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

The main event here is a foam party on the boat, backed by a cruise along the Manavgat River and a swim in the Mediterranean at Caretta Bay. I like the mix of water time and sightseeing, especially the chance to photograph Side’s Temple of Apollo from offshore. I also like the simple price of $25 per person, which makes this an easy add-on for a beach holiday.

The catch is that this is a lively group outing, not a quiet coastal cruise. Check the booking option carefully for soft drinks, since they may be included only with the selected drinks option. The foam, music, swimming, and shared boat setting suit families and fun-seeking groups better than anyone hoping for a calm, private day.

Key points to know before booking

• Foam party on board: The tour’s main entertainment is a playful foam party, so pack swimwear and a change of clothes.
• Two kinds of water scenery: You’ll cruise the Manavgat River before heading out for a swim in the Mediterranean at Caretta Bay.
• Side seen from the sea: The boat gives you a different view of the ancient city and the Temple of Apollo.
• Lunch included: A meal is provided on board, with a choice of fresh dishes.
• Hotel pickup across Side: Bus pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Side, making this simple to add to a beach stay.
• Six hours for $25: The low price offers good value if you want transport, lunch, swimming, and entertainment in one half-day outing.

A foam party with Side’s ruins in the background

This trip works because it combines three very different holiday pleasures: sightseeing, swimming, and a party. You can begin with the green banks and calm water of the Manavgat River, look back toward Side’s old city from the boat, then spend time in the sea before the foam starts flying.

The foam party gives the outing its personality. It is not an extra tacked onto a sightseeing cruise. It is the part most likely to shape the mood of the day. You should expect a cheerful, wet, high-energy atmosphere rather than a polished cultural tour.

I would set your expectations accordingly. The guide provides the tour in English or German, but the experience is built around views, food, swimming, and entertainment more than long historical explanations. You’ll get a useful glimpse of Side from the water, but you are not visiting the ancient monuments on foot.

Hotel pickup makes the half-day easy

Seven Tours includes pickup and drop-off from all hotels in Side. That matters in a resort area, where arranging your own way to a boat departure point can turn a simple excursion into a small project.

The transport is by bus, and the full outing lasts about six hours. That is long enough to feel like a real excursion while leaving part of your day free. You might book it on a day when you want a break from the beach, but do not want to give up an entire day for a distant archaeological site.

Starting times vary, so check availability when you book. Since pickup is included, keep your phone available for the exact collection details and be ready at the hotel pickup point. The supplied information does not give a precise pickup time, boat size, or group size, so you should not assume a private or small-group setup.

Cruising the Manavgat River

The first part of the route takes you along the Manavgat River. This changes the pace from a typical open-sea boat ride. You get a look at the river surroundings before the trip reaches the Mediterranean, with the boat providing a broad view that is hard to get from the shore.

This section is valuable because it gives the outing some variety. Instead of spending six hours on one stretch of coast, you move from river scenery to ancient Side and then to a sea swim. I like that progression for families and mixed groups, since different parts of the trip appeal to different people.

Do not expect a detailed nature tour. The information promises attractive surroundings, but it does not specify wildlife sightings, a nature guide, or a particular river stop. Treat the river cruise as a scenic opening to the day rather than a specialist excursion.

Seeing the Temple of Apollo from the water

One of the best sightseeing moments comes when you look toward Side’s ancient city from the boat. The Temple of Apollo is the key landmark to watch for, and the offshore angle gives you a useful photo opportunity.

From the water, Side’s ruins form part of a larger coastal view rather than a close study. You will not be walking among the columns or hearing a full archaeological explanation during this boat trip. If the temple is high on your list, pair this excursion with separate time in Side’s old city.

Still, this view earns its place in the itinerary. A beach holiday can easily become a blur of sunbeds and swimming, and a glimpse of the Temple of Apollo adds a clear sense of place. Bring your camera, but protect it from water during the swim breaks and foam party.

Lunch on board, with a note about drinks

Lunch is included, and you can choose from a variety of fresh dishes. That makes the $25 price easier to justify, since you are not paying separately for a meal while away from your hotel.

The available information does not list the exact menu, so I would not book this expecting a particular dish. If you have strict dietary needs, ask the provider before booking rather than relying on the phrase fresh dishes.

Drinks need closer attention. The tour information describes an option with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, including cola, Fanta, Sprite, and water. Elsewhere, soft drinks are listed as not included unless you select that option. The practical advice is simple: check your exact reservation before paying, and do not assume the basic price includes unlimited drinks.

Alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee, and ice cream are not included. You also may not bring your own food and drinks on board. That is worth knowing if you normally carry snacks for a day on the water.

Swimming at Caretta Bay

The Caretta Bay stop is the trip’s main chance to get into the sea. You can swim in the turquoise Mediterranean water and cool off after the river cruise and lunch.

The tour does not provide a detailed description of the seabed, water depth, or facilities at the bay, so bring the basics rather than expecting a fully equipped beach stop. Swimwear, a towel, sandals, and sunscreen are all listed as useful items.

You should also bring dry clothes. Showers are available, and you can change at the end of the trip, which is especially helpful if you have an evening meal or another activity planned after drop-off. Sandals are practical for moving around the boat and reaching the water, but the information does not specify whether shoes are required for the swim stop.

The foam party changes the mood

The foam party is the signature feature. It turns the boat into a play area, and the timing gives the trip a clear high point after the scenic and swimming sections.

If you enjoy music, group entertainment, and getting thoroughly wet, this should be fun. If you prefer quiet views, it may feel like too much. There is no need to dress up or bring anything delicate. Wear swimwear, keep your camera protected, and have your change of clothes ready for the end.

This is also where the tour becomes less suitable for people seeking a romantic or peaceful cruise. The boat setting, shared entertainment, and foam create a social atmosphere. The supplied information does not promise a specific type of music, performance, or foam schedule, so keep your expectations broad.

Is $25 good value?

At $25 per person, this is priced as an affordable resort excursion. You receive hotel transport, a six-hour boat outing, lunch, a guide, insurance during the tour, swimming time, the Side views, and the foam party.

That is a solid package if you plan to use most of the day. The price is particularly appealing for families or groups who would otherwise need to arrange transport, buy lunch, and find their own way to a swim spot.

The value is less clear if you want a quiet or highly personalized experience. The price does not include alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee, ice cream, or photos, and soft drinks depend on the option you choose. You are paying for a shared entertainment experience, not luxury service.

Photos are available as an extra, but they are not included. You can bring your own camera, though the water activities make a waterproof case or secure storage a sensible idea. No specific photo package or price is provided.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want an easy half-day away from the hotel pool and like having several activities folded into one booking. It suits:

• Families wanting swimming and entertainment
• Couples who enjoy a lively boat atmosphere
• Friends looking for a low-cost party outing
• Holidaymakers who want to see Side from the water
• Visitors who prefer a six-hour trip rather than a full-day excursion

It is less suitable if you want a private boat, a quiet nature trip, a serious archaeology tour, or a meal built around a specified menu. The English and German guide service is useful, but the tour’s main appeal is the experience on the water rather than detailed commentary.

The public score is 3.7 from 52 ratings, so I would book with sensible expectations. The strongest confirmed reactions describe the outing as enjoyable, fun, and worth doing again, including positive feedback from people booking in the Netherlands and Germany. That lines up with the tour’s design: it is made to be sociable and entertaining, not refined or deeply educational.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Keep your packing simple and practical:

• Swimsuit or bikini
• Towel
• A full change of clothes
• Sandals
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Waterproof protection for valuables

The change of clothes is more important here than on an ordinary sightseeing cruise. You have swim breaks, showers, and a foam party, so you may finish the day much wetter than expected.

Pets are not allowed, and you cannot bring your own food or drinks. If you need a special drink or snack for medical reasons, confirm the policy with the provider before booking.

Booking flexibility and access

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Side plans may change.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, though the supplied details do not explain the boat’s boarding setup or how the swimming stops work for wheelchair users. If you need specific assistance, contact Seven Tours before reserving.

Hotel pickup is available from all hotels in Side. The tour guide service is offered in English and German, and insurance during the tour is included.

Should you book the Side boat trip?

Book it if you want a low-cost, easy-to-arrange day with river scenery, lunch, swimming, and a foam party in one package. The Temple of Apollo view adds a worthwhile Side touch, while the Caretta Bay swim keeps the outing tied to the Mediterranean.

Skip it if you want silence, privacy, or a detailed visit to the ancient city. Also check the drinks option carefully before booking. For most beach holidaymakers who like a bit of noise and fun, six hours for $25 is a fair deal, especially with hotel transport and lunch included.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Which languages are available for the guide?

The live guide service is available in English and German.

Is lunch included?

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

Are soft drinks included?

Soft drinks are included if you select the relevant drinks option. The listed choices include cola, Fanta, Sprite, and water. Check the exact option when booking.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee, and ice cream are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sandals, a camera, and sunscreen.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.