City of Side: Side & Caretta Bay Boat Trip w/ Lunch & Drinks

Side in a few hours, plus a foam party. That combination is the reason this boat trip feels different. You get unlimited soft drinks on board and the day’s main entertainment is a foam party you won’t forget. One thing to plan around: you’ll be in swim gear more than once, so pack smart or you’ll be uncomfortable for the rest of the day.

I like that the tour mixes classic scenery with real time in the water. You cruise along the Manavgat River, then cool off with a swim break in turquoise Caretta Bay. The slight trade-off is that photos aren’t included, so bring your camera (or be ready to buy extra if that’s offered separately).

This is a 6-hour half-day outing that starts with hotel pickup, includes lunch, and keeps you on a tight, simple schedule. If you’re after a laid-back day away from the streets of Side, this format works well.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Foam party onboard that turns the boat into the day’s big event
• Manavgat River cruise with time to take in Side from the water
• Caretta Bay swim in clear, turquoise water
• Lunch + non-alcoholic drinks served during the trip
• Temple of Apollo viewpoint for easy photo stops and city views
• Bring-a-bag essentials matter here because you’ll swim and get changed

Foam Party Meets Side’s Coastline: The Big Picture

This is a boat tour built around two moods: sightseeing from the water, and play time at sea. The sightseeing part is straightforward but satisfying—you’ll see Side’s coastline approach-by-approach as the boat moves along the Manavgat River and toward the sea. Then the energy spikes with the foam party, which is the kind of group fun that makes boat days feel like a memory, not just transportation.

What makes it worth your time is the balance. Many boat tours either focus on views or on activities. This one gives you both: a proper sightseeing segment with the Temple of Apollo photo moment, plus swim breaks, plus a foam party. If you’re traveling with kids, teens, or just someone who likes silly at the right time, the foam party is the emotional payoff.

The other important detail is what you don’t have to micromanage. Lunch and non-alcoholic drinks are handled for you, and you don’t need to keep track of ordering mid-day. You do still need to handle your own comfort: sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel matter because the day is built around water time.

Getting to the Boat From Side: Pickup, Timing, and Comfort

You’ll be picked up from your hotel by bus and then taken to the boat. The same happens in reverse at the end of the trip with hotel drop-off included. This is a big part of the value: you’re not spending your morning figuring out transport, parking, or timing.

The tour runs for about 6 hours, which usually makes it a sweet spot. You get a full experience without turning the day into a long haul. Starting times depend on availability, so if you’re trying to fit it around your other plans, check what departures fit your schedule.

Accessibility is also built into the basics: the tour is wheelchair accessible. That matters because boarding and moving on boats can be a hassle elsewhere. If you use a wheelchair, you’ll still want to double-check details with the operator when you book, but it’s at least flagged as accessible.

Cruising the Manavgat River and Taking Side From the Water

The core water route is a cruise along the Manavgat River. This section is where you get the easiest “from-the-water” perspective of Side. Streets and temples are one thing; seeing the coastline and the city edges from a boat makes your photos look more layered and gives you a better sense of how the area sits.

You’ll also have views connected to major Side sights. The tour specifically includes great views of Side, and you’ll have time to take photos of the Temple of Apollo. You don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy this—think of it as the postcard moment. When the boat angle and timing are right, you can capture the temple area without fighting crowds in the hot sun.

A practical note: don’t assume you’ll have unlimited photo time. The tour keeps a half-day rhythm, so bring your camera ready and do the usual stuff early: charge devices, clear memory, and set your preferred photo settings before you’re on deck.

Lunch and Drinks on Board: What’s Included and What Costs Extra

Food on a boat trip can be hit-or-miss, but here you’re covered for lunch. The day also includes non-alcoholic drinks. Depending on the option you choose, soft drinks can be included as unlimited—cola, fanta, sprite, and water are specifically listed.

Alcoholic drinks aren’t included. Tea, coffee, and ice-cream are also listed as not included. If you’re the type who needs a caffeine hit or you love a sweet dessert mid-tour, plan on either passing or paying extra.

Why this matters: if you’re budgeting tightly, you can treat this like a predictable meal deal—lunch is handled and drinks are mostly handled too (if the soft drink option is selected). If you’re budgeting loosely and want to try extras, at least you’ll know what to expect before you board.

One more thing: food and drinks aren’t allowed on board outside what the tour provides. That’s common for tour safety and cleanliness. So pack only what you’re allowed to bring and rely on what’s served.

Swim Breaks in Caretta Bay: Turquoise Water Time

The swim portion is the “stop what you’re doing and just enjoy” part. You’ll cool off in the ocean and then do swimming in the crystal waters of Caretta Bay. This isn’t a quick splash either—the tour includes a dedicated swim break, so you’re not constantly climbing back and forth.

