City of Side: Side & Caretta Bay Boat Trip w/ Lunch & Drinks

Get ready for a wet, lively day on the water. This six-hour boat trip from Side combines a slow cruise along the Manavgat River, views of the ancient city, a swim in Caretta Bay, lunch, and a foam party. It is less about quiet sightseeing and more about mixing sun, music, swimming, and easy holiday fun.

I like the low $25 price, especially with hotel pickup, lunch, a guide, and insurance included. I also like the chance to see Side from the water, with the Temple of Apollo making a fine photo subject. The main drawback is that this is a shared party boat, not a calm private cruise, and drinks can be confusing because soft drinks are included only with the appropriate option.

The trip has earned plenty of warm feedback for its friendly, enjoyable atmosphere. Sandra from the Netherlands described her August outing as very sociable and fun, while a German guest said everything was excellent and would happily book it again. Those comments point to the tour’s strongest feature: it is built for a good-natured day with plenty happening.

Key points to know before you book

• Six hours from hotel to hotel: Pickup and drop-off are provided at all hotels in Side, so you do not need to arrange your own way to the boat.
• Manavgat River and Mediterranean in one trip: You get both a gentle river cruise and open-water swimming at Caretta Bay.
• Side’s Temple of Apollo from the boat: The ancient city views offer a useful change of pace from the music and foam.
• Lunch is included: You can choose from a variety of fresh dishes during the day.
• The foam party is the main event: Bring swimwear and a change of clothes because getting wet is part of the plan.
• Check the drink option carefully: Cola, Fanta, Sprite, and water are listed with the soft-drink option. Alcohol, tea, coffee, ice cream, and photos cost extra.

Hotel pickup makes this an easy Side excursion

Your day begins with pickup by bus from your hotel in Side. That matters in a resort area, where finding the right harbor or meeting point can add needless stress. The trip includes return transport, so you can focus on sunscreen, towels, and getting to the boat on time.

The exact pickup time depends on availability and the day’s schedule. You should check the starting time when booking and be ready at your hotel as instructed. Since all Side hotels are listed for pickup, this excursion works well if you do not have a rental car or prefer not to navigate local transport.

The transfer is part of the value. At $25 per person, the cost is modest even before you count the included meal, guide, insurance, and boat stops. It is not a luxury sailing trip, but it is an efficient way to fill half a day without arranging several separate activities.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is useful to know before booking. Still, the practical details of boarding, swim access, and movement around the boat are not specified, so you should confirm those points if they matter for your needs.

A gentler start along the Manavgat River

The first part of the cruise follows the Manavgat River. This gives you a softer introduction than heading straight into the open Mediterranean. You can enjoy the surrounding views while the boat moves through calmer water, and it gives you time to settle in before the swimming and foam party begin.

The river section is also a good fit for anyone who wants more than a pool day at the hotel. You see Side from a different angle and get a sense of the water routes around the resort area. The experience is not presented as a detailed nature or cultural tour, so do not expect a long lecture about river ecology or local history. The appeal is simple: fresh air, changing scenery, and a break from the beach.

A live guide is available in English and German. The guide is there to help the day run smoothly, but the supplied information does not name the guide or promise a detailed historical commentary. If your main goal is expert archaeology, you will want to visit Side’s ruins separately with more time for explanation.

Lunch, drinks, and the practical side of the boat

Lunch is served on board, with a selection of fresh dishes. That is a useful inclusion on a six-hour excursion. You do not need to leave the boat to find food, and you can keep the day moving from river cruise to swimming stop without a long break in the schedule.

The meal is best viewed as straightforward tour food rather than a special culinary event. The information does not give a menu, so you should not book this specifically for a particular dish or for dietary arrangements that have not been confirmed. If you have food allergies or strict dietary needs, ask the provider before departure.

Drinks need closer attention. The tour information describes unlimited soft drinks in the overview, but the inclusion details say soft drinks are available if that option is selected. That option includes cola, Fanta, Sprite, and water. Alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee, and ice cream are not included.

I would check the exact package price before paying. A $25 base fare can be excellent value, but the final experience depends partly on whether your booking includes the soft-drink option. You may bring a camera, but outside food and drinks are not allowed, so plan to use the onboard service.

Seeing ancient Side from the water

One of the best pauses in the day comes when the boat offers views of Side’s ancient city. The standout photo is the Temple of Apollo, one of the area’s most recognizable sights. From the water, the ruins take on a different shape than they do from the busy streets around the archaeological site.

This is a viewing stop, not a full ancient-city visit. You will not be walking among the ruins or spending hours examining columns, theaters, and streets. The boat gives you a quick visual introduction and a chance to take photos, while a separate land visit would give you more time and historical detail.

That short view works well in this tour because it breaks up the party atmosphere. You get a cultural note between the river cruise and the swim stop. I would keep your camera ready, but protect it from splashes during the wet parts of the trip.

