This boat trip makes the sea look unreal. You start in Belcekiz, cruise past the Blue Cave, and stack in Butterfly Valley plus several swim stops for a full day on the water. It’s a simple setup that works well even if you’re not a hardcore planner.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off for an easy start and finish. I also like how the day mixes short swims, a calm nature stop, and a lunch break so you’re not stuck in one mood all day.

The main thing to watch is that this is a shared day on a big boat (up to 80 people), and timing plus extra costs can vary, like drinks not included and the Butterfly Valley entrance fee.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Belcekiz departure at 10:00 keeps the day simple and gives you morning light for the first water views.
• Mavi Magara (Blue Cave) is scheduled early, when you’ll catch a big color shift in the water.
• Butterfly Valley is part beach, part short hike option (waterfall trek is extra).
• Warm–cold water contrast with Camel Beach followed by Soguk Su Koyu.
• Lunch is included (fish or chicken with pasta and salad), but drinks are not.
• Group size can be large (maximum 80), so deck space and crowding will depend on the day.

Price and Value: Is $60 a Good Deal?

At $60 per person for a 6 to 7 hour cruise, the value mostly comes from packing a lot into one day: multiple swim stops, a nature stop at Butterfly Valley, and an included lunch onboard. You’re not paying separately for the core experience.

Where the math can change is the stuff you’ll likely add on your own: drinks during the day and the Butterfly Valley entrance fee. If you’re the type who wants water, juice, and soda with lunch, budget extra cash. If you’re happy with swimming and bringing a simple snack strategy, the price feels fair.

Getting There: Belcekiz Meet-Up and Hotel Pickup Reality

The day starts at Belcekiz Plajı in Ölüdeniz, with a 10:00 am meeting time. If you choose pickup, follow their instruction on where to meet: in many Fethiye-area hotels, drivers can’t access every spot, so they ask you to use the main entrance gate, not the hotel reception.

The pickup zones cover a lot of the Fethiye region (Calis, Hisaronu, Oludeniz, Ovacik, and more), but some areas require an extra transfer charge. If you’re staying close to Oludeniz, you’ll likely feel the most benefit from pickup, because you’re not spending your morning figuring out where the boat leaves.

The Boat Setup: How Comfortable Is It Really?

This is a shared cruise with a maximum of 80 travelers, so comfort depends on boat capacity and how full it is that day. Still, the setup is built for hanging out: there’s space on the upper deck to sit or sunbathe, and a covered lower area where people can eat lunch without baking.

One thing I’d count on: you’ll spend plenty of time going between sun and shade. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and something to protect your shoulders. On a warm day, the difference between a shaded seat and direct sun can be the difference between relaxing and feeling cooked.

Stop 1: Belcekiz Plajı Check-In and Your First Foot in the Water

You meet at Belcekiz Beach and get going quickly. Even though the first block is short, this early start matters because you’re getting positioned for the best light and the earliest water color.

This is also where you should get your small essentials handled: swimwear ready, sunscreen applied, and a plan for what you’ll do if you want photos at the start of the day. Once you’re out cruising, there’s less time for last-minute fuss.

Stop 2: Mavi Magara (Blue Cave) for Maximum Color Impact

Your first “wow” stop is Mavi Magara, also known as the Blue Cave. The point here is the water color: it’s described as green blending into blue, with different shades as the light hits and as the boat positions.

Why this stop is great: early-day stops often feel more relaxed. You’re not yet tired from a long day of swimming, and you’re more likely to enjoy the moment without thinking about the clock.

Practical note: even if you don’t plan to snorkel, give yourself a chance to float and look around. The visual payoff is the main event.

Stop 3: Butterfly Valley—Chill Shore Time and a Possible Hike

After Blue Cave, the cruise heads to Butterfly Valley, a quieter spot where you can relax and explore at a slower pace. The tone here is calmer than the “party pirate” style cruises some people associate with the area.

Here’s what to plan for:

• You’ll have about 1 hour in the valley area.
• You can spend time at the water and beach, or you can do the optional hike to a waterfall.
• The waterfall trek has an extra cost (one traveler reported 20 lira per person) and the path can be slippery—so don’t wear smooth-soled footwear.

One consideration: you may not see butterflies every time. If that’s your top reason for coming, keep expectations flexible. The valley is still worth the stop for the calm bays and that “get away for a moment” feeling.

