5 Must-See Bays in Fethiye: A Boat Trip Guide

The Bays You Shouldn't Miss in Fethiye

Most of these bays are on Fethiye's boat trip routes, though not all on the same trip, so we've put together this guide to help you get to know each one. Below you'll find what makes each of the five special, how to reach it and why it's worth the trip.

Bay · Character · Best time to visit · Things to do

Kızılada · Turquoise water, sandy beach · April–October · Swimming, boat trips, photography

Blue Cave · Natural sea cave · May–September · Swimming, exploring, photography

Butterfly Valley · Narrow gorge, green woodland · April–October (by boat) · Walking, photography, nature

Ölüdeniz · Long beach, paragliding landing area · All year · Paragliding, swimming, relaxing

Cold Water Bay (Soğuksu) · Cool freshwater springs · May–September · Swimming, relaxing

Kızılada: Fethiye's Legendary Turquoise Bay

Kızılada, whose name means ‘Red Island’, is the best known of Fethiye's five must-see bays. It's a regular stop on boat trips in the Gulf of Fethiye and one of visitors' favourite spots. With its turquoise water, sandy beach and the scenery around it, it has become one of the symbols of Fethiye.

The way to reach Kızılada is by boat. Day trips leave Fethiye every day during the season, and Prime Turist's 12 Islands Boat Trip and Fethiye Bays Boat Trip both make a swim stop here. The best time to visit is May to September, when the sea is calm and the weather is warm; from November to March, boat trips don't run.

There's plenty to do at Kızılada. Swimming and snorkelling are the main reasons to come: the water is clear and you'll spot plenty of fish. Prime Turist's boat trips that stop here last about 8 hours, and lunch on board is included.

Tip: If photos are your priority, the light is softest early and late in the day, when the turquoise water looks its best. Day trips usually reach Kızılada around the middle of the day; if you'd like to see it at golden hour, Prime Turist's private sunset boat trip is built around watching the sunset at Kızılada. Don't forget a waterproof phone case.

There are a few things to keep in mind. Sunscreen is a must, because sunlight reflecting off the water means you burn faster. Before you get in, ask the crew about currents and sea conditions. If you have children with you, stay close to them and make sure their life jackets are fitted properly.

The Blue Cave on Fethiye's Boat Trip Routes

The Blue Cave is the most mysterious and enchanting of Fethiye's five must-see bays. This natural sea cave opens at the waterline and can only be reached from the sea. It's a stop on boat trips from Ölüdeniz and makes for a memorable experience.

The cave gets its name from the blue glow created when sunlight enters and reflects off the water, which makes it a favourite with photographers. Tour boats don't go inside: on Prime Turist's Ölüdeniz Boat Trip, the boat stops in front of the cave for a swim.

The order of stops can change with the weather and the sea, but on Prime Turist's Ölüdeniz Boat Trip the Blue Cave is usually the first swim stop of the day, with time to swim, take photos and look around. If you have a mask, bring it: the light under the water is half the fun.

Note: Before you swim towards the cave, ask the crew whether there's any current. On some days the sea isn't suitable for going near the cave. Never swim in without the crew's go-ahead.

Around the cave you can swim, snorkel and take photos. If you're interested in history, the same trip also stops at St Nicholas (Gemiler) Island, which is known for its historic ruins.

Butterfly Valley: Nature's Masterpiece

Butterfly Valley is the wildest and most unique of Fethiye's five must-see bays. This narrow gorge, framed by green woodland and carved by the stream that runs through it, is a true natural masterpiece. It takes its name from the colourful butterflies that live here.

The easiest way to reach Butterfly Valley is by boat from Ölüdeniz, and Prime Turist's Ölüdeniz Boat Trip stops here (entry to the valley is paid separately). Arriving from the sea is easier and safer than coming overland: there's no road into the valley, only a steep footpath down the cliffs, which can be dangerous.

In the valley, it's all about nature and photography. You can walk into the gorge, cool off in the stream and look out for butterflies. For photographers it's a real paradise: the narrow gorge softens the light, and pictures come out beautifully.

The butterflies are most often seen in summer, and spring and early summer, when the valley is at its greenest, are lovely times to visit too. In high summer it gets hot, so mornings are the most comfortable time for a walk. Wear proper shoes before you head into the valley, as the paths can be slippery and rocky.

In short: Butterfly Valley is a must for nature lovers in Fethiye. Its natural beauty and colourful butterflies leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits.

Boat Trip Times and the Beauty of Ölüdeniz

Ölüdeniz is the biggest and best known of Fethiye's five must-see bays. Its name means ‘Dead Sea’, a nod to the famously calm water of its lagoon. It's also where boat trips to the bays along this stretch of coast begin: Prime Turist's Ölüdeniz Boat Trip leaves the pier at 10:00, so it's worth arriving early or keeping another day free for the beach.

There's lots to do at Ölüdeniz. Paragliding is what made it world-famous: pilots take off from the slopes of Babadağ and glide down over the blue water to land by the beach. You can also swim, enjoy the beach or simply relax.

If you have children, Ölüdeniz is a safe and comfortable choice: the shallow, calm water of the lagoon is ideal for little ones learning to swim. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés, so food and drinks are easy to find.

