Side: Blue Laguna Boat Tour with Free Lunch & Drinks

The most unusual part of this Blue Laguna boat tour is its pirate-ship setting. You sail from Side on a broad, multi-deck boat, pass into the Manavgat River, then head out for swimming, music, food, and a foam party on the Mediterranean.

I like the simple value: hotel pickup, lunch, soft drinks, and insurance are included in the $29 price. I also like the chance to trade Side’s busy streets for open water, coastline views, and a few hours when your family or friends can swim and sunbathe together.

The main caution is the pace. Six hours can feel generous for a boat outing, but some passengers found the long stretches between stops slow, with loud music and extra charges for drinks, food, photos, and water activities.

Quick points about the Blue Laguna cruise

• Pirate-ship setting: Sail from Side on a spacious, multi-level boat with a treasure-hunt theme.
• Two kinds of scenery: The route begins along the Manavgat River before opening onto the Mediterranean coast.
• Swimming time: Bring a towel and beachwear for swimming and snorkeling stops.
• Good basic value: The $29 fare includes transfers, lunch, unlimited soft drinks, insurance, guiding, and the foam party.
• Party atmosphere: Expect music, onboard entertainment, and foam rather than a quiet nature cruise.
• Plan for extras: Alcohol, personal purchases, DVDs, photographs, sweets, and some water activities cost more.

Setting sail from Side toward the Manavgat River

Your day begins with hotel pickup in the morning. You are asked to wait at your hotel’s main security gate 10 minutes before the scheduled time, which matters in Side, where resort properties can be large and vehicles may not enter every internal driveway.

The transfer takes you to the port, where you board a spacious pirate-themed boat. The exact group size is not given, so you should expect a shared excursion rather than a private sailing. The boat has several decks, giving you a choice between sitting in the shade, finding a sunny spot, or moving around during the cruise.

The first section follows the Manavgat River. This gives the trip a pleasant change of scene before the boat reaches the sea. You can watch the riverbanks and coastline while settling into the day, but do not expect a guided history tour. The host service is listed in English and Turkish, and the emphasis is on entertainment and recreation rather than detailed commentary.

I would use this first stretch to find your preferred place on the boat and check how lunch and drinks are being served. If you want a front-row view, a quiet corner, or easy access to the swimming deck, it is better to get organized early.

From river views to open Mediterranean water

Once the boat reaches the Mediterranean, the focus shifts from sightseeing to relaxing. You can sit on deck, take photographs, watch the coast, and enjoy the feeling of being away from Side’s roads and resort crowds.

The appeal here is not a long list of landmarks. It is the change in rhythm. You spend part of the trip moving through open water, with the sound of the boat and views along the shore, then stop for swimming and snorkeling.

The boat’s multi-deck design should suit mixed groups. Sun lovers can stay outside, while anyone needing a break from heat can look for a shaded area. Parents may appreciate having more than one deck, though the music and entertainment mean this is not designed as a silent escape.

Some people found the long sailing periods too slow, especially toward the end of the outing. The trip lasts six hours, and that is a substantial amount of time for a route with only a small number of main stops. If you prefer a tightly packed sightseeing program, this may feel stretched.

Swimming stops and the practical side of snorkeling

Swimming is one of the strongest reasons to book this cruise. The tour includes breaks in clear water where you can swim and snorkel, so pack beachwear, a towel, sunglasses, and a camera. Food and drinks from outside are not allowed, but unlimited soft drinks are included onboard.

The precise swimming locations are not identified, and you should not expect a guided snorkeling session with equipment instruction. This is a casual swim break. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to look beneath the surface, since equipment is not listed among the inclusions.

A point worth watching is the number and placement of stops. The advertised plan includes swimming breaks, while some passengers found that two stops took place in the same area. One reported frustration was that the stops seemed connected with paid jet-ski opportunities. The practical lesson is simple: enjoy the water for what it is, but do not book this expecting several different coves or a varied coastal route.

The water stops can also feel short if you spend too much time queuing for food or buying extras. I would have my towel, swimsuit, and camera ready before the boat reaches the first stop. That way, you are not searching through bags while everyone else heads to the water.

Lunch, soft drinks, and what $29 really covers

At $29 per person, this is priced as a budget-friendly package rather than a polished luxury cruise. The fare includes lunch, unlimited soft drinks, hotel pickup and drop-off, insurance, guiding, and the foam party. For a six-hour excursion, that combination gives the tour a strong basic value.

Lunch is served as an open buffet. The food is described as basic, which is reasonable at this price and for a boat kitchen. You should see it as fuel for the afternoon, not as a special dining experience.

Timing may matter. One passenger reported that food portions were limited when three people arrived late to the serving area, with only two modest portions left for them. That does not prove every sailing has the same problem, but I would not wait until the last minute. Go when lunch opens, especially if you are traveling with children or have a large group.

Soft drinks are included, but the serving arrangement may vary. One booking problem involved the inclusion not being clearly recorded, while another passenger noted that the included drinks were a limited selection poured from plastic bottles into small plastic cups. The practical advice is to check that unlimited soft drinks appear on your booking details and clarify the issue with staff before the boat leaves.

Alcoholic drinks are not included. Personal spending, DVDs, and other purchases are also extra. You may find additional sales for food, sweets, warm drinks, alcoholic beverages, photographs, and water activities. Those offers are common on party boats, but they can make the low headline price feel less low if you say yes to several of them.

