Oludeniz: Butterfly Valley, St. Nicholas Island incl. Lunch

Exploring Oludeniz: A Full-Day Boat Tour to Butterfly Valley and St. Nicholas Island

A day cruise from Oludeniz offers a delightful way to experience some of Turkey’s most scenic spots along the Aegean Coast. This tour, usually lasting around 7.5 hours, takes you on a journey through sparkling bays, rugged islands, and lush nature reserves. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit the Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley, and St. Nicholas Island, with plenty of swimming, walking, and picture-taking opportunities along the way.

What makes this trip especially appealing are the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters at hidden bays and explore the ruins of ancient churches on St. Nicholas Island. The onboard lunch, featuring fresh local ingredients, is another highlight, offering a genuine taste of the region’s flavors.

However, it’s worth noting that drinks are not included in the price, so you’ll need to buy beverages separately if you want to sip something cool while relaxing on deck. Also, this cruise doesn’t include hotel transfers, so planning your meeting point at the Belcekiz Beach is essential.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, outdoor adventure, and relaxed days by the sea. Families with children, groups wanting a mix of history and nature, and anyone looking for a refreshing escape will find this experience well worth considering.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: The tour offers fantastic views of Oludeniz’s coast and secluded islands.
• Wildlife Encounter: Butterfly Valley is a nature lover’s dream, with rare butterflies like the Tiger Butterfly.
• Historical Interest: Climb St. Nicholas Island to see ancient church ruins and enjoy panoramic vistas.
• Multiple Swim Stops: Swim and snorkel in several bays, including the Blue Cave and Cold Spring Bay.
• Onboard Cuisine: Freshly prepared lunch served during the cruise adds to the value.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: The boat’s layout and guided commentary keep the experience engaging without feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Out from Oludeniz Harbor

Your day begins at the Grand Vega boat at Belcekiz Beach, where you’ll meet your guide and board a nicely equipped two-deck boat. The boats are designed for comfort and shade, with the upper deck offering lounge beds—a favorite for those who want to soak up the sun or relax in the shade. We loved the way the boat’s layout encourages a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the sea breeze.

The journey itself is a highlight, as you cruise past changing coastal scenery—rocky cliffs, pine-lined coves, and clear waters—setting the perfect mood for the day ahead.

First Stop: The Blue Cave and Cold Spring Bay

The Blue Cave is often the first destination. Its vibrant blue waters and the chance to swim inside the cave itself make it a must-see. The reviews praise the bright, inviting waters and describe swimming into the cave as a surreal experience. The water is often calm, making it suitable for all swimming abilities, though it’s worth noting that entering the cave involves a short swim from the boat.

Next, the boat moves on to Cold Spring Bay, where the waters are equally inviting, and the environment remains calm and pristine. We appreciated the opportunity to relax on the boat or dip into the sea again, both ideal ways to beat the heat and enjoy the scenery.

Butterfly Valley: Nature and Adventure

The highlight for many visitors is the stop at Butterfly Valley, a lush nature reserve accessible only by boat or foot. We loved the chance to wander along the pathways, surrounded by wildflowers and the gentle flutter of rare butterflies, including the impressive Tiger Butterfly—that’s a rare sight indeed.

A short hike here allows you to see waterfalls and explore the area’s natural beauty. The reviews emphasize how captivating the butterfly sightings are, with one traveler noting the abundance of butterflies flying freely among the wildflowers. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for those who appreciate nature and wildlife.

More Great Tours Nearby

Refreshing Lunch on Board

After exploring Butterfly Valley, your guide will serve a delicious onboard lunch. The menu generally includes options like chicken or fish, with some reviews noting the freshly cooked quality and generous servings. Vegetarians might have limited options, but some travelers mention a salad and grains as an alternative.

This meal is a good value considering it’s included in the tour price, and it provides a chance to relax, chat with fellow travelers, or simply enjoy the views during mealtime. We found the food to be satisfying and a nice way to refuel before continuing the journey.

St. Nicholas Island: History and Panoramas

The next stop is St. Nicholas Island, famous for its 5th-century church ruins and panoramic viewpoints. Climbing to the highest point offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding islands and coast, which many reviews describe as spectacular.

The ruins are a captivating piece of history and give a sense of the ancient significance of the island. The guided aspect helps bring the ruins to life, and the views from the top are often highlighted as the most breathtaking part of the tour.