What I recommend for your sanity:

• Bring a towel, because you’ll want to dry off before you get too chilly.
• Pack a change of clothes. The tour notes that you can change at the end of the trip and that showers are available, which is great if you’re worried about foam residue or salt water.

If you hate sand on your skin, bring sandals you can wear comfortably on deck and around bathroom areas. The tour specifically suggests sandals for a reason.

And yes, bring sunscreen. Even if you’re sitting in the shade part of the time, boat days add up fast—sun hits from weird angles and reflections off water.

The Foam Party: Fun, Messy, and Usually the Best Part of the Day

Let’s talk about the foam party. This is the highlight, and it’s the main reason many people choose this kind of trip. The operator includes the foam party as part of the experience, and you should plan to participate for it to feel like a full day.

Foam parties can be messy in a very specific way: your hair, skin, and swimsuit can end up with residue. That’s why the “bring a change” advice isn’t optional. With showers onboard, you’ll be able to rinse off, but you’ll still want a dry outfit afterward so you don’t end the day damp and uncomfortable.

If you’re traveling with friends or family, this is the moment people end up laughing the most. It’s not subtle fun—it’s group fun, and the boat setting makes it feel bigger than it would on land.

What to Pack for a 6-Hour Boat Day in Side

This is one of those tours where your packing list actually changes your experience. The essentials are clear, and I’d follow them:

• Swimwear (don’t forget it)
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Sandals
• Camera
• Sunscreen

Also think about what you wear on arrival. You’ll be picked up and you’ll board with travel clothes on your body, so wear something easy to slip out of and into. Bring a small bag you can keep with you during the day, so you aren’t hunting for your sunscreen or towel when you’re already hot.

Since pets and outside food/drinks aren’t allowed, pack only what fits inside the rules—your body, your sun protection, and your camera are the real priority.

Price and Value: Is $25 Worth It?

At about $25 per person for a 6-hour trip, the value comes from what’s included: hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, a guided experience, insurance during the tour, and the foam party.

Here’s how I’d judge it in plain terms:

• If you want a boat day with swim time plus a lunch and drinks plan, the included meals and drinks reduce your on-the-spot spending.
• If you’re chasing a pure sightseeing experience with zero water play, this might feel like more party than you need.
• If you’re flexible and want something fun that still includes the Side photo moment (Temple of Apollo), it’s a good deal for the time.

Most importantly, the foam party and swim breaks are not add-ons you have to hunt down. They’re built into the day.

The overall rating for the experience is 3.7 out of 5 based on 52 reviews. That’s not “perfect,” but it suggests a real mix of expectations. In the comments tied to the high scores, the main themes are good fun, a smooth experience, and satisfaction with booking again. So if you’re booking with the right mindset—boat day, swim breaks, and playful energy—you’re most likely to leave happy.

Who Should Book This Side Boat Trip

I’d point you here if you:

• Want a half-day plan that doesn’t require planning chaos
• Like water time and don’t mind getting a little messy
• Want the Side views plus a very “vacation” onboard activity
• Travel with friends or family who enjoy group fun like foam parties

I’d think twice if you:

• Dislike foam, messy activities, or being in swim gear multiple times
• Expect a quiet, mostly silent sightseeing cruise
• Care deeply about photos being included (they’re not included)

For solo travelers: this can still be a solid choice because the foam party and onboard entertainment naturally create conversation. Just be ready for a group atmosphere.

Should You Book City of Side: Side & Caretta Bay Boat Trip?

Book it if your ideal day looks like this: get picked up, cruise along the Manavgat River, eat lunch on board, swim in Caretta Bay, take a few great photos around Side (including the Temple of Apollo angle), and then let the foam party handle the fun.

Skip it if you want a calm, culture-only tour with no messy, water-focused moments. The day is built around swimming and the big foam event. If that’s your kind of vacation, the $25 price starts to make sense fast because the included lunch, drinks option, and pickup are already a chunk of the cost elsewhere.

FAQ

How long is the Side & Caretta Bay Boat Trip?

The duration is 6 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, the foam party, a tour guide, and insurance during the tour are included.

Are non-alcoholic drinks included?

Non-alcoholic drinks are provided. Soft drinks (cola, fanta, sprite, and water) are listed as not included unless you select the soft drinks option.

Is alcohol included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is there a swim break?

Yes. There are swim breaks, including swimming in the turquoise waters of Caretta Bay.

Do I get to take photos of the Temple of Apollo?

The tour includes great views of Side and time to take photos of the famous Temple of Apollo. Photos are not included as a separate service.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sandals, a camera, and sunscreen.

Are showers available?

Yes. There are showers, and you can bring extra clothes to change at the end of the tour.

What languages is the tour guide?

The live tour guide is available in German and English.

Can I cancel?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option.