Turtle Beach in Turkey: How to Visit and Spot Sea Turtles 🐢
If you're looking to spot sea turtles in the wild, the top destination in southern Turkey is Iztuzu Beach, a stunning sandbar near the town of Dalyan (Muğla Province). As one of the Mediterranean's most vital nesting sites for the endangered Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), it sees an average of 300 nests annually. This shoreline has been a strictly protected area since 1988.
What is this place?
Iztuzu is a narrow 4–5 km sand spit, ranging from 120 to 200 meters wide, sandwiched between the Mediterranean Sea and the freshwater Dalyan River delta. On one side is a warm, shallow sea with a sandy bottom; on the other are freshwater lagoons and reed thickets. This unique contrast is exactly what draws the turtles here.
Adult Carettas can weigh between 80–200 kg and grow up to a meter long. Living for 60–70 years, these creatures remarkably return to lay eggs on the very beach where they were born. Females arrive in June and stay until about September, typically laying 3–5 clutches each season.
What's here
Turtle Nests — Nesting sites are fenced off, and beach gear like umbrellas or loungers is prohibited in these zones. The best chance to spot fresh turtle tracks is in the early morning.
DEKAMER Turtle Rescue Center — Located just a few minutes from the entrance, this center rehabilitates injured turtles. Entry is free, though donation boxes are available.
Facilities — You'll find loungers, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing cabins, an affordable cafe, and a designated area for personal belongings.
The Grove — A wooded area behind the beach offers natural shade, meaning you can skip the umbrella rental if you arrive in the morning.
How to get there
Dalyan is the closest base, located about 5–12 km from the beach. The nearest airport is Dalaman (approx. 30 minutes away).
By Boat from Dalyan — The most scenic route. A 30–40 minute ride through reed-lined channels past ancient Lycian rock tombs.
By Dolmuş (Minibus) — Regular shuttles run from the center of Dalyan during the tourist season.
By Car — A 20–25 minute drive from Dalyan, ending with a winding mountain road. There is a large paid parking lot at the beach.
Organized Tours — Popular day trips from Marmaris, Fethiye, and Bodrum often include mud baths and tomb sightseeing.
Important to know
From May 1st to October 31st, the beach is closed between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM to give the turtles privacy; at other times, it's open around the clock. Vehicles and pets are banned on the sand, and speedboats are restricted within a one-mile radius.
Keep in mind: spotting a turtle in the water is always a matter of luck, not a guarantee. The most reliable way to see them up close is at the rescue center, while adults are most commonly spotted during boat trips along the river.