Where to Go by Boat in Dalyan? History & Nature Among the Reeds

Dalyan is unlike any other popular boat route in Turkey (like Bodrum or Gocek). This is not an open sea, but a massive water labyrinth winding through reeds, connecting the lake and the sea.

Chartering a boat in Dalyan gives the feeling of traveling in the "Amazon Rainforest". Even watching your captain maneuver through those narrow reed channels is a separate experience. Here, your route leads not only to blue but also to green and history.

Here are 3 main routes and experiences you can follow when you rent a boat on the Dalyan River (Calbis):

1. Classic Route (Downstream): Kings' Tombs and Iztuzu

This is the "signature" route of the region, followed by 90% of the boats departing from Dalyan center.
Kaunos Kings' Tombs: Shortly after leaving the pier, you see those massive temple-facade tombs carved into the mountains. The boat stops here for the best photo frame against 2400 years of history.
Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach): The finale of the route is that famous beach where fresh water and salt water meet. This is the nesting ground for Caretta Caretta turtles.

2. Lake Route (Upstream): Mud Bath and Thermal

If you turn your route not to the sea but "upwards", to Lake Köyceğiz, this becomes a complete "Spa and Health Route".

• Mud Bath: It is the ritual of Dalyan. You apply healing sulfur mud to your body, wait for it to dry, and then clean up in thermal pools.
• Lake Köyceğiz: If you don't like the waves of the open sea, swimming in the sheet-like calm water of the lake is incredibly peaceful.

3. Ekincik and Caves Route (Sea Exit)

It is the route that exits the reeds and opens to the open sea (Mediterranean) in front of Iztuzu Beach. Ekincik Bay is a large and clean bay covered with pine forests. Small sea caves in the region and Semizce Bay are ideal stops for those who want to snorkel. After the green water of the Dalyan River, the crystal blueness here is surprising.

Dalyan Routes FAQ

• How long to Iztuzu Beach?
  It is a pleasant cruise of about 30-40 minutes from the central pier.
• Can you swim in Lake Köyceğiz?
  Yes. The water is fresh, waveless, and quite clean.
• Is food included?
  In private rentals, food is usually discussed extra or you can bring it. Blue crab is always extra.