Turtle Lake is a small body of water located right on the slope of Mount Mtatsminda, southwest of central Tbilisi, Georgia. Picturesque forest landscapes are reflected in the water surface, creating a mesmerizing picture of untouched, pristine nature.
The lake is not very well known among tourists, since it takes quite a long time to get there, I recommend visiting it for those who are in the city for a week or longer. In this article, I will tell you about its features, interesting facts, what you can do here, what to see, and also give some useful tips for those who are going to Turtle Lake for the first time.
Where does the name come from?
The second name of the reservoir is “Kus Tba”, which is also translated from Georgian as “turtle lake”. There are many guesses and legends about the origin of the name, but I will highlight two main ones:
- At one time, many turtles really lived here, but over the decades, the ecosystem changed, which is why there were many times fewer of them. These amphibians can be found in the vicinity of the lake even now, but only if you are very lucky.
- From a bird’s eye view, the lake resembles the outline of a turtle. Thanks to this, imaginative observers have named the reservoir itself accordingly.
Turtle Lake Tbilisi – characteristics and main information
The lake is located at an altitude of 687 meters above sea level, its area is only 0.44 square kilometers, and the maximum depth is about 2.5 meters. It is very small, shallow, without underwater whirlpools and currents – suitable for swimming even for beginner swimmers.
But due to the fact that the reservoir is high in the mountains, the water remains cold even on fine warm days. Having plunged into it, roasted by the sultry Tbilisi sun, you risk catching a cold or even worse – provoking cramps. It is best to enter the water slowly and for a short time, limiting yourself to 5-7 minutes of swimming.
Several rivers flow into the lake, mixing to give it a sky-blue color. The water is always clean, and the surrounding area is not littered. The beach around the lake is strewn with smooth pebbles, so you can safely let your children run along the shore without worrying that they will hurt their feet on sharp stones.
A great option for a family holiday
Turtle Lake is a great chance to escape with your whole family to the bosom of nature, away from the smog, dust and stifling summer heat. The green mountain forest pleases the eyes and soul, the birds sing intricate symphonies, and the lake radiates the desired coolness – a true paradise on earth.
But do not think that all you can do is idly lie on the shore, listening to the splash of water and the singing of birds. This place is much more interesting! Turtle Lake has become a full-fledged center for family recreation and entertainment. In the warm season, you can rent a boat or a catamaran, rent a bike. Nearby there are exercise machines, children’s trampolines, slides, swings and other attractions, there is even a football field.
In summer, sun loungers are set up, which are happily occupied by vacationers to bask in the sun or read a book. On the shore, you can often see keen amateur fishermen armed with fishing rods.
Cafes and restaurants on Turtle Lake
There are cafes and restaurants scattered here and there – they will come in handy, because you know that after swimming you get a great appetite. They say that compared to the city, the prices are too high, so as an alternative – take barbecue equipment and cook your own lunch.
The latte I bought in March 2025 cost me 15 lari. Somewhere around 20-25% more expensive than in the center of Tbilisi. Let’s consider this an extra charge for the view.
There is also a branch of the famous “Saojakh” where you can get delicious and cheap ice cream, as well as cold coffee and milkshakes.
Nearby attractions
- Ethnographic Museum. It will be interesting for both history buffs and those who just want to have fun. The unique feature is that this open-air museum consists of 14 houses brought from different parts of Georgia. All the houses are genuine and have retained their authenticity and unique design. You can go in and see how people from different regions of this ancient country lived and conducted their daily life.
- Svan Tower. One of the surviving defensive structures that were built on the territory of Georgia in the 8th-18th centuries. This is a unique type of fortress tower, which has no analogues in the whole world – the fortification has the form of a high tetrahedral tower with a “house” on top. In fact, it is part of the Ethnographic Museum, but you can look at it without paying for a ticket – you still do not lose anything, since the entrance to the tower is closed.
- Zipline. There are as many as 2 ziplines on the lake: one is small, over the pond, and the second goes all the way down to the foot of Vake Park. The latter can be used as a way to get back to the city. True, the pleasure is not cheap, 100 lari, but it justifies its price by the fact that this is the longest zipline in Georgia – 1.2 km, and also runs over the breathtaking expanses of the majestic Mtatsminda. The adrenaline is breathtaking, the wind rushes along with you, blowing fast gusts, and behind your back is hidden Turtle Lake, lost among the forests – a truly delightful end to a trip to nature. The start of the zipline is near the upper station of the cable car.
- Vake Park. You will definitely see this park, as it is home to the lower station of the cable car to the lake. I highly recommend taking a walk along at least the main alleys – the garden is very beautiful and deserves attention. Coniferous and deciduous trees, thanks to which the local air is clean and fresh, unusual paths strewn with red sand, a fountain complex and a pompous white staircase, which is ideal for photo shoots. The park has playgrounds and entertainment complexes, attractions, many cafes and restaurants. Vake is one of the most popular places for recreation among residents of Tbilisi.
How to get to Turtle Lake
The road is quite long, but doable, the main snag is the volume of traffic (I will tell you about this later). First you need to get to Vake Park, this can be done from the Rustaveli metro station on buses 301 and 345 or from the Delisi metro station on 301, 311 or 388. The ride takes 15-20 minutes, but it is worth considering that on fine days these buses are packed to the brim, since the number of people wanting to get to the park or the lake increases tenfold. If you do not want to push in stuffy public transport – order a taxi to Vake Park, it will be inexpensive and convenient.
The second stage of the route is the cable car, the entrance to the lower station is located right on Chavchavadze Avenue, near the Vake Garden. If you have a Metro Money card – great, if not, you can get one right here, paying 2 lari in the machine at the entrance. And now the important part – the queue size. Cable car cabins arrive every 5-8 minutes, about 8 people are allowed into one. By simple calculations, you can find out how long you will have to wait for your turn. If you are lucky, you can get in in 5 minutes, but other times you will have to wait more than half an hour.
The one-way trip costs 1 GEL according to the map, plus you can take a bicycle with you by paying an extra GEL.
You can also take the cable car back from Turtle Lake, or, if you want something extreme, ride a zipline.
If you are driving your own car, keep in mind that the parking lot here is small and is full to capacity on weekends. You will have to park along the side of the road away from the lake.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim?
Yes, you can. But the water is cold, so don’t overdo it.
Is it possible to light fires and barbecue?
Yes, but not in all places. According to a recently passed law, lighting fires in wooded areas is prohibited and punishable by fines. There are fields nearby, where it is safe to do this and does not harm the environment. If you cannot find a suitable place on your own, ask the staff who work in local establishments.
Is it safe with children?
Yes, the area is well-maintained, the beach is pebbly, and the lake is quite shallow. But in any case, do not let them swim there, because it is still a reservoir, and 2.5 meters is a dangerous depth for children.
Are there turtles?
Even though the lake is Turtle Lake, there are not many of them left here. But maybe you will be lucky and you will still meet at least one representative of the ancient species of amphibians.
How long does it take to get there from the center?
Taking into account traffic jams, the journey from the Rustaveli or Delisi metro stations will take 1 hour.
How much does the cable car cost to Turtle Lake?
Only 1 GEL, plus 1 GEL if you are carrying a bicycle up. Payment by Metro Money card.
More about Tbilisi and Georgia:
Best hotels in the mountains of Georgia
Souvenirs – what to bring from Georgia as a gift
Top 6 Restaurants for the Best Khinkali in Tbilisi
Best Hotels in the Center of Tbilisi
My name is Vitaly Kibitlevsky, I am a tour guide and creator of unique quests in Batumi. If you want to walk around the city with a fascinating storyteller or plunge into an exciting adventure, write to the mail: vitkibit@gmail.com
Find out more about me and my projects here