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

The most unusual part of this Side boat trip is the route: you start on the Manavgat River, pass through the river mouth, and reach the Mediterranean before swimming beside Side’s ancient peninsula. It is less a quiet sightseeing cruise than a full day of water, food, music, and sunshine.

I like the large three-level boat, which gives you a choice of shaded seats, a dance floor, showers, or an open sun terrace. I also like the generous swimming time, including a beach stop and a jump-from-the-boat stop beside the temples of Apollo and Athena.

The main consideration is that drinks, photographs, and JetSki rides cost extra. This is a lively family-friendly party boat, not a small, silent cruise focused on archaeology or wildlife.

Key points to know before booking

• Three swimming breaks: Swim from Cennet Play, jump from the boat near Side’s ancient peninsula, and stop again near the river mouth.
• A spacious three-floor boat: Find shaded seating, two bars, showers, a dance floor, and a top-level sun deck.
• Lunch is included: Expect a buffet with grilled chicken, with fish sometimes offered as the second choice.
• Dolphins and sea turtles are possible: The route gives you a chance to see dolphins and caretta caretta turtles, but sightings are not guaranteed.
• The foam party is a major part of the day: Crew-led dancing and entertainment take place on the second floor during the return trip.
• Bring extra money only if you want it: Drinks, JetSki rides, printed photos, souvenirs, and Turkish gözleme are not included.

A full day on the water for $16

At around $16 per person, this is unusually inexpensive for an eight-hour outing with hotel transport, a boat trip, lunch, a guide, three swimming breaks, and a foam party. The price makes sense if you want a carefree resort-day activity rather than a private or highly polished yacht cruise.

I would judge the value by what you want from the day. If you want plenty of time in the sea, room to sit, a filling lunch, and cheerful entertainment, the package gives you a lot for the money. If you dislike loud music, shared activities, or optional sales for photos and water sports, the low price will not change that.

The boat trip is operated by River Quad Safari, and guides are available in English, German, and Russian. The crew is active and social, with Cem singled out as a particularly entertaining member of the team. He leads choreography during the party, so you can join in or simply watch from the seating areas.

Hotel pickup and the ride to the Manavgat River

Pickup is arranged from hotels in the Side area, normally between 08:30 and 09:00 from the main gate. The wider timing information allows for pickup as late as 09:30, so check your exact pickup time before the morning of the trip.

Transport is by bus. The ride to the pier takes about 30 minutes, passing forest views on the way to the Manavgat River. The buses are described as comfortable, and one vehicle had open windows that made the ride pleasant. Some of the fun can continue on the way back, with particularly playful drivers and even an unexpected water fight between coaches reported on one return journey.

You are not being collected at the beach and immediately placed on a boat. The transfer first brings the whole group to the river pier, where you board the three-floor vessel. The boat begins moving about 20 minutes after boarding.

Choosing your place on the three-level boat

The boat has three floors, each suited to a different mood.

On the first floor, you will find comfortable seating, a bar, and ten showers at the rear. This is the practical level if you want shade, easy access to drinks, or a quick rinse after swimming.

The second floor has another bar, more seating, and the dance floor. This is where the foam party and much of the animation take place. It is the social heart of the boat, so expect more music and movement here.

The third floor is an open sun terrace. It is the best place for tanning and broad views, but the prime mats and seats can fill almost immediately. If sunbathing matters to you, head upstairs soon after boarding rather than waiting for the boat to leave.

The boat’s size is a real advantage. Several people found it roomy rather than cramped, with a mix of sun and shade. Still, a large boat also means the experience is shared with a sizable group. You can find a quieter corner, but you should not expect the intimacy of a small sailing vessel.

The first stop at Cennet Play

Once the boat reaches the point where the Manavgat River meets the sea, it heads toward the first swimming stop at Cennet Play. The boat moors there for about one hour.

This is the most flexible stop of the day. You can swim from the beach, sunbathe on shore, remain on the boat, or pay extra for a JetSki ride. The beach gives you a proper chance to stretch your legs after the transfer and first part of the cruise.

While you are swimming or relaxing, the kitchen team prepares lunch. That timing works well because you return to the boat ready to eat rather than stopping the cruise for a long meal service.

JetSki rides are not included in the $16 price. They may be cheaper than similar rides near some Side hotels, but the exact charge is not stated, so ask before committing. The same advice applies to any activity offered during the stop.

Lunch on board after the beach stop

Lunch is served from a buffet after the first swim. Grilled chicken is specifically prepared on board, and one account describes a choice between chicken and fish. The meal is considered good value, with some people praising both the portion size and flavor.

Keep your expectations in proportion to the price. This is an included buffet on a busy day boat, not a restaurant meal. One practical complaint was that food was cleared away quickly, leaving no extra serving for someone who wanted more. If you are hungry, eat when the buffet opens rather than waiting.

Drinks are not included. Beer, wine, cola, Fanta, Sprite, water, soda, tea, and coffee are all listed as extra purchases. Turkish gözleme is also separate. You may want to keep some cash available, though the supplied details do not specify payment methods or exact drink prices.

Cruising toward Side’s ancient peninsula

After leaving the river mouth, the boat takes about 45 minutes to reach the historic Side peninsula. From the water, you get a different view of the town and its ancient shoreline, including the temples of Apollo and Athena.

The route also offers a chance to see dolphins and caretta caretta sea turtles. Dolphin sightings have been especially memorable, with the captain reportedly circling so people could see them better. Treat this as a lucky possibility, not a promised wildlife excursion. The boat follows a busy activity schedule, and animals appear on their own timetable.

