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

The foam party is the big draw here, but the better reason to book is the mix of Manavgat River scenery, Side’s ancient waterfront, and a swim in Caretta Bay. You get a half-day on the water without paying for a full-day cruise. I like the hotel pickup and included lunch, and I like that the tour gives you both sightseeing and time to cool off.

The main catch is the drink option. Some booking choices include cola, Fanta, Sprite, and water, while the base details also list soft drinks as extra. Check exactly what your price covers before paying. Alcohol, tea, coffee, ice cream, and photos are not included.

Key points at a glance

• A foam party at sea: The final entertainment stop turns a standard boat trip into a lively, splash-heavy outing.
• Side’s ancient city from the water: You get a different view of the Temple of Apollo and the old waterfront than you would from land.
• Two types of water scenery: The route includes the calmer Manavgat River and open Mediterranean swimming at Caretta Bay.
• Lunch is included: You can eat on board without arranging a separate meal during the six-hour trip.
• Hotel pickup across Side: Bus transport to and from your hotel is included, which makes this easy to add to a beach holiday.
• Bring dry clothes: Swim breaks and the foam party make a towel, sandals, sunscreen, and a change of clothes practical essentials.

A half-day on the water from Side

This is a six-hour excursion built for a relaxed holiday schedule. A bus collects you from your hotel in Side, then takes you to the boat for a route that combines river cruising, coastal views, swimming, lunch, and a foam party.

I see the appeal immediately. You do not need to arrange taxis, find a marina, or plan your own food for the day. Pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Side, and a guide is available in English or German. The group size is not specified, so you should expect a shared boat rather than a private cruise.

The tour is best understood as a social boat day, not a quiet archaeological outing. You will see important sights, but the schedule also makes room for music-free details that matter to many people on holiday: swimming, sun, food, and a playful party atmosphere. The foam party is likely to appeal most to families with older children, couples who enjoy lively excursions, and groups of friends.

Cruising the Manavgat River

The first scenic part of the route takes you along the Manavgat River. This gives you a gentler start than heading straight into the open sea, with time to enjoy the water and the surrounding views from the boat.

The river is one of the more useful parts of the outing because it adds variety. You are not simply spending six hours anchored offshore. The trip lets you see Side from a different angle before moving toward the Mediterranean swimming stop.

A river cruise also gives you a chance to settle in, take photographs, and get familiar with the boat. The information does not specify the boat’s size, seating arrangements, or exact route length, so keep your expectations practical. You are booking an organized group excursion, not a private sightseeing vessel with a custom itinerary.

If you want a peaceful ride, use this section of the trip to sit back and watch the banks pass by. If you want photographs, have your camera ready early. The supplied information specifically recommends bringing one, but protect it carefully around water and foam.

Side’s ancient city from the boat

One of the most worthwhile sightseeing moments comes when the boat passes views of Side’s ancient city. The highlight is the Temple of Apollo, one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks.

Seeing the temple from the water changes the experience. On land, you are among the ruins and other sightseers. From the boat, you can frame the old stone columns against the coast and get a wider photograph. This is a brief visual introduction rather than a detailed archaeological tour, so do not expect a long explanation of every ruin.

That distinction matters. If your main goal is to understand Side’s ancient history, book a dedicated walking tour of the archaeological site as well. Here, the temple is part of a broader day on the water. You get the view, the chance to take photographs, and then more time for swimming and entertainment.

I like this balance because it prevents the tour from becoming only a pool party on a boat. The ancient city gives the excursion a strong sense of place. You are not just taking a generic coastal cruise that could happen anywhere.

Lunch on board and the drink question

Lunch is included, with a selection of fresh dishes available on the boat. The exact menu is not provided, so you should not book this expecting a particular meal or special dietary choice unless you confirm it in advance.

For a six-hour outing, included food is a real convenience. You can stay with the group instead of losing time looking for a café near the shore. It also helps keep the $25 price in perspective. At that rate, the tour offers transport, a meal, a guide, insurance, and several activities in one package.

Drinks need closer attention. The main details describe non-alcoholic drinks, and one option lists cola, Fanta, Sprite, and water. Elsewhere, soft drinks are marked as not included if that option is selected. The safest approach is to read the exact booking choice and confirm whether drinks are part of your fare.

Alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee, and ice cream are not included. You are also told not to bring your own food or drinks, so plan around the onboard meal and the drink arrangement offered with your booking.

Swimming at Caretta Bay

The boat stops at Caretta Bay for a swim in the turquoise Mediterranean water. This is likely to be the most refreshing part of the day, particularly during Side’s hot summer season.

Bring your swimsuit or bikini, towel, sandals, and sunscreen. You will also want dry clothes for the journey back. Showers are available, which makes changing at the end much easier than it would be on a basic boat with no facilities.

