Side Town:Side & Caretta Bay Boat Tour With Lunch and Drinks

The foam party is the big finish on this Side boat trip, but the best moments come earlier: calm river views, a look back at the ancient city, and a swim in Caretta Bay’s clear Mediterranean water. I like the included hotel transfer and unlimited soft drinks, which keep the day simple and help the $35 price feel fair.

I also like that lunch is included and that the boat gives you a different view of the Temple of Apollo. The main drawback is crowding. One recent trip felt too full, with people having to squeeze past one another, so this is better for families and social groups than for anyone seeking a quiet sail.

Key points to know before booking

• Caretta Bay is the main swim stop: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera for the turquoise water.
• Side’s ancient city looks best from the boat: You can photograph the Temple of Apollo from offshore without spending the day on an archaeological visit.
• Lunch is included, but keep expectations modest: A recent meal was described as adequate rather than lavish, with small portions.
• The foam party is aimed at fun, not peace and quiet: It is a lively end to the cruise and may suit children especially well.
• Soft drinks are included, alcohol is not: Coffee, ice cream, snacks, and alcoholic drinks require extra payment.
• The group may feel crowded: This matters if you value personal space or want a relaxed deck seat.

A long half-day on the water from Side

This tour lasts about 7.5 hours, so it takes up most of your day rather than just a quick morning or afternoon. A bus collects you from your hotel, then you spend the day on a boat moving between the Manavgat River, the coast, and Caretta Bay.

I see the format as an easy holiday outing. You do not need to arrange transport to the harbor, plan a restaurant stop, or carry a large supply of drinks. Lunch and non-alcoholic drinks are included, and an English, German, or Polish-speaking guide is available.

The tradeoff is that this is a shared boat experience. The activity is built around music, swimming, food, and entertainment rather than a small group or a quiet guide-led trip. If you enjoy meeting people and having a full day of activity, that energy should work well. If you want a private boat or a slow coastal cruise, look elsewhere.

The operator is Murat Atalay Seyahat Acentası. Pickup times vary, so you need to check availability for the exact start time when booking.

From the Manavgat River to the Mediterranean

The cruise begins with the Manavgat River, giving you a change of scenery before the boat reaches open water. The river section is a pleasant part of the day because you can watch the banks pass by at an easy pace instead of heading straight into the usual swim-and-lunch routine.

You will have time to sit, take photographs, and enjoy the surroundings before the swimming stops. Sunglasses and a sun hat are useful here, especially if you plan to stay on deck. Sunscreen is essential, since several hours on a boat can catch you out even on a breezy day.

The river ride also helps explain the area’s geography. Side is not only an ancient coastal town. It sits near the Manavgat River and a long Mediterranean shoreline, so this outing lets you see both sides of the region in one day.

Do not expect a detailed cultural cruise with long historical talks. The supplied information promises a tour guide and views of Side, but the main focus is recreation. The ancient sights are part of the scenery, not the central lesson.

Side’s ancient city from the boat

One of the more enjoyable parts of the cruise is the view back toward Side’s old city. From the water, the ruins have a broad setting that is difficult to get from a street-level walk through town.

The Temple of Apollo is the key photo subject. Have your camera ready when the boat reaches the Side coastline, since the view may be brief and the boat may not pause for a full archaeological explanation.

This is a good choice if you want a taste of Side’s past without committing to a separate ruins tour. You can combine ancient columns and sea views in the same outing, then return to swimming and lunch.

Still, you should keep your expectations in check. The boat view does not replace visiting the ancient city on foot. You will not get the same close look at the temple, theater, streets, or other remains. I would treat this as a scenic introduction, then visit Side’s ruins separately if ancient sites are a main reason for your trip.

Lunch, soft drinks, and the real value of $35

At $35 per person, the package is priced as a straightforward full-day holiday excursion. Hotel pickup, drop-off, the boat, a guide, lunch, travel insurance, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks are included.

That bundle matters in Antalya Province, where separate transport and meals can quickly add to the cost of a day out. You also avoid the hassle of finding your own way to the departure point.

Lunch includes a selection of fresh dishes, but I would not book this for a special food experience. One recent meal was considered acceptable but came in a small portion. That is useful information if you have a large appetite or dietary needs, though the supplied details do not list specific menu choices or special diet arrangements.

Soft drinks are included, which is a real plus under the Mediterranean sun. Coffee, ice cream, snacks, alcohol, and personal purchases are not included. Carry some cash for those extras, as advised for the trip.

The price looks strongest for families and groups who plan to use the included drinks and transfer. It is less attractive if you do not want a full day on a shared boat or expect generous restaurant-quality food.

Caretta Bay and the first swim break

The swim at Caretta Bay is the tour’s clearest appeal. You can get into the turquoise Mediterranean water, cool off, and spend time away from the heat of the deck.

Bring your swimsuit under your clothes if possible, plus a towel, waterproof protection for your phone or camera, and plenty of sunscreen. A camera is worth packing, but protect it carefully around the water and foam equipment.

The first swim stop may also include an offer for a jet ski ride. A recent price was €40 for 10 minutes. One child who chose this activity returned after about five minutes, so confirm the exact length and terms before paying. The jet ski is an optional extra, not part of the advertised price.

The swimming stop is likely to be more enjoyable for confident swimmers and families who are comfortable with open-water conditions. The supplied details do not specify water depth, ladders, changing facilities, or accessibility, so you should ask the operator if any of those points matter to you.

The boat atmosphere and possible crowding

The crew has been described as friendly and not pushy, which is good news on a boat where extra purchases are available. You may be offered photos, jet ski rides, drinks, and other items, but the crew was also described as polite.

Space is the bigger concern. A recent trip felt crowded, with passengers needing to squeeze past one another. That can affect your ability to find a comfortable seat, move around the deck, or enjoy a quiet view.

The boat atmosphere is likely to suit you if you enjoy music, children’s entertainment, and a social setting. It is less suitable for a romantic, low-key cruise. If you are traveling with young children, the activity-packed format may keep them interested, but you should expect noise and movement.

Try to stay flexible about where you sit. The boat will be shared, and the most popular viewing spots may fill quickly. Keep valuables close and use your hat and sunglasses, since exposed deck space offers little escape from the sun.

The foam party on the return journey

The foam party is the most playful part of the day. Foam is sprayed on the boat while music and entertainment turn the return trip into a party rather than a quiet ride back.

This feature is especially aimed at families with children and anyone who enjoys a little silly holiday fun. It gives the trip a clear finish and breaks up the long return journey.

You should not expect a refined evening event. It is a casual boat party, and you will probably want swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Keep cameras and phones protected unless you are happy for them to get wet or covered in foam.

The foam party also tells you a lot about the overall character of the excursion. This is not primarily a sightseeing boat with a few swimming stops added on. It is a recreation day that combines scenery, food, swimming, music, and a final burst of entertainment.

Photo sales and extra costs to watch

Photography is not included. Crew members may take posed and action photographs during the trip, including photos with Aras, and those images are offered for sale afterward.

A recent photo package was priced at €120, which is a major extra compared with the $35 tour cost. You can decline the purchase, so do not feel obliged to buy a set simply because photographs were taken.

The same rule applies to alcohol, coffee, ice cream, snacks, and jet ski rides. The best way to keep the outing close to the advertised price is to bring sunscreen, water-friendly essentials, and cash only for extras you genuinely want.

This is also why reading the inclusions carefully matters. Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks does not mean all drinks are free, and lunch does not mean every food item sold on the boat is covered.

Who will enjoy this Side cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a simple, active day with transport handled for you. It suits families, couples who enjoy casual group activities, and friends who want swimming and entertainment without planning each detail themselves.

It is also useful if you want to see Side from the water but do not need a full guided tour of the ruins. The views of the ancient city and Temple of Apollo add cultural interest to what could otherwise be a basic beach outing.

You may want to skip it if you dislike crowded boats, loud entertainment, or optional sales. It is not the right choice for a quiet private cruise, a serious food tour, or a detailed archaeology experience.

The activity currently carries a 3.2 rating from three reviews, so I would keep the expectations practical. The strongest points are the punctual, comfortable transfer, attractive views, friendly crew, swimming, and fun foam party. The weaker points are crowding, modest lunch portions, and the high price of optional photos.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Those policies are useful if your holiday schedule is still changing.

Should you book the Caretta Bay boat tour?

Book this tour if you want a good-value activity package rather than a polished luxury cruise. At $35, the hotel transport, boat ride, lunch, soft drinks, swimming, Side views, and foam party make a convincing bundle.

Go in expecting a shared boat, a simple meal, optional paid extras, and a lively atmosphere. Bring your own towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, camera, and some cash. If you can accept the crowding and keep the photo and jet ski offers in perspective, this is an easy way to put a full day of sea time into your Side holiday.

FAQ

How long does the Side Caretta Bay boat tour last?

The tour lasts 7.5 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off by bus are included in the tour price.

What food is included?

Lunch is included, with a choice of fresh dishes. The available information does not provide a full menu.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks are included. Alcoholic drinks, coffee, ice cream, and snacks are not included.

Which languages are available?

Guiding is available in English, German, and Polish.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The tour includes swimming stops in the Mediterranean, including Caretta Bay.

Is the foam party included?

Yes. The foam party is part of the boat entertainment and takes place during the return journey.

Does the price include photographs?

No. Photos are not included. Personal expenses and photo purchases are extra.

Can I cancel the booking?

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