Cleopatra Island: Day Trips and Tours from Marmaris

When staying in the popular resort town of Marmaris in Turkey, there are plenty of nearby islands that you could visit during your stay—including the beautiful and fascinating Cleopatra Island.

Named after the legendary Queen of Egypt, who allegedly once visited the isle with Mark Antony during their famous love affair, Cleopatra Island is home to ancient ruins, heavenly beaches and lush vegetation.

Cleopatra Island day trips from Marmaris allow you to explore one the most stunning islands in the Aegean Sea as you escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy resort town for the day.

Here's all you need to know about Cleopatra Island, one of the most exciting day trips from Marmaris.

How to get to Cleopatra Island from Marmaris?

Cleopatra Island, also known as Sedir Island, is located in the Gulf of Gokova, roughly 18 kilometers north of Marmaris.

From Marmaris to Cleopatra Island by boat and public transport

If you want to travel to Cleopatra Island from Marmaris using public transport, you’ll first need to make your way to the village of Camli. You can get to Camli Village from Marmaris via bus or taxi, which should take around 30 minutes.

Once in Camli, you can get a water taxi to Cleopatra Island, which should only take around 5 minutes. These water taxis typically run between 9 AM and 5 PM.

Guided tour to Cleopatra Island from Marmaris

Guided tours provide the easiest and most convenient way to get from Marmaris to Cleopatra Island as a professional local guide will handle all of your travel arrangements for you. You’ll enjoy hotel transfers and a fun-filled itinerary that ensures you see the very best of the island.

Most Cleopatra day trips from Marmaris are full-day excursions, lasting between 6 and 8 hours including travel time.

How much does the entrance ticket to Cleopatra Island cost?

The entrance fee to Cleopatra Island and its archeological site costs around TRY250 (US$10) per person. This fee goes toward conservation, as well as maintaining and upgrading the facilities on the island.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical Cleopatra Island day trip itinerary begins with a complimentary pickup from your hotel in Marmaris. You’ll meet your guide and get into an air-conditioned shuttle that will take you to the bay from which your adventure begins.

You’ll board a boat that will set sail in the Gulf of Govoka, taking you to the legendary Cleopatra Island. Once docked at Cleopatra Island, you’ll get to spend 3 to 4 hours soaking up the sun and exploring the ancient ruins.

Lunch is provided on board the boat and as you make your way back to the mainland, you may stop at an idyllic swimming spot to cool off. At the end of your adventurous day on the Aegean Sea, you’ll be taken back to your hotel.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Cleopatra Island?

When looking for a tour to Cleopatra Island from Marmaris, you have two options to choose from—tours that just visit Cleopatra Island and tours that make a few additional stops along the way.

All tours to Cleopatra Island are guided tours, which means you’ll get the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers and make new friends as you cruise through the stunning turquoise waters of the Gulf of Gokova.

Guided tours to Cleopatra Island from Marmaris

Maximize the time spent on Cleopatra Island when you choose a day trip that doesn’t include any other islands or beaches. You’ll get at least 3 or 4 hours to explore the island and its picturesque beaches and ancient Roman ruins before returning to the mainland.

Day tour to Cleopatra Island plus Fenerli Island and Incekum Bay from Marmaris

See more of the Gulf of Gokova when you choose a tour that stops at Fenerli Island and Incekum Bay, which are both perfect for swimming! Some other stops on your itinerary may include Doplin Bay, the English Harbor and Çanak Bay.

How much does a day trip to Cleopatra Island from Marmaris cost?

All Cleopatra Island day trips from Marmaris cost within the region of US$30 and US$45 per person, making a trip to the island an affordable full-day excursion. Prices differ slightly based on whether or not they include entry fees and any additional stops along the way.

All day trip prices are inclusive of hotel transfers and lunch, with some tour operators also including soft drinks in the cost of the tour. You may also be presented with the opportunity to purchase a DVD full of professional photos and footage at the end of the trip.

What will you see and do?

Home to a Natural Habitat Area as well as a first-degree protected beach, Cleopatra Island is the ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Even though the uninhabited island is small in size, there is still plenty to see and do.

Cleopatra Beach

Cleopatra Beach is probably the island’s most popular attraction as this is where Cleopatra was rumored to have swum with Mark Antony. The sand granules are completely round, unlike other beaches in the area, and it is said that the sand was imported from Egypt!

The beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing thanks to the crystal-clear water and the sunchairs that are available to rent. There are also changing rooms and a small restaurant at Cleopatra Beach.

Ancient city of Cedrae

The ancient city of Cedrae, located on Cleopatra Island, was once a buzzing Roman city and the ruins can be seen throughout the island. Some of the most famous and impressive ruins include the antique theater, which is incredibly well-preserved, as well as the remains of the old city walls.

Exploring the ruins allows you to step back in time and imagine the major commercial center that the island once was. Most of the ruins date back to the Byzantine era.

What are the opening times?

Cleopatra Island is open to visitors daily from 9 AM until 6:30 PM during the warm summer months of May through to October.

When is the best time to visit Cleopatra Island?

The best time to visit Cleopatra Island is generally from late spring to early autumn, roughly May to October. The temperatures during this period range from the mid-20s to mid-30s degrees Celsius, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

July and August can get quite hot, and these are also the busiest months in terms of tourism. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons.

What other day trips can you do from Marmaris?

• Day trips to Dalyan from Marmaris
• Day trips to Pammukale from Marmaris
• Day trips to Hierapolis from Marmaris

Travel tips

• Boat tours to Cleopatra Island can fill up quickly, especially in the high season. To ensure a spot, consider booking in advance.
• The sands of Cleopatra Beach are unique and are not to be removed from the beach. Respect the rules and leave only footprints.
• Be sure to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat, as the sun can be strong, and options for purchasing items on the island may be limited.
• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to do some walking and visit the archeological sites.
• Don't forget to bring your camera. The island offers stunning views, crystal-clear water, and ancient ruins, providing plenty of photo opportunities.