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Side Dolphin Island Boat Trip: Lunch, Swim & Foam Party
Sail from the Manavgat River to Dolphin Bay on a full-day Side boat trip. Swim in cold river and warm sea waters, spot wild marine life, enjoy a BBQ lunch, and join a fun foam party.
Duration
8 Hours
Pickup
08:00
Operates
Mon & Tue & Thu & Sat
Meeting Point
Manavgat River Delta & Dolphin Bay, Side · Get Directions
Child Price
€30
Ticket Type
Mobile Ticket Instant
What You'll See
Manavgat River
Manavgat River Delta
Mediterranean Sea
Dolphin Bay (Karaburun)
Side Ancient City
Temple of Apollo
Experience Highlights
Free hotel pickup and drop-off from all resort areas in Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, and Manavgat
Relaxing river cruise along the green waters of the Manavgat River out into the open Mediterranean
Unique dual swimming stop at the Manavgat River Delta (Nehir Ağzı)—swim in cold freshwater and warm sea water side-by-side
Cruise past Dolphin Bay (Karaburun reef area) with opportunities to spot wild dolphins and Caretta Caretta sea turtles
Scenic sea views of the ancient Temple of Apollo and Side's historic peninsula from the upper deck
Freshly cooked onboard BBQ lunch featuring grilled chicken breast or fish served with pasta and fresh salad
Upper-deck foam party with music, dancing, sun loungers, and freshwater showers onboard
About This Tour
Combining the Manavgat River, the Mediterranean coast and several swimming stops in one day, the Side Dolphin Island Boat Trip is an easy way to enjoy a full day on the water without travelling far from the resort area. The cruise starts from the Manavgat River and continues towards the open Mediterranean, with time for swimming, lunch, coastal sightseeing and a foam party on board. Depending on sea conditions and the season, dolphins or Caretta Caretta sea turtles may also be spotted along the coast, although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Your day begins with a morning pickup from the main entrance of your hotel in Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, Sorgun or Manavgat. After a short air-conditioned transfer, you arrive at the Manavgat River harbour and board the boat. From here, the cruise follows the river towards the Manavgat River mouth, where the freshwater meets the Mediterranean Sea.
One of the highlights of the morning is the first swimming stop near the river mouth. The contrast between the cooler river water and the warmer Mediterranean makes this a particularly memorable place for a swim. It is also a good opportunity to take photos of the sandy coastline and the meeting point of the river and sea.
The boat then continues along the Mediterranean coast towards the area known as Dolphin Island. Once the boat reaches the open sea, the crew stops in a suitable bay for another swimming break. The clear water is ideal for swimming and relaxing, while passengers can keep an eye on the surrounding sea in the hope of spotting dolphins or other marine life.
While you enjoy the cruise, lunch is prepared on board and typically includes freshly grilled chicken or fish with pasta and salad. There is space to relax on the upper deck, while the shaded lower deck provides a cooler option for families and guests who prefer to stay out of the direct sun.
On the return journey towards Manavgat, the boat follows the coastline near Side, offering views of the historic coastline and the Temple of Apollo. From the sea, the ancient monument creates a completely different perspective of Side's famous waterfront.
The final part of the trip is all about atmosphere. Music starts on board and the upper deck turns into a lively foam party, giving the cruise a more energetic finish before returning to Manavgat harbour. After disembarkation, your transfer takes you back to your hotel in Side or the surrounding resort areas.
With river scenery, Mediterranean swimming stops, onboard lunch, coastal views and a foam party, this Side Dolphin Island Boat Trip works particularly well for families, couples and groups of friends who want a relaxed but entertaining day at sea. The combination of the Manavgat River and Mediterranean coast also makes it different from a standard boat trip that stays entirely offshore.
Perfect For
What's Included
Round-trip hotel transfers in air-conditioned minibuses (Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, Manavgat)
Full-day cruise aboard a double-decker wooden boat with sun deck and shaded seating
Freshly cooked onboard BBQ lunch (grilled chicken breast or fish with pasta and fresh salad)
Multiple swimming stops at Manavgat River Delta and Dolphin Bay
Upper-deck foam party entertainment and music
Use of onboard freshwater showers and sun loungers
Cold soft drinks, beers, cocktails, and ice creams (available for purchase at the onboard bar)
Personal souvenir photos taken by onboard photographers
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Morning collection directly from hotel entrances across Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Titreyengöl, and Manavgat (08:30 to 09:00).
River Pier Boarding
Arrive at the Manavgat River pier and board our spacious double-decker wooden boat (approx. 09:30).
River Delta Swim Stop
Stop at the Manavgat River Mouth (Nehir Ağzı) for a 45-minute swim in cool river and warm sea water.
Sailing to Dolphin Bay
Cruise into the open Mediterranean toward Dolphin Bay with wild dolphin and sea turtle watching.
Onboard BBQ Lunch
Savor a freshly cooked lunch of grilled chicken breast or fish with pasta and salad served onboard (approx. 12:30).
