Oludeniz: Butterfly Valley, St. Nicholas Island incl. Lunch

Oludeniz by boat feels like cheating, in a good way. You get multiple color-changing sea stops, a nature reserve walk for butterflies, and ancient church ruins on a single 7.5-hour outing. I love that it is not just sightseeing from the deck, you also get real swim time at different bays, including bright-water spots like the Blue Cave.

I also like the onboard vibe. It is a 2-deck boat with a top deck for lounging, plus a friendly crew that keeps the energy fun without turning it into a loud party. The day includes lunch onboard, which saves you time and money when the sun makes everyone hungry at the same time.

One drawback to plan for: it is a long, warm day on the water. Even with plenty of stops, you may feel ready to head back by the final leg, especially in peak season sun.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Multiple swim stops across different bays, not just one quick dip
• Blue Cave and Cold Spring Bay give you two very different water moods
• Butterfly Valley includes a short hike with a chance to spot the rare Tiger Butterfly
• St Nicholas Island mixes ancient church ruins with a rewarding viewpoint climb
• Calm boat feel, with Turkish music and dancing, not a rowdy party boat
• Lunch is included, but drinks are extra on board

Boarding From Belcekiz Beach, Then Hitting the Water Fast

Your day starts at Oludeniz Belcekiz Beach at the Grand Vega boat. Meeting here matters, because there is no hotel pickup included. If you are staying in Oludeniz, you can usually handle it easily with a short transfer or local transport. If you are farther out, budget a bit of time to get to the beach before boarding.

Once you are on the boat, you can settle in and get your bearings. It is a 2-deck cruise ship style outing, so you will have options: sit upstairs for sun and sea breeze, or stay lower if you want shade. The sea trip itself is part of the fun, because the coastline and bays keep shifting as you sail from stop to stop.

You do not need to be a swimmer to enjoy this. The boat setup includes life vests and the staff help with getting on and off for the swim stops, which is a big comfort if you are traveling with kids or you are not feeling fully confident.

Blue Cave Swim: The Bright-Water Start That Sets the Tone

The first major stop is the Blue Cave. This is the kind of place where the water color looks unreal until you are standing there. You get time to swim right in the bright blue bay, and you also have the option to swim into the cave itself.

What I love about starting here is that it instantly turns the day from a “boat tour” into an actual experience. You are not waiting hours to get in the water. You can also snorkel with just basic gear if you have it, though the tour description mainly emphasizes swimming and time in the water.

Practical tip: bring and use sunscreen early. You will likely spend enough time on deck for the sun to do its own planning. If you have goggles, they can make the first swim feel more rewarding.

Butterfly Valley Nature Reserve Walk and the Tiger Butterfly Hunt

Next comes Butterfly Valley, a nature reserve stop where you get both beach time and a short hike. After sailing in, you can swim and sunbathe along the shoreline before you head into the paths for a walk.

This is where the day adds variety beyond the water. You are looking at wildflowers and trying to spot butterflies moving around in the area. The fun part is the search: you keep your eyes open for the rare Tiger Butterfly.

A note on expectations, because nature is unpredictable: butterflies are not guaranteed. But even when you do not spot the rare ones, the walk gives you a different kind of Oludeniz feel, more flower-and-path than boat-and-bay. And the scenery changes as you get closer to the waterfall area during the hike.

St Nicholas Island Churches: Ruins Plus Views

St Nicholas Island is your history and photo stop, with a payoff if you are willing to climb. The island includes ancient church ruins that date back to the 5th century. You will also climb toward the highest point on the island, which is where the views start to feel like a reward for the steps.

This is not a long museum-style visit. It is more of a “walk the paths, see the remains, then climb for the viewpoint” experience. That makes it a good match for a day cruise, because you get a meaningful cultural stop without turning the day into a full-day land trip.

What to watch for: the terrain includes climbs. Even if you are fit enough for stairs, it can still feel hot under the sun after being out on the water. Go slow, take breaks, and let the viewpoint happen when it happens.

Cold Spring Bay Finish: A Freshwater Swim That Feels Different

By the final stop, your legs might be tired but your brain still wants water time. Cold Spring Bay is a nice way to end the day because it is tied to a freshwater spring that flows into the sea.

That mix can feel refreshing in a different way than saltwater. You get your last swim here, which also helps you reset mentally for the ride back to Ölüdeniz Harbor.

If you want the most enjoyable final swim, do not wait until you are completely sun-drained. Late-day water time can feel better if you still have energy to actually enjoy it, not just survive it.

The Boat Day Itself: Crew Energy, Turkish Dancing, and Comfortable Deck Time

A big reason this cruise scores well is how the crew manages the day. The staff are repeatedly described as friendly, helpful, and good at keeping people moving at the right pace. The vibe is entertaining, not sterile.

You may also catch Turkish-themed entertainment onboard, including Turkish dancing and drumming. The music level tends to be kept comfortable, so you can still hear yourself talk, not just shout over speakers. It is also not set up like a party boat, which I think is a sweet spot for many people. You get fun without chaos.

On the comfort side, the top deck is set up for lounging with cushions or lounge-style seating, and it can have a canopy. If you want the sun, you can go up. If you need shade, you can shift. And since the cruise covers multiple stops, having a place to rest between swims matters.

Lunch Onboard: What You Get and How to Handle Drinks

Lunch is included and served back onboard. The food is freshly prepared on the boat, and servings are described as generous. In terms of what you actually eat, chicken or fish is common, typically paired with rice and salad.

If you are vegetarian, do not assume you will get a full vegetarian meal. That said, at least one guest mentioned a vegetarian option that was a salad with grains and a roll. So if you have dietary needs, it is smart to communicate calmly with the crew and be realistic about what is available.

Drinks are not included. That means you should plan to buy water, soda, or other drinks onboard if you need them. For me, that is the only real “budget surprise” in the day, since lunch is already covered.

Timing, Pacing, and The Reality of a Warm 7.5 Hours

The tour is listed as 7.5 hours, but real-world timing can shift depending on day conditions and how busy the water is. Some days you may return closer to a standard afternoon window, while other days the schedule can stretch. The good news is that you are usually not left sitting with nothing to do. You get stop times designed around swimming and short visits.

Plan for the day to feel long because you are in the sun and moving between swim points and shore stops. Bring sunscreen and reapply. Also consider packing light swim gear you can dry quickly, because you will be transitioning from water to heat a lot.

If you are easily motion-sick, keep that in mind. One guest noted the boat can rock when docking and at certain tides, though the crew helps with getting in and out safely. It is not a dealbreaker, but it is worth considering.

Value Check: Is $57 Worth It?

At $57 per person, the value here comes from bundling several different experiences into one organized day. You get:

• A cruise on a 2-deck boat
• A live English guide
• Lunch onboard
• Multiple swim stops at bays, including Blue Cave and Cold Spring Bay
• Nature reserve walking time at Butterfly Valley
• A visit to St Nicholas Island church ruins and a viewpoint climb

What is extra: drinks are not included. Also, even though the day is organized, entry costs are not clearly stated as included for every stop. One guest specifically said ticket entry for Butterfly Valley and St Nicholas Island was not included. So I recommend you budget a bit for possible small entry fees, just to avoid being surprised on the day.

Overall, I think $57 makes sense because the day is doing a lot of work for you. You are paying to cover boat transport between spots, guide support, and lunch, instead of stitching together multiple separate tickets and transfers.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Prefer Another Plan)

This is a strong match if you want:

• Swim time at multiple bays, not just one stop
• Nature + sea views in the same day
• A calm, family-friendly boat atmosphere with some Turkish entertainment
• A clear itinerary that does not require you to drive

It may not fit if:

• You need hotel pickup and drop-off, because that is not included
• You are traveling solo male, or you are in an all-male group, since this experience is reserved for mixed groups or families
• You dislike climbing, because St Nicholas Island includes a viewpoint climb
• You want a long, in-depth land day. This is a cruise day, so visits are time-limited by design.

Should You Book This Oludeniz Day Cruise?

I would book it if your ideal Oludeniz day includes a mix of swimming, a nature walk, and ancient ruins without the hassle of arranging transport. It also works well if you like an onboard day that is organized and friendly, not loud and chaotic.

Skip it if you are sensitive to sun and long stretches outdoors, or if you need everything fully contained with no extra costs. Also, double-check whether the day’s stop entry fees affect you, since at least one guest experienced extra ticket costs for certain sites.

If you want a one-day sampler of what Oludeniz does best, Blue Cave to Butterfly Valley to St Nicholas Island is a practical route and a lot of fun.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You meet at the Grand Vega boat at Oludeniz Belcekiz Beach.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 7.5 hours. One guest reported leaving Oludeniz at 11am and returning at 5pm, so timing can vary.

What is included in the price?

The cruise includes the 2-deck boat ride, lunch, and a live guide. Drinks and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Yes, lunch is included onboard. Lunch is often chicken or fish with rice and salad. One vegetarian option mentioned was salad with grains and a roll.

Do I need to bring swimwear?

Swimwear is the only required item listed. In practice, you will also want sunscreen, and if you have them, goggles can help.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, and you can buy them onboard.

Are entrance tickets for Butterfly Valley and St Nicholas Island included?

The inclusions cover the cruise, lunch, and guide, but one review noted that ticket entry for Butterfly Valley and St Nicholas Island was not included.