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The Ölüdeniz coast is full of coves that are hard to reach by land, and the easiest way to see most of them is by boat. A boat tour means swim stops, sunbathing, scenery and a bit of laziness. But the questions “which tour, which route, how long?” directly shape the experience. In this guide we’ve gathered what you need to know to choose a boat tour wisely.
- Popular stops: around the Blue Cave, Soğuksu Bay, Butterfly Valley, Camel Beach, Aquarium Bay and Gemiler Island.
- A half-day tour is short and lively; a full-day tour offers more coves and longer stops.
- A private boat is a good option if you want to avoid crowds and set the route.
- Swim stops are optional; non-swimmers can join boat tours too.
Coves often visited on boat tours
The route varies with the tour length, weather and sea conditions, and the boat. These are the stops you’ll most often see on tours from Ölüdeniz:
Blue Cave
The water inside this cave in the cliffs turns a brilliant blue depending on the angle of the sunlight. When the sea is calm you swim in, and it is one of the favourite photo stops on tours.
Soğuksu Bay
Its name (“cold water”) comes from freshwater springs rising from the seabed that cool the sea in places. On a hot summer day it makes for a refreshing swim stop.
Butterfly Valley
This cove between high cliffs is the best-known stop on the tours. The tour stop in the valley can be short; we cover other ways to spend more time there in our Butterfly Valley guide.
Camel Beach and Aquarium Bay
Aquarium Bay, known for its clear water, is a lovely place for a snorkelling stop. Camel Beach is a quiet stop for swimming and sunbathing.
Around Gemiler Island
The coves around Gemiler Island (St Nicholas Island), known for its historic ruins, are included on longer routes.
Half day or full day?
| Half day | Full day | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of stops | Fewer | More |
| Stop length | Short | Longer, more relaxed |
| Best for | Families with small children, those prone to seasickness, those planning the rest of the day | Those who want to devote the whole day to the sea |
| Day plan | Tour in the morning, beach or another activity in the afternoon | All day on the boat |
If a short, fast coastal trip is enough, a speed boat tour is a good alternative.
Shared tour or private boat?
Shared (group) tours are a sociable and economical option, but there can be many boats in the coves at once and the route is fixed. A private boat lets you set the route, times and length of stops for your group; it is a calmer experience for families and groups of friends. You can see our group and private boat options on our boat tour page.
How to recognise a good boat tour
- Are the life jackets visible and are there enough? Child sizes should be available too.
- Are the route and stops clearly explained? Honestly mentioning “if the weather allows” is a good sign.
- Is there shade on the boat? In the summer heat, shade decides how comfortable the tour is.
- Is the captain ready to change the route depending on the weather? This flexibility matters for safety.
What to bring
- Swimwear, a towel and dry spare clothes
- Water-resistant sun cream, hat, sunglasses
- Plenty of water (even if drinks are included)
- Snorkel and mask (your own, if you have them)
- A waterproof phone case or a GoPro for recording
- Appropriate precautions in advance if you’re prone to seasickness
Sit in the middle or at the back of the boat, look at the horizon and avoid heavy, fatty food before the tour. The sea is usually calmer in the morning, so tours that start in the morning are more comfortable.
Safety
- Before jumping off the boat at a swim stop, check the water depth and the boats around you.
- If you can’t swim, wear a life jacket; stops are optional.
- At spots like the Blue Cave, follow the captain’s “don’t go in” warning if the sea is rough.
- Don’t leave children unattended at the side of the boat.
What goes well with a boat tour?
Many guests take a parasailing flight in the morning and then head out on a boat tour. To plan the rest of your holiday, have a look at our 20 things to do in Ölüdeniz, and for a family holiday our Ölüdeniz with kids guide.
Final word
A good boat tour lets you get to know Ölüdeniz not just from the beach but from the sea. Choose the length and boat type to suit your group, be flexible about the weather and enjoy the stops. For routes and availability, drop by our stand on Belcekız Beach or message us on WhatsApp.
Planning water sports in Ölüdeniz?
