City of Side: Sightseeing Cruise w/ Swim Stops & Foam Party

Three decks, three swims, one busy day. This Side boat trip combines the Manavgat River and Mediterranean with a generous amount of swimming time, lunch, music, and easy hotel transport. I like the spacious three-floor boat, and I like the route, which moves from forest-lined riverbanks to open sea and the ancient Side peninsula. The main drawback is that drinks, JetSki rides, and photographs cost extra, while the toilets could use better attention.

At $16 per person, this is one of the better-value full-day outings in the Side area. You get hotel pickup and return, the boat ride, a guide, lunch, a foam party, and tips included. It is not a quiet sightseeing cruise from start to finish, but you can find calm corners on the lower deck or sun terrace between the louder parts.

Key points at a glance

• A three-floor boat with room to spread out: Choose shaded seating, a dance floor, or the upper sun terrace.
• Three swimming stops: Swim at Cennet Play, jump from the boat near the ancient Side peninsula, and stop again near the river mouth.
• A memorable ancient-city view: The second swim takes place opposite the temples of Apollo and Athena.
• Lunch is served while you swim: The kitchen prepares grilled chicken and a buffet during the first one-hour stop.
• Dolphins and sea turtles are possible sightings: The route gives you a chance to spot dolphins and caretta caretta turtles.
• The price leaves extras to budget for: Drinks, JetSki rides, photographs, souvenirs, and gözleme are not included.

From Side hotels to the Manavgat River

Pickup normally takes place between 8:30 and 9:30 in the morning, with the more specific pickup information listing 8:30 to 9:00. You are collected at your hotel’s main gate, so do not wait deep inside the property or assume the bus will find you at reception.

The ride to the pier takes about half an hour. It is not just a transfer across town. The road passes through forested scenery before reaching the dock on the Manavgat River, giving you a gentle start rather than dropping you straight into the noise of the boat.

Once you board, the layout is easy to understand. The first floor has a bar, seating groups, and 10 showers at the back. The second floor has another bar, a dance floor, and the foam-party area. The third floor is an open sun terrace for people who want maximum sun.

The large boat is a real advantage. You can move around instead of being stuck in one seat all day. Shaded seating suits anyone who wants a break from the heat, while the upper deck fills quickly with sunbathers, so go there early if tanning is your main goal.

The boat begins moving within about 20 minutes of boarding. That early period is useful for finding a seat, checking the bar, locating the showers, and deciding where you want to spend the quieter parts of the day.

Following the Manavgat River toward the sea

The opening stretch follows the river toward the point where it meets the Mediterranean. The contrast is the appeal: you begin with calm inland water and wooded banks, then reach the wider sea with more open views and a stronger breeze.

This is a good time to stay on the side of the boat rather than settling immediately on the dance floor. You will get the best feel for the route as the river narrows toward the strait and the boat heads toward its first stopping point.

The boat eventually moors near Cennet Play, where the first swimming break lasts about one hour. This is the longest stop, and it gives you enough time to choose between swimming, beach time, sunbathing, or paying extra for a JetSki ride.

That choice makes the stop work for mixed groups. One person can swim from the beach, another can stay on the boat, and someone else can pay for a faster activity. You do not have to spend the whole hour in the water.

While you are at the beach, the kitchen prepares lunch. The advertised meal is grilled chicken with a buffet, and the food is served after you return to the boat. Some meals may offer chicken or fish, but the exact choice can vary, so do not book this trip expecting a restaurant-style menu.

The lunch is a practical part of the day rather than a long meal. Portions have been described as generous, and the food is generally considered good for a boat excursion. If you want seconds, return to the buffet promptly, since food may be cleared soon after the main serving.

The first swim and the cost of extra fun

Cennet Play is the most flexible stop because it combines a beach with access to the boat. You can swim from shore, lie in the sun, or stay on board and watch the activity around you.

