Fethiye: 12 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch and Snorkeling

Fethiye: 12 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch and Snorkeling — A Complete Guide

Exploring the Fethiye 12 Islands by boat offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. This full-day excursion takes you across a string of islands along Turkey’s Aegean coast, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, exploring ancient ruins, and enjoying a delicious BBQ on board.

What we particularly love about this tour is its versatility — whether you’re a lover of crystal-clear waters, history buffs, or simply someone wanting to soak up the sun in a scenic setting, you’ll find something to enjoy. But, a key consideration is that the tour involves quite a lot of time on the water, which might be challenging for those prone to seasickness.

This experience is well-suited for travelers eager for an active day in nature with enough comfort and good food thrown in. It’s ideal for visitors looking for an authentic, fun-filled way to see some of the most beautiful spots around Fethiye with a friendly crew guiding the way.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery & Crystal Waters: The tour offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in remarkably clear waters.
• Historical Exploration: Tersane Island features Ottoman-era ruins, adding an intriguing cultural element.
• Tasty, All-Inclusive Lunch: A freshly prepared BBQ with vegetarian options makes for a satisfying meal on board.
• Variety of Bays & Islands: Stops at Göbün Bay, Red Island, and Rabbit Island keep the experience fresh and scenic.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: Music, sunbeds, and a friendly crew create a lively yet laid-back vibe.
• Good Value for Money: At $59, this full-day trip covers transportation, activities, and food, making it a solid option for budget-conscious travelers.

An In-Depth Look at the Fethiye: 12 Islands Boat Tour

Starting Point & Duration

From Fethiye Harbor, the adventure begins early in the morning. The entire trip lasts about 8 hours, giving ample time to explore, relax, and enjoy the scenery. The tour is designed to balance activity with downtime, giving you space to breathe in the fresh sea air and soak up the views.

The Boat & Crew

The boat itself is comfortable, equipped with sunbeds and shaded seats so you can choose to sunbathe or stay out of the sun. The crew is described as friendly and fluent in English, making the experience accessible and welcoming. They’re known for creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere, often playing music and encouraging fun.

Itinerary Breakdown

Yassca Islands (Flat Islands) — The tour kickstarts with a stop at the Yassca Islands, where the waters are famously clear. This is the prime swimming spot — guests are encouraged to leap into the calm, inviting waters for a swim or snorkel. Reviewers frequently mention the stunning visibility here, often noting the vibrant marine life seen beneath the surface.

Tersane Island (Shipyard Island) — Next, you’ll visit Tersane Island, notable for its Ottoman-era shipyard ruins. From the boat or on foot, travelers can explore the remnants of these ancient maritime structures, adding a touch of history to the day. The ruins are well-preserved enough to give a sense of the island’s past, which many find surprisingly evocative.

Gübün Bay & Aquarium Bay — These spots are known for their incredible underwater clarity. They’re perfect for snorkeling or paddleboarding — equipment is provided, making it easy even for first-timers to give it a shot. Several reviews highlight how these waters are some of the most beautiful in the area, with visibility often exceeding expectations.

Red Island & Rabbit Island — These quieter, more secluded islands offer perfect photo opportunities and a chance to relax on the sandy beaches. Guests often comment on the peaceful vibe here, away from the more crowded spots. The natural scenery makes for lovely pictures, especially during the golden hour.

Lunch & Refreshments

A major highlight is the BBQ lunch served on board, with options for chicken, fish, pasta, and salads, plus vegetarian choices available upon request. The meal is freshly cooked and generous enough to satisfy after hours of swimming and exploring. Reviewers praise the quality and variety, noting that the food is well-prepared and paired with bread and fresh salads.

Tea, coffee, and water are available throughout the day, and since drinks and alcohol are not included, you might want to bring your own if you’re craving a cold beer or a soft drink.

Additional Activities

Snorkeling gear and paddleboards are provided, and many guests take advantage of these to explore underwater life. The bays’ excellent visibility and calm waters make snorkeling especially enjoyable. The crew is friendly and helpful, often giving tips on the best spots to see fish or underwater formations.

Relaxing & Returning

As the boat heads back to Fethiye, you’ll find the deck a lively place with music, chatter, and the occasional dance. Guests often describe the return leg as the perfect way to unwind, soaking up the last rays of sunshine, with some in the group dozing off or enjoying a final swim.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• What to Bring: Sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and plenty of sunscreen are essentials. The tour is outdoors most of the day, so protection from the sun is key.
• Vegetarian Options: These are available if requested in advance, which is helpful for those with dietary restrictions.
• Seasickness: While the waters are generally calm, those prone to seasickness might want to take precautions.
• Price & Value: At $59, the tour offers excellent value considering the included activities, lunch, and transportation. It’s a good budget-friendly way to access some of Fethiye’s top sights.
• Accessibility: The boat is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for more travelers.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This boat tour appeals to a wide range of travelers — from families and couples to solo adventurers. It’s particularly suited for those who want a mix of water activities, scenic views, and cultural sights in one day. The emphasis on snorkeling and swimming makes it ideal for water lovers, while history buffs will find the Ottoman ruins a nice bonus.

However, if you’re sensitive to seasickness or prefer a more relaxed, land-based experience, this might not be the perfect fit. Also, those expecting a party atmosphere might find it a bit subdued compared to more lively boat parties, but the music and friendly crew help keep the vibe upbeat.

Final Thoughts

The Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch and Snorkeling offers a well-rounded day immersed in the natural beauty and history of Turkey’s coast. It provides a comfortable, fun, and affordable way to see some of the most picturesque spots around Fethiye without the hassle of planning individual excursions.

The combination of stunning scenery, a tasty included meal, and the chance to snorkel in some of the clearest waters make this trip a solid choice for many travelers. Whether you’re after relaxing on deck, exploring ancient ruins, or swimming in turquoise bays, this tour covers all bases.

For those looking for a value-packed day that balances activity and leisure, this experience is hard to beat. It’s especially great for travelers who want to make the most of their time in Fethiye without breaking the bank.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many families enjoy this trip, especially those with children who like swimming and exploring in nature. Just keep in mind the full-day duration and possible seasickness.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
It depends on your booking. Some options include transfer back to your hotel, but it’s best to check your specific reservation details.

What kind of food is served on board?
The BBQ lunch includes options like chicken, fish, pasta, rice, salad, and bread. Vegetarian choices are available upon request.

Are drinks and alcohol included?
No, drinks and alcohol are not included. You can bring your own if you wish.

How long are the stops at each island?
Stops vary but generally last enough for swimming, exploring, and taking photos — expect around 30-60 minutes per stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, and the waters are praised for their visibility, making snorkeling enjoyable for all skill levels.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Fethiye: 12 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch and Snorkeling provides a fantastic way to explore Turkey’s coast, blending scenic beauty, historical intrigue, and fun water activities into one seamless day. Perfect for those who want an authentic experience with great value, it promises a memorable slice of Turkish seaside life.