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

A foam party on a boat is the main event here, not a quiet sightseeing cruise. You’ll cruise from the Manavgat River toward the Mediterranean, swim at Caretta Bay, and catch water-level views of Side’s ancient city. I especially like the mix of river scenery and sea swimming, plus the chance to photograph the Temple of Apollo from the water.

The $25 price is appealing because it covers hotel pickup, lunch, the boat ride, a guide, insurance, and the foam party. The main point to check before booking is the drinks option: soft drinks such as cola, Fanta, Sprite, and water may be included only when you select that option. Alcohol, tea, coffee, ice cream, and photos cost extra.

Key points

• Foam party at sea: Expect music, suds, and a playful atmosphere rather than a calm sailing trip.
• Caretta Bay swim stop: Bring swimwear and a towel for time in the turquoise Mediterranean water.
• Side from the water: The boat gives you a different angle on the ancient city and the Temple of Apollo.
• Lunch included: A meal is served on board, with fresh dishes to choose from.
• Hotel pickup across Side: Bus transport is included from hotels in Side, making this easy to add to a beach holiday.
• Good value at $25: The package includes the boat, food, pickup, guide, insurance, and entertainment, but check the soft-drink option.

A six-hour boat day built around fun

This is a half-day outing for people who want several holiday pleasures in one package: a boat ride, a swim, lunch, ancient ruins, and a foam party. It is not designed as a serious archaeological tour or a peaceful yacht cruise. Think of it as a lively day on the water with a little Side sightseeing folded in.

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel in Side by bus. The exact starting time depends on availability, so you should check the schedule when booking. Pickup from all hotels in Side is included, which saves you the trouble of arranging a taxi or finding the marina on your own.

The tour lasts about six hours. That is long enough to feel like a proper outing, but short enough to leave part of the day for the beach, a nap, or an evening in Side. Since the activity includes several stops and on-board entertainment, you should expect the pace to be active rather than slow.

Cruising the Manavgat River

The boat portion begins along the Manavgat River. This gives you a softer start than heading straight into open sea, with time to look at the river surroundings and settle into the boat.

I like this part because it adds variety to the trip. You are not simply transported to one swimming spot and brought back. The river cruise gives you changing views before the boat reaches the coast, and it lets you see part of the Side area from the water.

The description does not provide the boat’s size, seating layout, or group capacity, so you should not book expecting a small private cruise. The foam party and entertainment suggest a social setting. If you want a quiet boat with lots of personal space, this may not be the best fit.

A guide is included, with English and German offered. No guide names are provided, so you cannot request a particular guide based on the available information. The guide’s role is likely to help coordinate the schedule and explain the stops, while the main focus remains the boat day itself.

Side’s ancient city from the water

One of the most worthwhile touches is the view toward Side’s ancient city. The boat offers a perspective you do not get while walking among the ruins. From the water, you can take photographs of the coastline and the famous Temple of Apollo.

The Temple of Apollo is one of Side’s best-known sights, with its pale columns set near the sea. A boat view will not replace a visit to the site itself, but it makes a pleasant photo stop and gives you a sense of how closely Side’s ancient center is tied to the coast.

Keep your camera ready during this part of the cruise. The boat’s movement and the available viewing position may affect your photos, so do not wait until the last moment. A phone with a secure case or strap is sensible around water.

This sightseeing element is fairly light. You should think of it as a scenic look and a chance for photos, not a detailed history lesson. If your main goal is to study Side’s ruins, book a separate walking visit to the ancient city. If you want a relaxed view while already enjoying a boat trip, this is a useful extra.

Swimming at Caretta Bay

The Caretta Bay stop is the main chance to get into the sea. You will have time to swim in the turquoise water of the Mediterranean, so pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sandals.

The water stop adds real value to the outing. On a hot Side day, swimming breaks make the boat ride more comfortable and give you a way to cool off instead of sitting in the sun for six hours. You should bring a change of clothes, especially if you plan to continue sightseeing or go to dinner after the tour.

The itinerary includes swim breaks, but it does not state how long each one lasts or whether you swim directly from the boat or at a beach. Do not assume you will have a long, private beach stay. The important point is that swimming is a planned part of the day, not an optional possibility.

Showers are available, which is useful after the sea and foam party. Still, pack your towel and extra clothes yourself. Food and drinks from outside are not allowed, so finish your snacks before pickup and rely on the on-board service during the trip.

Lunch on board and the drinks question

Lunch is included, with a choice of fresh dishes. The precise menu is not provided, so you should not count on a particular meal or special dietary option unless the provider confirms it directly.

Eating on board keeps the day moving and means you do not need to spend part of the trip looking for a restaurant. It also fits the casual nature of the activity. You can eat, enjoy the view, and get back to the water without breaking the schedule.

The drinks details need careful attention. The tour information describes unlimited soft drinks, but the inclusion notes say soft drinks are included if that option is selected. The listed choices are cola, Fanta, Sprite, and water.

