
Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach)
A 4.5km pristine golden sand beach, vital nesting ground for endangered Caretta caretta turtles, where freshwater meets the Mediterranean.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warmest sea and sunniest days

Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach)
Best Time
Warmest sea and sunniest days

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 4.5km pristine golden sand beach, vital nesting ground for endangered Caretta caretta turtles, where freshwater meets the Mediterranean.
"A protected paradise where golden sands meet two seas, and turtles find a safe haven."

🚗 Car vs. Boat Access
Dolmuş from Ortaca is cheaper than a boat trip from Dalyan. Both offer scenic routes!
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Nesting season is protected. Avoid disturbing nests and follow all conservation guidelines.

Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Pristine 4.5km Shoreline
Iztuzu Beach
A vast expanse of fine golden sand meeting the Mediterranean Sea and freshwater lagoon. Perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Caretta Caretta Sanctuary
Iztuzu Beach
Witness the nesting grounds of endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Respect the protected areas and observe from a distance.

DEKAMER Turtle Hospital
Near Iztuzu Beach entrance
Learn about and see rescued sea turtles being rehabilitated. A heartwarming and educational experience.

Dual Water Experience
Iztuzu Beach
Enjoy the unique sensation of swimming where the salty Mediterranean meets the freshwater Dalyan River.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Protecting the Caretta Caretta
Getting to Turtle Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car vs. Boat Access
Dolmuş from Ortaca is cheaper than a boat trip from Dalyan. Both offer scenic routes!
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Nesting season is protected. Avoid disturbing nests and follow all conservation guidelines.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The sun can be intense, and parasols are small.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entry fees are reasonable, especially for cars. Consider it a small price for a protected paradise.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car vs. Boat Access
Dolmuş from Ortaca is cheaper than a boat trip from Dalyan. Both offer scenic routes!
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Nesting season is protected. Avoid disturbing nests and follow all conservation guidelines.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The sun can be intense, and parasols are small.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entry fees are reasonable, especially for cars. Consider it a small price for a protected paradise.
🚶♀️ Walk to the Hospital
The turtle hospital is a short walk from the beach entrance and highly recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Iztuzu Beach is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty, expansive golden sands, and the unique experience of its dual freshwater and saltwater environment. Visitors appreciate its role as a sanctuary for Caretta caretta turtles and the educational opportunity at the nearby hospital. While generally affordable, some find the parasols small and the beach can get quite crowded during peak times.
"Great beach with cafe , toilets, changing etc. entrance is 200TL for the car and 350TL for 2 sunbeds ."
Matthew Batt
"Really nice, clean beach, the dolmus end is cheaper than the boat end. And the turtle hospital is in walking distance."
Ann Due Hermannsen
"Very nice, spacious and clean sandy beach. Water is crystal clear and it's shallow for like 20 meters. The only downside was the parasols; they're rather small and don't have great coverage. However the beach is pretty cheap -100 TL for a couple of beds and a parasol - so it's definitely worth it."
Pariz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Iztuzu Beach from Dalyan by taking a scenic boat trip along the Dalyan River, which offers beautiful views of the Lycian rock tombs. Alternatively, you can take a dolmuş (minibus) from Dalyan to the beach.
The dolmuş from Ortaca is generally considered a more budget-friendly option compared to the boat trips from Dalyan.
Yes, you can drive to Iztuzu Beach, and there is a car park available. The entrance fee for cars is quite reasonable.
Many visitors enjoy boat tours that navigate the Dalyan River, offering stunning views of the ancient Lycian tombs and the unique delta landscape before arriving at Iztuzu Beach.
While direct public transport from Marmaris might be limited, you can typically find connections to Dalyan or Ortaca, from where you can then access Iztuzu Beach via dolmuş or boat.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee for Iztuzu Beach, which varies depending on whether you arrive by car or as a pedestrian. For cars, it's typically around 200-300 TL, while for sunbeds and parasols, expect to pay around 100-350 TL for a set.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the entry fees are generally considered affordable, especially for the value of visiting a protected natural area.
Iztuzu Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, access might be restricted during certain periods of the year to protect nesting sea turtles. It's advisable to check local information for specific timings.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site upon arrival. There's no need for advance booking for general beach access.
The Turtle Hospital (DEKAMER) is located near the beach entrance and usually has a separate, small admission fee or donation request, distinct from the beach entry fee.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Iztuzu Beach offers essential facilities including public toilets, showers (with cold, salty water), and a restaurant with reasonable prices. Sunbeds and parasols are available for rent.
Yes, the water at Iztuzu Beach is shallow for a considerable distance, making it ideal and safe for children to swim and play.
While Iztuzu Beach is a nesting ground, seeing turtles directly on the beach is rare and depends on the season. The best place to see turtles is at the DEKAMER Turtle Hospital.
The beach features fine, golden sand, which is soft underfoot and pleasant for sunbathing.
Iztuzu Beach can get very crowded, especially during peak season and midday. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help avoid the largest crowds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant located within Iztuzu Beach that offers a range of food and drinks at reasonable prices.
Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally permitted, which can be a good option for budget-conscious travelers or those with specific dietary needs.
The restaurant typically serves a variety of local Turkish dishes, snacks, and beverages suitable for a beach setting.
While the main restaurant is the primary dining option, there might be smaller kiosks or snack bars available depending on the season.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are areas where you can set up a picnic, especially if you arrive early to secure a spot.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning panoramic views of the long sandy beach, the meeting point of fresh and saltwater, and the dramatic mountainous backdrop. The golden hour at sunset offers particularly beautiful light.
Photography is generally allowed at the Turtle Hospital, but always be respectful of the animals and follow any guidelines provided by the staff.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in protected natural areas. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
The higher points along the access road or boat routes offer excellent vantage points for capturing the full sweep of the beach and its unique geography.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit