Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Prepare for a day of freezing water and steep canyon walls. Review travel times and packing essentials before you arrive.
Saklikent Gorge
Kayadibi, Saklıkent Sokak No: 26, Seydikemer, Muğla
GPS 36.4688, 29.4034
Open directionsGetting there
Getting to the canyon from Fethiye or Kalkan.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive 45-50 minutes east from Fethiye or 30-40 minutes north from Kalkan/Patara to the main park entrance. | 45-60 mins | Varies (rental + gas) | There is a large paid parking lot at the entrance. |
| Tour: Join a full-day open-top Jeep Safari from Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, or Kalkan, which includes hotel transfers. | 8 hours (full day) | ~$25-$35 | Jeep tours are high-energy and involve water fights; protect your valuables. |
| Bus: Take a dolmuş (minibus) directly from Fethiye otogar (bus station) to the national park. | 1 hour | Low | Runs frequently during the summer peak season (every 30 mins to 1 hour). |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
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- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Summer is the only time you can hike the riverbed. Water levels drop sufficiently from May to October. Peak season hours run from 08:45 to 19:30.
Winter rains make the canyon extremely dangerous. The inner gorge closes to wading during high water.
What to bring
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Wear submersible water shoes with good grip.
Flip-flops will wash away in the strong river current.
How the day runs
Sample schedules for your visit.
Drive a rental car to arrive early and beat the large safari crowds.
- Arrive at the park
Park in the main lot and pay the entry fee (around 250 TL).
- Walk the boardwalk
Cross the 200-meter wooden path to the main river.
- Wade the river
Spend an hour navigating the freezing 5°C to 8°C water.
- Drink Turkish tea
Relax at the riverside platform restaurants.
A full-day guided tour from Fethiye featuring stops around the region.
- Hotel pickup
Board the open-top jeep at your Fethiye accommodation.
- Tlos Ancient City
Stop briefly to view the Lycian rock-cut tombs from afar.
- Saklikent Canyon
Pay entry and spend 90 minutes wading the gorge.
- Lunch at Yakapark
Eat fresh trout surrounded by forest springs.
- Riverside Mud Baths
Apply natural clay mud and wash off in the river.
Packing for the gorge
You must bring proper water shoes with grip. The riverbed is incredibly slippery and the water moves fast. Bring a waterproof dry bag for your phone and money.
Wear quick-dry clothing because you will get wet immediately. Pack a complete change of dry clothes and a travel towel. Lock valuables out of sight if arriving by rental car.
Easiest way to do it
Fethiye Jeep Safari: Saklikent Canyon, Mud Bath & Water Fight
8 h 35 min 4.9 (54)
- Hotel pickup & drop-off (Fethiye & surrounding areas)
- Professional driver / guide
- Lunch at Saklikent area
- Off-road Jeep Safari experience
From$29per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How deep is the water?
The initial crossing is usually waist-deep. After the first crossing, the water is mostly ankle-to-knee deep during summer.
Is there parking?
Yes, there is a large paid parking lot at the national park entrance. It fills quickly in summer.
Can I use a drone?
No. Drones are restricted and cannot be flown within the national park boundaries.