Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Trip With Lunch

Exploring the Fethiye 12 Islands with Lunch: A Practical Guide to a Relaxing Day at Sea

If you’re headed to Fethiye and craving a peaceful, scenic escape from the crowds, the Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Trip with Lunch might just be what you’re looking for. For around $50 per person, this full-day excursion (about 6 to 7 hours) promises a leisurely voyage across some of Turkey’s most picturesque islands, with plenty of swimming, sunbathing, and opportunities for photographs. The trip is organized by Payless and departs from the central port in Fethiye, making it accessible and straightforward to join.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour are two main features. First, the well-planned stops at unspoiled islands like Yassica and Katrancı Bay offer authentic nature experiences without the commercialized trappings. Second, the included lunch, featuring options like chicken, pasta, and fresh salad, adds good value for a day spent largely on the water.

One consideration to keep in mind is the potential for cancellations if the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, which can be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule. Also, the tour does not include hotel transfers or drinks, so you’ll want to arrange these separately if needed.

This trip suits travelers who love a relaxed day outdoors, enjoy swimming and snorkeling in clear waters, and value scenic beauty over a packed itinerary. It’s especially suitable for those looking for a gentle, scenic day that doesn’t involve strenuous activity or complex logistics.

Key Points

• Stunning Islands: The trip visits unspoiled spots like Katrancı Bay and Gocek Island, perfect for swimming and picture-taking.
• Relaxed Pace: Stops are timed to balance sightseeing, swimming, and sunbathing, making it ideal for a laid-back day.
• Good Value: The cost includes lunch and multiple stops, providing a comprehensive experience without extra charges.
• Authentic Atmosphere: The friendly crew and uncrowded boat create a welcoming and peaceful environment.
• Limitations: No hotel transfer included, and drinks are not provided, so plan accordingly.
• Weather Dependence: The tour relies on good weather; cancellations are possible if conditions turn poor.

In-Depth Look at the Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Trip

The Departure: Starting in Fethiye

The adventure begins early at the port in the heart of Fethiye, where you’ll meet the crew and board your boat. The meeting point is straightforward—Cumhuriyet, 501/3. Sk. No:1—and with most bookings made 14 days in advance, you have ample opportunity to secure your spot. The boat itself is described as comfortable and not overly crowded, typically accommodating up to 80 travelers, which keeps the atmosphere intimate enough to relax but lively enough to mingle.

First Stop: Kızıl Island

The journey kicks off with a visit to Kızıl Island, famous for its distinctive red stones and rabbit populations, which are almost as famous as the island itself. Travelers often comment on how photogenic this spot is, making it a perfect early highlight. You get about an hour here, allowing enough time to snap photos, take a quick swim, or just enjoy the views and the peaceful surroundings. It’s a lovely way to ease into the day, with no admission fee, so the focus is on enjoying the natural beauty.

Yassıca Island: A Natural Gem

Next is Yassıca Ada, which impresses visitors with its natural charm and crystal waters. The boat anchors for about an hour, giving you the freedom to swim, snorkel, or stroll around. Many reviews highlight how much they appreciated this stop, with one saying, “The islands were beautiful and the swimming was refreshing.” You’ll also have time to relax on the boat or take photos of the rugged coastline from the sea. This stop is often praised for its secluded feel, offering a peaceful escape.

Katrancı Bay Nature Park: The First Major Highlight

The highlight for many is Katrancı Bay, renowned for its turquoise waters and imposing rocky backdrop. It’s the first significant stop of the day, with around an hour allotted. Expect to be wowed by the scenery—an ideal spot for a swim and a break from the sun. The natural surroundings here are especially notable, and we loved how the peaceful waters invite you for a swim. Reviewers consistently mention how this location’s crystal-clear waters make it perfect for snorkeling and cooling off.

Tavan Island: A Quick Photo Break

Tavan Island offers a short 30-minute stop, mainly for photos. It’s a good chance to capture some scenic shots and stretch your legs. While just a quick stop, many appreciate the opportunity for quick snapshots of the rugged coastline and the boat against the backdrop of open water.