Stop 4: Camel Beach—Warm Shallows and the Lunch Break

Camel Beach is where the day turns into comfortable beach time. The cruise highlights real camels on-site, and yes, you can even ride them if you’re willing to try. Even if you don’t, the water is described as warm and shallow, which makes it easier to enjoy without needing to be a strong swimmer.

Lunch also happens here. You’ll get a meal onboard that includes chicken or fish, plus pasta and salad. It’s a proper meal, not just a snack, and multiple people praised it as better than expected.

One key budget point: drinks are not included. People specifically noted that you’ll want extra cash for soda or water. If you want iced drinks, plan ahead so you don’t end up paying a premium later when you’re already hungry and warm.

Stop 5: Soguk Su Koyu—Cold-Water Reset After Sun

After Camel Beach, the cruise heads to Soguk Su Koyu. The name fits: it’s where you refresh in cold water because the water comes through rocks.

This is a fun contrast after a warm beach stop. Think of it as a reset button—your body cools down and the day feels less monotonous because the temperature changes.

Also, this stop is about timing: you might want to save energy for the cold-water swim, especially if you’re planning to do any extra walking around Butterfly Valley earlier. Don’t burn your whole afternoon sprinting around.

Stop 6: Oludeniz Return—A Full Day Without Overplanning

Once you finish up at Soguk Su Bay, you sail back toward Oludeniz and end back at the meeting point. The total day typically lands in that 6 to 7 hour range.

If you’re doing other things in Fethiye that evening, you’ll probably feel glad you had an organized schedule. The cruise format means you’re not juggling transit every time you want a new viewpoint.

Food and Drinks: What’s Included and What You Should Budget

Lunch is included, and it’s one of the biggest reasons this tour works for groups and families. The meal choice is fish or chicken, plus pasta and salad, served onboard.

What’s not included: drinks. In practice, that means you should expect to pay for water, soda, or cocktails if you want them during the day. Some people also flagged that drink pricing can feel high, so I recommend setting a simple personal cap: decide how much you’ll spend on drinks before you’re thirsty and sunburned.

Snorkeling gear isn’t clearly listed as included or not included. What I’d do is bring your own mask/snorkel if you already own one, because it removes the guesswork. If you’re only there for swimming, you’ll still be happy—there are enough swim windows built into the cruise.

The Best Parts (and the Real-Life Quirks) to Expect

This tour’s strongest selling point is how much water time you get alongside scenery. People repeatedly describe the ocean color, the variety of bays, and the ease of the day. The stops feel designed for people who want to jump in often—without feeling like they’re stuck on land.

That said, shared boat days have quirks:

• The boat is large (up to 80), so you’ll want a habit of claiming a decent spot and being flexible.
• Timing can slip on some days. A few experiences described late starts and rushed transitions.
• Not every planned stop is guaranteed in practice. One traveler said Camel Beach was skipped without explanation, and another mentioned that the day felt different from expectations.

You can still get a great day here, but I’d treat it as a water-and-swim plan, not a strict checklist where every minute will go perfectly.

Who This Trip Is Perfect For (and Who Should Think Twice)

This is a great fit if you:

• want multiple swim stops without having to drive or book separate tours
• like a calmer pace (not a nonstop party vibe)
• value an included lunch that’s more than just bread and fruit

You might reconsider if:

• you hate crowds and want a small-boat, quiet-by-design experience
• you’re very schedule-sensitive (some reports mention late timing)
• your main goal is Butterfly Valley for butterflies specifically

Should You Book This Boat Trip?

If you want an efficient, scenic Oludeniz water day with a packed route and included lunch, I think this is an easy yes—especially for first-timers who want to see a lot without extra logistics.

I’d only hold back if you’re the type who needs exact minute-by-minute reliability or you strongly dislike large-group boat trips. In that case, look for a smaller operator or a more tailored cruise.

Bottom line: for $60, you’re buying variety—Blue Cave color, Butterfly Valley downtime, warm-to-cold swimming, and a real onboard meal. If that matches your travel style, book it and bring cash for drinks.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour meets at Belcekiz Plajı at 10:00 am.

Where does the boat trip start?

It starts at Belcekız Plajı, Ölüdeniz, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla, Türkiye.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 to 7 hours.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the pickup option, and you should meet at the hotel main entrance gate (not the reception).

What is included in the price?

An English-speaking crew, lunch (fish or chicken, pasta, salad), and hotel pickup and drop-off if selected are included.

Is the Butterfly Valley entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee to Butterfly Valley is not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. The experience requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.