Surrounding yourself with natural beauty on a river cruise from Dalyan is a great way to unwind. One of Turkey's most pristine beaches is the destination, with stops at mud baths and a riverside restaurant en route. Ceren, one of our local guides, says, "Iztuzu Beach is also known as Turtle Beach because endangered loggerhead turtles nest here. It's a magical spot with very little human interference. The beach was all set to be developed with new resorts in the 1980s, but luckily conservation was prioritised."

Sail down the Dalyan River on an eco-friendly boat – which doesn't harm marine life – and have fun smoothing on the anti-ageing clay at the mud baths. It's great for glowing skin, and it's believed that Cleopatra visited for a pampering soak in the mineral-rich liquid mud. Finish with a dip in the warm sulphur pool before gliding across the river for a freshly prepared lunch of local dishes. You'll then add a little history and culture to the mix, as you continue on the riverboat past Lycian Rock Tombs – dating back to 400BC – carved into the cliffs.

As the river widens into a lagoon, you'll have the chance to spot birdlife before docking at Iztuzu Beach. This four-kilometre-long sweep of golden sand divides the river from the sea, a natural oasis that's a true haven for wildlife. Sheltered by mountains, the beach shelves gently into a calm bay, where an afternoon of pure relaxation beckons. Round off your day with the return relaxing river cruise to Dalyan.

What is the itinerary for this experience?

The itinerary for this experience is...

- 7:45am to 8:30am – pick-up from your hotel

- 8:30am to 9:30am – travel to Dalyan

- 9:45am to 10:00am – river boat ride to mud baths and sulphur pool

- 10:00am to 11:30am – free time at the mud baths

- 11:30am to 11:45am – another short boat ride back to the other side of the river

- 11:45am to 12:45pm – lunch at Paradise Restaurant (drinks cost extra)

- 12:45pm to 1:45pm – river boat ride to Turtle Beach

- 1:45pm to 3:00pm – free time at Turtle Beach

- 3:00pm to 3:45pm – river boat ride back to Dalyan

- 5:15pm to 5:30pm – arrive back at your accommodation

Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day

Why you’ll love this…

You'll check out the River Dalyan on an eco-boat to help protect the habitat
You can slather on liquid mud with therapeutic properties that are good for your skin
A freshly prepared lunch will be served at a local riverside restaurant
There's a visit to Iztuzu beach – renowned for its loggerhead turtles – included in the tour
An expert guide will share their unrivalled knowledge of Dalyan and its wildlife

Important to know

Drinks and sunlounger hire not included
Don't forget to remove jewellery before entering mud baths and sulphur pool
Expectant mothers should seek medical advice before entering the mud baths and sulphur pool
If you are travelling from Bodrum or Didim, please note that the transfer time is approximately 3–3.5 hours each way. This tour may not be suitable for guests who have difficulty with long-distance travel or for families with young children travelling from these locations
Please note it is not allowed to feed the turtles

What people say about this experience

4.4/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 778 reviews

Review categories

Safety

5/5

Service

5/5

Staff

5/5

Value for money

5/5

All ratings (778)

5 stars (479)

62%

4 stars (223)

29%

3 stars (57)

2 stars (12)

1 star (7)

C
Claire Boundy
Traveled with family
August 15, 2026
5
United Kingdom
We had the best day out. The tour guide was bright cheerful, helpful and informative. We chilled in the sun whilst on the boat ride, enjoying the scenery. The mud baths and seeing the turtles was an experience we wont forget..absolutely amazing. The lunch included was lovely and the restaurant was vibrant and inviting. We played in the sea and fed the turtles and fish some crab. An overall wonderful experience we will cherish for our holiday memories 😊
G
GMJ
Traveled with family
August 15, 2026
3.8
United Kingdom
The captain was great as was the scenery on the river. As a party of 4 adults and 2 children I wouldn’t say it was suitable for all. The children didn’t enjoy the mud bath and it was very slippery entering the bath. One adult was a wheelchair user and we were told it was accessible for him, but it certainly wasn’t. He was able to manoeuvre from chair to boat but if someone was wheelchair bound it would be impossible.
D
David Fielder
Traveled with family
August 13, 2026
3
United Kingdom
Trip was ok guide was really good but the rest was a bit boring food was ok didn’t see many birds or flying fish only saw one turtle beach was bit dirty was empty cans and food everywhere it was a long day .
C
Claire White
Traveled with family
August 11, 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
The guide V was very knowledgeable and the trip was organised very well with a lovely lunch. Would have liked to have seen more of the turtles and a warning of the steps into the mud pool.
E
Emma
Traveled with family
August 10, 2026
3.8
United Kingdom
Would have been nice to have drinks included and more effort put in to seeing the turtles instead of being left to try and see them ourselves
J
James
Traveled as a couple
August 10, 2026
5
United Kingdom
A lovely day out. Guide was very informative. Lunch was good. Visited the mud bath which was great fun - highly recommend it. I couldn't believe how clear the water was on the rive as we moored for the beach. Could see plenty of large turtles - amazing.