Boat time in Side can be a whole vibe. This Blau Laguna trip is built for a day of sun, swimming breaks, and family-friendly entertainment, with air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off, plus lunch on board. If you want a low-effort outing where you can pick and choose what you join in, this one fits.

I also like that you’re not locked into every activity. You can watch, snorkel, swim, or just hang out while the boat moves between the Manavgat area, Side, and Colakli—and there’s a local guide to keep things moving. One consideration: the onboard experience can run loud, with music and microphone announcements that may feel more like a party boat than a quiet cruise.

Quick take: key points before you go

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Side keeps the day simple
• Lunch is included while you’re out on the water
• A local guide in English helps you get oriented
• Swim time is the main event, not a museum-style day
• Max group size is 45, so you’re not stuck in an endless crowd
• Entertainment is part of the package, including a foam dance moment

Price and What You Actually Get for Your $42

At around $42 per person, you’re basically paying for three things: transport, food, and guided organization. The boat day includes hotel pickup and drop-off plus lunch. That makes it easier to justify than piecing together separate transport and a meal.

If your plan is to spend the day on or near the water—swimming, relaxing, maybe hopping into a short extra activity—you’ll likely feel like this is good value. If you mainly want quiet sightseeing, you might find the energy level higher than you expect.

The good news? You’re not stuck paying extra for the “core” parts. Lunch comes with the trip, and you’ll have a local guide keeping the day on schedule.

Your 7-Hour Flow: Manavgat to Side to Colakli

This is an approximately 7-hour outing that starts at 8:30 am with pickup from hotels across Side. The routing focuses on getting you out on the water early and keeping the day moving, with several stops that give you time for breaks rather than long, exhausting land excursions.

You’ll spend time in the Manavgat area (listed twice in the route). Practically, that usually means you get some of the river-to-sea transition scenery, then more open-water time once you’re out by the Mediterranean.

Next comes Side, which acts like a coastal reset point in the day. After that, the trip continues to Colakli, where the schedule typically favors a “hang out and swim” stretch for beach-and-water time.

What to expect from the timing: it’s not set up like a slow, meandering cruise. It’s more like a structured water day with stops that come and go.

Manavgat River-to-Sea Time: Where the Day Becomes About Swimming

The Manavgat portion of the trip is where your mindset should shift from sightseeing to water time. Even if you’re not the type to chase attractions, this segment is usually when you feel the change: the boat feels more “at sea” than “tour-bus on water.”

This is also the part of the day where you can get the most out of just being outside. You’ll have time for relaxing, photos, and getting comfortable in the swim rhythm.

If you like optional activities, keep your expectations flexible. There’s at least one short, paid activity window that some people jump into during the early part of the day, and you’ll see how the crew sets up that portion once you’re on board.

The Side Stop: Quick Break, Not a Full Sightseeing Day

The Side stop works best if you treat it as a breather. Think less “major landmark tour” and more “coastal pause” in the middle of a full day.

If you’re hoping for a long, dedicated time to explore on land, this probably won’t be your day. The trip’s value is the water and the lunch, not an on-foot guided tour.

Still, a short Side stop can be helpful because it gives you a moment to reset—use the time, grab a few photos, and get back on board ready for the later swim stretch.

Colakli Swim and Beach Time: The Moment Most People Remember

Colakli is where the itinerary energy shifts again toward relaxation. This is the stop that tends to stick in your head, because it’s the one most tied to actual beach-and-water time.

One thing to be ready for: the beach window can be short. If you show up hoping for hours on the sand, adjust your plan. For many people, this is the moment to quickly do what you came for—swim, cool off, then enjoy the rest of the day without rushing.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is also where it helps to have a simple game plan. Pick a target: one swim, one snack, one quick walk, then back on the boat.

Lunch on the Boat: Included, Convenient, and the Real Time-Saver

Lunch is included, which is a big deal on a day that’s mostly on the water. You won’t waste time figuring out where to eat or trying to match restaurant hours to a boat schedule.

In practice, the lunch portion turns the trip into something you can do without extra logistics. That means you can focus on the fun parts: cooling off, enjoying the ride, and spending time with your group.

The main thing to remember is that drinks aren’t included. So you’ll want to decide ahead of time how you’ll handle hydration. If you tend to drink a lot of water in the heat, plan for paying onboard or having a strategy that works for you.

The Onboard Vibe: Entertainers, Loud Music, and a Foam Dance Moment

This is the part that can make or break the day depending on your style. The trip is family-oriented, and the entertainment crew runs the microphone throughout the experience. If your perfect boat trip is quiet and scenic, you’ll likely feel the volume.

There’s also a foam dance segment in the middle of the day. People who enjoy “active party energy” usually love it. People who prefer a calmer swim experience may feel it’s too much.

Here’s the practical takeaway: if you’re sensitive to loud music or announcements, consider bringing ear protection and staying mindful about where you sit on the boat when the foam segment starts.

If you’re traveling with kids, the energy can be a win. It helps them stay engaged instead of becoming bored halfway through the day.

Drinks, Water, and Small Costs That Add Up

The trip includes lunch, but not drinks. That means you’ll likely buy water and other beverages onboard during the hotter moments.

I’d plan on bringing cash for onboard extras, especially if you want to try things sold during the ride. One review detail that’s worth taking seriously: there can be restrictions around bringing your own water, so don’t assume you can bring everything you need from the start.

This isn’t about being dramatic. It’s about preventing an annoying situation when everyone’s thirsty and the boat store is the only option.

Comfort Check: Pickup, Air-Conditioning, and What to Watch For

Pickup and drop-off are included, and the trip is set up for easy door-to-door convenience from Side hotels. That saves you time and reduces the stress of figuring out transport when you’re dressed for swimming and sun.

On comfort: the trip includes air-conditioned transportation for pickup and drop-off. That’s ideal in Turkey’s warm weather. Still, based on real-world experiences, comfort can vary across days and vehicles, so don’t treat this as a guarantee of perfectly cool ride conditions the entire time.

On the boat, comfort is another practical factor. If you’re the type who needs a super clean, roomy vessel to relax, inspect the reality when you board. If it’s not your scene, try to spend your time on the deck and in the water instead of expecting spa-level comfort.

Who This Boat Trip Is Best For

This trip fits best if your definition of vacation includes water time, a simple schedule, and activities that keep kids entertained.

You’ll probably like it if:

• you want a day with pickup, lunch, and swim breaks handled for you
• you’re traveling with family and need on-the-go structure
• you’re okay with onboard entertainment and higher energy

You should think twice if:

• you want a quiet, scenic cruise where you can hear yourself think
• you’re picky about boat cleanliness or basic comfort
• you plan to rely on bringing everything you need for heat and hydration without paying onboard

The good part is the “choose-your-own” feel. You can participate in what interests you and skip what doesn’t.

Should You Book Blau Laguna from Side?

Book it if you want a straightforward family-friendly Med day with hotel pickup, lunch included, and multiple chances to cool off. The price is reasonable for what’s bundled, and the itinerary is built around water time, not long land detours.

Hold off if loud music and foam-party energy sound like a headache. Add ear protection to your packing list either way, and bring some money for onboard extras and drinks since that part isn’t included.

If your ideal trip is a relaxing cruise, aim to sit strategically and plan for the entertainment moments. If your ideal trip is active fun on the water, this boat day delivers.

FAQ

What time does the Blau Laguna boat trip from Side start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup included, and where is pickup from?

Yes. Pickup is offered from all hotels in Side.

Is the tour guided?

Yes, a local guide is included.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a local guide.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

What’s the group size limit?

This tour/activity has a maximum of 45 travelers.