Side Blau Laguna Boat Trip With Free Hotel Transfer & Lunch

If you’re visiting Side, Turkey, and craving a day filled with scenic views, refreshing swims, and a fun, relaxed vibe, you might find the Side Blau Laguna Boat Trip ticks all the boxes. This full-day adventure, offered at just $25 per person, promises a mix of natural beauty, lively onboard entertainment, and tasty food—plus the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

What I love about this experience is how it combines stunning landscapes with family-friendly fun. The boat’s pirate-themed design and treasure hunt add a playful touch, making it appealing whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids. However, a note of caution: the activity is highly dependent on good weather, and some travelers might prefer a more relaxed, less party-oriented vibe.

This trip is especially well-suited for those who want to see the area’s highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions. If you’re after a value-packed day that offers both adventure and downtime, this might be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: You’ll sail into scenic spots where rivers meet the Mediterranean.
• All-inclusive: Soft drinks, lunch, and transfers are included, making it straightforward to enjoy your day.
• Fun Atmosphere: Expect lively music, a foam party, and a pirate theme that adds a playful edge.
• Swim Breaks: Multiple stops for swimming and snorkeling enhance the experience.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for all ages, with amenities like toilets, showers, and a bar onboard.
• Excellent Value: At $25, it offers a full day of entertainment, scenery, and good food.

Seamless Transfers and a Prompt Start

One of the first things you’ll notice about this tour is the hotel pickup service. Most travelers report being picked up punctually, saving the hassle of navigating to the port yourself. The tour starts promptly at 9:00 am, which gives plenty of time to enjoy the day without feeling rushed. The small group size—capped at 100 guests—helps maintain a lively but intimate atmosphere, and the comfortable transfer vehicle makes the journey pleasant.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Stop 1: Where Manavgat River Meets the Mediterranean Sea

Your day begins at the confluence of the Manavgat River and the Mediterranean. This is a scenic spot where the scenery truly impresses, with lush greenery framing the meeting point of freshwater and saltwater. You get about 30 minutes here, and the best part? You can actually swim in both waters—an unusual experience that adds to the trip’s appeal. Reviewers love this stop for its unique setting—”spectacular scenery,” as one traveler described it.

Stop 2: Swimming at the Famous Spots

The main event is sailing into the magnificent waters of the Manavgat River, where the boat anchors for swimming breaks. Here, the boat will stop at the ancient port of Side and Sorgun Beach, two popular swimming spots. The combination of cool river water and warm sea creates a refreshing contrast and a highlight for anyone who enjoys aquatic adventures.

Expect to spend around six hours on the water, with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, relaxing, and socializing. The boat is described as spacious and fully equipped, with multiple decks that provide ample space for sunbathing or enjoying the views.

The Pirate Theme & Foam Party

The vibe onboard is lively, with a pirate ship design and a foam party complete with upbeat music. Multiple reviews mention the entertainment quality—”the crew couldn’t do enough to make it the best experience possible,” said one guest, highlighting the friendly and professional staff. The foam party adds an unexpected but fun element, especially appreciated by families and young travelers.

Lunch and Refreshments

No need to worry about food; an open buffet lunch is included, with vegetarian options available if requested during booking. The food gets high marks for being fresh and tasty. Soft drinks are unlimited, so staying hydrated while enjoying the sun is effortless. Reviewers frequently mention how well the food and drinks are organized—”drinks were on tap whenever we wanted,” shared one visitor.

Return and Ease of Logistics

The tour wraps up at around 3 or 4 pm, with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel. One of the key benefits here is how smoothly everything runs—timely pickups, clear instructions, and friendly staff make it a stress-free experience. The reviews highlight the warm hospitality of the crew, with one mentioning that the owner and his family are “super warm people” who genuinely care about guests.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Beyond the obvious scenic spots and fun onboard activities, what truly sets this trip apart is its value for money. At just $25, you get a full day packed with sightseeing, swimming, entertainment, and meals. The reviews consistently mention excellent value—”fantastic for the price” and “well worth every penny.”

Another standout feature is the balance between relaxing downtime and lively entertainment. You can float in the sea, dance at the foam party, or simply soak up the sun. This flexibility makes it suitable for different types of travelers—families, couples, or solo adventurers.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Bring your own snorkeling gear if you’d like to explore underwater more thoroughly—most reviewers do.
• Apply plenty of suncream and bring sunglasses and a hat, as the day is spent mostly outdoors.
• Pack a towel and swimwear, and consider comfortable shoes for walking on the boat.
• If you’re vegetarian, just mention this when booking to ensure your lunch is tailored.
• The tour is weather-dependent; poor weather could lead to cancellations or rescheduling, but you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Authentic Experiences from Guests

Guests have praised the friendly crew, with one reviewer noting that the owner and his family are warm and welcoming. The entertainment and food consistently receive high marks, with travelers describing the vibe onboard as “fantastic” and “well worth every penny.”

One guest highlighted that the crew’s attentiveness made the trip memorable, especially when they waited for late arrivals, showing genuine hospitality. Many reviews mention the clean facilities—toilets and showers onboard—adding to the comfort during the long day at sea.

This boat trip is an excellent choice for travelers seeking value and variety. It’s perfect if you want scenic swimming spots combined with lively onboard entertainment. Families will enjoy the playful pirate theme and foam party, while couples can appreciate the beautiful views and relaxing atmosphere. Budget-conscious travelers will find the price tempting, especially given the included meals, drinks, and transfers.

However, if your ideal day involves a quiet, adult-only cruise with a focus on relaxation rather than activities, this might be a bit lively for your taste. Also, those heavily dependent on sunshine should check the weather forecast, as the experience is weather-sensitive.

The Side Blau Laguna Boat Trip offers a well-rounded, fun-filled day on the water that combines stunning scenery, active swimming stops, a lively party atmosphere, and delicious food. The inclusion of hotel transfers simplifies logistics, making it an attractive option for visitors who want to maximize their time and minimize hassle.

It’s especially suited for those who enjoy social experiences, lively onboard entertainment, and scenic spots that are hard to beat. The consistently high reviews and great value for money suggest this is a reliable, enjoyable choice for a memorable day in Side.

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, most travelers report that pickup is prompt and smooth, with transfers included in the price.

What is the start time?
The tour begins at 9:00 am, giving you a full day of activities.

Are vegetarian lunch options available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available—just request this when booking.

How long is the boat trip?
The trip lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, including stops for swimming and onboard activities.

Are there facilities onboard?
Yes, the boat is equipped with toilets, outside showers, and a bar.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring your snorkeling gear if you’d like, sun protection, swimwear, towels, and comfortable shoes or water-friendly sneakers.

Can children participate?
Absolutely, the trip is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, especially with the fun pirate theme and foam party.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How much does the tour cost?
It costs $25 per person, offering great value considering the included meals, drinks, transfers, and activities.

To sum it up, this boat trip offers a lively, scenic, and affordable way to enjoy Side’s natural beauty without the hassle of organizing separate activities. With plenty of swimming, entertainment, and tasty food, it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a fun, relaxed day at sea.