If you’re looking to mix nature, history, and a bit of wellness into your Bodrum holidays, the Dalyan day trip is just what you need. From mud baths and Caretta Caretta sea turtles to rock tombs, Iztuzu Beach, and peaceful river views, this tour offers a rich and enjoyable experience.
In this guide, you’ll find detailed information about the route of the Dalyan boat tour from Bodrum, what’s included, stopovers, and our personal experience. Throughout the day, you can detox with a mud bath, cruise along scenic river landscapes, and enjoy a swim at the famous Turtle Beach.
If you’re someone who enjoys a blend of nature, culture, and serenity, this tour from Bodrum to Dalyan is a great way to add something different to your trip.
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Why Choose the Bodrum Dalyan Tour?
Dalyan is one of Turkey’s popular getaway spots, a unique location where a lake and the sea meet. It’s famous for its stunning natural scenery, reed-lined waterways, rock-cut tombs, ancient city ruins, mud baths, thermal springs, and the Iztuzu Beach, a protected nesting ground for the endangered Caretta Caretta turtles.
Located about 195 km southeast of Bodrum, Dalyan has become a favorite for day trips from Bodrum in recent years. With this tour, you’ll enjoy a completely different experience—glide through the reeds by boat, admire the ancient Lycian rock tombs, swim at Iztuzu Beach, and relax in the mineral-rich mud baths.
What to Expect?
The tour starts with early morning pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned coach. After a scenic drive of around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, you’ll arrive in Dalyan.
During the journey, you’ll enjoy gorgeous landscapes and take a break for breakfast at a local restaurant.
Once in Dalyan, the first stop is the world-famous Mud Baths. Said to be great for the skin, this warm, mineral-rich mud lets you refresh and detox in a natural setting.
After an open-buffet lunch by the riverside, you’ll board small local boats called “piyade” and sail through the Dalyan reeds. As you cruise, you’ll see the impressive rock tombs of the Lycian Kings carved into the cliffs.
Eventually, the boat arrives at Iztuzu Beach, where you’ll have about 1.5 hours of free time to swim, relax, or walk along the pristine shore. Afterward, you’ll return to Dalyan via the same boats.
The tour ends with your return trip to Bodrum by bus.
Typical Itinerary for the Dalyan Mud Baths & Iztuzu Beach Day Trip
Here is a sample itinerary for the Dalyan Mud Baths & Iztuzu Beach Day Trip:
- Morning pickup from your hotel in Bodrum
- Enjoy a scenic drive with picturesque landscapes
- Breakfast break (at your own expense) along the way
- Arrive in Dalyan and board a boat to the mud baths and spa
- Experience the therapeutic mud baths and relax at the spa
- Indulge in a delightful lunch at a riverside restaurant
- Explore the ancient city of Caunos and its rock-cut tombs
- Visit Iztuzu Beach and the turtle rehabilitation station
- Enjoy free time at the beach to relax and unwind
- Board the boat back to Dalyan and return to Bodrum
- Short refreshment break (at your own expense) at a restaurant
- Return to your hotel in Bodrum
Please note that the actual itinerary may vary. Check with your tour operator for the most up-to-date information and to secure your booking.
Our Day Trip Experience from Bodrum to Dalyan
We had a day full of history, nature, and joy! Here are all the details of our Dalyan tour.
We wanted to add a bit of adventure and culture to our Bodrum holiday, so we decided to try the day trip from Bodrum to Dalyan. It turned out to be a packed day — we took a mud bath, saw the ancient rock tombs, cruised along the river, watched sea turtles, and swam at Iztuzu Beach. Here’s our experience, step by step:
Early Morning Departure from Bodrum
We started our day early with a morning pickup from our hotel, followed by a comfortable 2-hour 45-minute bus ride. The journey was scenic and relaxing. We had a breakfast break along the way and enjoyed some local flavors.
✔ Comfortable, air-conditioned transfer
✔ Informative guide throughout the trip
✔ Tried regional snacks during the breakfast stop
Dalyan Mud Baths and Thermal Pool
Our first stop was the famous Dalyan mud baths. We covered ourselves in sulfur-rich mud — it was fun and said to be great for the skin. Afterward, we relaxed in the thermal pools and felt completely refreshed.
✔ Fun and relaxing activity
✔ The smell can be strong at first, but you get used to it
✔ Bring a spare set of clothes and a towel
Lunch by the River
After the mud bath, we enjoyed lunch at a riverside restaurant. The menu had plenty of variety, and the food was tasty.
✔ Lunch included in the tour price
✔ Options available for both vegetarians and meat-eaters
✔ Lovely view and relaxing break
Kaunos Rock Tombs and Ancient History
Next, we continued by boat to see the rock tombs of Kaunos, carved into the cliffs. Our guide shared insights about the tombs and their connection to ancient pagan traditions.
✔ A highlight for history lovers
✔ Great photo opportunity
✔ Tombs are carved into the riverside cliffs
Iztuzu (Turtle) Beach and Rehabilitation Center
The most anticipated part of the tour was Iztuzu Beach, a protected nesting area for Caretta Caretta turtles. If you’re lucky, you may spot one. We also visited the Turtle Rescue Center, where volunteers explained their conservation work.
✔ Long, clean, and calm beach
✔ Shallow sea perfect for swimming
✔ Informative visit to the turtle rehabilitation center
Return Journey
After free time at the beach, we took the boat back to Dalyan, followed by a bus ride back to Bodrum. We had a short comfort break on the way.
Final Thoughts
The Dalyan day trip from Bodrum combines cultural landmarks and natural beauty in a full, enjoyable day. From mud baths to ancient tombs, from river cruises to Turtle Beach, each moment offered something unique. If you’re looking to diversify your Bodrum holiday, this tour is a must. A perfect choice for nature and history enthusiasts.