The JetSki is not included in the $16 price. That is worth remembering because the low headline cost can make the whole day look all-inclusive. It is still excellent value with the basic inclusions, but bring a little extra if you want motorized water sports.

Drinks are also separate. Beer, wine, cola, Fanta, Sprite, water, soda, tea, and coffee are listed as extra purchases. The boat has bars on both the first and second floors, which is convenient, but it also means you should keep track of your spending during a long day.

The boat has 10 showers at the back of the first floor, a useful feature after swimming. You will still want to bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and a bag for wet clothes. The provided details do not list beach equipment or towels, so plan to bring your own essentials.

Dolphins, turtles, and the ancient Side peninsula

After leaving the first stop, the boat takes about 45 minutes to reach the historical Side peninsula. Along the way, you may see dolphins and caretta caretta sea turtles.

Wildlife sightings can never be promised, but this is one of the more distinctive parts of the route. Keep your phone or camera ready, yet do not spend the whole ride staring at the screen. Dolphins can appear briefly, and the boat may turn or circle to give people a better view when they are spotted.

The second swim takes place in front of the ancient Side peninsula. You get about 45 minutes in the water with a view toward the temples of Apollo and Athena. This is the most scenic swimming stop because the old ruins give the swim a sense of place that a normal beach break does not have.

You can jump from the boat, use one of the 10 swimming ladders at the rear, or simply look back toward the ancient city. The boat’s position lets you combine a swim with a memorable view of Side’s archaeological area.

The boat jump is optional, of course. If you prefer a slower entry, use the ladders. Families and mixed-age groups should find this stop manageable because people can choose their own level of activity rather than joining a single organized water game.

This stop is also where the cruise feels less like a generic party boat. You are not only being taken out for music and sun. You are seeing Side from the water, with the temples of Apollo and Athena providing the backdrop.

The return ride and foam party

After the second swim, the boat returns toward the river mouth. The journey back to the strait takes around 45 minutes, and this is when the main entertainment begins.

The second floor becomes the social center, with music, dancing, animation, and a foam party. The activity is designed for a wide age range, from children around seven to older adults, so you do not need to be a serious clubgoer to join in.

The crew helps create the mood with simple dance routines and friendly interaction. One crew member named Cem, pronounced like Jem, received special praise for leading choreography and getting people involved. The entertainment is more cheerful than polished, which is part of its charm.

You can join the foam party or watch from nearby. This matters because not everyone wants wet clothes, loud music, and foam in their face after two swims. The upper sun terrace and lower seating areas give you alternatives if you want a quieter ride back.

A photographer and a colorful parrot may also be on board. The parrot makes for a fun photo opportunity, especially for children, but the pictures are optional purchases. A photograph has been priced at about €5, so decide in advance if you want to spend on souvenirs.

Some people enjoy the photo service and get good printed pictures. Others find the sales approach a little persistent. You can say no, and the price of the cruise does not depend on buying a photograph.

The final 20-minute swim near the river mouth

The third swim takes place near the mouth of the river and lasts about 20 minutes. It is shorter than the first two stops, but it breaks up the return ride and gives you one last chance to cool off.

This final stop is best treated as a quick swim rather than a full beach visit. You can use the ladders, jump from the boat, or remain on deck. Afterward, the boat returns to the pier, where buses take you back to your hotel.

Hotel drop-off is expected between 17:00 and 17:30. That makes this a genuine full-day outing, not a short morning cruise. You may feel tired by the end, especially after swimming, sunbathing, dancing, and spending eight hours in the open air.

Food, drinks, space, and onboard comfort

The food is one of the strongest parts of the value. Lunch is prepared on board and served buffet-style, with grilled chicken listed as the main meal. The food is simple, but a hot meal included in a $16 day trip saves you from buying lunch at a beach stop.

The boat provides plenty of seating, including shaded areas and sunny spots. If you want the upper deck, claim a place early because mats and seats can fill within minutes of boarding.

