at around 17:00–18:00 – about 8 hours in total. Passengers with a hotel transfer are picked up from their hotel before departure; the pick-up time depends on the area you're staying in. Missing this pick-up can mean missing the boat.

Some companies also offer a ‘sunset cruise’ departing at 15:00–16:00; the route is shorter, but the light and the atmosphere are something else entirely.

Practical tip: get to the departure pier at least 20 minutes early. Boat captains weigh anchor right on time and don't wait for latecomers.

Fethiye Boat Trip Prices 2026: Tour Options Compared

As of 2026, Fethiye boat trip prices vary noticeably depending on the type of trip, the boat's capacity and what's included. The main factors affecting the price are the type of boat, whether lunch is included, hotel transfers, private or group trip, and the season.

Tour Type · Price Range per Person · Food · Transfer · Capacity

Standard Group Trip (Gulet) · Budget to Mid-range · Included · Optional · 30–80 people

Pirate Boat Trip · Budget · Not included · Optional · 50–120 people

Private Gulet Charter · High · Included · Included · 10–20 people

Catamaran Trip · Mid-range to High · Included · Optional · 15–30 people

Sunset Cruise · Budget · Not included · None · 30–60 people

When comparing prices, look out for the words ‘meals included’ – this difference significantly changes the total cost.

Prime Turist's day boat trip prices per adult: 12 Islands Fethiye Boat Trip 1,200 TL, Fethiye Bays Tour 1,450 TL, Ölüdeniz Boat Trip 1,500 TL. Lunch is included on all three and drinks are sold on board; each trip lasts about 8 hours.

Boat Types Compared: Gulet, Pirate Boat and Catamaran

Gulet: With a spacious deck and a relaxed cruising pace, it's ideal for families and anyone after a peaceful day. Capacity is 20–80 people; on the large gulets it can feel crowded.

Pirate Boat: Made for anyone who wants music, foam parties and high energy. Very popular with young people and groups; it may be too noisy if you'd like a calm day.

Catamaran: With its twin hulls, it's the most stable option – strongly recommended if you suffer from seasickness. Capacity is lower, so there's more personal space, and prices are higher accordingly.

Note: The music- and party-focused atmosphere on pirate boat trips may not suit families with young children or anyone looking for a peaceful day. Always ask about the type of boat and the atmosphere when you buy your ticket.

What's Included on a Boat Trip? Food, Entertainment and Water Sports

Most trips serve lunch; the menu usually consists of rice pilaf, lentil soup, seasonal salads and grilled options. Mention any vegetarian or special dietary requirements when you book. As for water sports, many trips provide free snorkelling gear; some boats also offer jet skiing, water skiing or wakeboarding at extra cost. Foam parties are only held on pirate boats.

There's music on almost every boat – gentle on gulets, high-tempo on pirate boats. As for alcohol: some trips offer an open bar, while others include soft drinks and charge separately for alcoholic ones. Finding out which applies in advance avoids surprise costs.

Which Boat Trip Should You Choose? A Guide by Trip Type

Choosing the right trip starts with being clear about what you expect. The framework below makes the decision easier:

• Families (with young children): A gulet trip with lunch and hotel transfer included. Avoid pirate boats.

• Young groups out for fun: A pirate boat trip with a foam party on the programme.

• Couples, a romantic day: A private gulet charter or a small-capacity catamaran trip.

• Prone to seasickness: A catamaran, the most stable option.

• History and nature lovers: A gulet route covering Gemiler Island (St Nicholas Island) and Butterfly Valley.

• Budget first: A standard group trip, the option without lunch, boarding directly at the pier.

A crucial point people overlook: the trip's capacity. The experience on an 80-person gulet differs considerably from that on a 20-person gulet; on crowded boats, you'll queue during the swim stops.

Insider Tips: Reading the Season and the Crowds

In July and August, the boats fill beyond capacity, the coves get crowded and prices peak. For a truly enjoyable day on the water, go for early June or late September: the sea is still warm, the coves are empty and prices are noticeably lower. The day of the week matters too: on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you can share the same boat with far fewer people.

Another tip: boats that haven't filled up may offer a discounted price 1–2 hours before departure. However, in the peak season the popular gulets fill up weeks in advance, so this strategy doesn't always work.

