If you’re looking to spend a day immersed in nature, refresh yourself in mud baths, and discover the famous Iztuzu Beach—known for the Caretta Caretta turtles—the Dalyan and Köyceğiz day tour from Marmaris by Bus is just right for you.
This tour offers both a riverboat cruise and a route filled with historical and natural highlights, appealing to travelers of all ages.
In this guide, we’ll share the details of each stop, including Lake Köyceğiz, Dalyan River, mud baths, Kaunos Rock Tombs, and İztuzu Beach, along with our personal impressions. If you’re looking to add a meaningful and refreshing break to your Marmaris vacation, this tour is definitely worth considering.
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If you are looking for a great Marmaris to Dalyan Turtle Beach Day Trip by BUS, trust our recommendations, save time and money, we have you covered. Below are some of the best experiences you can find!
Feel free to book online in advance (as you’ll get discounts), by choosing the eco-friendly option of online tickets. By avoiding printed tickets at the window, you’ll contribute to a sustainable and greener travel experience.
- Marmaris: Dalyan Turtle Beach Tour with Mud Bath & Lunch (one of the best ones with over 300 very good reviews)
- Full Day Turtle Beach Tour With Lake and Mud Baths From Marmaris (one of the best ones with over 250 very good reviews)
You can check their calendar for available days below, and book in advance. Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Why Visit Dalyan?
Dalyan is famous for its unique Dalyan river, protected sandy Iztuzu beach, also known as Turtle beach by most of the UK travellers, the Caretta Carettas sea turtles, the world famous mud baths believed to give extra health to your body and skin with its sulphuric mud, the ancient Lycian Kings’ rock-cut tombs, and the ancient city of Kaunos.
What to Expect?
Dalyan village is a very unique place situated in Ortaca, the Dalaman region of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, about 90 km. from Marmaris. You can visit Dalyan via daily boat trips, but day trips to Dalyan by bus has recently become very popular with the tourists in Marmaris.
Quick Overview
The Marmaris to Dalyan Turtle Beach Day Trip by Bus is a must-do excursion for visitors seeking to explore some of Turkey’s most beautiful and unique natural attractions.
This comprehensive day trip includes a visit to the famous Turtle Beach, therapeutic mud baths, and a scenic river cruise, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Starting with a convenient hotel pickup in Marmaris, the tour is designed to provide a seamless and memorable experience from beginning to end.
Why this Trip is Popular?
This trip is popular for its diverse range of activities and attractions that cater to all types of travelers. Nature enthusiasts love the opportunity to visit Turtle Beach, a protected nesting ground for the endangered loggerhead turtles.
Those seeking relaxation and wellness enjoy the rejuvenating properties of the Dalyan Mud Baths.
Meanwhile, the river cruise offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region’s rich history, with ancient rock tombs and the ruins of the city of Kaunos adding a cultural element to the adventure.
The combination of these unique experiences makes the Marmaris to Dalyan Boat Trip a top choice for tourists.
Highlights of the Trip
Turtle Beach (İztuzu Beach)
Turtle Beach, or İztuzu Beach, is one of the trip’s main highlights. This 4.5-kilometer-long sandy beach is a significant nesting site for the endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta).
Protected as a nature reserve, the beach offers a pristine and tranquil environment where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and observe the turtles in their natural habitat. The beach is unique because it separates the freshwater Dalyan River from the Mediterranean Sea, creating a diverse ecosystem.
The best time to visit Turtle Beach is during the nesting season, which runs from May to October. During this period, you can witness the turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs or watch hatchlings make their way to the sea.
Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times to visit, as the temperatures are cooler, and the beach is less crowded. However, even outside the nesting season, the beach remains a beautiful destination for swimming and sunbathing.
Dalyan Mud Baths
The Dalyan Mud Baths are famous for their therapeutic benefits. Rich in minerals like sulfur, the mud is believed to detoxify the skin, alleviate joint and muscle pain, and improve circulation.
Visitors often report that their skin feels softer and more rejuvenated after a session in the mud baths. The experience is both fun and beneficial, making it a favorite among tourists.
When visiting the Dalyan Mud Baths, you can expect a lively and enjoyable experience. The process involves covering yourself in the thick, mineral-rich mud, letting it dry in the sun, and then rinsing off in the warm sulfur pools.
The site is equipped with changing rooms and showers, and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the mud baths at your leisure. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, with visitors of all ages joining in the fun.
Dalyan River Cruise
The Dalyan River Cruise offers some of the most picturesque views of the trip. As you glide along the river, you’ll see lush green landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and tranquil waters.
The serene environment and the gentle flow of the river create a calming experience, perfect for relaxation and photography. The river is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds and fish, adding to the natural beauty of the cruise.
The river cruise also provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history. As you travel along the Dalyan River, you’ll pass by the ancient Lycian rock tombs, carved into the cliffs high above the river.
These tombs date back to the 4th century BC and are a remarkable example of ancient craftsmanship.
The cruise also takes you near the ruins of the ancient city of Kaunos, where you can see remnants of a theater, Roman baths, and a Byzantine basilica. These historical sites add depth and intrigue to the river cruise, making it a culturally enriching experience.
Typical Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Marmaris at around 08:30 in the morning. The comfortable, air-conditioned bus ensures a smooth start to your day, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive to Dalyan.
Arrival to Dalyan
After approximately an hour’s bus ride, you’ll arrive in Dalyan, where your first stop is the famous mud baths. Known for their therapeutic properties, these sulphurous hot springs are a must-visit attraction. You’ll have ample time to immerse yourself in the mineral-rich mud, which is not only fun but also great for your skin.