The stop is a swim break, not a guided wildlife experience. Despite the name Caretta Bay, the supplied details do not promise turtle sightings or any animal encounter. Treat the name as the location of the swim stop, not as a guarantee of seeing sea turtles.

You should also remember that the water stop is shared with the rest of the group. If you prefer long, quiet swims, the available time may feel short, since the tour also has lunch, sightseeing, and the foam party to fit into six hours. If you want a simple chance to get into the sea during a busy beach holiday, it does the job well.

The foam party finale

The foam party is the excursion’s most unusual feature. Foam is added on board, turning the boat into a wet, playful setting for dancing, splashing, and group entertainment.

This is not an extra detail to ignore. If you dislike getting wet, crowded entertainment, or party-style activities, the foam party may be the main reason to skip this tour. If you enjoy a little holiday silliness, it gives the day a clear finish and makes the trip different from a quiet sightseeing cruise.

The practical point is to keep your camera and valuables protected. A camera is recommended, but the combination of sea spray, swimming, and foam calls for care. Use a waterproof case if you have one, and do not bring anything you would be upset to lose or soak.

The party also explains why the tour suits some holidaymakers better than others. Couples looking for a romantic sunset cruise should choose something calmer. Families with children, groups of friends, and anyone wanting an upbeat afternoon are more likely to enjoy the format.

What the $25 price really covers

At $25 per person, this is a low-cost way to combine transport, a boat trip, lunch, swimming, sightseeing, and entertainment. The value is strongest if you want several simple activities in one booking and would otherwise pay separately for transport and food.

Hotel pickup and return are especially useful. Side is spread across many hotel areas, and arranging your own ride to the departure point can take time and add cost. The included guide and tour insurance also make this easier for a first-time visitor who does not want to manage the practical details.

The price does not cover everything. Alcohol, tea, coffee, ice cream, and photos cost extra or are excluded. Soft drinks depend on the option selected, so do not assume that unlimited beverages are automatically part of the cheapest fare.

The rating provided for the experience is 3.7 out of 5 from 52 ratings. That suggests a generally worthwhile outing with some mixed expectations, rather than a polished luxury cruise. The most positive reactions focus on the fun, friendly atmosphere and the fact that people enjoyed the day as a group. I would book it for entertainment and value, not for fine dining, a small boat, or detailed historical guiding.

Who should book this Side excursion?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want an easy break from the hotel pool and beach. It is particularly suitable for:

• Couples who like a social day with swimming and light entertainment
• Families with older children who enjoy water activities
• Friends looking for an inexpensive party-style outing
• First-time visitors who want to see Side from the water
• Holidaymakers who value hotel pickup and an included meal

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet, private boat ride. The foam party makes the atmosphere lively, and the group size is not stated. I would also look elsewhere if your priority is a serious archaeology tour, since the Temple of Apollo is viewed from the boat rather than explored with a long site visit.

People with limited mobility should note that the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the supplied details do not explain the exact boat boarding arrangements or access to swimming areas. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the transfer setup before booking.

What to pack for a wet afternoon

The packing list is simple, but each item matters:

• Swimsuit or bikini
• Towel
• Dry change of clothes
• Sandals
• Sunscreen
• Camera, preferably protected from water

Do not bring pets, food, or drinks. Since showers are available, you can rinse off and change before returning to your hotel. Keep valuables to a minimum, especially during the swim stop and foam party.

The sun can feel strong on open water, so apply sunscreen before boarding and bring enough for the day if permitted by the operator. Sandals are more practical than formal shoes, particularly around wet boat surfaces.

Booking, languages, and cancellation

The guide service is available in English and German. No guide names are provided, so you should not expect to request a particular person. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from all hotels in Side, Turkey.

You can reserve now and pay later, which is useful if you are still arranging the rest of your holiday. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when you book.

The tour lasts six hours, but the exact order and length of each stop may change. That is normal for a shared boat outing, and it is another reason to think of this as a flexible holiday activity rather than a tightly timed historical tour.

Should you book the Side and Caretta Bay boat trip?

Book it if you want a good-value half-day with swimming, lunch, river views, Side landmarks, and a foam party in one package. The $25 price is attractive, especially with hotel transport included, and the strongest appeal is the easy mix of sightseeing and fun.

Skip it if you want peace, privacy, or a detailed tour of ancient Side. Also check the drink option before paying, since soft drinks may not be included in every fare. For the right person, this is an uncomplicated, cheerful way to spend six hours on the water, with enough variety to keep the afternoon moving.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts six hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off, the river cruise, swimming, lunch, sightseeing, and the foam party.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What 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 from a variety of fresh dishes. The exact menu is not specified.

Are soft drinks included?

Soft drinks depend on the booking option. One option includes cola, Fanta, Sprite, and water, while the activity information also lists soft drinks as an extra. Check your selected fare carefully.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The tour includes a swim break at Caretta Bay in the Mediterranean Sea. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sandals, and dry clothes.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.