At the $25 base price, check exactly what you are selecting before payment. If you want soft drinks throughout the trip, choose the appropriate option rather than assuming they are automatically included. Alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee, and ice cream are not included. Photos are also extra.

This is a small but important value point. A low headline price can look less attractive if you later add several drinks, alcohol, or photos. If you are happy with lunch, water, and the boat entertainment, the base package remains strong value. If you want a full drinks package, calculate that cost first.

The foam party changes the mood

The foam party is the tour’s defining feature. At some point during the boat trip, foam is added to create a playful party atmosphere. You should expect to get wet, and your swimsuit may not be enough protection for your phone or camera.

This is a good match for couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who enjoy music, dancing, and a bit of harmless mess. It also gives the outing a clear purpose beyond sightseeing. You are not simply looking at the coast; you are taking part in an activity.

The same feature can be a drawback for anyone hoping for a peaceful afternoon. The party may make conversation harder, and the boat will likely feel more energetic during this part of the program. If you prefer quiet water, shade, and reading, choose a calmer cruise instead.

Bring a dry change of clothes and use the showers at the end. Sandals are more practical than delicate shoes, and sunscreen matters because much of the day takes place outside. Keep valuables protected and do not bring anything you would worry about getting wet.

Is $25 a fair price?

At $25 per person, this trip offers a lot for a half-day package. You receive hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, the boat ride, a guide, insurance during the tour, the foam party, and the swimming stops. For a holiday in Side, that is a useful bundle.

The strongest value comes from combining transport and food with entertainment. You do not need to arrange your way to the boat, buy lunch separately, or pay for a second activity to fill the afternoon. The ancient-city views also give the trip a local connection instead of making it only a generic party cruise.

The limits are clear. Drinks may depend on the selected option, and paid extras include alcohol, tea, coffee, ice cream, and photos. The tour also does not promise a private boat, a detailed archaeology talk, or a quiet atmosphere.

The overall rating is 3.7 from 52 reviews, which suggests a mixed but generally positive experience rather than universal approval. The strongest praise focuses on enjoyment and the friendly, fun nature of the outing. Recent five-star feedback from visitors in the Netherlands and Germany describes the day as very enjoyable and worth repeating, while a four-star rating also confirms a good time without suggesting perfection.

I would judge the value by your priorities. For a lively boat day with lunch and swimming, $25 is attractive. For a premium cruise with a small group and careful historical commentary, it is not that kind of product.

Who will enjoy this Side boat trip?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a simple holiday activity with plenty of variety. It suits people who like swimming, outdoor meals, casual entertainment, and group fun. The included hotel pickup also helps if you are staying in Side and do not want to manage local transport.

It is especially suitable for a group of friends or a family seeking an easy day out. The foam party gives children and younger adults something to look forward to, while the river views and Temple of Apollo add enough sightseeing for the day to feel connected to the area.

You may want to skip it if you dislike getting wet, loud entertainment, or organized group activities. It is also not the right choice if your priority is a long, quiet swim at a secluded beach. The schedule includes several elements, so each stop may be shorter than you would get on a single-purpose beach trip.

Wheelchair access is listed, which is helpful, though the information does not explain the exact boat boarding arrangements or facilities. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the transfer details before booking so you know how the bus and boat access work for your needs.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Pack swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, sandals, sunscreen, and a camera. These are not optional extras for this particular outing. You have scheduled swim breaks and a foam party, and the boat provides showers for changing afterward.

A waterproof phone pouch is a sensible addition, although it is not listed as required equipment. Keep your camera protected during the foam party and near the edge of the boat. Photos taken by the provider are not included, so bring your own camera if you want to keep the memories without buying an extra package.

Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Plan to use the included lunch and the available drink option during the trip. Since alcohol, tea, coffee, and ice cream are separate purchases, bring enough payment for any extras you may want.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Side plans may change. The tour operates with English and German guides, so choose it only if one of those languages works for you.

Should you book the Caretta Bay boat trip?

Book it if you want a lively, good-value half-day with swimming, lunch, river views, and a foam party in one outing. The Temple of Apollo photos give the trip a Side connection, while the $25 price keeps it accessible for a beach holiday budget.

Skip it if you want silence, privacy, or a serious ancient-site tour. Before paying, check the soft-drink option, then pack a towel, dry clothes, sunscreen, and a secure way to protect your phone. For the right kind of holiday mood, this is an easygoing day on the water with plenty to do.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts six hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat ride, swim breaks, lunch, sightseeing, and the foam party.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and you can choose from a variety of fresh dishes. The exact menu is not specified.

Are soft drinks included?

Soft drinks are included when you select the option that includes them. The listed drinks are cola, Fanta, Sprite, and water.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not included. Tea, coffee, ice cream, and photos are also extra.

Do I need to bring swimwear?

Yes. The tour includes swim breaks at Caretta Bay and a foam party, so you should bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes.

What languages are available for the guide?

Live guides are available in English and German.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.