Day Trips by Boat
Lining the wharves of most medium- to large-size towns are private captains touting day trips through neighboring waters. A typical excursion tools along the coastline to the south to Turunç, Umlu, Cadirgan, and Çiftlik bays, and to Cleopatra's (Sedir) Island, made famous for the pearly white sands the exotic queen had shipped over from Egypt. Day-boat excursions also leave from Bozburun and Datça, past scenery more beautiful than the last, where you can swim, snorkel, or just plain snooze, all for about 27YTL ($20), lunch included. A second itinerary out of Marmaris heads a little farther out into the Mediterranean to Dalyan, where, at Iztuzu Beach, you'll switch from your gulet to a motorized fishing boat for the classic tour up the Dalyan River, including a stop at Kaunos and the mud baths. Prices for this trip are a little higher, at about 34YTL ($25) per person.
Certified divers with their own boats, easily spotted by the rack of wet suits and diving equipment onboard, line the wharf near Iskele Meydani. Diving expeditions leave early in the morning; for any day-boat trip; it's important to reserve at least the evening before. Cost of a day out is about 49YTL ($36), including equipment, insurance, guides, and lunch. There's also the reputable European Diving Center (www.europeandiving.com.tr), with outlets in both Marmaris (tel. 0252/455-4733) and Fethiye (tel. 0252/614-9771). EDC also offers a 1-day dive for beginners, a 3-day PADI dive course, and a 5-day PADI open water course.
