Manavgat River swims, on a floating party boat. This cruise from Side mixes crystal-water breaks with a foam party that turns a lazy day into something you actually talk about later. I like how the boat setup gives you shade and sun options, plus the schedule builds in time to swim instead of racing from one photo spot to another.

Two things I especially like: the big, organized three-floor boat (bars, showers, sun terrace, and a dance area), and the fact that you get multiple chances to jump in the sea and just hang out. One possible drawback to plan for: the onboard photo experience with the parrot is an easy upsell, and a few details like toilet cleanliness are not perfect if that matters a lot to you.

Key Things I’d Watch For Before You Go

• Three-floor boat layout with bars, showers, and a dedicated sun terrace
• Cennet Play as your first, one-hour swim stop with optional jetski
• Lunch included while the grilled chicken and buffet get set up during swimming time
• Second stop near the temples of Apollo and Athena with time to swim or jump from ladders
• Foam party and dance on the second floor during the return trip
• Extra-cost add-ons like local drinks, jetskis, and the onboard photo packages

Hotel Pickup to the Manavgat Pier: How the Day Starts

Your day begins with hotel pickup from the Side area, usually between 08:30 and 09:30. The meeting point is the main gate of your hotel, and the goal is to have you at the pier about half an hour after pickup. If you like smooth starts, this is one of the trips that tends to run in that steady, “everything is timed” way.

The drive itself is part of the vibe. On the way to the river dock, you can look out over forest scenery before you reach the boats at the Manavgat River. It’s not a sightseeing drive like a full tour bus route, but it helps your brain shift from beach mode into “day out on the water” mode.

The 3-Floor Boat Setup: Room to Breathe (and Dance)

Once you’re on board, you’ll see the boat is built for mixing relaxing with play. You move through pretty fast, and the tour starts about 20 minutes after everyone boards.

Here’s how it’s laid out, in plain terms:

• First floor: seating groups, a bar, and showers toward the back
• Second floor: another bar plus a dance floor where the foam party happens
• Third floor: sun terrace for tanning and quiet-ish viewing

I really appreciate that this design means you can choose your mood. Want shade and a drink between swims? First floor. Want music and foam later? Second floor. Want to keep it simple and just soak up sun? Head to the top.

One practical detail: there are 10 showers on the first floor. If you’ve swum twice and you hate that sandy, salty feeling, this is one of those small inclusions you end up being thankful for.

Cruising Out From the River: The First Swim Break at Cennet Play

After the boat heads out through where the Manavgat River meets the sea, the first major pause is your swim break. The stop is named Cennet Play, and you get about one hour there.

This is the moment where the day changes from transportation to vacation. You can swim, sunbathe, and use the beach setup around the moored boat. There’s also the option of jetski, but it’s extra, so treat it like a splurge rather than part of the base price.

If you’re traveling with kids, or you just want a day with less pressure, a one-hour swim stop is a sweet spot. It gives you time to get in the water, take a second swim, and still have time to dry off and enjoy the breeze.

Lunch On Board: Chicken Grilled While You’re in the Water

Lunch is handled onboard during the first swim break. While you’re swimming and taking in views, the kitchen team grills chicken and sets up a buffet. When you return to the boat, you eat from that buffet.

Based on how the day is paced, lunch doesn’t feel like an awkward interruption. It’s timed so you’re not stuck in line at a land restaurant while you’re still craving water time. The menu is also simple, with reviews noting two main options, including chicken and fish.

Do plan for this tradeoff: included lunch is great for value, but it’s not a fine-dining situation. A couple reviews mention the food timing can feel strict once service is pulled back, so if you’re a big snacker, eat sooner rather than later once the buffet opens.

The Run to the Side Peninsula: Dolphins and Sea Turtle Chances

After you leave the first swim area, the cruise continues for about 45 minutes toward the historical Side peninsula region. On the way, the boat may spot wildlife. The route includes a chance to see dolphins and caretta caretta sea turtles.

Seeing dolphins is one of those “you either get lucky or you don’t” moments, and the key point here is that the boat specifically looks for them. If you end up watching the water and nothing appears, you still get a moving, scenic ride along the coast.

This part of the trip is also why it’s worth coming on a boat instead of just catching a beach shuttle. Even if you’re not a boat person, you get those offshore perspectives and the sense of scale that’s hard to recreate from land.

Second Swimming Break by the Temples of Apollo and Athena

Your second swim break is the big “wow, we really went there” stop. It lasts about 45 minutes and takes place in front of the magnificent viewpoint of the temples of Apollo and Athena. If you like mixing ruins with water, this is a fun combo: ancient stone nearby, saltwater beneath you.

During this stop, you can jump from the boat into the sea, and you can also swim using the 10 ladders attached behind the vessel. That ladder setup matters because it keeps things safer and easier than trying to climb from awkward spots.

You’ll also get views of the ancient city of Side while you’re floating nearby. It’s not a guided ruin walk with a museum ticket, but it’s a cool way to see the site’s coastline relationship.

One consideration: this second break is shorter than the first, so if you want extra time in the water, aim to be on the move early once you arrive. Once time starts running, you’ll feel it.

Return Journey with Foam Party on the Second Floor

The return trip brings a shift from swimming mode to party mode. On the way back, there’s dance and a foam party on the second floor. The idea is that you get the fun energy while the boat is moving, so you’re not waiting around for entertainment.

This is the part I’d point out if you’re traveling with groups, teens, or anyone who likes an upbeat atmosphere. It can feel like a moving club for a couple hours, but you can still retreat to other floors if you want a quieter moment.

One review also mentioned a crew member, Cem (pronounced like gem), who led choreography. That gives the foam party structure beyond random jumping in suds. It’s still optional, but it’s one of the reasons the party feels like an activity rather than just a gimmick.

The Third Stop: A Quick Swim at the River Mouth

Before you head back to the pier, you get a short final swim break around 20 minutes when you return to the mouth of the river. It’s not long, but it’s perfect for a last dip, a quick rinse, or one more splash before you go dry.

This final stop also helps you end the day on your own terms. If you’ve had enough, you can relax and just watch the water. If you still want one more swim, you have the chance.

Drinks, Jetskis, and Photos: What Costs Extra

The base price is good value at about $16 per person, but you’ll likely spend a little more if you like extras.

Here’s what’s specifically listed as not included:

• Local drinks like beer, wine, cola, fanta, sprite, water, soda, tea, and coffee
• Jetski
• Turkish tortillas (gözleme)

Two things to know from real experience on this kind of boat day:

1. Drinks can add up fast if you’re ordering throughout the swim breaks.
2. The photo side of the experience has an upsell vibe. There’s a photographer onboard, and there’s also a parrot moment for pictures. One review specifically called out photo pricing of €5 per picture and that the pitch can feel pushy if you don’t want to buy.

If you want zero surprises, set your expectation: the tour gives you swimming, lunch, and foam party in the ticket price, then sells the extras around the edges.

Value for Money From Side: Why This Works as an 8-Hour Day

At 8 hours, this tour hits the sweet spot for people who want time on the water without a whole extra travel day. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, so you are not doing the logistics dance with buses or taxis.

You’re also paying for time and energy. Two swimming breaks plus a short third stop means you’re not just riding around looking at water. And because the boat is big enough to have space for sunbathing, it doesn’t feel like you’re packed shoulder to shoulder for the entire day.

Lunch being included is also a big value win. Even if you don’t go heavy on it, having food onboard means you can focus on the water and not hunt down meals at inconvenient times.

Who This Cruise Is Best For

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A low-stress day out with minimal planning
• A trip with swimming time built in
• An atmosphere that works for a range of ages, with foam and dance on board

You might want to think twice if you’re the type who hates energetic boat parties, or if onboard photo selling drives you crazy. But even then, you can usually escape upstairs to the sun terrace between the loud moments.

Before You Go: Practical Tips That Make the Day Easier

Bring your typical swim-day basics, but with a couple boat-specific tweaks:

• Pack reef-safe sunscreen if you use it, and consider bringing a small towel
• Bring water shoes or something with grip, especially for ladder entry
• If you care about toilets, plan your expectations and be ready for less-than-perfect conditions if you’re sensitive to cleanliness
• If you want a smooth photo moment with the parrot, decide in advance if you’ll buy anything so you are not surprised later
• For drinks, set a budget in your head before you start ordering

Also, if you’re sun sensitive, you’ll want to spend more time on shaded seating on the first floor and less time parked in the strongest sun on the top terrace.

Should You Book the Side to Manavgat River Cruise?

I’d book this if you want an 8-hour day that delivers on the core things: swimming, views, a proper onboard lunch, and a foam party that actually sounds fun instead of childish. The best part is the balance of play and structure, you get planned stops, not just a wandering cruise.

Skip it or choose a different style of excursion if you’re mainly interested in deep historical explanation or a quiet, nature-only boat trip. This one is built around a party atmosphere and multiple swim breaks, so it will feel like a lively vacation day, not a museum day on water.

If you’re good with that, this cruise is a smart value pick from Side, especially for groups, couples who like fun days, and families who want water time without complicated planning.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Side?

The trip runs for about 8 hours.

What time does hotel pickup happen?

Pickup from the Side area is typically between 08:30 and 09:30, with pickup from the main gate of your hotel between 08:30 and 09:00.

Where is the first swimming stop?

The first swimming break is at Cennet Play.

How long are the swimming breaks during the day?

There are three swimming breaks: about 1 hour at Cennet Play, about 45 minutes at the historical Side peninsula area, and about 20 minutes when returning to the mouth of the river.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is prepared onboard, with grilled chicken and a buffet served after you return from the first swim break.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Local drinks like beer, wine, cola, fanta, sprite, water, soda, tea, and coffee are not included.

Is there a foam party on the boat?

Yes. The foam party and dance happen on the second floor during the return journey.