Booking, Hotel Transfers and Accessibility: What You Need to Know

Most tour companies sell tickets online, by phone or at a sales point on the pier. In the busy season, paying in advance online to secure your place is the safest option. Always ask about the cancellation terms beforehand; for trips cancelled due to the weather, refunds are usually made without any problem. If the company offers hotel transfers, confirm when booking that your hotel is on the pick-up route.

Accessibility: Traditional wooden gulets have narrow, steep steps, which can be a serious obstacle for people with limited mobility, and there is no wheelchair access. Some modern catamarans may offer wider deck access. Calling the tour company before booking and asking clearly about accessibility will save disappointment. Accessible boat options in Fethiye are limited – a significant gap the industry needs to address.

At Prime Turist, we can answer your questions about special needs and accessibility – let's work out the right boat and route together.

Sustainability and the Environment: Responsible Tourism on the Blue Voyage

Fethiye's coves are under serious environmental pressure from growing visitor numbers. Here's what to keep in mind for a responsible boat trip:

• Don't leave plastic waste in the coves; the boats have rubbish collection points.

• Choose a sunscreen free of chemicals that harm coral reefs.

• Collecting stones, coral or shells from the seabed is prohibited.

• Take care when swimming in areas where boat engines are running.

The environmental guide from WWF Türkiye, which works to protect the marine biodiversity of the Mediterranean, offers practical advice. Some operators have started adopting eco-friendly fuel systems and waste management practices; asking about a company's environmental policy when choosing a trip helps you make an informed choice.

Conclusion: Ready for a Boat Trip in Fethiye?

Finding the right boat trip in Fethiye doesn't mean getting lost among dozens of options. Get the departure point right, choose the boat type that matches your expectations and read the season wisely – the rest will fall into place. In this unique paradise of coves in Muğla, every route offers a different experience.

The hardest part of planning a Fethiye boat trip is finding the one that suits you among dozens of options. Prime Turist is a comprehensive tourism platform that makes holiday planning easy, with tour options ranging from boat trips to safari adventures. Get in touch with Prime Turist to start the blue voyage of your dreams.

Frequently asked questions

What time do Fethiye boat trips start and finish? Day boat trips in Fethiye usually leave the pier at 10:00 and return at around 17:00–18:00. Some private trips leave earlier or carry on until sunset. As exact times vary by tour operator and season, it's a good idea to confirm the departure time when you book.

Do I need to book a boat trip in Fethiye, and is prepayment required? Boats fill up very quickly in the summer season, so booking ahead gives you a big advantage. Most operators ask for a partial prepayment. By booking online through platforms such as Prime Turist, you can both secure your place and take advantage of early booking discounts. Finding a place at the last minute can be quite difficult, especially in July and August.

Where do Ölüdeniz boat trips depart from, and how do they differ from those leaving Fethiye town harbour? Boat trips from Ölüdeniz leave from the small pier near Belcekız beach; Prime Turist's Ölüdeniz boat trip stops at the Blue Cave, Cold Water Bay (Soğuksu), Camel Beach, Gemiler (St Nicholas) Island, Butterfly Valley and Aquarium Bay. Trips from Fethiye town centre leave from the main harbour near Beşkaza Square and cover the 12 Islands route. Choosing the departure point closest to where you're staying saves both time and travel hassle.

Which places are visited on the Fethiye 12 Islands boat trip route? The Fethiye 12 Islands boat trip route usually covers Göcek Island, the Yassıca Islands, Kızılada and Aquarium Bay. There's a swim stop at each one, and lunch is served on board. The route may vary slightly depending on the operator and the weather, so it's worth confirming the current route before buying your trip.

What should I take on a boat trip? Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are a must in your bag. A swimsuit or bikini, a towel and water shoes are also recommended for swimming. Lunch is included on some trips; if it isn't, bringing snacks is a good idea. If you suffer from seasickness, don't forget your medication. It's advisable not to bring valuables or too much cash, and to use a waterproof bag.

Are there options suitable for disabled travellers on Fethiye boat trips? Whether disabled travellers can join a boat trip depends on the type and size of the boat. Large gulet-type boats generally offer more deck space; however, narrow passageways and steps can make things difficult for people with limited mobility. Calling the operator before booking to find out about the boat's facilities and let them know your specific needs will help you choose the most suitable trip.