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The 14 Best Cruises And Boat Tours in Side
Side, Turkey, is a fantastic spot for cruises and boat tours. Its location along the Mediterranean coast provides perfect waters for relaxing trips, exciting adventures, and stunning scenery. Whether you’re eager to spot dolphins, explore caves, or cruise past ancient ruins, there’s something for all. We particularly like the Side Dolphins Island Cruise for its combination of wildlife sightings and swimming stops, and the Green Canyon boat trips for their breathtaking scenery and full-day relaxation. Many tours include lunch, drinks, and hotel transfers, making the experience smooth and enjoyable. If you’re craving a fun day on the water, Side’s boat tours deliver both adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
Quick Overview
The list below covers a variety of tours: from half-day dolphin cruises (Dolphins Island Cruise) and pirate adventures to full-day explorations of Green Canyon, Altinbesik Cave, and Kursunlu Waterfalls. You’ll find options suited for families, adventure lovers, and those seeking cultural experiences alike. Many tours offer hotel pickup, lunch, and unlimited drinks, ensuring a hassle-free day. Now, let’s dive into each one, so you can choose exactly what fits your trip.
1. Side: Dolphins Island Cruise with Swimming Stops and Lunch
This 7-hour guided day trip from Side takes you along the Mediterranean, with a focus on wildlife and fun. The highlight is the chance to see dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat, with a guide sharing insights about local marine life. The cruise starts from the Manavgat River, where you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and swim stops at beaches and secluded spots. The tour also features a foam party on board—a hit for kids and adults alike—and an included lunch that guests find tasty and satisfying. Reviewers love the organized nature of the trip, the opportunity to swim, and the friendly crew. Some mention the boat can get crowded, but overall, it’s a lively, well-rounded outing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wildlife lovers and families wanting a lively, scenic cruise with wildlife sightings, swimming, and fun activities.
2. City of Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour w/ Lunch & Drinks
This 9-hour trip is perfect for those wanting a full day on the water. You’ll sail on a traditional sailboat, enjoy a foam party, and swim in Turkish Riviera’s turquoise waters. For just around $15 per person, you get a lively atmosphere, music, dance, and plenty of time to relax and cool off. The tour includes lunch and drinks, with many guests saying the value for money is excellent. It’s especially suited for those who want a social, energetic experience and don’t mind an open-water adventure with a mix of fun and relaxation.
Bottom Line: Great for budget travelers and anyone looking to combine swimming, dancing, and a casual day at sea.
3. Altinbesik Cave & Ormana Tour w/ Boat & Lunch
This 9-hour tour offers a mix of natural wonders and cultural exploration. You visit Turkey’s largest cave, Altinbesik—home to a subterranean lake—and enjoy a boat ride inside the cave. The trip also includes a visit to Ormana village, a traditional mountain village with authentic houses. Guests praise the beautiful underground lake and the authentic village atmosphere. The tour also features lunch at a local restaurant, making it a full day of sights, sounds, and scenery.
Bottom Line: Best suited for adventurers and nature lovers interested in caves and mountain villages, offering great value and unique natural beauty.
4. Side Green Canyon Boat Trip With Unlimited Drinks And Lunch
This 8-hour trip takes you into the Green Canyon, a stunning reservoir created by the Oymapinar Dam. The highlight is the 9-mile boat cruise with plenty of swimming stops, kayaking, and fishing. Lunch is an open buffet with unlimited soft drinks, and hotel pickup is included. The canyon’s emerald waters and towering walls create an awe-inspiring backdrop, perfect for photos or just relaxing. Reviewers mention the scenery is breathtaking, the lunch is good, and the cruise is smooth and well-organized. Some note the walk to the restaurant can be steep, but overall, it’s a fantastic way to spend a day immersed in nature.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families and nature lovers wanting a full-day cruise with swimming, kayaking, and stunning scenery.
5. Green Canyon Boat Trip with Lunch From Side
This is a full-day trip offering a scenic boat cruise through Green Canyon, with stops at the Little Canyon and the Oymapinar Dam. Included is lunch at a waterfront restaurant and free drinks. The tranquil waters, framed by mountains, make it a favorite among travelers seeking a peaceful escape. Reviewers call it “amazing” and praise the spectacular scenery and swimming opportunities. The trip is relatively flexible, suitable for all ages, and offers value for money with hotel pickup included.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a relaxing day in nature with great scenery, swimming, and a simple, satisfying lunch.
6. Pirate Adventure Cruise from Side
This 6-7 hour adventure is tailored for families and kids. The pirate-themed boat offers fun games, treasure hunts, and a swimming stop. The boat sails along the Mediterranean, with meals included—lunch is a buffet-style with options for young and old. The crew keeps things lively, and many reviews mention the kids loved the pirate games and foam party. It’s a good choice if you want a family-friendly, interactive experience on the water.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families, especially those with young children who enjoy theme-based fun and games.