Coastal Swim & Apollo Temple View
Anchor in a secluded turquoise cove for swimming and cruise past the ancient Apollo Temple peninsula.
Upper Deck Foam Party
Enjoy a fun foam party with music, dancing, and sunbathing as the boat sails back to the river mouth.
Hotel Return Drop-Off
Arrive back at the river pier and board our minibuses for a comfortable return to your hotel by 16:00.
Good to Know
Wild dolphin and sea turtle sightings depend on marine conditions; while frequently spotted in Dolphin Bay, they are free-roaming wild animals
The Manavgat River Delta swim stop features a sandbar where you can switch between 16°C cold river water and 26°C warm sea water
Upper deck features open sun loungers while lower deck offers full shade and dining tables
Suitable for all ages; non-swimmers can wear provided life jackets during swim stops or relax onboard
The foam party takes place on the top deck during the afternoon return leg—bring a dry towel to dry off afterward
Swimsuit and a towel for multiple river and sea swimming stops
Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen for open sun deck relaxing
Waterproof camera or smartphone with full battery for Apollo Temple coastal photos
Change of dry clothes for after the foam party
Cash in Euros, Pounds, Dollars, or Lira for onboard drinks and ice creams
Local Tip
At the Manavgat River Delta swim stop, don't just stay on the sea side! Walk 20 meters across the sandy beach strip into the river side. The contrast between swimming in the 16°C cold mountain river water and then stepping back into the 26°C warm Mediterranean sea is one of the most unique feelings you can experience in Side!
Guest Reviews (9)
Emma & Tom W.
United Kingdom
Really enjoyable boat trip from Side. The river section was surprisingly beautiful and the stop where the river meets the sea was our favourite part. The water was much cooler than the sea, which made the swim quite refreshing.
Julia M.
Germany
Ein schöner Tagesausflug ab Manavgat. Das Boot war groß genug, sodass man oben in der Sonne liegen oder unten im Schatten sitzen konnte. Das Mittagessen war einfach, aber gut. Die Aussicht auf die Küste hat uns besonders gefallen.
Sophie & Liam B.
Ireland
We weren't expecting to see any wildlife, but we spotted a dolphin in the distance while we were out at sea. No guarantee of course, but it was a lovely surprise. The swim stop and foam party were great too.
Charlotte D.
Netherlands
Good choice if you want a fun day on the water without organising transport yourself. Our hotel pickup from Evrenseki was easy and the crew were friendly. The Apollo Temple looked beautiful from the boat, especially with the coastline behind it.
Thomas & Anna K.
Austria
Sehr entspannter Ausflug. Wir konnten zwischen Sonne auf dem Oberdeck und Schatten im unteren Bereich wählen. Die Kombination aus Manavgat-Fluss, Meer und mehreren Badestopps macht die Tour abwechslungsreich. Die Schaumparty war ein lustiger Abschluss.
Daniel R.
United Kingdom
Great day with our two kids. They enjoyed jumping into the sea at the swimming stops and loved the foam party later in the afternoon. Lunch was served on board, which was convenient because we didn't have to worry about finding somewhere to eat.
Laura & Max P.
Switzerland
Nice boat trip with a good mix of relaxing and entertainment. The cruise along the coast was very scenic and we enjoyed seeing Side from the water. It is a fairly long day, but there are enough breaks to make it comfortable.
Megan S.
United Kingdom
The river mouth was the highlight for me. You can clearly see where the freshwater and sea meet, and the temperature difference is noticeable when you swim there. After that we had a relaxing sea swim and lunch on the boat. Really good overall experience.
Nina & Robert J.
Germany
Wir haben die Tour als Paar gemacht und fanden die Mischung aus Ruhe und Unterhaltung sehr gut. Morgens war die Fahrt auf dem Manavgat-Fluss besonders schön, später wurde es auf dem Meer lebhafter. Gute Möglichkeit, einen ganzen Tag außerhalb des Hotels zu verbringen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we definitely see wild dolphins on the Dolphin Island boat trip?
Dolphins and Caretta Caretta sea turtles naturally inhabit the waters near Dolphin Bay and are frequently spotted. However, as they are wild animals in the open sea, sightings are a natural highlight rather than a zoo guarantee.
What is unique about the Manavgat River Delta swim stop?
A natural sandbar separates the cool 16°C mountain river from the warm 26°C Mediterranean Sea, allowing you to swim in both fresh and salt water during the same stop.
Is lunch included on the Dolphin Island boat tour?
Yes, a freshly cooked onboard BBQ lunch featuring grilled chicken breast or fish served with pasta, salad, and bread is included in your tour price.
What time is pickup and return for the Dolphin Island boat trip?
Morning pickup is between 08:30 and 09:00 AM from your hotel main gate in Side. We return you to your hotel entrance around 16:00 PM.
Is the boat trip suitable for families with small children?
Yes, the boat features wide shaded lower decks, clean restrooms, freshwater showers, life jackets, and a fun afternoon foam party that kids love.
Are drinks included in the tour price?
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the onboard bar at reasonable local prices. You are also welcome to bring water bottles.
Total
€35
