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

The best part of this Side boat trip is the range packed into one day: a river cruise, open Mediterranean water, swimming by ancient temples, lunch, dolphin spotting, and a foam party. I especially like the large three-level boat, which gives you a choice of shade, comfortable seating, dancing, or sunbathing.

I also like the three separate swim stops, including one in front of the Temple of Apollo and Temple of Athena. The main drawback is that drinks, JetSki rides, photographs, and gözleme cost extra, and the boat’s toilets may need better attention.

Key points at a glance

• Three-level boat: Choose a bar and shaded seating, the dance floor and foam party, or the top sun terrace.
• Cennet Play stop: Spend about an hour swimming, relaxing on the beach, or paying extra for a JetSki ride.
• Ancient Side from the water: Swim with views of the Temple of Apollo and Temple of Athena.
• Wildlife watching: The route may offer sightings of dolphins and caretta caretta sea turtles.
• Lunch on board: Expect a buffet with grilled chicken, with fish also available according to the menu on the day.
• Good-value pricing: At $16 per person, the boat, transfers, guide, lunch, and entertainment make this one of Side’s cheaper full-day outings.

From your Side hotel to the Manavgat River

Your day begins with hotel pickup in the Side area. The stated pickup period is between 8:30 and 9:30 in the morning, while the more specific instructions give 8:30 to 9:00 and ask you to wait at the main hotel gate.

That detail matters. Side has many large resort entrances, and the bus may not come into the property itself. Be ready at the main gate, keep your phone nearby, and allow a little flexibility if several hotels are on the route.

The transfer to the pier takes about 30 minutes. It is not just a tedious ride to the boat. You pass forested scenery on the way to the Manavgat River, and the bus transfer is included in the price. At the end of the day, you return by bus and should reach your hotel between about 5:00 and 5:30 p.m.

The transport is part of the value here. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the river, find a dock, or worry about getting back after a full day in the sun.

A three-level boat with room to spread out

The boat is built for a full day on the water, with three floors and several ways to spend your time.

The first floor has a bar, comfortable seating groups, and 10 showers at the rear. This is the practical level when you want shade, a proper seat, or a rinse after swimming. The showers are useful, especially after the beach stop, although the toilet hygiene has been singled out as an area that could be improved.

The second floor is the social center. It has another bar, a dance floor, and the foam party setup. You can spend much of the return ride here, listening to music and joining the crew’s choreography. Cem, whose name is pronounced like Gem, is one of the crew members praised for getting people involved.

The third floor is the sun terrace. It is the obvious place for tanning and open views, but the best mats and seats fill quickly. If sunbathing is important to you, head upstairs soon after boarding rather than waiting until the boat is underway.

The boat is large, and the available space is one of its strongest points. Several people have found it less cramped than other boat excursions. You can move between sunny and shaded areas instead of being fixed to one seat all day.

Sailing from the river mouth to the Mediterranean

Once everyone is aboard, the boat begins its route through the Manavgat River toward the point where the river meets the sea. This change from calm river water to open coastal water gives the trip a little more variety than a simple beach cruise.

You will feel the breeze pick up as the boat heads out. The route combines river scenery, forest views, and the turquoise waters near Side. It is a good setup for a relaxed day, but this is not a quiet sightseeing cruise from start to finish. Music, swimming, and the afternoon party are central parts of the experience.

Keep your camera ready during the journey. Dolphins and caretta caretta sea turtles may appear along the route. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the crew has been known to circle when dolphins are nearby, giving people a better chance to see them.

A photographer also works on board, and there may be a colorful parrot available for photographs. You can decline the pictures, but if you want printed copies, expect to pay about €5 per photo. Decide your limit before the photographer approaches, since the photo session can add to the final cost.

The first swim at Cennet Play

The first major stop is Cennet Play, reached near the river mouth and strait area. You have about one hour here, which is long enough to swim, sit on the beach, or simply dry off in the sun.

This stop works well because it gives you a proper break from the boat. If you have children or anyone in your group who does not want to jump from a boat, the beach offers a more relaxed option. If you prefer activity, you can arrange a JetSki ride for an additional charge.

While you are ashore or in the water, the kitchen team prepares lunch. That timing keeps the day moving and means you return to a ready buffet rather than waiting for food to be cooked.

Do not expect a restaurant meal. This is boat excursion food, served to a large group. The usual choices include grilled chicken and, according to the food details provided, fish may also be offered. The meal has received strong marks for taste and portion size, but one practical issue is worth knowing: food may be cleared quickly after the main serving. If you want seconds, go when the buffet opens.

Lunch, drinks, and the real cost of the day

Lunch is included, along with the boat trip, hotel transfers, tour guide, foam party, and tips. At $16 per person, that is a low price for an eight-hour outing, especially since transport and a full meal are already covered.

The advertised price does not mean everything on board is free. Beer, wine, cola, Fanta, Sprite, water, soda, tea, and coffee are listed as extra. JetSki rides, photographs, souvenirs, and Turkish gözleme also cost more.

That does not make the trip poor value. It simply means you should budget for extras if your group wants drinks all day or a water-sports activity. Bring the amount you are comfortable spending and do not feel obliged to buy photographs or add-ons.

The boat has bars on the first and second floors, so getting a drink should be straightforward. Still, the included lunch is the main food provision. Gözleme is a separate purchase, not part of the buffet.

