Spot sea turtles, cruise down the river and visit ancient tombs on a day trip to Dalyan from Bodrum. This idyllic town is surrounded by nature and history, giving you a glimpse into a different side of Turkey.

As well as learning about the heritage of this famous region you’ll get to take a dip in the hot springs and mud baths. It’s a therapeutic experience in more ways than one!

Here's all you need to know about Dalyan, one of the most exciting day trips in Bodrum.

How to get to Dalyan from Bodrum?

You’ll find the town of Dalyan between Marmaris and Fethiye on Turkey’s southern coast. Dalyan is about 180 kilometers from Bodrum and can be visited on a day trip if you fancy a change of scenery.

From Bodrum to Dalyan by car

The journey to Dalyan from Bodrum by car takes around 3 hours. You’ll need to follow the D330 northeast out of Bodrum, before picking up the D550 at Yatagan. Then turn onto the D400 which will take you all the way to Dalyan.

Guided tour to Dalyan from Bodrum

Taking a guided day tour to Dalyan is by far the most relaxing option. You’ll enjoy round-trip transfers between Bodrum and Dalyan, and all your activities will be arranged for you.

These trips last a full day to ensure you see as much as you can in Dalyan. Hotel pickups and drop-offs are usually included for a hassle-free experience.

What is the typical itinerary?

After being collected from your central Bodrum hotel at around 9 AM, you’ll enjoy a scenic road trip to Dalyan. The route takes you through the famous Taurus Mountains so keep your camera handy.

On arrival in Dalyan, you’ll take a boat cruise along the Dalyan River. Admire the ancient Lycian rock tombs which can be seen from the boat. You’ll have the chance to visit the natural mud baths and enjoy a dip in the hot springs too.

Some excursions also include a tour of the historical site of Kaunos where you’ll see the famous Tombs of the Kings. The highlight of your day trip to Dalyan from Bodrum will be your next stop – the beach! The sandy bays here are havens for wildlife, so keep an eye out for sea turtles.

What kind of tours are available to go to Dalyan?

There are a couple of different day tours to Dalyan from Bodrum on offer. One travels to Dalyan by land, and the other takes you there by boat along the coast.

Guided tours to Dalyan from Bodrum by land

The most common Dalyan day trip from Bodrum heads to your destination by land. This is a group tour with up to 40 passengers on the excursion. If you want to keep costs down and enjoy socializing with fellow travelers, this is a great way to visit Dalyan.

On arrival in Dalyan, you’ll transfer to a boat for the river cruise. A professional guide will accompany you throughout the day to help you make the most of your experience. These adventures last between 12 and 14 hours depending on the operator.

Guided boat excursions to Dalyan from Bodrum

This 14-hour Dalyan jaunt has a similar itinerary to the trip above. Yet it begins with an adventurous coastal cruise rather than a land transfer. If you want to encounter hidden coves and dramatic landforms that few visitors get to see, then this is the trip to take.

You’ll enjoy bonus swimming stops en route to Dalyan, as well as some beach time for sunbathing. These trips are more expensive, but there will only be a maximum of five passengers on the boat. This makes for a much more exclusive experience.

How much does a day trip to Dalyan from Bodrum cost?

A day trip to Dalyan from Bodrum starts at US$90 per participant. This is for a 14-hour tour with a land transfer to Dalyan rather than a coastal cruise. Expect up to 40 passengers on the trip – sharing the experience with other travelers ensures the costs are kept low.

Hotel pickups, air-conditioned vehicle transport, a boat trip on Dalyan River, lunch and a professional guide are included in the package. Entrance to the hot springs, mud baths and rock tombs are also covered in the price.

For a Dalyan day tour from Bodrum by boat, you’ll have to pay a little more. It costs $150 per person for a small-group experience with just five people on board. You’ll be collected from your hotel in Bodrum and transferred to the dock. These Dalyan excursions include lunch, a visit to the springs and mud baths, plus both the coastal and river cruises.

What will you see and do?

Taurus Mountains

During your drive to Dalyan from Bodrum, you’ll pass through the beautiful Taurus Mountains. This enormous chain runs parallel to the Mediterranean Sea, all the way to the Euphrates River. Wildlife here is diverse, with everything from wolves to wild boars roaming the slopes.

Dalyan River cruise

The main part of your Dalyan day trip will be a cruise along the river. This is the best way to see the top sights in the area and it’s a relaxing method of travel too. From your comfortable seat on board, you’ll be able to spot the Lycian rock tombs as well as soak up the pastoral scenery.

Iztuzu Beach

At the end of your river cruise, you’ll visit Iztuzu Beach. This 4.5-kilometer-long stretch of sand is a protected haven for loggerhead turtles. It’s one of the biggest breeding grounds in the Mediterranean, and you’ll be able to see the turtles basking on the beach in season.

You can enjoy a swim from the boat but won’t be able to walk on the beach during nesting season. The best views are from the deck anyway!

Kaunos and the Tombs of the Kings

The ancient port city of Kaunos is famous for its royal rock tombs that have been carved out of the cliff face. It’s a little reminiscent of the ruins at Petra in Jordan. Kaunos dates to the 6th century B. C. and you can still see the old amphitheater, acropolis and basilica up on the hillside.

Hot springs and mud baths

The Dalyan River is home to a series of natural thermal pools and mud baths. Most day trips to Dalyan from Bodrum make a stop here so you can take advantage of this natural spa.

Enjoy a wallow in the mineral-rich mud before going for a soak in the springs. This therapeutic process is said to heal skin complaints and even rheumatism.

When is the best time to visit Dalyan?

The best time to visit Dalyan is in the spring (April to June) or autumn (October to November). During these periods, you'll experience mild temperatures, making for a comfortable excursion. There will also be much fewer tourists than in the peak summer season, allowing a more peaceful day trip.

Are there any tours to Dalyan from other cities in Turkey?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in Turkey:

Travel tips

Turkish cuisine is rich and diverse. Don't miss out on local dishes such as meze, kofte, and baklava. Dalyan is also famous for fresh fish and crab.
If you plan on visiting Iztuzu Beach, check the turtle nesting season which generally runs from May to October.
Dalyan is home to several endangered species and is an area of great natural beauty. Respect local guidelines and avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Although credit cards are widely accepted, it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases.

Dalyan: Day Trips and Tours from Bodrum