Gocek Island: The Unspoiled Swim Spot

The final island stop is at Gocek Island, described as dreamy and unspoiled. With about an hour here, travelers get to enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters, often citing it as a personal favorite. The island’s natural beauty, combined with calm, inviting waters, makes it a perfect place to relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun. Multiple reviews emphasize how this spot is well-loved for swimming and enjoying the peaceful environment.

Return to Fethiye

After a delightful day at sea, the boat heads back to the port. The return trip takes about 45 minutes, giving you time to unwind and reflect on the day. Most travelers feel satisfied with the experience, with some saying it’s a “great activity” for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes an English-speaking crew, which is crucial for a smooth experience, and a lunch featuring chicken or fish, pasta, and salad. Many reviews praise the quality of lunch, calling it “decent” or “fantastic,” especially considering the all-day nature of the trip. Soft drinks are provided, but no hotel transfer or additional drinks are included, so plan accordingly.

Practical Tips

• Since hotel transfers are not included, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the departure point.
• Bring your own drinks if you prefer something besides the soft drinks offered.
• Pack essentials like sunscreen, a towel, snorkel gear if you have it, and a hat for sun protection.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most reviews indicating that most people can participate comfortably.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Perspectives

This tour has garnered a solid 4.7/5 from 63 reviews, with many praising the stunning scenery and friendly crew. One traveler, Michael, said, “The islands were beautiful and the swimming was refreshing. Just enough time at each of the four spots.” Others appreciated the relaxed atmosphere—Lucia described it as “friendly, chilled, and great value for money.”

However, a few reviews mention less-than-ideal moments, such as the boat not setting sail due to insufficient bookings. One reviewer, Lee, shared an experience where they were informed the boat wouldn’t operate, which is something to keep in mind—it’s a reminder to book early and confirm your reservation.

The positive feedback tends to focus on the natural beauty and well-spaced stops, making the trip suitable for those who want a peaceful, scenic day rather than a hectic sightseeing spree.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat trip is perfect for relaxing travelers, families, or singles who want to explore the islands at a gentle pace. If you love swimming, photography, and scenic views, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s also a good choice if you’re on a budget but want a comprehensive day on the water with a good meal included.

Conversely, if you’re seeking more structured activities, nightlife, or hotel transfers, you might want to explore other options. But for a peaceful, scenic day that lets you soak up the best of Fethiye’s natural beauty, this trip hits the mark.

The Sum Up

The Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Trip with Lunch offers an excellent balance of scenic beauty, relaxed pace, and value. With stops at unspoiled islands, plenty of swimming opportunities, and a tasty included lunch, it’s a wonderful way to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of the town. The friendly crew, peaceful environment, and stunning views make it particularly appealing to travelers seeking a calm, natural experience.

While it’s not the cheapest or most action-packed tour, it’s definitely a worthwhile choice for those who want to enjoy the Mediterranean’s best spots at a leisurely pace. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as a couple, this trip provides authentic moments, peaceful scenery, and lovely memories of Fethiye’s captivating islands.

FAQ

Does the tour include hotel transfers?
No, hotel transfers are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point in Fethiye.

What’s the lunch like?
Included lunch typically features chicken or fish, pasta, and salad, with soft drinks provided. Reviewers generally find the meal to be decent or good value.

How long does the tour last?
The entire journey is approximately 6 to 7 hours, including stops and travel time.

Are the stops suitable for swimming and snorkeling?
Yes, most stops are designed for swimming and snorkeling in clear, calm waters, with several reviews highlighting how refreshing and beautiful the water is.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, towel, water shoes if you prefer, and perhaps a snorkel if you own one. Remember to pack some cash if you want to buy drinks or souvenirs.

Is the boat crowded?
Most reviews mention the boat is comfortable and not overly crowded, with a maximum capacity of around 80 travelers.

Can I book last minute?
It’s recommended to book at least 14 days in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, many travelers with families enjoyed the relaxed pace and safe swimming stops, making it a family-friendly outing.

This boat trip in Fethiye offers a peaceful, scenic, and well-organized way to enjoy Turkey’s natural beauty. It’s a wonderful choice for those seeking a calm day on the water with plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the stunning scenery.