Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour with Foam Party and Lunch

If you’re exploring Side, Turkey, and looking for a lively, full-day adventure on the water, the Dolphin Island Boat Tour is worth considering. This approximately 9-hour trip offers a blend of swimming, partying, and scenic cruising, all wrapped up with a delicious barbecue lunch. The tour is known for its fun atmosphere, engaging guides, and affordable price point — just $30 per person.

What really catches our eye about this experience is the lively onboard foam parties and the chance to visit Dolphin Island, which promises a relaxed setting for swimming and soaking up the sun. However, some travelers note that the tour can feel a bit busy, especially during peak season, so it’s worth going in with flexible expectations. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy social activities, family outings, or simply want an active day on the sea without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $30, this tour provides a lot of value, including lunch, transport, and entertainment.
• Fun-Filled Atmosphere: Foam parties, games, and music onboard make it ideal for those wanting a lively experience.
• Multiple Swimming Stops: The itinerary includes several swim breaks at scenic spots like Manavgat Bosphorus and Karaburun Bay.
• Inclusive Transport: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics hassle-free.
• Limited Time on Dolphin Island: You get about 45 minutes here to swim and enjoy the foam party, perfect for a quick but memorable visit.
• Family-Friendly: According to reviews, children especially enjoy the playful environment and engaging guides.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Departure and First Swim at Manavgat Bosphorus

The day kicks off early at 8:30 am with hotel pick-up, which is a big plus if you’re staying in Side or nearby. The boat departs from a river area, offering a scenic setting as you set sail along the coast. The first stop at Manavgat Bosphorus takes about 45 minutes, giving everyone a chance to splash around and get comfortable on the water. Reviewers like Navjeetsingh_S mention how jumping into the sea was a “fabulous experience” for the whole family, highlighting how accessible and fun this initial swim is.

Lunch on the Boat

Once back on board, you’ll find a self-serve barbecue lunch, which includes options like fish or chicken with rice and salad. The meals receive praise for their tastiness—Kelly_O notes the food as “delicious,” and many appreciate the casual, buffet-style setup that lets you eat at your own pace. The fact that lunch is included makes this a good value, especially considering the typical costs of eating out in tourist areas.

Dolphin Island: The Main Attraction

After lunch, the boat heads to Dolphin Island, a highlight of this tour. Here, you’ll have roughly 45 minutes to swim and enjoy the foam party. The reviews reveal that this part is especially popular; Navjeetsingh_S mentions that their 7-year-old “still talks about” jumping into the sea, and the foam party is described as “fabulous” by other travelers. The free time here is enough to relax, take photos, and play in the foam, although some might wish for a bit more time to truly unwind.

Time at Karaburun Bay

Next, the boat stops at Karaburun Bay, another swimming haven with lively foam parties and a relaxing ambiance. This stop lasts around 45 minutes. Reviewers like Chris_M appreciate the seamless experience, noting that the staff was attentive, and the guides made the trip smooth and enjoyable.

Final Swim and Return

The last swimming break takes place at Manavgat Bosphorus again, about 40 minutes, giving everyone a chance to cool off before heading back. Throughout the day, the lively music, games, and dancing onboard keep the energy high—making it clear that this trip is as much about fun as it is about sightseeing.

End of the Day

The tour concludes with hotel drop-offs, making logistics stress-free. The group size is capped at around 115 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable atmosphere. The tour’s multilingual guide helps ensure everyone stays informed and entertained throughout.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

The standout feature of this trip is the foam party onboard, which turns a typical boat ride into a floating dance party. Reviewers highlight the excellent staff, with Navjeetsingh_S praising the crew for being “very good” and Kelly_O mentioning how the whole family felt fully entertained. The guides’ knowledge, combined with the fun atmosphere, creates an experience that’s engaging for all ages.

Another highlight is the scenic sailing along Side’s coast, which offers picturesque views. The stops are well-chosen: Manavgat Bosphorus provides a calm, scenic swimming spot, while Dolphin Island offers a more playful, lively environment. The inclusion of lunch, transportation, and insurance makes the overall package quite convenient and cost-effective.

Practical Considerations

Given the itinerary’s packed nature, this tour is best suited for those who want a full day of activity. It’s not an overly relaxing cruise but rather an energetic journey filled with swimming, dancing, and socializing. Keep in mind that sun protection is essential—reviewers recommend bringing plenty of sunscreen, as you’ll be out on the open sea.

The price point of $30 offers excellent value, especially with lunch and transfers included. But remember, drinks are not included, so budget accordingly if you want beverages during the day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip appeals most to families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a lively, affordable adventure. If you enjoy music, dancing, and socializing in a scenic setting, you’ll find this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s also a good choice for those wanting a quick, fun escape from land-based sightseeing, offering a different perspective of Side’s coastline.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed, quiet day or are sensitive to busy environments, this fast-paced, party-focused tour might feel overwhelming. The roughly 45-minute stops mean you’ll need to be comfortable with quick swims and an energetic atmosphere.

The Sum Up

For a lively, well-priced day out on the water, the Dolphin Island Boat Tour from Side offers a solid balance of fun, scenery, and convenience. The combination of multiple swimming stops, a lively foam party, and a tasty BBQ lunch makes it an excellent choice for families and friends eager to enjoy the sea in a playful environment. The inclusion of hotel transfers simplifies logistics, and the guides’ friendly, knowledgeable assistance ensures you’ll feel well looked after.

While the tour is quite active and fast-paced, it delivers a memorable experience that captures the joy of sailing along Turkey’s stunning coast. The affordable price point, coupled with the fun atmosphere and scenic stops, makes this tour a worthwhile consideration—especially if you’re seeking a day filled with laughter, swimming, and dance.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it easy to start and end your day without hassle.

What is the duration of the tour? The full tour lasts approximately 9 hours, from around 8:30 am departure to hotel drop-off.

What food is included? A self-serve barbecue lunch with fish or chicken, rice, and salad is included and highly praised for its taste.

Are drinks included? No, drinks are not included, so bring your own or purchase beverages separately.

How long do we stay at Dolphin Island? You get about 45 minutes here to swim, enjoy the foam party, and relax.

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, reviews indicate children enjoy the lively, playful environment and the chance to splash around.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, swimwear, towels, and perhaps a waterproof camera or phone for photos.

Are there any restrictions? The tour is open to most travelers, but if you’re sensitive to busy environments or long periods of swimming in the sun, plan accordingly.

How many people will be on the tour? The maximum group size is around 115 travelers, keeping the atmosphere lively but manageable.

What is the cost? The tour is priced at $30 per person, offering good value when considering the included lunch and transportation.

This lively and well-organized boat trip is perfect for those seeking a day of fun, swimming, and socializing on Turkey’s beautiful coast. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or looking for a memorable family adventure, this tour promises plenty of entertainment in a scenic setting.