Fethiye's 12 Islands by Boat — A Full Day on the Turquoise Coast
Fethiye
Overview
The coastline off Fethiye is scattered with small islands, each with its own character — shallow turquoise bays, pine-covered slopes, Byzantine ruins half-swallowed by the sea. This boat trip connects the best of them into a single day on the water.
You’ll depart from Fethiye Harbor mid-morning aboard a traditional wooden gulet. The route threads through the Gulf of Fethiye, stopping at islands where the water is so clear you can see the bottom at five meters. Yassicalar’s shallow bays are warm enough to wade in. Tersane Island has the remains of a Byzantine-era shipyard where boats were built a thousand years before yours. Domuz Island offers a quiet bay away from other boats. And Kizil Island — Red Island — delivers a late-afternoon stop where volcanic red rock meets the sea.
Lunch is served on board. The swimming stops are long enough to actually swim. And the boat returns to Fethiye by 17:00, leaving you the evening for the town’s waterfront restaurants.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
10:30 — Departure from Fethiye Harbor
Board the gulet at Fethiye Harbor. The boat heads out through the gulf, and the coastline starts to break into islands within minutes.
Mid-Morning — Katranci Island
First swimming stop. The water here is sheltered and clear — a good warm-up before the deeper bays ahead.
Late Morning — Yassicalar Islands
The Flat Islands live up to their name — low-lying, surrounded by shallow water that glows turquoise in the sun. The seabed is sandy and visible, and the water is warm enough that you won’t want to get out. This is one of the longest swimming stops of the day.
Midday — Tersane Island (Lunch)
Anchor in the bay at Tersane Island, where the remains of a Byzantine-era shipyard line the shore — stone slipways and arched walls still partially standing. Lunch is served on board while you’re moored in the bay: a spread of Turkish dishes, salads, and grilled fish.
Early Afternoon — Domuz Island
A smaller, quieter bay. Domuz Island (Pig Island, despite the name) is one of the more secluded stops on the route — fewer boats, calmer water, good for a longer swim or just floating.
Late Afternoon — Kizil Island (Red Island)
The final stop. Kizil Island gets its name from the red-tinted volcanic rock that defines its shoreline. The late-afternoon light makes the colors more intense. It’s the most photogenic stop of the day, and the timing is deliberate.
17:00 — Return to Fethiye Harbor
The gulet returns to Fethiye Harbor. Transfer back to your hotel.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Fethiye
- Full-day boat trip aboard a traditional gulet
- Lunch on board
- All island stops and swimming access
- Captain and crew
Not Included
- Drinks on board
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities (optional, appreciated)
Who Is This Tour For?
This tour works well for:
- Sea swimmers who want a full day in the water — five to six swim stops, each in a different bay, with enough time to actually swim rather than just dip in and climb out
- Families with kids — the shallow, sandy-bottomed bays at Yassicalar are calm enough for younger swimmers, and the boat keeps everyone entertained between stops
- History-curious snorkelers — Tersane Island’s submerged Byzantine shipyard ruins give you something to look at underwater, not just open blue
- Travelers who want a no-agenda day — no monuments, no guided commentary, just a wooden gulet, a Turkish lunch, and the Fethiye coastline from the water
Frequently Asked Questions
Swimming ability helps, but the boat has ladders for easy access in and out of the water. Life vests are available on board. Some stops have shallow wading areas.
Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A waterproof phone case is useful. The boat has shaded areas, but sun protection is important on the open water.
This is a shared gulet cruise. For a private charter, contact us — we can arrange exclusive boat bookings for couples, families, or groups.
The route includes five to six main stops depending on sea conditions and timing. The captain adjusts the route based on wind and current for the best swimming conditions.
May through October. June and September offer the best balance of warm water, clear skies, and fewer boats on the route. July–August is peak season — warmer water but busier stops.
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