Paradise Island Beach feels like a secret cove someone forgot to gatekeep. Pine-scented hills tumble to glassy, turquoise water; boats idle like lazy gulls; and the sea is so clear you can count each pebble under your toes. Locals call this place Cennet Adası, Heaven or Paradise Island even though it’s technically a peninsula, and once you step on the shore you’ll get why the name stuck. The bay here is well-sheltered, so mornings are mirror-calm and afternoons bring just enough breeze to keep sunbathers smiling. Snorkelers drift along rocky edges spotting bream and damselfish; hikers duck into the shade to climb towards Nimara Cave; and day-boats swing by the famed Phosphorus Cave for a quick peek into teal-lit water. Unlike Marmaris’ buzzy main beach, Paradise Island Beach trades noise for nature think cicadas, clinking rigging, and the soft slap of the Aegean. Facilities are simple but sufficient, and you’ll find both laid-back beach clubs and free, bring-your-own-towel stretches. If you’re traveling with kids, the gentle entry and generally calm conditions are a gift; if you’re here to unwind, the sunset glow over Yalancı Boğaz is the slow exhale you didn’t know you needed. In short: come for a swim, stay for the quiet magic, and leave with salt in your hair and plans to return. (Heaven Island is a protected area also known as Paradise Island and linked to the mainland by the “Fake Strait,” Yalancı Boğaz.)

Where and How to Get There?

Paradise Island Beach sits just across Marmaris Bay on the Nimara (Heaven/Paradise) Peninsula. You can reach it three ways:

• By car or dolmuş (minibus): Follow the Adaköy road past Yalancı Boğaz Marina and continue to signed bays. The drive from Marmaris center typically takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Dolmuş services toward Adaköy/Yalancı Boğaz run frequently in season; from the drop-off, short walks lead to swimming spots and trailheads.
• By water taxi/boat: From Marmaris or İçmeler piers, seasonal water taxis and small boats cross the bay. Recent traveler reports suggest one-way fares in the 200–300 TL range, with half-price for kids on some operators; pricing can vary by month and fuel costs, so confirm at the pier on the day. The ride takes about 30–40 minutes and doubles as a scenic mini-cruise.
• On foot (for hikers): If you’re staying near Yalancı Boğaz, coastal paths and forest tracks lace the peninsula. A popular loop climbs towards Nimara Cave and drops back to the coves carry water, wear proper shoes, and start early to beat the heat.

Visit Information

• Best time: Late May–October for warm water; mornings are clearest for snorkeling and least crowded for photos.
• Beach type: Mostly pebbly with some coarse sand reef shoes make entries more comfortable.
• Water & safety: Sheltered bay, typically calm; always watch boat traffic near the edges and use a bright float if you swim out.
• Facilities: Mix of beach clubs (sunbeds, umbrellas, drinks/snacks, restrooms) and free public patches where you can lay a towel. Club fees vary by season and front-row demand.
• Shade: Natural pine shade in pockets behind the shore; otherwise bring a hat or rent an umbrella.
• For families: Gentle gradient, clear shallows for fish-spotting, and easy bailout options if kids tire out.
• For snorkelers & divers: Rocky points along Cennet Koyu host small schools and seagrass; visibility best before lunchtime boat traffic.
• For hikers: The Nimara Cave trail rewards with a dramatic cavern and views over Marmaris Bay allow extra time for photos.
• Cash vs card: Many small boats and beach kiosks prefer cash (TL); some accept card or GBP/EUR, but TL avoids fuzzy exchange rates.
• Protection status: The peninsula is under natural/archaeological protection stick to marked paths and pack out all trash.

Entry Fees

• Beach access: There’s no official entry fee to Paradise Island Beach itself. You’ll find free sections where you can swim without charge.
• Sunbeds & umbrellas: Paid at beach clubs; prices fluctuate with season and placement expect a per-person or set fee that typically includes use of facilities.
• Nimara Cave: Recent local sources report symbolic entry fees (around 20 TL) and seasonal hours (roughly 09:00–18:00 in summer, 09:00–17:00 in winter). These are subject to change; verify on the day via municipal channels or posted signs at the trailhead.
• Water taxi: Budget ~200–300 TL one way per adult from nearby resorts; children often discounted. Check the pier boards for up-to-date pricing and times.

Other Nearby Attractions

• Nimara (Paradise) Cave: A vast chamber dotted with stalagmites and archaeological traces. The path is short but a bit steep bring water and grippy shoes. Cool temperatures offer relief on hot days.
• Phosphorus Cave (Fosforlu Mağara): A photogenic sea grotto most often visited on half-day or full-day Marmaris boat trips smaller boats may nose into the entrance for pictures of the shimmering, blue-green water.
• İçmeler & Turunç Beaches: If you’re cove-hopping by boat, both make easy add-ons for a different vibe İçmeler’s promenade cafés and Turunç’s pebbly-clear water are local favorites.
• Marmaris Old Town & Castle: Wrap your swim day with an amble through the narrow lanes and marina sunsets back in Marmaris. (Great for dinner after a beach-first afternoon.)

If Marmaris is on your itinerary, put Paradise Island Beach at the top of your list pack snorkels, a good book, and curiosity for the trails. Swim the jade-blue coves, climb to Nimara Cave, and watch the Aegean turn molten at dusk. And if you do make it across the bay, tell me your favorite spot on the peninsula I’m always collecting reader tips for the next beach escape.