Pirate entertainment, music, and the foam party

The pirate theme gives the trip its identity. The boat includes a real-life treasure hunt, along with music, onboard entertainment, and a foam party. This is aimed at families, couples, and groups who want an active social outing rather than a quiet cruise.

The treasure hunt can be a fun touch for children, though the supplied details do not explain its clues, prizes, or length. Treat it as part of the entertainment program, not as a full historical or cultural activity.

The foam party is included in the price. If you want to join, keep your camera and valuables protected. If you prefer to stay dry, choose a deck away from the main action and bring a cover-up.

The entertainment style is not subtle. Some passengers found it corny, and one criticized a comedy routine involving a man dressed as a woman. Music was also described as very loud, particularly for a family outing with children. That is useful information when choosing your expectations. The boat may suit you if you enjoy party music and group entertainment. It is a poor match if you want calm conversation, gentle acoustic music, or a quiet afternoon at sea.

The value of the included hotel transfer

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which saves you the trouble of arranging a taxi to the port. The transfer was described as on time in one account, and the instructions are clear: wait at the main security gate 10 minutes before pickup.

This is especially useful if you are staying in a large resort area or do not know Side’s harbor. You should still keep your phone available and be ready early, since the exact pickup time can vary by hotel and route.

The transfer also makes the price easier to justify. A separate taxi in both directions, lunch, drinks, and a six-hour boat outing could quickly cost more than $29. The value weakens only if you spend heavily onboard or if you are looking for a short, focused swim trip rather than a general entertainment cruise.

What the passenger feedback tells you about the experience

The overall rating is 4 out of 5 from 13 ratings, which suggests a generally positive but not flawless experience. The most consistent praise is for organization, attractive pricing, and the pleasure of getting out on the water.

One German-language rating called the tour well organized, while another described it as very good but a little long. A French-language rating praised the price-to-quality relationship. These points fit the design of the trip: you receive many inclusions at a low cost, and the day is easy to arrange.

The negative comments focus on consistency rather than one single failure. The main concerns are:

• Long sailing periods with little animation.
• Loud music and basic entertainment.
• Confusion over whether soft drinks were included.
• Limited drink choices and small plastic cups.
• Food running short for people who arrived late.
• Repeated swimming stops.
• Frequent onboard sales.

That mix tells me this is a budget party boat, not a premium yacht trip. If you judge it by the price and enjoy a lively group setting, you may find it worthwhile. If you expect smooth service, quiet cruising, generous buffet portions, and several different swim locations, you may be disappointed.

Who will enjoy this six-hour boat trip?

I would consider the Blue Laguna tour for families with children, couples wanting an inexpensive day on the water, and groups of friends who like music, swimming, and casual entertainment.

The all-ages format is useful because different people can choose different ways to spend the day. One person can sunbathe, another can swim, and someone else can join the foam party. The boat also gives you more freedom than a land excursion that keeps everyone moving from one sight to the next.

It may not suit you if you have motion-sickness concerns. One account described very rough water, although that condition can change with the weather. If you are sensitive to boat movement, bring any usual remedy and choose a stable place on the lower deck, if staff permit it.

You should also think twice if you dislike sales pitches. The low fare is supported by onboard purchases, and you may be offered photographs, food, drinks, or water activities. You can keep costs under control by deciding in advance what you will and will not buy.

What to bring and how to make the day better

Pack lightly, but bring the items that matter on a boat:

• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Beachwear
• Camera
• Snorkeling gear, if you want to use it

Outside food and drinks are not allowed, so do not plan on bringing your own picnic. Alcoholic drinks are available only as paid extras, since they are not included in the fare.

I would also bring a waterproof pouch for a phone, cash for optional purchases, and a light cover-up for the return sailing. These items are practical suggestions for protecting your belongings and staying comfortable, but they are not listed as official inclusions.

Arrive at the hotel security gate early. Once onboard, check the drink arrangement, note when lunch begins, and find a spot that matches your plans. If you want swimming time, do not let the first round of entertainment or shopping delay you.

Should you book the Blue Laguna pirate boat?

Book it if you want a low-cost, lively boat day with swimming, lunch, soft drinks, hotel transfers, and a foam party. At $29, the package covers a lot, and the organized pickup is a real convenience.

Skip it if you want a quiet sailing, refined meals, varied snorkeling locations, or a short half-day outing. The six-hour schedule may feel drawn out, and onboard sales, loud music, basic food, and inconsistent drink service can affect the experience.

My practical verdict: this is a reasonable budget choice for families and groups who care more about swimming and entertainment than polished service. Confirm the included soft drinks before departure, eat early at the buffet, and treat every paid extra as optional. With those expectations, the Blue Laguna cruise can be a pleasant break from Side, but it is not the right boat for everyone.

FAQ

How long does the Blue Laguna boat tour last?

The tour lasts 6 hours. Check the available starting times when booking.

What is included in the price?

The $29 price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, full insurance, guiding service, unlimited soft drinks, lunch, and a foam party.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served as an open buffet.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not included and must be paid for separately.

Are soft drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited soft drinks are included, though you should confirm this on your booking details because one booking had a problem with the inclusion being recorded.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter service is available in English and Turkish.

Where should I wait for hotel pickup?

Wait at the main security gate of your hotel 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, a camera, and beachwear. You may also want to bring snorkeling gear, since the tour includes snorkeling stops but does not list equipment as an inclusion.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.