If Side’s archaeology is your main reason for booking, choose a dedicated ruins visit instead. If you already plan to explore the ancient city on foot, this boat trip adds a pleasant water-level view without repeating the same experience.

Swimming at Caretta Bay

The boat makes a swim stop at Caretta Bay, where you can get into the turquoise Mediterranean water. This is the part of the day that gives the excursion its strongest outdoor appeal. After sitting on the boat, a swim break lets you cool off and move around.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sandals, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. The instructions specifically note that there are showers and that you can change at the end of the tour. Sandals are useful for comfort, while sunscreen matters even when a breeze makes the sun feel less intense.

The stop is designed for swimming rather than a guided marine activity. There is no stated snorkeling equipment, wildlife tour, or private cove access, so keep your expectations in the right place. You are there to swim in clear-looking water, enjoy the sea, and take a break from the boat.

You should also remember that swim breaks are shared activities. The information does not give a precise swim duration, water depth, or details about lifeguards. Stay within your comfort level and follow the crew’s instructions when it is time to return to the boat.

The foam party brings the loudest energy

The foam party is the tour’s signature feature. Foam is sprayed on board, turning the boat into a wet, playful party space. It is likely to appeal most to couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who enjoy music and a bit of harmless chaos.

You should treat the foam party as a central part of the trip, not a minor extra. The tour is designed around entertainment, and the foam session is described as the highlight. If you want a quiet boat ride with long stretches of silence, this is probably the wrong choice.

Wear a swimsuit or bikini and pack dry clothes. The tour specifically warns you not to forget swimwear, and the presence of showers makes it clear that you will want to rinse off and change before returning to your hotel. Keep phones, cameras, wallets, and other valuables protected during the wet sections.

The foam party also explains why the experience receives praise for being sociable and enjoyable. It gives everyone a shared activity rather than leaving you sitting passively on deck. The tradeoff is that the atmosphere may feel noisy or crowded, depending on the group on your departure date.

What the $25 price really delivers

At $25 per person, this is a strong-value excursion if you want several holiday activities bundled together. You receive hotel transport, a six-hour boat outing, lunch, a guide, insurance during the tour, a river cruise, a sea swim, views of Side, and the foam party.

The price is especially appealing for people who would otherwise pay separately for transport, a boat trip, and lunch. You also avoid the planning work of finding a harbor and arranging a return ride. For a resort holiday, that simplicity has real value.

There are limits. Photos are not included, and drinks such as alcohol, tea, coffee, and ice cream cost extra. Soft drinks require careful checking at booking. The trip also does not promise a luxury boat, a small group, specialist archaeology, or a quiet sailing experience.

I would compare it with your priorities. If you want maximum activity for a small budget, it makes sense. If you prefer privacy, fine food, or detailed cultural guiding, spend more on a different type of boat outing.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want an easy half-day escape from the hotel and enjoy a social setting. The combination of swimming, lunch, river scenery, ancient-city views, and a foam party gives the day enough variety to keep it moving.

It is a good fit for:

• Couples who want a playful break from pool and beach time
• Friends looking for music, swimming, and a party atmosphere
• Families whose children enjoy foam and water activities
• Budget-conscious visitors who value included transport and lunch
• English or German speakers who want a live guide

I would hesitate if you dislike wet activities, loud entertainment, or shared boat tours. The foam party is not optional in spirit, and the swim stops are a major part of the schedule. You should also choose another experience if you want to spend a long time exploring the Temple of Apollo or the ancient city on foot.

The tour accepts cancellations up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your plans are still changing, but you should still check the exact departure time and drink package before confirming.

What to pack for a comfortable six hours

Pack lightly, but bring the items that protect you from sun and water:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• A dry change of clothes
• Sandals
• Sunscreen
• A camera or phone in waterproof protection

Do not bring pets, outside food, or drinks. Alcohol, tea, coffee, ice cream, and photos are not included, so budget for extras if you want them. Since showers are available, you can rinse off after the foam party and change before the return trip.

Should you book the Side boat trip?

Book it if you want a budget-friendly, active boat day with lunch, swimming, Side views, and a foam party. The $25 price is hard to fault for the number of elements included, and the strongest feedback points to a fun, sociable experience that leaves people satisfied.

Skip it if your idea of a boat trip means peace, privacy, gourmet food, or serious historical guiding. Before you pay, confirm whether unlimited soft drinks are part of your selected option. If that detail is clear and you are happy with a shared party atmosphere, this is a practical way to add water, sun, and a little foam-fueled silliness to a Side holiday.

FAQ

How long does the Side and Caretta Bay boat trip last?

The tour lasts six hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off arrangements.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are provided from all hotels in Side, Turkey.

Is lunch included on the boat?

Yes. Lunch is included, with a choice of fresh dishes available on board.

Are soft drinks included?

Soft drinks are included if you select the relevant drink option. The listed choices are cola, Fanta, Sprite, and water. Alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee, and ice cream are not included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and German.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, sandals, sunscreen, and a camera. Showers are available, and you can change clothes at the end of the tour.