Ancient City or Dolphin observaton cruise in Side w/Lunch

Taking a full-day boat cruise in Side promises a combination of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and leisurely relaxation on the Mediterranean. This tour, offered for around $20 per person, features a spacious double-deck boat, visits to several picturesque bays, possible dolphin sightings, and a tasty onboard lunch. It’s designed for travelers seeking a laid-back day out on the water, with some cultural stops along the way.

What we particularly like about this experience is the opportunity to capture stunning views of the coastline and turquoise waters, along with the chance for a dolphin glimpse—always a magical moment. However, some reviews suggest that the actual itinerary can vary, with a few disappointments regarding the quantity of stops or the length of cave visits. That said, if you enjoy relaxing boat rides with scenic photo opportunities, this tour could very well suit your expectations.

It’s important to consider that this cruise is best suited for those wanting a relaxed, budget-friendly day exploring the Mediterranean’s calmer spots. Active swimmers or culture enthusiasts looking for in-depth explorations might find it less fulfilling. Still, for a gentle, scenic escape, it offers solid value and memorable vistas.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal views and dolphin sightings are highlights, perfect for photos and nature lovers.
• The boat is modern and spacious, offering comfort for a full day on the water.
• The itinerary includes cultural stops such as Ormana and Sarhaclar villages, adding some local flavor.
• While the lunch is included, reviews mention some inconsistencies like limited information about the meal or the timing of stops.
• The journey can be unpredictable, with some travelers noting fewer stops or quick visits to caves.
• The overall experience balances relaxation with scenic beauty, making it suitable for those seeking a low-key day.

In-Depth Review of the Side Boat Cruise Experience

Starting with the Basics: What’s Included?

This tour covers approximately 8 hours of total fun, beginning with a hotel pickup in Side—a convenience that takes the hassle out of organizing transportation. From there, you’ll be driven to the marina, where the modern double-deck boat awaits. The boat is designed for comfort, with shaded areas and plenty of space for relaxing, sunbathing, or snapping photos of the coastline.

Your ticket includes a boat cruise, lunch, and hotel pick-up and drop-off. Drinks and personal expenses are not included, so you might want to bring some water or extra snacks—especially if you plan to spend long hours on deck.

The Boat Itself: Comfort and Atmosphere

Travelers describe the boat as spacious and modern, making a big difference in comfort during a full day at sea. The crew keeps the mood lively with music and light entertainment, although some reviews hint at a more subdued atmosphere depending on the group. Be aware that the group size isn’t specified, but given the setup, it’s likely a relaxed crowd rather than a crowded ferry.

The First Stop: A Bay for Swimming and Sunbathing

Immediately after departing, the boat heads to a serene bay, which offers a perfect setting to swim in the clear waters or lie on sunbeds in shaded areas. Whether you prefer to float lazily or splash around, this stop sets the tone for a laid-back day.

Visiting Dolphin Island: Hope for a Dolphin Sighting

A major highlight is reaching Dolphin Island—a name that naturally raises hopes of seeing dolphins swimming freely near the boat. While sightings depend on luck, the chance to see these playful creatures adds a sprinkle of excitement. Even if no dolphins make an appearance, the cruise still offers the rare opportunity to cruise through an almost untouched natural paradise, perfect for snapping photos of the coastline.

Additional Scenic Bays and Final Stops

The itinerary includes multiple scenic stops, each offering a chance to swim, relax, or take photos of the surrounding landscape. The boat typically visits another picturesque bay before heading back, and a final stop is often included for last-minute swimming or unwinding on deck.

The Lunch Experience: Tasty but Possibly Brief

A delicious lunch is served onboard, which many reviewers appreciate as a nice touch. However, some mention that the timing of lunch can be inconsistent—no specific details are provided, but it appears to be a simple meal suitable for a day at sea. Given the price, the included lunch offers good value, but if you’re a foodie or expecting a hearty meal, you might want to manage your expectations.

The Return Journey and Overall Atmosphere

As the cruise winds down, the crew generally keeps the atmosphere friendly and relaxed, with some music and casual chatter. Upon return to Side, travelers are transferred back to their hotels, often with beautiful memories of the day’s scenery and, hopefully, a dolphin sighting.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Several reviews provide useful insights. One traveler from Germany noted, “The bus driver is very nice. We were picked up on time. Unfortunately, we were on the bus with a Russian guide who chatted the whole time. That was very tiring.” This points to some variability in guide quality and group dynamics, which might affect your experience.

Another review from the UK commented, “There was no fourth stop as described in the activity, and no notice was given about lunch.” This highlights that the itinerary can vary without prior notice, so don’t be surprised if things don’t go exactly as planned.