Famous Mud Baths
The Dalyan mud baths are renowned for their health benefits, drawing visitors from all over. Here, you can cover yourself in the rejuvenating mud, which is believed to detoxify the skin, alleviate joint pain, and improve overall circulation. After letting the mud dry in the sun, rinse off in the warm, sulfurous waters of the natural springs. This experience is both relaxing and invigorating, offering a unique start to your day.
Lunch
Once you’ve enjoyed the mud baths, you’ll head to a charming riverside restaurant for lunch. The local chefs prepare a delectable meal featuring traditional Turkish cuisine, including chicken meatballs, pasta, and salad. As you dine, you can take in the magnificent views of the river and listen to fascinating legends and myths shared by the guides about the ancient Rock Tombs of Caunos. For those interested, a fish menu or blue crab can be ordered for an additional fee.
Dalyan River
After lunch, you’ll board a lovely riverboat for a scenic cruise along the Dalyan River. This part of the trip is truly magical, as you glide through the serene waters, flanked by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs. The river, fed by multiple streams and mountain runoffs, narrows as it approaches Turtle Beach, offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities along the way.
Turtle Beach
Final stop is Turtle Beach, a protected nesting ground for the endangered loggerhead turtles. Here, you can swim in the crystal-clear waters and, if you’re lucky, spot the turtles as they move around the beach. The unique setting, where freshwater meets the sea, makes for an unforgettable swimming experience.
Returning to Marmaris
After a day filled with adventure and relaxation, you’ll return to Marmaris. The bus ride back provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on the day’s experiences and perhaps catch a nap. The tour aims to have you back at your hotel by approximately 18:00, concluding a memorable excursion.
Our Day Trip Experience from Marmaris to Dalyan
A Day Full of Carettas, Mud Baths, and Ancient Rock Tombs
During our Marmaris holiday, we wanted something different and joined one of the most recommended local tours: the Dalyan Day Trip. From mud baths and ancient tombs to a river cruise and encounters with Caretta Caretta turtles, this experience exceeded our expectations. Here’s a step-by-step account:
Morning Hotel Pickup and Departure
We were picked up from our hotel at 8:30 AM. Our guide was both fun and informative throughout the trip. After about an hour-long bus ride, we arrived in Dalyan.
Mud Baths and Thermal Pools
Our first stop was Dalyan’s famous mud baths. Thanks to their sulfur and mineral content, they were not only great for the skin but also incredibly fun. As our guide explained the benefits of the mud, we enjoyed getting covered in it like carefree kids.
Healing mud and thermal pools
Fun photo opportunities
Clean showers and changing rooms available
Lunch by the River
After the mud bath, we had lunch at a riverside restaurant. The menu included grilled chicken, pasta, salad, and seasonal fruits. As we ate, our guide shared stories about the rock tombs of the ancient city of Kaunos visible across the river.
Boat Trip Along Dalyan River
Post-lunch, we boarded small boats and cruised along the Dalyan River. The scenery as we moved through the reed channels was stunning. The rock tombs looked even more impressive from the water.
İztuzu Turtle Beach
At the end of the river cruise, we arrived at İztuzu Beach, a protected nesting site for Caretta Caretta turtles. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and clean waters, it was a relaxing spot. We had about an hour of free time to swim and sunbathe. We were lucky enough to spot a turtle up close.
Stop at Lake Köyceğiz and Return
On the way back, we made a brief stop at Lake Köyceğiz for photos and to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. We then returned to Marmaris by bus and were dropped off at our hotel around 6:00 PM.
Overall Impression
A well-rounded and fun tour: mud baths, river cruise, history, sea, and nature all in one.
Excellent guiding: the stories added depth and personality to the trip.
Spotting a Caretta Caretta was a special highlight.
Great value for money.
If you’re in Marmaris, add the Dalyan Tour to your list. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a day that’s both relaxing and full of variety.
Top Rated Marmaris to Dalyan by Bus Tour Options
Here we only suggest the proven ways and top rated ones with travelers’ comments. You can feel free to book one of the below top selling tours.
Marmaris: Dalyan Turtle Beach Tour with Mud Bath & Lunch
This is one of the best Dalyan day tours by bus from Marmaris. You’ll be able to see highlights of Southern Turkey on this day trip. You’ll head to Köyceğiz Lake and board a boat that will take you to top destinations including the pools at Sultaniye and Turtle Beach.
Highlights:
- Feel the coastal sea breeze as you make your way toward to the Dalyan Delta
- Visit Turtle Beach and look out for the Caretta Caretta or Loggerhead Turtles
- Sit back and relax with roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Marmaris
- Admire the ancient Lycian Tombs which are carved into the stone cliffs
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Read more and book this Dalyan Tour online
Full Day Turtle Beach Tour With Lake and Mud Baths From Marmaris
This tour is a mixture of everything you could possibly need from your dream tour. If you’re a fan of sightseeing and outdoorsy person in general, our tour is your cup of tea.
- Enjoy free time to sunbathe or swim at the turtle beach, which is the second longest beach in Turkey.
- Travel by boat down the Dalyan Canal where the famous movie “African Queen” once filmed.
- Bathe in famous sulfur mud pools of Dalyan, which are said to rejuvenate the skin.
- Full-day trip to Dalyan from Marmaris including lunch and all entrance fees.
- Visit the Turtle beach and see the Caretta caretta Turtles.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Read more and book this Dalyan Tour online