Dalyan Turtle Beach

Beach in Marmaris

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Maria Jonker

Few beaches in the world are as breathtaking — or as important — as Dalyan Turtle Beach. Also known as Iztuzu Beach, this long, golden sandbar stretches between the Dalyan River and the Mediterranean Sea, creating a natural barrier that has become one of the most protected nesting sites for endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). It's one of the must-visit places from Marmaris, where conservation meets stunning scenery.

Despite its fame, Iztuzu retains a peaceful, untouched atmosphere. There are no towering resorts or blaring beach clubs here — just soft sand, shallow turquoise water, and the quiet rhythm of waves. It's also one of the best places to go on a day trip from Marmaris, offering a refreshing change of pace from the resort buzz and a glimpse into Turkey's wild coastal beauty.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Tips
How to Get There
Is Dalyan Turtle Beach Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

Iztuzu Beach gained international attention in the 1980s when plans to develop a large hotel complex threatened the nesting grounds of the loggerhead turtles. Environmentalists and locals rallied to protect it, leading to its designation as a conservation area in 1988. Today, it's carefully managed to balance tourism with wildlife protection.

The beach is now a symbol of Turkey's eco-conscious tourism movement. Visitors can learn about turtle conservation at the Dalyan Turtle Rehabilitation Centre near the beach's main entrance, where injured turtles are treated before being released back into the wild.

Things to See and Do

The beach stretches for nearly 5 kilometers of soft, golden sand, perfect for sunbathing, walking, or swimming. The water on the sea side is clear and gently shelving — ideal for families and casual swimmers — while the river side offers calmer, slightly warmer water.

Don't miss the short visit to the turtle sanctuary at the western end, where you can learn about the rescue work and even spot a few recovering turtles. The surrounding hills and wetlands also make this one of the Top sights in Dalyan for photography, with sweeping views of untouched nature.

Boat trips from Dalyan often include stops at the famous Lycian rock tombs and the therapeutic mud baths, making the journey to the beach an experience in itself.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: May to October; turtle nesting and hatching season runs from June to September.
Entrance fee in Euros: About 1–2 EUR (small conservation fee).
Opening hours: 8 AM – 8 PM (closed overnight during nesting season).
Official website: Dalyan Turtle Rehabilitation Centre – managed by DEKAMER.
How long to spend: Half a day to a full day.
Accessibility: Flat boardwalks and gentle paths; suitable for most visitors.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, snack bars, lifeguards, and shaded seating areas.
Photography tip: Capture the contrast between the river delta and sea from the viewpoint above the western end of the beach.
Guided tours: Available from Dalyan and Marmaris; often include river cruise and mud baths.
Nearby food options: Small cafés at both ends of the beach serving light meals and cold drinks.

How to Get There

Dalyan Turtle Beach is about 12 km from Dalyan town and 85 km from Marmaris. The most scenic route is by riverboat from Dalyan, gliding past the ancient Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs before reaching the beach. Alternatively, you can drive or take a dolmuş to the southern entrance of Iztuzu Beach via Ortaca.

Is Dalyan Turtle Beach Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Few places blend natural beauty and conservation as seamlessly as Iztuzu. Its golden sands, tranquil waters, and ecological importance make it one of the Things to do in Dalyan that you'll remember long after your trip ends. Whether you come to swim, learn, or simply admire the turtles' ancient nesting ground, this beach offers a rare kind of serenity that feels worlds away from the typical tourist trail.

Nearby Attractions

Dalyan River Cruise – Scenic boat ride through reed-lined waterways with views of ancient tombs.
Lycian Rock Tombs – Carved into the cliffs overlooking Dalyan, dating back over 2,000 years.
Dalyan Mud Baths – A fun and therapeutic experience where visitors coat themselves in mineral-rich mud.
Kaunos Ancient City – Archaeological ruins offering insight into the region's classical history.
Köyceğiz Lake – A tranquil freshwater lake surrounded by nature trails and birdlife.

The Dalyan Turtle Beach appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Marmaris!

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