Butterfly Valley Boat Tour from Ölüdeniz, Turkey

If you’re staying in Ölüdeniz, this is the boat trip to do. It’s an all-day cruise along the coast with ridiculous water, a bunch of swim stops, lunch on board, and a finale at Butterfly Valley — easily the prettiest stop of the day.

We did this tour, and it was exactly what I wanted: a pretty and chill day out on a boat!

What This Tour Actually Is

Most Butterfly Valley tours from Ölüdeniz follow the same general route: you leave in the morning on a wooden-style boat (sometimes called a gulet), cruise along the coastline, stop at coves and bays to swim, and then anchor at Butterfly Valley so you can hop off and explore the beach.

Lunch is cooked right on the boat and included, drinks are extra, and you’re back by late afternoon.

There are a few versions of this tour — some are louder and more “music + jumping off the top deck,” others (like the one we did) are more relaxed.

Check the reviews before booking so you don’t end up on a bigger and wilder boat when you wanted a laid-back day.

Typical Stops on the Route

Captains can change the order based on weather and crowds, so don’t panic if it’s slightly different — the coastline is gorgeous no matter what.

Yes. This was easily the best stop. You pull into a narrow beach wedged between two dramatic cliffs and it looks unreal right away.

The water is clear, the backdrop is insane, and even if you don’t go wandering deeper into the valley, just swimming here is worth it.

The beach is a bit stony (like a lot of Türkiye’s coast), so wear water shoes or keep your sandals on until you pick your spot.

What’s on Board

These boats are set up for an all-day outing, so you don’t need to bring much. Expect:

• Shaded and sunny seating: tables and benches below, and cushions on deck.
• Onboard bar: drinks are paid separately — water, soda, beer, cocktails.
• Lunch: grilled chicken or fish, salad, rice/couscous. Simple but good, and plenty of it.
• Swim ladder: easy to get in and out of the water at each stop.

Tip: bring your own big water and maybe a snack if you’re picky — you’re on the boat all day.

Why This Tour Is Nice

Things to Know Before You Go

• Bring water shoes: Butterfly Valley and a few other stops are pebbly/rocky.
• Bring cash: for drinks and the small extra fee at St. Nicholas Island if you go up.
• Don’t overpack: space on deck is shared — towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, all in a dry bag is enough.

Big Boat vs. Chill Boat

Ölüdeniz has both. If you want music and people leaping off the top deck, you can book a big pirate boat.

If you want a smaller and calmer “swim, tan, eat, repeat” day, do the one we did; it was perfect.

Final Thoughts

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