7. Alanya: Full-Day Cable Car & Boat Tour to Cleopatra Beach
A 7-8 hour tour that combines Alanya’s highlights with scenic boat rides. You’ll take a cable car up to Alanya Castle for panoramic views, visit the Damlatas Caves, and relax at Cleopatra Beach. The tour includes a lunch stop and visits to historic sites like the Red Tower. Guests enjoy the stunning views, and the beach time is perfect for soaking up the sun. Many reviewers mention the excellent value and the variety of sights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for history and scenery enthusiasts who want a full day of sightseeing, with some beach leisure.
8. Side Dolphin Island Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer
This 6-7 hour trip is all about dolphin sightings. Starting with easy hotel pickup, you’ll cruise to Kumkoy beach, with swimming stops and a lunch onboard. The main draw is the chance to see dolphins in the wild, but even if you’re not lucky, the beautiful beaches, foam party, and scenic views make it worthwhile. Reviewers love the easy logistics, friendly staff, and amazing scenery.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for animal lovers and those wanting a relaxed day with a good chance of dolphin sightings.
9. City of Side: Antalya City Tour w/Boat Trip, Old Town & Waterfall
This 8-hour tour combines urban sightseeing with nature. You visit Kaleici, explore Old Town, and take a cable car ride to Tünektepe for striking views. Then you stop at Kursunlu Waterfalls for photos and a bit of nature away from the city bustle. The tour includes lunch and hotel transfers, making it quite convenient. Reviewers appreciate the well-organized schedule and the variety of sights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a balance of sightseeing, nature, and local culture in one day.
10. Side: Green Canyon Boat Trip with Lunch near Green Lake
This 8-hour cruise offers scenic views of green waters and mountains, with stops for swimming and photos. The boat ride showcases the gorgeous Taurus Mountains, and lunch is included at a lakeside restaurant. Many reviews mention the relaxing pace, beautiful scenery, and friendly staff. It’s suited for those wanting a peaceful day immersed in nature.
Bottom Line: Perfect for quiet, scenic days and nature lovers wanting a comfortable, full-day boat cruise.
This 7-hour river cruise features wildlife spotting—try to catch river turtles—and a visit to Manavgat’s Grand Bazaar. The lunch is a barbecue on a wooden boat, and the swimming stop near the river’s mouth is refreshing. Reviewers mention the relaxing pace and friendly guides. It’s a good option if you want a mixture of nature, shopping, and local flavor.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who want a mix of nature, shopping, and local life in one trip.
12. Side Altinbesik Cave And Ormana Village Tour With Boat Tour
This 6-7 hour excursion takes you to Turkey’s largest underground lake inside the Altinbesik Cave. The tour includes a boat ride inside the cave and a visit to Ormana village, a mountain settlement known for its authentic architecture. The cave’s natural bridges and underground lake make it a highlight, and reviewers praise the guides’ knowledge and scenery. The lunch in the village adds a local flavor.
Bottom Line: Best for natural beauty buffs and those interested in caves and mountain villages.
13. Side Lazy Day Boat Trip
This 7-hour boat trip is all about relaxation. It offers three swimming stops, a lunch of Turkish cuisine, and a foam party to keep things lively. It’s perfect if you want a casual day at sea with plenty of swimming and no fuss. Many reviewers appreciate the easy logistics and fun atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a laid-back, fun-filled day on the water with minimal activity pressure.
14. Side: Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch & Swimming Stops
This 7-hour pirate-themed cruise features swimming, lunch, and a foam party. The pirate ship and treasure hunt keep kids entertained, while adults enjoy scenery and drinks. Reviewers note the ship can seem a bit run down, but the fun atmosphere and friendly crew make up for it. It’s especially popular among families.
Bottom Line: A playful, family-friendly option that combines swimming, entertainment, and good food.
How to Choose Your Best Cruise or Boat Tour in Side
If you’re trying to decide between these options, think about your priorities. Want a wildlife encounter? The Dolphins Island Cruise offers dolphin sightings and swimming. For a full-day scenic adventure, the Green Canyon trips and Green Canyon Boat Trip with Lunch provide relaxing cruises with excellent scenery and swimming. Families or kids will enjoy the Pirate Adventure or the Dolphin Island** trips, both offering themed fun and activities.
Budget travelers might prefer the Dolphin Island Boat Tour for its affordability, while those interested in natural caves should consider the Altinbesik Cave & Ormana Tour. Remember to check the duration, inclusions, and reviews to find the best fit.
Final thoughts
Side offers a rich mix of water-based experiences. Whether your ideal trip involves seeing dolphins, exploring caves, or cruising Green Canyon, there’s a tour for you. We recommend booking early, especially in high season, to secure your spot on these popular trips. For families, the Pirate Cruise and Dolphin Island trips are fantastic choices, while couples seeking serenity may prefer the Green Canyon cruises. Whatever you pick, a day on the water in Side promises plenty of memories and good stories.