Manavgat lets you swim in two waters, and this Side boat day comes with free hotel transfer and lunch included. It is a simple half-day-ish escape on a multi-deck boat, with a fun return that includes a foam party, so you get both the water and the onboard energy.

I love that the day is built for convenience, not logistics. Meet at the main entrance gate of your hotel (not the reception), and you will find a boat set up for real comfort, including toilets and outside showers.

I also love the main event: the chance to swim right where the Manavgat River meets the Mediterranean, so you can compare the cooler river water to the warmer sea water. One possible drawback is that the Side stops are brief, so this is more water time than a full sightseeing tour of Side on land.

Key points before you go

• Swim in river plus sea water at the Manavgat Sea junction
• Pickup from Side hotels with a clear meeting rule, main entrance gate, not reception
• Lunch and unlimited soft drinks included, with alcohol extra
• Foam party on the return trip with upbeat music onboard
• Good onboard setup on a pirate-style, multi-deck boat with toilets and outside showers
• Small-group feel for a day trip, capped at a maximum of 100 travelers

Value check: $25 for pickup, lunch, and a full day on the water

At around $25 per person, this is one of those Side tours that feels priced for everyone, not just repeat sailors. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided experience, lunch, and unlimited soft drinks, plus the entertainment factor of a foam party. That is a lot packed into a day that typically runs about 6 to 7 hours.

Alcohol is not included. That is normal for Turkey boat tours, but it matters for your budget. If you plan to drink beer or cocktails all day, this can stop being a bargain. If you stick to soft drinks and just enjoy the water fun, you’ll feel like you got your money’s worth.

Also, the group size is capped at 100 travelers. That helps the day feel less chaotic than you might expect from a popular shoreline area, especially during the swim breaks.

Getting picked up in Side: the meeting rule that can save you time

Start time is 9:00 am, so treat the morning like you would a museum ticket, be early and be ready. The key detail is where you meet: most Side hotels have privacy rules, so you need to go to the main entrance gate, not the reception.

It is also smart to double-check your timing the night before. A prompt pickup is a huge part of whether these tours feel smooth. When the driver is on time, the whole day stays easy. When you miss the meeting spot, you can lose a chunk of the morning.

You’ll get a mobile ticket. That is convenient, and it also means you should keep your phone charged, especially if you are bouncing around Side before pickup.

Stop 1 in Side: the river mouth where you can swim twice

The first stop is at the point where the Manavgat River meets the Mediterranean Sea. The day starts with scenery that feels very “you are exactly where the action is.” And yes, this is one of those rare spots where you can actually swim in both water types.

Expect about 30 minutes at this stop. That is enough time to:

• Get a quick look around
• Change into your swim gear
• Take a short dip and feel the difference between cooler river water and warmer sea water

This is not a long shore excursion. If you love relaxing on land, taking photos, and wandering at length, you might wish for more time. But for most people, that first swim break is the highlight, because you are starting the day cool and refreshed.

Manavgat River cruise: why the middle of the day matters most

The heart of the trip is the Manavgat River portion, sailing on a spacious, multi-deck boat. During this part of the cruise, you’ll head into the river and follow the water into a calmer, greener-feeling stretch than the open sea.

Then the boat anchors for the main swimming break at the junction, where the river water meets the Mediterranean. This is the moment you came for, because the water temperatures can feel noticeably different.

You get a solid block of time here, about 6 hours total on the water stage, so you’re not rushed through the day. It’s also long enough for lunch and for real down time between dips.

One extra detail that can make the cruise feel special: on at least one sailing, the crew adjusted plans to look for dolphins after hearing they were in the area. You should not count on wildlife sightings like a guarantee, but it tells you the crew is paying attention and willing to add little moments when conditions allow.

If you bring your snorkelling equipment, this is a good place to use it. The tour specifically mentions you can bring your own snorkelling gear, and the swimming stop happens right at the junction where the water changes.

Return to Side with the foam party and music

As the day winds down, you head back toward Side. The final Side stop is short, about 30 minutes, and it’s more about getting one last chance to enjoy the vibe than it is about long sightseeing.

