Side: Dolphins Island Cruise with Swimming Stops and Lunch

If you’re visiting Side and craving a day filled with fun, nature, and stunning scenery, the Dolphins Island Cruise could be just what you’re after. This 7-hour adventure takes you from the tranquil Manavgat River out into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, with plenty of chances to swim, relax, and maybe even spot dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat. With a mix of scenic cruising, beach breaks, and on-board entertainment, it promises a lively but relaxed day on the water.

One aspect we really appreciate about this tour is its balanced itinerary—it offers a good blend of sightseeing, swimming, and leisure, all wrapped in a friendly, engaging atmosphere. Plus, the inclusion of a freshly prepared lunch and a foam party makes it more than just a boat ride; it’s a full-on floating festival. A potential consideration? The reviews highlight that this trip can be quite popular, meaning the boat might be crowded, and the experience can depend heavily on weather and timing—so a bit of flexibility helps.

This tour suits travelers looking for an active, social day with opportunities to encounter marine life while enjoying the scenic Turkish coast. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or just want a memorable, photo-worthy experience, this cruise offers plenty to love.

Key Points

• Scenic route from the Manavgat River to the Mediterranean with chances to see dolphins and sea turtles.
• Swim stops along the way for a refreshing dip or just to relax on the beach.
• Onboard entertainment includes a foam party, adding a lively vibe to your day.
• Delicious, freshly prepared lunch included, with reasonably priced drinks.
• Guided by knowledgeable staff, who share interesting facts about marine life and the coastline.
• Good value for money considering the multiple activities, meals, and entertainment included.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The adventure begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Side, easing the start of your day. The transfer takes you to the meeting point at Baba A Boat near Lake and River Hotel, where you’ll hop aboard a lively vessel operated by TOURMANIA. From there, the journey out from the Manavgat River feels like an escape into a different world—waves lapping, the breeze in your hair, with a chance to spot river turtles basking on the banks and traditional wooden river boats being built along the shores.

Cruising along the river is enjoyable in itself, offering snapshots of local life and nature. As the boat moves out into open water, your guide will point out interesting sights, including the shipyards and the river turtles, giving you some context and fun facts. It’s a nice touch that many reviews highlight guides like “friendly and knowledgeable staff” who enhance the experience with their storytelling.

Once in the open sea, the atmosphere shifts to pure fun. Expect a lively vibe with a foam party on board—something that kids and adults alike seem to love. Reviewers mention that the foam may not be environmentally ideal, but it’s undeniably entertaining. The boat makes several stops along the way, giving you ample opportunities to jump into the water, swim, or just lounge on the beach.

Scenic Stops and Wildlife Spotting

Depending on conditions, the route varies slightly—sometimes heading east, sometimes toward the ancient peninsula of Side. These stops are often the highlight for many. Reviewers note they enjoyed the chance to see dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat, with guides like “Serkan” and others sharing interesting facts as they spotted marine life. While dolphins are not guaranteed, many guests enjoyed the thrill of seeing them, and the guides do their best to point them out when possible.

Sea turtles are more reliably seen, with one reviewer mentioning they were lucky enough to spot a large turtle during the trip. The waters are teeming with life, so bringing a snorkel (not included but recommended) could enhance the experience, as some guests noted.

Beach Breaks and Lunch

The tour includes a break where you can get off the boat to walk along the shoreline or swim in the clear waters. The lunch served on board is praised for being well-prepared and tasty, offering a variety of Turkish dishes that satisfy even picky eaters. Drinks are available at reasonable prices, which is appreciated in a context where some tours can push high prices for beverages.

Additional Highlights: Foam Party and Extra Routes

As the boat cruises further east or toward Alanya, the captain might take you to a small, remote island for a walk or offer the chance to enjoy additional scenic views. If weather permits, you’ll get the chance to participate in the foam party, a lively activity that guests report as a lot of fun, especially for children. Some reviews, however, express environmental concerns about the foam, which is worth considering if eco-friendliness is a priority.

Overall Atmosphere and Group Size

The reviews consistently mention the friendly and cheerful crew, who keep the energy lively and ensure everyone is having a good time. The boat can get busy—some guests felt it was quite crowded, especially during peak times. That said, many appreciated the lively atmosphere, describing it as “great value for money” and “well-organized”.

The Value for Your Money

This tour, priced reasonably, offers a good mix of wildlife spotting, swimming, and entertainment, making it a solid choice for families, couples, or groups of friends. The inclusion of hotel pickup, lunch, and entertainment adds convenience and value, especially compared to booking separate activities.

While dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, many guests enjoyed catching a glimpse of these elusive creatures. The experience of being out on the water, with the possibility of seeing sea turtles and other marine animals, makes it worthwhile even if your main goal isn’t wildlife spotting. The lively atmosphere, good food, and fun elements like the foam party make it an enjoyable, memorable day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise works well for travelers who want a fun and scenic day out with easy logistics and a lively environment. It’s particularly suited for families and groups who appreciate a mix of activity, entertainment, and nature. If you’re looking for a relaxing, quiet cruise, this might not be the best fit, as it tends to be more energetic and social in tone.

Those interested in marine life will appreciate the guided wildlife spotting, though the experience depends on luck. Food lovers will also value the on-board lunch, which gets consistently good reviews. And if you’re the type who enjoys a bit of spontaneity and a lively crew, this trip is a solid choice.

FAQ

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, if you select the option, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from accommodations in Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, and nearby regions, making the start and end of your day hassle-free.

What should I bring for swimming and snorkeling?
While snorkeling gear isn’t included, many reviewers recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel to make the most of the swim stops and to see the marine life more clearly.

Is there a chance to see dolphins?
Yes, the guides will point out dolphins if they spot any, but sightings depend on the day’s conditions. Several guests have reported seeing dolphins, though some did not, which is worth keeping in mind.

How long is the boat trip?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, with the exact start time depending on availability. It includes plenty of stops for swimming and relaxing.

Can I participate in the foam party?
Absolutely, the foam party is part of the onboard entertainment, and most guests find it a fun highlight, especially the kids, though some may view it as environmentally questionable.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a freshly prepared lunch is part of the package. Guests praise it for being delicious and filling, with drinks available at reasonable prices.

What if the weather isn’t great?
Weather can influence the trip—if conditions are unfavorable, the captain may alter the route or activities. Always check the forecast and be flexible with expectations.

Final Thoughts

The Dolphins Island Cruise from Side offers an engaging blend of wildlife encounters, scenic views, and lively entertainment. It’s a great way to spend a day on the water, especially if you’re eager to see marine animals like dolphins and turtles in their natural environment. The trip’s balance of swimming, sightseeing, and fun activities makes it perfect for families, friends, or anyone wanting a memorable day out.

The inclusion of a good lunch, friendly guides, and the lively ambiance of the foam party make this a value-packed experience, especially considering its reasonable price point. Although the crowds and reliance on luck for dolphin sightings might not appeal to every traveler, many guests find the overall atmosphere and variety of activities more than compensate.

If you love a fun, social, and scenic day with opportunities for wildlife viewing and water activities, this cruise is definitely worth considering. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy good food, lively guides, and a hint of adventure on the Turkish coast.

This tour delivers a vibrant, well-rounded day out on the water with plenty of opportunities for fun, relaxation, and wildlife spotting. It’s a lively experience that offers excellent value and memorable moments—perfect for travelers seeking an active day with friends or family in Side.