Gemiler Island: Day Trips and Tours from Fethiye

Gemiler Island—also known as St Nicholas Island—is a small yet breathtakingly beautiful island off the coast of Turkey. Dotted with Byzantine Churches and ancient ruins, the island is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Fethiye district.

Gemiler Island day trips from Fethiye provide you with the opportunity to get away from the city for the day and explore an untouched slice of paradise with a professional local guide. See where St Nicholas is rumored to be buried and take in the natural beauty of the Mediterranean.

Here's all you need to know about Gemiler Island, one of the most exciting day trips from Fethiye.

How to get to Gemiler Island from Fethiye?

The island of Gemiler is roughly 1 kilometer in length, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Turkey. It is approximately 9 kilometers south of the city of Fethiye and only accessible by boat.

From Fethiye to Gemiler Island by boat and public transport

Getting from Fethiye to Gemiler Island via public transport is an affordable way to reach the island, but there are a few steps involved. The first step you’ll need to take is getting a bus from Fethiye to the small town of Kayakoy.

From Kayakoy, you’ll need to get a bus or taxi down to Gemiler Beach, where you’ll find many water sports companies that offer boat rides to the island. The entire journey from Fethiye to Gemiler Island should take around an hour.

Guided tour to Gemiler Island from Fethiye

Guided tours provide an easy and convenient way to experience Gemiler Island and other nearby attractions if you’re staying in Fethiye. A professional guide will handle all of your travel arrangements and you’ll make your way to the island in a comfortable, private boat.

Guided tours are usually around 8 hours in length, providing you with a fun-filled full-day excursion.

How much does the entrance ticket to Gemiler Island cost?

Visitors to Gemilar Island are required to pay a small entrance fee of TRY12 (US$0.6) per person. This entrance fee goes toward the maintenance of the island’s facilities.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical itinerary begins with a hotel pickup from your accommodation in Fethiye. From there, you’ll travel to the coastal town of Ölüdeniz with your guide and board a boat that will take you to Gemiler Island.

After some time spent exploring the island, you’ll cruise to the iconic Butterfly Valley, enjoying a grilled lunch onboard along the way. You’ll get to relax on the beach at Butterfly Valley for a while before making your way back to Ölüdeniz and being transferred to your hotel.

What are the best Gemiler Island day trips from Fethiye?

Gemiler Island, Blue Lagoon and Butterfly Valley boat trip from Fethiye

This family-friendly excursion visits three of the most famous attractions in the area, including Gemiler Island, Butterfly Valley and the Blue Lagoon of Ölüdeniz. As this is a group boat cruise from Fethiye, you’ll have the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers from around the world.

Enjoy a convenient and complimentary hotel pickup service from your tour operator and make your way to Ölüdeniz, where you’ll get on a boat that will serve as your base for the day. Visit Gemiler Island, where St Nicholas was buried, and keep a lookout for dolphins and turtles!

The crew will prepare a delicious lunch for you on board the boat and ensure that you enjoy a memorable day exploring the Turkish coast.

How much does a day trip to Gemiler Island from Fethiye cost?

Gemiler Island day trips from Fethiye typically cost around US$35 per person, including hotel transfers, lunch, entry fees and visits to surrounding natural attractions, such as Butterfly Valley and the Blue Lagoon.

What will you see and do?

Gemiler Island, at just 1 kilometer by 400 meters, is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. Gemiler Island actually directly translates to “Island of Boats” and is thought to be named after the many boats that frequent the idyllic anchorage.

The island is home to several churches, some of which date back to as far as the 4th century. These churches, as well as a scattering of ancient ruins, make the island a must-see destination for history enthusiasts.

Saint Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus or Father Christmas, is said to have originally been buried on the island and there are a number of ancient vaults and tombs to explore. There are many legends and stories surrounding St Nicholas and your guide is sure to tell you a few.

The island is famed for its tranquil bays, lush vegetation and incredible views. There are many water activities that you can participate in, including swimming, snorkeling, water-skiing, kayaking and paddleboarding.

When is the best time to visit Gemilar Island?

The best time to visit Gemiler Island is from April to June, and September to November. These periods offer pleasant weather for exploring the Byzantine ruins and hiking trails.

Avoid the high heat and crowds of July and August. If you're interested in a tranquil beach experience, aim for the shoulder seasons.

Travel tips

• Bring essentials like sunscreen, hat, swimwear, towel, water and snacks. While there's a restaurant on the island, options are limited.
• The paths can be rocky, so wear appropriate footwear if you plan to explore the island.
• As an archaeological site, it's important to respect the surroundings and not to remove any artifacts.
• Don't forget your camera. Gemiler Island offers amazing views, especially at sunset.