Butterfly Valley, Kelebekler Vadisi in Turkish, is a deep, green canyon that ends in a small beach, reachable by boat or by a steep trail from the cliff above. The sea trip leaves from Ölüdeniz, passes the Blue Lagoon and follows the Lycian coast south beneath tall limestone cliffs, with swim stops in clear bays on the way. At the valley you can wade ashore, walk up the canyon to a modest waterfall, and swim from the pebble beach. The boat we link is a limited-size trip with no loud music, which many reviewers prefer to the party boats that also work this route, and it has a high average rating across nearly ninety reviews. Lunch and swim stops are usually part of the day, though details differ between operators. Stops depend on wind and swell: the coast south of Ölüdeniz is more exposed than the sheltered gulf at Fethiye, so landings at the valley can be skipped in rough conditions.
Season, stated plainly
Boat trips from Ölüdeniz are sold from April to October, and most seasonal boats stop around the end of that month. Once the season winds down, daily departures largely end, and any trip that is still advertised will depend on weather and enough passengers, so confirm directly with the operator before you plan around it.
The same is true of the beach cafes in the valley itself. If you are visiting in the cooler months, treat this as a trip for another visit and use the Lycian Way overlook above the valley, or the paragliding view of it, instead.
If you are travelling in season, a few practical points. The boat boards from the beach at Belcekız, so you wade out through shallow water; wear sandals you can get wet. Going ashore at Butterfly Valley usually carries a small landing fee that is paid in cash and often not included in the tour price, so carry a little local currency.
The valley walk to the waterfall is short but uneven and slippery, so water shoes help. The name comes from the many butterflies that gather in summer, so go in the warm months if you want to see them.
Choose your boat with care. The cruise we link caps numbers and keeps the music low, which gives a calmer day and is better for families and couples. Larger party boats add louder music and more swimming stops. Book a few days ahead in July and August and check recent reviews for the specific operator. The trip sits well with a morning at the Blue Lagoon the day before, and a paragliding flight on a separate day, since both depend on weather.
What to expect
The experience
A boat cruise along the Lycian coast with swim stops, a landing at Butterfly Valley and a short walk to a waterfall, with lunch usually included.
Best time
May to early October; most boats stop by the end of October.
How long
A full day, usually about seven hours.
Tips
Wear water shoes, carry cash for the landing fee, and check weather and sailing dates with the operator, especially outside summer.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a scenic boat day with a hidden beach.
- Families
- Good for older children who swim; the valley path is uneven and slippery.
- Couples
- A small, quieter boat gives a more romantic day than a party cruise.
- Pair with
- The Blue Lagoon and a Lycian Way walk above the valley.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Do Butterfly Valley boats run in November?+
Most seasonal boat trips are sold from April to October and stop around the end of that month. Confirm availability with the operator, because winter departures are rare.
How do you get to Butterfly Valley?+
By boat from Ölüdeniz, or on a steep hiking trail from the cliffs above. The boat is the easier way and includes swim stops.
Is there a landing fee?+
A small landing fee is usually paid in cash at the valley and is often not included in the tour price. Bring a little local currency.
Is the boat trip loud?+
Some boats play music loudly, but the trip we link has a small group limit and no loud music, which suits families and couples.
What should I wear and bring?+
Swimwear, a towel, water shoes, sun protection and a little cash. A light layer helps if the sea breeze is cool.
