Written by Kemal Gözcü, Boat Verification Authority at CertiGo Tour (Kemal's Profile)

People message me a lot about this one, and honestly a lot of what's written online is more confident than it should be: "Kemal, can I really swim with turtles in Alanya?" After 25 years on this coastline, here's what I can tell you honestly. Alanya's caretta caretta sea turtles are real, and this stretch of coast is one of their regular nesting grounds especially in July and August, when females come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Spotting one in the water while you're out on a boat is a genuine possibility, particularly near a couple of specific caves. But it's a wild animal in open sea, not a scheduled show, so I want to give you the honest picture rather than a promise.

Part 01 / 03

Alanya's Caretta Caretta: What's Actually True

Loggerhead sea turtles (caretta caretta) nest along several beaches on this coast, and Alanya sees regular activity from them. July and August is nesting season the months when females come close to shore, and sometimes into the caves along the castle cliffs, before they head back out to open water.

I'll be straight with you: no boat captain on this coast can guarantee a turtle sighting, and you should be careful of anyone who tells you otherwise. What I can tell you is where the odds are genuinely better than average, because it's the same route my boats run every week.

Part 02 / 03

Boat Tours Where You Might Spot Them

Every boat tour we run out of Alanya Harbor follows the same coastal route past the castle cliffs, which means every one of them passes the same cave stretch where turtles are occasionally seen from the water pirate boats, the Relax Boat, the Green Canyon route, and the private yachts alike.

If you want a calmer boat with more time in the water rather than a party atmosphere, the Relax Boat or a private yacht gives you longer, quieter swim stops right where the sightings tend to happen.

Part 03 / 03

The Pirate Boats Also Pass This Route

Don't rule out a pirate boat just because it's louder. Every pirate boat departure on our coast still sails the same cave route as the calmer boats it just adds the foam party and music on top. So the turtle-spotting odds at the cave stops are the same, whichever style of boat you pick.

If your group wants the lively atmosphere but you'd still like a shot at seeing a turtle, this is a fine way to have both.

Where to Actually Look: The Caves

Out of everywhere on the route, two caves stand out. The Phosphorus Cave (Fosforlu Mağara) and the Lovers' Cave (Aşıklar Mağarası) are the two spots along the castle cliffs where boats slow down or stop for swimming, and where I'd tell you your best realistic chance sits. The water there is calmer and closer to the rock walls turtles tend to favor.

If I had to name one window, it's the very start of August. Nesting activity is in full swing by then, and the water is warm enough that boats spend real time in the water at these two stops rather than just cruising past.

Common Questions

Swimming With Turtles in Alanya: Frequently Asked Questions