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

The best part of this Side excursion is the mix of three swimming stops and a lively boat party. You cruise from the Manavgat River into the Mediterranean, swim beside the ancient Side peninsula, and still have time for lunch, sunbathing, and a foam party led by the crew.

I like the generous space on the three-level boat and the strong value at $16 per person. I also like that the day includes hotel transport, lunch, a guide, and plenty of water time. The main catch is that drinks, JetSki rides, photographs, and gözleme cost extra, and the top-deck sunbeds fill quickly.

Key points at a glance

• Three-level boat: Choose shaded seating, a bar and showers on the first floor, dancing on the second, or sunbathing on the top deck.
• Cennet Play stop: Spend about an hour swimming, relaxing on the beach, or paying extra for a JetSki ride.
• Side’s ancient peninsula: Swim with views of the temples of Apollo and Athena, a rare backdrop for a boat excursion.
• Dolphin sightings: The route may bring you past dolphins and Caretta caretta sea turtles, though wildlife is never guaranteed.
• Cem’s foam party: The afternoon entertainment includes dancing, foam, and simple group choreography for children through older adults.
• Bring extra money: Drinks, photos, JetSki rides, and Turkish gözleme are not part of the $16 price.

From your Side hotel to the Manavgat River

Your day begins with pickup at your hotel’s main gate, generally between 8:30 and 9:00 in the morning. The wider pickup window is 8:30 to 9:30, so be ready early and confirm the exact time before departure.

The bus ride to the pier takes about half an hour. You pass forested scenery on the way to the Manavgat River, and the transfer keeps the morning simple. There is no need to arrange a taxi or find the dock yourself.

The transport is part of the value here. A full-day boat outing for $16 is already inexpensive, and adding hotel pickup and drop-off makes it easier to compare with shorter excursions that charge separately for transport.

You arrive at the pier and board a large three-floor boat. The first floor has seating groups, a bar, and 10 showers toward the back. The second floor has another bar, a dance floor, and the space used for the foam party. The top floor is an open sun terrace.

That layout matters. You are not locked into one noisy party area for eight hours. You can sit in the shade, move upstairs for sun, or return to the lower deck after swimming. The boat has plenty of room, though the best top-deck places can disappear within moments. If tanning is your priority, go straight to the sun terrace after boarding.

Cruising from the river mouth to the sea

The boat leaves the pier roughly 20 minutes after boarding and heads toward the Manavgat strait, where the river meets the Mediterranean. This change from calm river water to open sea gives the trip its shape. The river section is gentle and scenic, while the sea brings the swimming stops and wider views.

The fresh air is one of the day’s simple pleasures. You can sit back with a drink, watch the shore, or make your way between the decks. Local drinks such as beer, wine, cola, Fanta, Sprite, water, soda, tea, and coffee are not included, so keep a little cash or another payment method with you.

The boat has bars on the first and second floors. Prices are described as reasonable by some people who have taken the trip, but drinks remain an additional cost. The same applies to JetSki rides and the professional photographs taken during the day.

The crew speaks English, German, and Russian. The guide’s role is mainly to keep the day moving and explain the stops, while the crew handles the food, swimming access, and entertainment.

Cennet Play gives you the first long swim

The first stop is Cennet Play, reached around the point where the river and sea meet. The boat stays for about an hour, giving you enough time to choose how active you want to be.

You can swim from the beach, sunbathe, or pay extra for a JetSki ride. The beach option is useful for anyone who does not like jumping directly from a boat. You can also stay aboard and enjoy the sun if you prefer not to get wet.

This is a good first stop because it breaks up the morning cruise before lunch. The hour is long enough for a proper swim rather than a quick dip. Families can spread out between the beach and boat, while younger adults can add the JetSki ride if the extra cost suits them.

The water is described as clear, but conditions can vary. Bring a towel, swimsuit, and sun protection. The boat has 10 showers, which is helpful after swimming, though you should not expect a resort-style changing facility.

While you are at the beach, the kitchen team grills chicken and sets up the buffet. That timing keeps lunch from taking a large part of your cruising time.

Lunch on board, with a practical warning

Lunch is included, and the meal is served buffet-style after the first swim. Chicken is the main option, and some departures also offer fish. You can expect a filling, straightforward boat meal rather than a long restaurant service.

The food has been a strong point for many people, especially given the low price. Portions are described as generous, and the meal is widely considered good value. Still, the food supply may not remain available for a long time. If you want seconds, do not wait too long after the buffet opens.

Gözleme, the Turkish stuffed flatbread, is not included. It is an optional extra, so do not count on it as part of lunch.

The included meal makes a real difference to the cost. At $16, you are not just paying for transport on the water. You receive a full day, lunch, hotel transfers, three swim breaks, and entertainment. Add-on costs can raise your total, but the basic package remains unusually cheap.

Side’s ancient peninsula is the most memorable stop

After leaving the river mouth, the boat takes about 45 minutes to reach the historic Side peninsula. Along the way, keep an eye on the water for dolphins and Caretta caretta sea turtles. The crew may adjust the boat to give you a better view if dolphins appear, but wildlife sightings depend on nature.

The second swimming stop is in front of the ancient peninsula. You get about 45 minutes here, with views toward the temples of Apollo and Athena. This is the visual highlight of the day. You are not simply swimming off a boat in an anonymous bay. You are looking back toward one of Side’s best-known ancient sites while floating in the Mediterranean.

