Cedar Island

When I arrived at Çamlı pier early in the morning, the sound of boat engines was just beginning to fill the bay. As you approach Sedir Island, you first see the turquoise water, then the ancient stones scattered along the shore. My first mistake was walking straight to Cleopatra Beach; on my second visit, I went up to the theater and there I realized that the island's true value wasn't just about the sand. I prepared this guide according to the standard traveler's narrative style, as described by gezimaris.com.

A Brief History

The ancient name of Sedir Island was Kedrai. On the official museum website, the island is described as an archaeological site located east of the Gulf of Gökova, with approximately 800 meters of coastline, where archaeological remains and natural features intertwine. The same source states that the area is both a first-degree archaeological and natural site and a Special Environmental Protection Area.

You'll definitely hear the legend of Cleopatra Beach sand on the island: it's said that Antony brought sand for Cleopatra. I first heard this story while talking to the ticket clerk. The scientific explanation is one thing, the legend another; but it's no coincidence that the sand is protected. You have to stay within the lines, not spread your towel on the sand, and not try to take any sand from it.

As you walk to the theater, the crowd suddenly disappears. The path is short, but it's quite refreshing in the summer heat. When you sit on the steps, you have a panoramic view of the Gulf of Gökova; I really fell in love with Sedir Island from there.

How to go?

My most practical route is to go from Marmaris to Çamlı pier. I leave Marmaris by car... Muğla You turn off at the Çamlı junction on the way; when you reach the pier, you take a short trip on the boats that go to the island. Marmaris Most of the day tours departing from Marmaris actually bring you to Çamlı by shuttle and start the boat from there; the tour pages clearly state that you are picked up from Marmaris and board the boat in Çamlı.

Akyaka There are also boat tours departing from other locations, but the time spent on the island is usually limited. I find the Çamlı route more convenient if you don't just want to see the beach and leave; you can finalize the return boat with the captain and explore the island at your own pace.

Current Salaries for 2026

A small warning in this section: Official sources... MuseumCard There appears to be conflicting information regarding this. While the Sedir Island Archaeological Site website states that "Museum Card is valid for Turkish citizens," the note on the Museum Card product page lists Sedir Island as a place where the Museum Card is not valid. Therefore, it is necessary to check the e-ticket screen and ticket office information before going to the turnstile.

According to current prices for 2026, standard island/beach entry is 13 Euros, or 250 TL for Museum Card holders or discounted groups. The same lists indicate that children under 8 years old enter free; those under 18, over 65, teachers, press card holders, and certain professional groups receive a discounted entry fee of 250 TL.

The boat fee is separate from the island entrance fee. In 2026, package tours departing from Marmaris were published at prices around 1.500 TL per adult; these packages may include items such as service, lunch, boat tour, and drinks, but the island entrance fee is often paid separately. When making a reservation, specifically ask, "Is the Sedir Island entrance fee included?"

The official website lists the current visiting hours as 09:00 opening, 19:30 closing, 19:00 box office closing, and "open every day". If hours change during the season, the information on the ticket office sign should be considered.

Recommendations for Visitors

1. Go on the first boats available. The area around Cleopatra Beach suddenly fills up when the tour boats arrive one after another around midday. There was a significant difference between the day I went in the morning and the day I arrived at midday.
2. Do not attempt to play games on the sand. Officials quickly issue warnings about things like taking sand, laying down towels, or entering the roped-in area. I saw a visitor trying to fill their bottle with sand being stopped before they even left the beach.
3. You should definitely go to the theater. Just ten minutes away from the beach, you can escape the crowds. You can go out in flip-flops, but they're not comfortable; sneakers are much better.
4. Get your water from Çamlı. Prices at the kiosks on the island can be high during the season. I once made an unnecessary expense thinking, "I can just buy it inside anyway."
5. Ask about the entrance fee separately in the tour package. I've seen many people buy a boat tour and then pay a second time at the turnstile. Asking "Is island entrance included?" will save you money.
6. Photograph the final return time. Don't just look at the sign on the pier and pass by; take pictures with your phone. Time flies when you're swimming and visiting the ancient ruins, and you don't want to miss the last boat.