This stretch is a good reason to stay off the dance floor for a while. Bring your phone or camera, but protect it from spray and keep it secure around the swimming areas. The historical views are best appreciated from the upper deck if you can find a spot with a clear sightline.

The second swim beside Apollo and Athena

The second swimming break lasts about 45 minutes in front of Side’s ancient peninsula. The setting is the most visually striking stop of the day, with the remains of the temples of Apollo and Athena providing a dramatic backdrop.

You can jump directly from the boat, use one of the ten swimming ladders at the back, or remain on deck and enjoy the view. The boat gives you a safe, organized way to enter the water, but you should be comfortable with open-sea swimming before jumping from the side or rear.

This stop is less about the beach and more about the combination of open-water swimming and ancient monuments. You will not be touring the ruins on foot, reading detailed archaeological explanations, or entering the temple area. Instead, you see Side from offshore, which makes this a scenic addition to a boat day rather than a replacement for a proper Side old-town visit.

The foam party on the return journey

After the second swim, the boat turns back toward the river mouth. The return to the Bosphorus area takes about 45 minutes, and this is when the foam party gets underway on the second floor.

The entertainment is designed for a wide age range, from children around seven to older adults. Crew members lead dances and encourage people to join the choreography. Cem is noted as a lively host, and the party can be as active or relaxed as you choose: dance in the foam, watch from nearby, or move to another deck.

The party is not a small extra added at the end. It is one of the main reasons to choose this boat over a quiet sightseeing cruise. Music, dancing, and foam can make the ride home feel short, but anyone looking for a calm afternoon should claim a seat on another floor.

The final swim near the river mouth

A third swimming stop takes place near the river mouth on the way back. It lasts about 20 minutes, making it the shortest break of the day.

By this point, you may be ready for one last swim or simply pleased to sit down. The stop gives you another chance to cool off before the boat returns to the pier. It also breaks up the journey so the final run back does not feel like a long transfer.

The boat then returns to the Manavgat River pier. Buses take you back to your hotel, with arrival generally between 17:00 and 17:30. This is a long day, and several people found themselves pleasantly tired by the end.

Optional photos, parrot pictures, and extra costs

A photographer works on board, and a colorful parrot is available for pictures. The setup can produce memorable holiday photos, especially for families and groups. Printed pictures cost about €5 each according to the supplied experience details.

You may also feel some pressure to pose or buy. The sensible approach is to decide your budget before the photographer approaches. You can enjoy the parrot and skip the purchase, or choose only the one or two pictures you genuinely want.

The listed extras are:

• Drinks
• JetSki rides
• Printed photographs
• Souvenirs
• Turkish gözleme

Tips are included, so you do not need to add a gratuity unless you personally want to reward a crew member.

Comfort, cleanliness, and what to pack

The boat provides comfortable seating, shaded areas, an upper sun deck, and ten showers. These details matter on an eight-hour outing because you are not confined to one bench or one exposed deck.

Toilets received one specific criticism about hygiene. That is worth keeping in mind, particularly because the boat carries many people and spends a full day at sea. The showers are useful after swimming, but bring a towel and a change of clothes since these are not listed among the inclusions.

I would pack swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a towel, a waterproof phone pouch, and money for drinks or optional activities. Wear something suitable for dancing if you plan to join the foam party, and keep valuables in a secure place while swimming.

Who will enjoy this Side cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, mixed-age groups, and anyone who wants a low-cost day away from the hotel pool. You get swimming, a beach stop, food, music, views of Side, and the chance of seeing dolphins without arranging separate activities.

It also suits people who like a day with a clear schedule. The three swim breaks give the outing structure, while the multiple decks let you shift between sun, shade, food, and dancing.

I would choose something else if your priority is a quiet boat ride, detailed archaeological guiding, gourmet food, or guaranteed wildlife viewing. The historic peninsula is seen from the water, and the guide service is present, but the focus is recreation rather than a serious history tour.

Should you book this boat trip from Side?

At $16, this is easy to recommend if you want an active, good-value day on the water. The strongest features are the roomy boat, long swimming breaks, included lunch, friendly crew, and lively foam party. The chance to see dolphins and the view of Apollo and Athena add memorable touches.

Book it with realistic expectations. Budget extra for drinks, a JetSki, or photos, arrive ready for a full day, and accept that the music and group atmosphere are part of the package. If that sounds like your kind of holiday day, this Manavgat River and Mediterranean cruise gives you a lot for very little money.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about eight hours, with hotel pickup in the morning and return to hotels generally between 17:00 and 17:30.

Where is hotel pickup arranged?

Pickup is included from hotels in the Side area, normally from the main hotel gate between 08:30 and 09:00. Some timing information allows pickups through 09:30, so confirm your assigned time.

Which languages are available?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and served from a buffet after the first swimming stop. Grilled chicken is prepared on board, and fish may also be offered as a choice.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, soda, tea, and coffee are listed as additional purchases.

How many swimming stops are there?

There are three swimming breaks: about one hour at Cennet Play, about 45 minutes beside Side’s ancient peninsula, and about 20 minutes near the river mouth on the return.

Can I jump from the boat into the sea?

Yes. During the second swimming stop, you can jump from the boat or use one of the ten swimming ladders at the rear.

Is the JetSki included?

No. JetSki rides are an optional extra and are not included in the tour price.

Is the foam party suitable for children?

The entertainment is presented as suitable for a wide age range, from about seven years old to older adults. The foam party takes place on the second floor.

Are photographs included?

No. A photographer and a parrot are available for pictures, but printed photographs cost extra. The supplied price for a printed picture is about €5.