You can jump from the boat, use one of the 10 swimming ladders at the rear, or stay on deck and take photographs. If you want a quieter experience, this is a good time to skip the party area and focus on the view.

The stop is also a reminder that this is not a dedicated archaeology tour. You see the peninsula from the water, but you do not tour the ruins on foot. If you want detailed explanations of Side’s temples, theater, and streets, book a separate land-based visit.

That distinction helps set expectations. This excursion gives you a striking view of the old city as part of a swimming day. It does not replace a guided historical tour.

Afternoon foam party on the second floor

After the second swim, the boat begins the return journey toward the river. The trip back to the Bosphorus takes about 45 minutes, and this is when the second-floor entertainment becomes the focus.

The crew runs a foam party with music, dancing, and simple choreography. Cem, whose name is pronounced Jem, has been singled out for keeping the dancing fun and easy to follow. The activities are aimed at a broad age range, from children around seven to older adults.

You can join in, watch from the side, or remain on another deck. That flexibility is important because not everyone wants several hours of loud entertainment. The boat’s size gives you a reasonable escape from the music without ending the trip.

The foam party is playful rather than polished nightclub entertainment. Expect group dancing and a cheerful holiday atmosphere, not a serious music event. It suits families, mixed-age groups, and anyone who enjoys a little harmless silliness after a swim.

A photographer and a colorful parrot may also be on board. Photos can be printed for about €5 each, and the photographer may encourage you to pose. You can decline to buy them. If you like holiday portraits, bring extra money, but do not feel obliged.

A final river swim before returning to Side

The third swim stop takes place near the river mouth on the return journey and lasts around 20 minutes. It is shorter than the first two breaks, but it gives you one last chance to cool off before heading back to the pier.

The water here may feel different from the sea. One person described a river swim as extremely cold, around 10 degrees, so be prepared for a sharp change if you choose to enter. Water temperature can vary, but the point is useful: this stop is for a quick dip, not a long floating session.

After the final swim, the boat returns to the pier. Buses then take you back to your hotel, with drop-off generally between 17:00 and 17:30. The day runs close to eight hours, so you may feel pleasantly tired by the end.

The bus ride itself can be lively. Some departures have included playful interaction between coaches, including a water fight. That is not something to expect as a formal part of the tour, but the return transfer may have its own cheerful energy.

What the $16 price really covers

At $16, this is one of those excursions where the price changes the standard you should use. You should not compare it with a private yacht charter or a small group sailing trip. Compare it with a full-day family outing that includes transport, food, swimming, and entertainment.

The included parts are substantial:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Boat trip
• Live guide in English, German, or Russian
• Lunch
• Foam party
• Tips

The following cost extra:

• Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee
• JetSki rides
• Gözleme
• Photographs and souvenirs

The boat is large, but it does not appear to feel tightly packed. The open areas and several decks give you room to move. That is a major advantage over smaller day boats where every seat is close to the music and the other passengers.

The compromises are clear. You may pay more than $16 once you add drinks, a JetSki ride, and photographs. Toilets may also need better attention to cleanliness, so use the facilities with realistic expectations.

Who should book this boat day?

I would choose this trip if you want a low-cost, active day on the water without arranging several separate activities. It works well for families, couples, groups of friends, and mixed-age parties where some people want to swim and others prefer music or sunbathing.

It is especially suitable if you like variety. In one day, you get a river cruise, a sea crossing, two longer swim stops, a short final dip, lunch, views of Side’s temples, possible dolphins, and a foam party.

You should think twice if you want peace and quiet all day. The boat has calmer seating areas, but the second-floor music and foam party are a central part of the return journey. You should also choose another tour if your main goal is detailed ancient-site interpretation, snorkeling, or a private sailing atmosphere.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring sunscreen, a towel, and money for optional purchases. Keep valuables secure, and take a waterproof pouch if you plan to jump from the boat. If you want a place on the top deck, board promptly.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while paying later. Pickup is from the main gate of your hotel, not necessarily the reception area, so check that detail in advance.

Should you book it?

Book this Side boat trip if you want maximum activity for minimum cost. The combination of three water stops, a substantial boat, lunch, hotel transport, and the view of Apollo and Athena’s temples is hard to match at $16.

Skip it if you dislike group entertainment, optional sales for photos, or a full day with a fixed schedule. For everyone else, this is a practical, good-humored choice that gives you a full holiday day without putting much strain on your budget.

FAQ

How long does the Side boat trip last?

The experience lasts about eight hours. Hotel pickup is generally between 8:30 and 9:30 in the morning, with return to hotels usually between 17:00 and 17:30.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

Pickup is from the main gate of your hotel in the Side area. The stated pickup window is between 8:30 and 9:00 in the morning, although the wider operating window can extend to 9:30.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served from a buffet after the first swimming stop. Grilled chicken is prepared on board, and fish may also be available. Turkish gözleme is not included.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Beer, wine, cola, Fanta, Sprite, water, soda, tea, and coffee are listed as extra purchases.

How many swimming stops are there?

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

Is the foam party suitable for children?

The foam party is described as suitable for a broad age range, from about seven years old through older adults. It takes place on the second floor, and you can use the other decks if you prefer not to join.