Final Swim at Cold Spring Bay

The tour wraps up with a final swim at Cold Spring Bay, similar to the earlier stops but offering a chance to relax one last time before heading back to Oludeniz. The freshwater spring flowing into the sea makes for a refreshing end to a busy day on the water.

Returning to Oludeniz

After a full day of exploration, swimming, and sightseeing, the boat returns to Belcekiz Beach. The journey back offers a chance to reflect on the day, enjoy the sunset, or snap a few last photos.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

Multiple reviews highlight the friendly staff and well-organized nature of the trip. One reviewer notes, “The team kept us all entertained. Enough time was given at each destination, and help was given when getting on and off the boat.” The crew’s attentiveness makes a difference, especially for travelers with mobility concerns.

Others appreciate the calm, non-party atmosphere. One guest said, “Everything was fine. Unlike the other noisy boats, this trip was calm and very well organized. You have enough time to enjoy all stops.” This makes it ideal for travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic experience rather than a party atmosphere.

The food receives consistent praise, with travelers describing it as “lovely,” “fresh,” and “very generous.” The onboard lunch, included in the price, offers good value considering the variety and quality, according to reviews.

Authentic Experiences and Unique Insights

Many travelers appreciated the insights from guides, who provided context about each location’s history and natural features. The stop at Butterfly Valley, in particular, stands out as a favorite, with its peaceful natural environment and rare butterflies making it a memorable highlight.

Some reviews mention the limited duration of the stops, with around an hour at each location, which is usually enough to explore and swim but not too long to feel rushed. The flexibility of the itinerary means you can prioritize your favorite spots.

Practical Details and Considerations

Price and Value

The tour’s price includes cruise, guide, and lunch, offering good value for a full day of sightseeing and activities. Drinks are extra, so consider bringing a refillable water bottle or purchasing beverages on board. The tour doesn’t include hotel transfers, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point.

Duration and Timing

Starting times vary, so check availability when booking. The tour typically lasts about 7.5 hours, which allows plenty of time to enjoy multiple stops without feeling rushed. When planning your day, keep in mind that the actual duration might be slightly shorter, with some reviews mentioning a return around 5 pm instead of the advertised 7.5 hours.

What to Bring

Comfortable swimwear is essential, along with sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and perhaps a waterproof camera. The boat provides some shade, but a hat and sunscreen will help keep you comfortable during the sunny parts of the day.

Who This Tour Suits

This experience is perfect for those who enjoy relaxed outdoor activities, scenic boat rides, and a combination of nature, history, and swimming. It’s family-friendly, as noted by reviews praising the crew’s attentiveness to children, and suits those who want to take their time exploring rather than rushing through busy attractions.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This boat trip from Oludeniz offers a well-rounded mix of natural beauty, history, and relaxation. You’ll love the peaceful swims in secluded bays, the chance to see rare butterflies at Butterfly Valley, and the stunning views from St. Nicholas Island. The friendly crew and delicious onboard lunch make it feel like a genuine, value-packed experience.

If you’re after a calm, scenic day on the water with enough time for swimming, exploring, and appreciating Turkey’s coastal beauty, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for families, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a memorable day out without a party vibe.

However, if you prefer more energetic or party-oriented trips, or are looking for hotel transfers, you might want to explore other options. But for those seeking peaceful, authentic moments with beautiful scenery, this tour is a smart choice.

FAQ

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, it does not. You’ll need to meet at the Grand Vega boat at Belcekiz Beach for the start of the trip.

How long are the stops at each location?
Stops generally last about an hour, giving you enough time to swim, explore, and take photos without feeling rushed.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a freshly prepared onboard lunch is part of the package, with options like chicken or fish. Vegetarians can expect a salad and grains.

Can I bring drinks or snacks?
Drinks are not included in the price, so you should buy them on the boat if desired. You can bring your own water bottle.

Is the boat suitable for children?
Yes, the crew is attentive and helpful, making it a good choice for families with children, as noted in reviews.

What should I bring for the day?
Swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and perhaps a waterproof camera. Towels can be brought along for swimming.

Exploring Turkey’s coast by boat with this tour offers a balanced blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, historical sites, or simply a peaceful day on the water, it’s a memorable way to experience Oludeniz.

You can check availability for your dates here: