The 12 Islands boat tour is Fethiye's most iconic day out — and for good reason. Departing from Fethiye harbour every morning, traditional wooden gullets (Turkish gulet boats) cruise through some of the most beautiful coastline in the Mediterranean, stopping at secluded bays, ancient ruins, and crystal-clear swimming spots that are only accessible by sea.
Despite the name, you won't visit exactly 12 islands — the route varies by operator and season, and you typically stop at 5-7 locations. But the Fethiye Bay archipelago is genuinely stunning, and a full day on the water is one of the best memories most visitors take home.
Prices & What's Included
💰 Typical Prices (2025 Season)
| Boat Type | Price per Person | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard group boat | 600-800 TL (~€15-20) | Lunch, tea/coffee, life jackets |
| Premium/smaller group | 1000-1500 TL (~€25-37) | Lunch, snorkelling gear, drinks |
| Private charter (whole boat) | From €200-300/day | Customisable, all-inclusive |
Usually included: Lunch (typically pasta, salad, fruit), tea and instant coffee, life jackets.
Usually NOT included: Alcoholic drinks (sold on board), soft drinks on cheaper boats, snorkelling gear (sometimes extra), tips.
Typical Islands & Stops
The exact route varies, but most tours include some combination of these stops:
Yassıca Islands
Four small pine-covered islands close to Fethiye. Crystal clear water, excellent snorkelling. Usually the first swim stop.
Tersane Island (Şövalye)
A small island with the ruins of an old Byzantine church and shipyard. You can swim in the sheltered bay and explore the ruins on foot.
Hamam Bay (Cleopatra's Bath)
A sheltered bay with a freshwater spring flowing into the sea — where warm spring water meets cold sea. Legend links it to Cleopatra; the real history is less romantic but the swim is great.
Aquarium Bay (Akvaryum Koyu)
Arguably the clearest water on the tour. Named for its aquarium-like transparency. Excellent for snorkelling — you can see the bottom at 8+ metres clearly.
Göcek Islands
Some tours extend to the Göcek archipelago — six small islands with beautiful anchorages. More upmarket feel; Göcek is Turkey's sailing hub.
St. Nicholas Island (Gemiler)
Byzantine ruins on a small island near Ölüdeniz — believed to be connected to Saint Nicholas (the original Santa Claus). Some tours stop here; worth it if yours does.
How to Book
At the Harbour (Walk-up)
The easiest way. Walk along Fethiye harbour in the evening or early morning and talk to the boat operators directly. You can see the boats, ask about the route and what's included, and often negotiate a small discount. Boats depart around 10-10:30am and return around 5-6pm.
Through a Tour Agency
Tour agencies in Fethiye town centre (many on the main street near the harbour) book spots on the same boats, sometimes with hotel pick-up included. Marginally more expensive but convenient.
Hotel Booking
Most hotels can arrange the tour for you. Easiest option but you won't see the boat first — ask which operator they use.
What to Bring
- Swimwear — You'll be in and out of the water 4-6 times. A second swimsuit to change into is useful.
- Towel — Not provided on most standard boats.
- Sunscreen — Apply generously and bring plenty. All-day sun on the water is intense.
- Snorkelling mask — Bring your own if you have one. Rental gear from the boat is functional but basic.
- Cash in TL — For drinks on board, and any entrance fees to ruins you might visit.
- Motion sickness tablets — The open sea sections can be choppy, especially on the return in the afternoon. Take tablets before departure if you're prone.
- Light layers — It can be cool on the water in the morning and evening, even in summer.
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag — Especially for the swim stops.
Best Time for the Tour
The tour runs April through October. Peak season (July-August) means the boats are busy and the bays can get crowded with dozens of other gulets anchored simultaneously. For a more relaxed experience, May-June or September is ideal — warm enough, calm seas, fewer boats.
Weather check: if a storm is forecast, operators may cancel or modify the route. The Aegean can get choppy in afternoon winds (the meltemi) — tours always depart in the morning to avoid this.
📍 Quick Facts
- Departure point: Fethiye Harbour (Kordon)
- Departure time: ~10:00–10:30am daily
- Return time: ~17:30–18:00
- Duration: ~7-8 hours on water
- Price: ~600-800 TL per person (standard, 2025)
- Season: April–October
- Swim stops: Typically 4-6