12 Islands vs 6 Islands Fethiye: Which Boat Trip to Choose?

Short answer: The 12 Islands trip cruises the calm, sheltered bays of the Fethiye Gulf, stops at the ruins on Tersane Island and suits families and anyone after a relaxed day. The 6 Islands trip heads into open sea along the Ölüdeniz coast for Butterfly Valley, the Blue Cave and more dramatic scenery, but the water can be choppier. Both are full-day trips with lunch on board and hotel transfer included.

1. Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Trip

The 12 Islands trip is the classic boat day among the islets and coves inside the Fethiye Gulf. Because the gulf is ringed by mountains, the sea is often as flat as a lake, which makes this a safe choice for people prone to seasickness and families with small children.

Route and stops

The trip runs daily and the boat leaves at around 10:00-10:20. There are usually four stops of roughly an hour each, and the captain sets the order depending on the weather:

• Kızıl Ada (Red Island): known for its reddish soil, said to contain magnesium; many guests smear the mud on their skin.
• Tersane Island: home to the ruins of an old Greek settlement; a short walk takes you among the stone buildings.
• Aquarium Bay: clear water that is ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
• Yassıcalar islets: water so shallow you can walk between the islets, usually the children's favourite stop. Optional water sports here cost extra.

Departure point and what's included

You can join from the town centre with the Fethiye 12 Islands boat trip, or, if you are staying on the coast, book the 12 Islands boat trip from Ölüdeniz. Hotel transfer and insurance are included. Lunch is an open buffet: fish or chicken, salad, side dishes and meze.

Practical tip: water shoes or sturdy sandals help when walking through the ruins on Tersane, as the rocky ground is hard going barefoot.

2. Butterfly Valley 6 Islands Boat Trip

The 6 Islands trip leaves from Ölüdeniz and heads out of the gulf towards the steep shoreline of the Teke Peninsula. Valleys dropping from sheer cliffs into the sea, turquoise coves and sea caves are the highlights. If you are after photos and big coastal views, this is the more striking day out.

Route and stops

The trip runs daily, with the boat leaving Ölüdeniz at around 10:40-10:55. You spend about an hour at each stop:

1. Butterfly Valley: a cove between towering cliffs, reachable only by sea; you can walk a short way up the valley towards the waterfall. Butterflies are mostly seen in summer.
2. Blue Cave: a sea cave where light reflects blue off the water.
3. Cold Water Bay: spring water mixes with the sea here, so the water feels noticeably cooler.
4. St Nicholas Island (Gemiler Island): known for the remains of Byzantine-era churches.
5. Aquarium Bay: clear water for snorkelling.
6. Camel Beach: a stop for relaxing and swimming from the shore.

Sea conditions: what to know

Because this route is in open water, you may feel the waves, especially in the afternoon when the wind picks up. The captain may shorten or skip stops because of big waves, dirty bays or crowds; this is standard practice for safety and comfort. Lunch is served on board: fish or chicken, salad, pasta and rice. Hotel transfer and insurance are included.

If you are based in town, choose the 6 Islands boat trip with Butterfly Valley from Fethiye; if you are staying by the lagoon, the 6 Islands trip from Ölüdeniz is the easier option.

Practical tip: if you get seasick, keep breakfast light and sit in the middle of the boat with your eyes on the horizon.

3. 12 Islands vs 6 Islands: point-by-point comparison

• Route: 12 Islands stays inside the sheltered gulf; 6 Islands runs along the open coast near Ölüdeniz.
• Departure point: 12 Islands from Fethiye or Ölüdeniz; 6 Islands from Ölüdeniz.
• Departure time: 12 Islands around 10:00-10:20; 6 Islands around 10:40-10:55.
• Number of stops: usually 4 on the 12 Islands trip; 6 on the 6 Islands trip (may be reduced depending on conditions).
• What you see: 12 Islands offers ruins, shallow coves and islets; 6 Islands offers a canyon-like valley, a sea cave and rocky cliffs.
• Sea: 12 Islands is usually calm; 6 Islands can be wavier.
• Lunch: open buffet on 12 Islands; served menu on board on 6 Islands.
• Who it suits: 12 Islands for families, older travellers and anyone prone to seasickness; 6 Islands for scenery lovers, nature fans and photographers.

4. When does a private yacht make more sense?

Group boats can be busy and the route is fixed. If you want a day with your own group at your own pace, a private yacht can be far more enjoyable. Private yachts such as Rusalka-2 can be hired for a full day from 09:30 to 16:30 or for a sunset cruise from 16:30 to 20:30, with up to 12 guests. You plan the route with the captain, lunch is served in a bay and you can bring your own drinks.

A private yacht makes sense when:

• you are a family or group of friends of 8-12 people, as the cost per person can come close to a group tour;
• you are celebrating something special such as a proposal, anniversary or birthday; the sunset cruise is ideal for this;
• you want to linger longer in quieter coves, away from the crowds.

Options include the private yacht tour of Fethiye bays from Fethiye, a private yacht charter around Fethiye bays from Ölüdeniz and, for anglers, a private yacht with fishing around the Fethiye islands. For a shorter, faster outing, speedboat rental with a captain in Ölüdeniz lets you reach spots like Butterfly Valley before the big boats arrive.

5. Best time to go and other activities

Boat trips generally run from late spring to mid-autumn. June and September are well-balanced months: the water is warm but the July-August crowds have eased. In midsummer the coves can get busy, and on the 6 Islands route the wind tends to rise in the afternoon.

To add some adventure to your boat day, try paragliding in Ölüdeniz and glide from Babadağ down to the Belcekız lagoon. For more ideas, browse all tours in Fethiye and our travel guide to Ölüdeniz.

Conclusion: which one should you choose?

• Families with young children and anyone prone to seasickness: 12 Islands, for calm water, the shallow Yassıcalar islets and the open buffet.
• Scenery and photography fans: 6 Islands; Butterfly Valley and the Blue Cave are among the most striking coastal sights in the region.
• History lovers: both work, with ruins on Tersane or St Nicholas Island.
• Groups, couples and special occasions: a private yacht or sunset cruise.
• Staying longer than a week: do both on different days.

Frequently asked questions

Can children join the boat trips?

Yes. The 12 Islands trip in particular is very child-friendly thanks to its calm sea and shallow coves. Children can also join the 6 Islands trip, but on wavy days it can be more tiring for little ones.

I get seasick. Which trip should I choose?

The 12 Islands trip stays inside the gulf, so the boat rocks less. If you join the 6 Islands trip, eat a light breakfast, pick up seasickness tablets from a pharmacy beforehand if needed, and sit in the middle of the boat.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, sandals or water shoes, a hat and sunglasses are enough. A snorkel mask and a waterproof phone pouch are also handy.

Is it worth doing both trips?

Yes, the routes do not overlap: 12 Islands shows the inner gulf, while 6 Islands covers the open coast around Ölüdeniz. Putting a land excursion between them is more restful than doing them on consecutive days.

Are trips cancelled in bad weather?

The captain may change the order of stops for safety and skip some stops on the 6 Islands route. In seriously bad weather the trip may be postponed, and the tour team will let you know.

Are lunch and transfers included?

Yes, both trips include lunch on board, hotel transfer and insurance. Drinks and the water sports at Yassıcalar on the 12 Islands trip are extra.