The fun part is onboard. The crew organizes a foam party with upbeat music during the return trip. This is the kind of thing that turns a boat ride into a memory, especially for kids and anyone who likes to laugh at themselves while dancing in the spray.

The tour is also described as family-friendly. In real terms, that means the energy is high enough for children to enjoy, but the day is still organized enough that adults can relax between the swim moments.

When the cruise finishes, you return to the port and then get driven back to your hotel in a comfortable car.

Lunch, soft drinks, and the alcohol reality

Lunch is included, and you also get unlimited soft drinks. That is a big deal on these hot-water days. You can pace your hydration without thinking about buying water in small bottles every time you get thirsty.

Vegetarian alternatives are available for lunch, but you need to request them when booking. If you are vegetarian or you have dietary needs, do not assume it will happen automatically.

Alcoholic drinks are not included. A bar is available onboard, and alcoholic drinks can be purchased. So plan your spending if you want to add beer or something stronger to your day.

As for food quality, the vibe is what you’d want from a bargain day trip: filling, and served as part of the onboard schedule, not as a random roadside stop.

What to bring for lagoon swimming in Side

This kind of trip is all about comfort once you hit the water. The tour gives solid swim-day prep advice, and I agree with it.

Bring:

• Sun cream and sunglasses, because you will be in the sun for long stretches
• A swimming costume
• A towel
• Comfortable shoes or sneakers that you can wear in the water
• If you like snorkelling, bring your own snorkelling equipment

Also, keep in mind that the boat has outside showers, so you are not stuck with salt water on your skin for the whole rest of your day. That is a small detail, but it makes the end of the trip feel more normal.

If you hate carrying wet stuff, pack a zip bag or waterproof pouch in your day bag. You’ll thank yourself when you get back to your hotel.

Timing and planning: fit this into your Side itinerary

Start time is 9:00 am and the day runs about 6 to 7 hours. That usually means:

• Morning activities should be light, you want to be calm before pickup
• Plan something relaxed after you return, because you’ll be sun-tired even if the ride is fun
• If you want other Side highlights that day, choose ones close to your hotel or your dinner spot

The trip is best when you treat it like the main event of the day. You’re not just checking a box, you’re getting swims, lunch, and a full onboard party moment.

Who should book this boat trip, and who might want a different one

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A straightforward Side water day with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Swim breaks at a spot where river meets sea
• A day with a built-in party moment (the foam party)
• A family-friendly atmosphere

It can also work well for couples and friend groups who want something fun without planning a complex route.

You might skip it if:

• You want lots of walking and long sightseeing on land in Side. The dock stops are short.
• You need alcohol included in the price.
• You cannot handle weather uncertainty. The experience requires good weather.

Should you book the Side Blau Laguna boat trip?

If you are in Side and you want an easy, value-priced boat day with real swim time, this is a strong booking choice. The combination of pickup, lunch, unlimited soft drinks, and a foam party makes it feel like more than just a simple ride.

Book it if your priority is water time, not long shore wandering. And if you plan your day around the 9:00 am start, bring swim gear and water shoes, and meet at the main entrance gate, everything should run the way you want.

If you’re on the fence, think about one question: do you want to spend your day in the sun on a boat with swim breaks, or do you want a detailed land itinerary? This one is clearly built for the water.

FAQ

Where do I meet for hotel pickup in Side?

Meet at the main entrance gate of your hotel, not the reception. This is important because many hotels in the Side region have privacy rules.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the boat trip?

It typically lasts about 6 to 7 hours.

Is lunch included, and can I request a vegetarian option?

Lunch is included. Vegetarian alternatives are available if you request them when booking.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not included, but you can buy them onboard.

Is there a foam party during the trip?

Yes. The crew organizes a foam party with upbeat music during the return trip.

Can I swim at the river mouth and the sea?

Yes. The trip includes swimming at the point where the Manavgat River meets the Mediterranean Sea, and you can swim in both river and sea water.

What should I bring for swimming?

Bring sun cream, sunglasses, a swimming costume, a towel, and comfortable shoes or sneakers that work in the water. You can also bring your own snorkelling equipment.

What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.