İztuzu Beach is a long sandy spit near Dalyan, where the Dalyan River delta meets the Mediterranean. Clear water and open stretches of sand make it a place to swim or settle in for a beach day, while the river and sea on either side create a distinctive setting. The beach is also a protected nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles, known locally as Caretta caretta. You can reach it by road or by boat through the reed-lined waterways; a nearby turtle hospital adds a conservation visit to the trip.
A beach between river and sea
İztuzu Beach is a narrow sandspit at the edge of the Dalyan delta. Fresh water from the river and salt water from the Mediterranean meet on opposite sides of the shore, giving the beach its distinctive geography. The sandy strip extends for several kilometres, with the reed-lined waterways of the delta forming part of the approach from Dalyan.
You can reach the beach by road or travel by boat along the Dalyan River and through its reeds. The boat journey connects the beach with the river landscape rather than taking you straight along the coast. Ancient rock-cut tombs around Dalyan are another point of interest on this route.
A protected nesting shore
Loggerhead sea turtles, called Caretta caretta in Türkiye, come ashore here to lay eggs. The beach is protected for their nesting, and public access is restricted overnight, from 8 pm to 8 am. Turtle activity is one reason to treat the sand carefully: look out for marked nests and do not disturb them.
The beach’s conservation history includes the campaign led by June Haimoff, known as Kaptan June. In the 1980s, she and other conservationists opposed plans for a large resort on the nesting shore. The area received protected status in 1988, and the Kaptan June Sea Turtle Conservation Project carries on work to protect the turtles.
Swimming and beach facilities
The long sandy shore gives you space to swim, sunbathe or walk by the water. Facilities described for the beach include toilets, changing areas, sunbeds and parasols, with a lifeguard on duty. Sunbeds are available to hire; the supplied price is 200 TL per set, but check the current rate before you go.
Sand can become very hot in summer, so footwear for the walk across it is useful. If you want more space, walk farther from the parking area. Keep the nesting rules in mind throughout your visit, even when you are swimming or looking for a place to sit.
The turtle hospital
A turtle hospital near the beach gives visitors a chance to learn about sea turtle care and conservation. It can add an educational stop to a beach visit, particularly for families. Turtle sightings on the beach are not guaranteed: the animals usually come onto the sand at night to nest, when the beach is closed to the public.
FAQ
How do you get to İztuzu Beach from Dalyan?
You can travel by road or take a boat along the Dalyan River and through the reed beds. The boat route also passes the river landscape around Dalyan.
Can you visit İztuzu Beach at night?
No. Public access is prohibited from 8 pm to 8 am to protect nesting turtles. The beach gates are reported to close at 7 pm, so plan your return before then.
Can you see loggerhead turtles on the beach?
A sighting is not guaranteed. Loggerhead turtles usually come ashore at night to lay eggs, during the hours when the beach is closed.
What facilities are at İztuzu Beach?
Facilities include toilets, changing areas, sunbeds and parasols, and a lifeguard. Sunbeds are available to hire.