Boat trips from Ölüdeniz take in the bays along the coast. Prime Turist's Ölüdeniz Boat Trip costs from 1,500 TL per person, leaves the pier at 10:00 and stops at the Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley, St Nicholas (Gemiler) Island, Camel Beach, Aquarium Bay and Cold Water Bay (Soğuksu). Lunch is served on board, the trip ends at around 18:00, and hotel pickup is optional, at extra cost.

Who it's for: Ölüdeniz is the best choice for families who want their children to enjoy the sea safely.

The Best Places to Swim in Fethiye: Cold Water Bay (Soğuksu)

Cold Water Bay (Soğuksu) is the most unusual of Fethiye's five must-see bays. As its name suggests, it's known for its freshwater springs: cool spring water seeps into the sea here, and you'll feel the change in temperature as you swim.

To reach Cold Water Bay, join a boat trip from Ölüdeniz. On Prime Turist's Ölüdeniz Boat Trip, it's usually the last swim stop of the day, a refreshing way to end your time at sea.

Before you get in, ask the crew where the springs are. The spring water can be quite cold, so it may come as a shock if it hits you suddenly. Approach slowly and let your body get used to it.

Swimming and cooling off are what this bay is all about. You don't need to bring a picnic: on Prime Turist's Ölüdeniz Boat Trip, lunch is served on board, and drinks are sold on board.

Tersane Island: Where History Meets Nature

Tersane Island is a bonus for history lovers and the most historic spot in this guide. Its name means ‘shipyard’, and it's known for the historic ruins along its bay. Today those remains feel like an open-air museum.

Tersane Island lies among the islands of the Gulf of Fethiye. It features on many 12 Islands routes and on longer gulet cruises, but not every day trip calls there: Prime Turist's 12 Islands Boat Trip, for example, stops at Göcek Island, the Yassıca Islands, Kızılada and Aquarium Bay. If Tersane is on your wish list, mention it when we plan the route of a private boat with you. Seen from the sea, the island's old stone buildings are especially striking.

On the island, it's all about history: you can wander among old stone walls and the remains of buildings. History enthusiasts could easily spend hours here.

There are a few things to keep in mind. Please don't damage the ruins: don't scratch the walls, don't break stones and don't leave litter. Protecting the island for future generations is everyone's responsibility.

Note: Some parts of the island can be hazardous: uneven ground, crumbling walls and choppy water can all be risky. Always follow the captain's instructions and take the crew's warnings seriously.

Where Tersane is on the route, boats usually stop long enough for a swim and a short walk among the ruins. The water around the island is clear and lovely for swimming.

Conclusion

Fethiye's five must-see bays each have their own character and beauty, and together they are among the region's finest natural and historic treasures. The turquoise water of Kızılada, the mysterious glow of the Blue Cave, the wild beauty of Butterfly Valley, the calm of Ölüdeniz and the cool springs of Cold Water Bay stay with every traveller. Boat trips are the most practical and enjoyable way to see them.

Visiting these bays is one of the highlights of a holiday in Fethiye, and some of the best places to swim in the area are right here. Bear in mind that no single day trip covers all five: Kızılada is on the 12 Islands and Bays trips from Fethiye, while the Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley and Cold Water Bay are on the Ölüdeniz Boat Trip, which starts in Ölüdeniz itself. Each trip takes about 8 hours, so plan two days at sea if you'd like to see them all.

When you come to Fethiye, make sure you see these five bays. Sea, mountains, history and nature all come together here. Start planning and let Fethiye's must-see bays work their magic on you.

For official travel information about Fethiye, Türkiye's official tourism portal, GoTürkiye, is a good place to start. For questions about environmental protection in the area, the official contact is the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change.

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Frequently asked questions

Which are the most beautiful bays you can reach by boat in Fethiye? Fethiye's must-see bays include Kızılada, the Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley, Ölüdeniz and Cold Water Bay (Soğuksu). You can visit each one on a boat trip, swim there and explore the nature around it. Kızılada is a stop on the 12 Islands and Bays trips from Fethiye, while the Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley and Cold Water Bay are on the Ölüdeniz Boat Trip, which leaves from Ölüdeniz.

Which are the calmest bays for swimming in Fethiye? Cold Water Bay and the bays around Tersane Island are among the best places to swim in Fethiye. Bays inside the sheltered Gulf of Fethiye usually have calmer water, which suits families with children. Earlier in the day, the bays also tend to be less crowded.

How do you get to the bays around Fethiye? The most practical way is a boat trip or private boat hire. Trips from Fethiye visit the islands and bays of the Gulf of Fethiye, such as Kızılada, while trips from Ölüdeniz go to the Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley and Cold Water Bay. Some bays can also be reached by road if you rent a car. On an organised trip the logistics are taken care of for you; on Prime Turist's boat trips, hotel pickup is optional, at extra cost.

Are there bays in Fethiye that suit families with children? Yes. Ölüdeniz, with its shallow, calm lagoon, and the sandy beach at Kızılada are good choices for families; at every stop, follow the crew's advice on where to swim. On Prime Turist's day boat trips, children aged 0–3 go free and 4–12-year-olds pay half price, and there are life jackets on board, so the whole family can enjoy the swim stops together.