The bars are placed on the first and second floors. Drinks are not included, but the availability of several bars means you do not have to leave the activity area every time you want to buy something.

The main comfort concern is hygiene in the toilets. The showers are a useful bonus, but the bathroom facilities may not meet the standard you expect at a hotel or restaurant. Go with realistic expectations and use the facilities early in the day if you prefer them at their freshest.

How the $16 price measures up

At $16, the cruise gives you a lot for the money. Hotel transfers, a full boat day, three swim stops, lunch, entertainment, a foam party, a guide, and tips are all included.

You would normally spend extra on transport and food for a full day near the coast, so the package is especially attractive for families and budget-conscious visitors. The roomy boat also helps the price feel fair because you are not paying for a cramped seat on a small vessel.

The extra costs are easy to identify:

• Drinks, including water and soft drinks
• JetSki rides
• Photographs and souvenirs
• Turkish gözleme
• Any other personal purchases

The cruise is not the right choice if you want every expense covered from the moment you leave your hotel. It is a strong deal if you are happy to buy only what you need and treat the optional activities as extras.

Who will enjoy this Side boat trip?

I would choose this cruise for families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a full day with several different activities. The mix of beach time, boat swimming, ancient views, lunch, and music means the day does not depend on one single attraction.

It also suits people who want to meet others without committing to a formal party cruise. You can chat, dance, swim, sunbathe, or simply sit and watch the coast pass by.

It may not suit you if you want a quiet sail, a small boat, a gourmet meal, or a carefully guided archaeological visit. The ancient Side peninsula is seen from the water, not explored on foot, and the commentary is secondary to the relaxed day out.

Parents should note that the boat includes jumping, swimming, a dance floor, and foam entertainment. The activity is promoted for ages seven to 70, but children still need normal supervision around the water and boat edges.

The multilingual guide service is available in English, German, and Russian. That is helpful for basic instructions and tour information, though this is mainly a recreational outing rather than a detailed history tour.

Practical advice before you book

Confirm your exact pickup time and wait at the main hotel gate. The stated morning window varies slightly, so it is wise to check the final pickup details rather than relying only on the general schedule.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and some money for drinks or optional activities. A waterproof phone pouch would also be useful, since the day includes three swims and plenty of splashing.

If you want a quiet seat, look for one on the first floor or away from the second-floor dance area. If you want the best chance at a sun lounger, head to the top deck as soon as you board.

Do not plan anything important for the early evening. Return is scheduled for around 17:00 to 17:30, but a full boat day can run on a relaxed holiday rhythm.

Should you book the Side sightseeing cruise?

Book it if you want excellent value, plenty of swimming, and a playful day on the water. The three swim stops are the heart of the experience, while the Side peninsula view, dolphins, turtles, lunch, and foam party add variety.

Skip it if you are searching for silence, small-group service, or a serious ancient-site tour. For most people staying in Side who want an affordable day away from the hotel pool, this cruise offers a generous amount of activity for the price, with enough space to step away from the party when you need a break.

FAQ

How long does the Side boat cruise last?

The experience lasts about eight hours. Pickup is in the morning, normally between 8:30 and 9:30, and hotel drop-off is expected between 17:00 and 17:30.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in the Side area. Pickup takes place at the main gate of the hotel.

How many swimming stops are included?

There are three swimming breaks. The first near Cennet Play lasts about one hour, the second in front of the ancient Side peninsula lasts about 45 minutes, and the final stop near the river mouth lasts about 20 minutes.

Is lunch included in the price?

Yes. Lunch is included and is prepared on the boat while you are at the first swimming stop. Grilled chicken and a buffet are listed, though the exact food choice can vary.

Are drinks and JetSki rides included?

No. Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, tea, coffee, and other listed drinks cost extra. JetSki rides are also separate purchases.

What languages are available on the tour?

The live guide service is available in English, German, and Russian.