On the positive side, a Dutch traveler called it simply “Fun,” emphasizing the relaxed vibe and scenic cruise as enjoyable. Several reviews mention the stunning views and the chance to capture beautiful photos, making it clear that scenery is a primary draw.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer pointed out that “the Ormana village is interesting to look at, but you feel a bit awkward when you have to look through every room in an inhabited house.” This suggests that cultural stops may be brief and somewhat superficial, offering a glimpse rather than deep engagement.

The Balance of Value and Experience

At $20, this tour offers decent value—especially considering the included transportation, boat ride, and lunch. However, the experience’s success largely depends on weather conditions, luck with dolphin sightings, and the actual execution of stops, which can sometimes feel rushed.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Transfer (1-2 hours): The tour starts with a convenient hotel pickup in Side, saving you time and effort. The 2-hour bus ride to the marina sets the tone for a relaxed day. It’s a good idea to bring snacks or download some music for the journey, especially if you’re traveling with a larger group or children.

Boat Cruise (4 hours): Once aboard, the main activity is the cruise across the Mediterranean, with stops at scenic bays and Dolphin Island. Expect around 4 hours on the water, with plenty of opportunities to swim, sunbathe, or take photographs of the coastline.

Cultural and Scenic Stops: The itinerary includes visits to Ormana and Sarhaclar villages, known as important Turkish settlements in the Taurus Mountains. These stops are brief but provide a taste of local life and architecture, though some travelers might find them a bit hurried.

Return and Drop-off (2 hours): After the final scenic stop, the boat heads back to Side, and you’ll be transferred back to your accommodation. The entire day wraps up around 8 hours after starting.

What to Expect at Each Stop

• Bay for Swimming: Clear waters, shaded sunbeds, and the chance to relax after a short swim.
• Dolphin Island: An unspoiled natural area where dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed.
• Cultural Village Visits: Brief look into traditional Turkish village life, with some reviews noting it can feel intrusive if you peek into inhabited houses.
• Final Bay: A last chance for swimming or lounging before heading back to Side.

Practical Tips for the Tour

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses—shade can be limited on deck.
• Pack a towel and swimwear if you intend to swim during stops.
• Consider bringing extra snacks or water, as only lunch is included.
• Be prepared for possible itinerary changes; some stops might be shorter or omitted.
• Capture the scenery early in the day; the light in the morning makes photos brighter and clearer.
• Check the weather forecast before booking, as rough seas can impact the experience.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Side boat cruise with lunch is a solid choice if you enjoy relaxed days on the water, scenic views, and the anticipation of dolphin sightings. It’s especially good for travelers who value comfort and simplicity over intense culture or multiple activity stops. The inclusions of lunch and hotel transfers add convenience, making it a worry-free way to spend a day.

However, if you’re seeking a more structured or in-depth cultural experience, or if you have high expectations for cave visits or multiple stops, you might find this tour a bit underwhelming. It’s also worth noting that the itinerary can vary, so managing expectations is key.

Overall, for a budget-friendly, scenic, and laid-back Mediterranean adventure, this cruise offers decent value, plenty of opportunities for photos, and the potential of a memorable dolphin encounter.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a boat cruise, and lunch onboard. Drinks and personal expenses are not included.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience is approximately 8 hours, starting with pickup, the cruise itself, and returning to Side.

Is there a chance to see dolphins?
Yes, the cruise visits Dolphin Island, where dolphins can sometimes be seen swimming near the boat, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What kind of boat is used?
A spacious, modern double-deck boat designed for comfort, leisure, and great views.

Are there cultural stops?
Yes, the tour visits villages like Ormana and Sarhaclar, known for their traditional Turkish character, though some find these stops brief and superficial.

Can I swim during the tour?
Absolutely. The stops at scenic bays are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or taking photos.

What about the lunch?
A lunch is included, typically served onboard. Specific details aren’t provided, but it’s generally considered a simple, tasty meal.

Are there any hidden costs?
Drinks, personal expenses, and optional activities are not included and may incur extra costs.

How is the weather likely to impact the tour?
Rough seas or bad weather can shorten stops or affect the overall experience, so check the forecast before booking.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, it’s generally family-friendly, especially if children enjoy relaxing boat rides and swimming.

In summary, this cruise in Side offers a relaxed, scenic day with the chance for dolphin sightings, cultural glimpses, and plenty of time in the water. It’s ideal for travelers who prioritize stunning views and easy relaxation over intense activity or cultural exploration. With careful planning and realistic expectations, it can be a memorable, value-packed addition to your Turkey itinerary.