Swimming beside ancient Side

After lunch, the boat continues toward the historic Side peninsula. The journey takes about 45 minutes, with possible dolphin and turtle sightings along the way.

The second swim stop is the visual highlight. The boat pauses in front of the ancient peninsula, with the Temple of Apollo and Temple of Athena visible from the water. You have about 45 minutes to swim, jump from the boat, use one of the 10 swimming ladders, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

This is where the trip feels most connected to Side. You are not simply looking at ancient ruins from a crowded street. You see the old peninsula from the sea, then cool off directly in front of it. The view gives the swim a sense of place that a standard beach stop cannot match.

The boat’s ladders make the water accessible for anyone who would rather not jump. Those who do want a jump can use the boat’s edge, provided they follow the crew’s instructions. If you dislike open-water swimming, you can remain on deck, but the best part of this stop is the combination of water and ancient architecture.

The stop is not a guided archaeological visit. You will not walk through the ruins or receive a long history lesson. Think of it as a scenic water stop with a memorable view of Side’s temples.

The return ride and the foam party

After the second swim, the boat turns back toward the river mouth. The return to the strait takes roughly 45 minutes, and this is when the party atmosphere builds.

The foam party takes place on the second floor. Music, dancing, foam, and crew-led animations turn the return ride into a lively finish. You can take part fully, watch from the side, or move to another deck if you want peace and dry clothes.

The entertainment is aimed at a broad age range. It is energetic rather than sophisticated, and that is the point. Families, couples, and groups of friends can all join in, though anyone seeking a quiet nature cruise may find this section too loud.

Cem is known for leading choreography and encouraging people onto the dance floor. The party is one of the trip’s most popular features, but the entertainment can feel uneven if you are not in the mood for organized dancing. The boat gives you enough room to step away, which helps.

A practical tip: keep a dry layer in a bag or wear swimwear beneath your clothes. The foam party follows a day with several swim stops, so most people are already wet or sun-warmed by this point.

The last swim near the river mouth

There is one more swim stop on the way back, near the mouth of the river. This break lasts about 20 minutes, so it is shorter than the first two.

It works as a final chance to cool off before docking. Do not expect the same amount of beach time or sightseeing as at Cennet Play and the Side peninsula. The stop is brief, and you need to get back aboard promptly.

Afterward, the boat returns to the pier. The bus transfer then takes you back to your hotel, with arrival generally planned for 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. You will probably be ready for a shower and a quiet meal by then, particularly if you spent the day swimming, dancing, and sitting in the sun.

Who will enjoy this Side boat trip

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a full day with plenty of variety and very little planning. It suits families, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a social setting.

You will get the most from it if you like:

• Several swim breaks rather than one long beach stay
• Music, dancing, and a foam party
• A large boat with both sunny and shaded areas
• A low-cost day that includes transport and lunch
• Coastal views with a chance to see dolphins or turtles
• A relaxed view of Side’s temples from the water

It is less suitable if you want a small, quiet sailing boat, a detailed archaeological tour, or a carefully paced gourmet lunch. The boat is large, the group atmosphere is lively, and the entertainment is part of the package.

The activity is also not the best match if you dislike being approached for paid photographs or prefer every drink to be included. These extras are easy to refuse, but you should know about them before boarding.

Practical details before you book

The tour lasts about eight hours and includes live guiding in English, German, and Russian. Confirm your pickup point carefully, since the instructions specify the main gate of your hotel.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Starting times depend on availability, so check the date you want before making plans around the excursion.

Wear swimwear, bring sun protection, and use a waterproof bag for phones and money. The upper deck is best for sun, while the lower deck is more useful when you need shade or a shower.

Remember that the water may feel very different at the river stop than in the sea. One report describes the river water as especially cold, around 10 degrees Celsius. If you are sensitive to cold water, test it first rather than making the first jump of the day.

Should you book it?

For $16, this is an unusually full day: hotel transport, a large boat, lunch, three swims, ancient Side views, a possible wildlife sighting, and a foam party. I would book it if you want fun, variety, and strong value more than polished luxury.

Choose another excursion if you want silence, a small group, or a serious archaeological experience. Otherwise, bring a swimsuit, a little extra money for drinks or photos, and enough energy for the afternoon foam party. This is a practical way to put a lot of Side into one sunny day.

FAQ

Where does the Side boat tour begin?

You are picked up from your hotel in the Side area and taken by bus to the pier on the Manavgat River.

What time is hotel pickup?

Pickup is scheduled between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. The detailed instructions give an earlier window of about 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. and ask you to wait at the main hotel gate.

How long does the activity last?

The full experience lasts about eight hours. Hotel returns are planned for approximately 5:00 to 5:30 p.m.

What languages are available?

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

How many swimming stops are included?

There are three swimming stops. The first is at Cennet Play for about one hour, the second is near the ancient Side peninsula for about 45 minutes, and the final stop near the river mouth lasts about 20 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served from a buffet after the first swimming stop. Grilled chicken is prepared, and fish may also be available.

Are drinks included?

No. Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, soda, tea, and coffee are listed as extra purchases. Turkish gözleme is also not included.

Does the tour include a JetSki ride?

No. JetSki rides are available at an additional cost during the first swimming stop.