12 Islands Boat Tour from Fethiye: What to Expect, Stops and Tips
The classic Fethiye day out: a boat, a long lunch and swim stops in turquoise bays. Here is how the 12 Islands tour works and how to choose a good one.
If you ask a local what visitors should do on a sunny day in Fethiye, the answer is often the same: take a boat. The "12 Islands" tour is the classic day out. You sail around the Gulf of Fethiye, stop in sheltered bays for swimming, eat lunch on board and spend most of the day in the water or on the deck. It is relaxed, good value and suitable for almost everyone.
How the tour works
Boats leave from Fethiye harbour in the morning, usually between about 10:00 and 11:00, and return in the late afternoon. Most are wooden gulets or similar traditional boats that hold from a dozen to several dozen passengers. Operators sell tickets from harbour kiosks and through hotels and agencies. Exact timings, routes and prices vary by boat and by season, so confirm them when you book.
The name is a little flexible. There are many islands and islets in the gulf, and operators do not always count to twelve. What matters is the route and the stops.
Typical stops
Routes change with the weather and the captain, but common stops include:
- Swimming bays: Several sheltered coves where the boat anchors for 45 to 60 minutes of swimming and snorkelling.
- Small islands: Islets with ruins, pine trees and good snorkelling, some with pebble beaches.
- Cennet Koyu (Paradise Bay): A calm and pretty bay that is often on the itinerary.
- Lunch stop: Usually on board, sometimes in a bay with a small beach.
Ask which stops are included on your boat and how long you will have at each. A longer time in the water is usually the better trip.
What is included
Most tours include lunch with grilled fish or chicken, salad, rice and fruit, plus tea and coffee, and sometimes snorkelling gear. Soft drinks and alcohol are normally extra, and you can buy them on board. A few operators add a hotel pick-up or transfer. Always check what is included before you book, and ask whether snorkelling equipment, towels and port fees are covered.
Choosing a good boat
- Passenger numbers: A smaller boat is quieter and gives you more space on deck.
- Music: Some boats play loud music all day. If you want a calm trip, ask for a quieter boat.
- Safety: Look for life jackets, a clean boat and a licensed crew.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews rather than relying on the person selling the ticket.
- Price: Compare what is included in the ticket, and ask what costs extra, before you pay.
- Private charter: If you are a group, a private boat for the day is an option, and it is worth asking for a quote per person.
What to bring
- Swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Shade on deck is limited on some boats.
- Water shoes for pebble landings.
- A waterproof phone pouch and a small amount of cash for drinks.
- Motion-sickness tablets if you are sensitive. The sea is usually calm in the bay but can be choppy in the afternoon wind.
Best time to go
May to October is the main season. The water is warmest from July to September, and the bays are more peaceful in May, June and late September. On very windy days the tour may be shortened or the route changed. Choose a morning departure, and avoid the hottest part of the day on deck.
Safety and families
The tours are generally suitable for children and older travellers, but boarding involves steps and gangways, and the deck can be slippery. Keep a close watch on children when they swim and put life jackets on non-swimmers. If you are pregnant or have mobility problems, ask the crew about access. Do not swim near other boats, and follow the captain’s instructions when anchored.
Other boat trips from Fethiye
If you want something different, try the Ölüdeniz and Butterfly Valley boat trips, described in our Butterfly Valley guide, or a sunset cruise in the evening. Some operators also run longer gulet cruises of several days along the coast towards Göcek and Kaş.
Is it worth it?
For most people, yes. The 12 Islands tour shows you the coast from the sea, where it is at its prettiest, and the swimming stops are some of the best in the region. It is also the easiest day to organise: you buy a ticket, turn up at the harbour and the crew do the rest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 12 Islands tour?
A day boat trip from Fethiye harbour around the Gulf of Fethiye with several swimming and snorkelling stops and a lunch on board.
How long does the tour last?
Usually about 6 to 8 hours, leaving mid-morning and returning in the late afternoon.
What is included in the price?
Lunch is normally included, and often tea and coffee. Drinks and sometimes snorkelling gear cost extra, so check when you book.
Is it good for children?
Yes in general, but watch children closely in the water and on deck, and use life jackets for non-swimmers.
When should I book?
Book the day before or on the day, so that you can check the weather. Operators may cancel in bad conditions.
