City of Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour w/ Lunch & Drinks

Planning a fun-filled day on the waves in Antalya Province? This Dolphin Island Boat Tour offers a lively way to explore Turkey’s stunning coastlines, with swimming stops, a foam party, and a delicious lunch. For just around $15 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy a maritime adventure, but it’s not without its quirks.

One aspect we really appreciate is the combination of activities—from swimming to dancing—even with plenty of time in the water and a lively onboard atmosphere. The lunch options are also noteworthy, with fresh grilled chicken or fish served alongside salads and rice, satisfying even the hungriest of explorers. That said, a few travelers mentioned that smoking is permitted anywhere on the boat, which could be uncomfortable for non-smokers. This tour suits families, groups of friends, or anyone eager for a relaxed day on the water with a touch of party spirit and plenty of scenic views.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $15 per person, the tour offers decent value considering the activities and included lunch.
• Activities Galore: Swimming, jet-ski rentals, foam party, and dolphin spotting keep all ages engaged.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics simple, and multilingual guides enhance the experience.
• Food & Drinks: Enjoy a freshly prepared meal with soft drinks included (if you opt for that), but know drinks are available for purchase.
• Limited Dolphin Sightings: While some travelers see dolphins or turtles, sightings aren’t guaranteed.
• Time Commitment: The 9-hour day covers multiple stops and activities, ideal if you want a full day of fun.

An In-Depth Look at the Dolphin Island Boat Tour

The Booking & Pickup Process

This tour kicks off with hotel pickups in Side—covering areas like Gündoğu, Çolakl, Evrenseki, Kumköy, and others—making it very convenient for most travelers. The air-conditioned bus transports you comfortably to the harbor, where the staff greets you and asks about your lunch preference. This pre-arranged meal offers a choice between chicken or fish, both served with rice and salad—a simple yet satisfying Turkish-style lunch that caters to most tastes.

The Boat & Crew

Once on board, you’ll notice the boat is described as spacious and well-organized, with enough life vests for everyone, including children and less confident swimmers. The crew members, praised for being pleasant and helpful, keep the atmosphere lively with music and engaging commentary. The multilingual guide speaks both English and German, making sure that everyone stays informed and entertained throughout the day.

The Itinerary & Swimming Stops

The itinerary is designed to balance active swimming with relaxing moments. The cruise begins along the Manavgat River where you can listen to commentary about the local area, adding some context to your trip. The first swim stop is at Karaburun Bay, a calm and picturesque spot ideal for cooling off. Expect clear waters perfect for swimming, with some reviews noting that the water is clean and inviting.

Next, the boat heads to the Manavgat Bosphorus, which offers a unique mix of sea on one side and river on the other. Here, some guests rent Jet-Skis or try Turkish Gözleme, adding extra fun and local flavor. We loved the way the crew encouraged relaxation and activity alike, making the experience flexible for different preferences.

Dolphin Island is usually the highlight, where you can swim and maybe catch a glimpse of dolphins if you’re lucky—although reviews indicate sightings aren’t guaranteed. Some guests, like Paulína from Slovakia, mentioned spotting a sea turtle instead, which is still a wonderful surprise. The crew’s patience in searching for dolphins and the opportunity to see turtles is an added bonus.

The Foam Party & Entertainment

Towards the end of the cruise, the boat transforms into a dance floor with a foam party. A live DJ sets the mood, and everyone gets involved, dancing amidst a sea of bubbles. We found this surprisingly fun, especially for families or groups celebrating a special occasion. The foam adds a layer of lightheartedness and makes for memorable photos – a definite highlight for many.

Additional Activities & Facilities

Multiple swim breaks are spaced throughout the day, roughly near Dolphin Island and other scenic spots, giving you plenty of chances to cool off. The crew provides life vests for those less experienced swimmers, enhancing safety and comfort.

Options to rent Jet-Skis or sample traditional Turkish snacks like Gözleme are available at the Bosphorus stop, adding some variety to the otherwise straightforward cruise. Be aware that soft drinks are included if you select the optional drinks package, but some guests, like Paulína, noted that additional drinks might be charged separately even if you’ve paid for unlimited soft drinks—so clarify at booking.

Return & Drop-Off

After a full day of fun, the boat heads back to Side, and guests are transferred to their hotels. The overall organization was praised for punctual pickups and smooth transfers, which is important when dealing with a full day’s itinerary.

What Travelers Love & What Could Be Better

Positive Highlights:

• The friendly and helpful staff, especially the guides, who keep the atmosphere relaxed and informative.
• The variety of swim spots provides plenty of opportunities to cool off and enjoy the scenery.
• The lunch received good feedback, with fresh grilled options and salads appreciated by many.
• The foam party was a big hit, adding a lively, fun element to the trip.
• The chance to see dolphins or turtles makes it feel more authentic and exciting.

Constructive Criticism:

• A few travelers, like Xavier, mentioned that the boat was quite dirty and could use better maintenance.
• The smoking policy is less ideal, as smoking is allowed anywhere onboard, which can be uncomfortable for non-smokers.
• Some guests felt that the swim stops could be more frequent or longer, as one reviewer noted the trip was “a bit long and needed more swim stops.”
• Drinks, especially soft drinks, can be confusing—clarify what’s included at booking to avoid surprises.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At only $15, this tour provides solid value for those seeking a day of sun, sea, and fun. The inclusion of lunch, foam party, and multiple swim stops makes it a comprehensive package that appeals to families, groups, and solo travelers alike.

However, if your main goal is dolphin spotting, remember that sightings are unpredictable—don’t rely solely on this tour for dolphin encounters. The experience is more about the enjoyment of sailing, scenic views, and social activities like dancing and swimming.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers looking for a relaxed yet lively day on the water without breaking the bank. Families will appreciate the safe swimming options and the fun foam party, while groups of friends or couples can enjoy the social atmosphere and scenic spots. It’s also well-suited for those who want a taste of Turkish Riviera life—with local foods, traditional Gözleme, and the chance to see marine life like turtles.

If you’re after a quiet, luxury cruise, this might not be for you. But if you prioritize fun, variety, and value, this tour offers a memorable way to spend your day in Side.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from multiple locations around Side, making it easy to join the tour without hassle.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 9 hours, giving plenty of time for swimming, eating, dancing, and relaxing.

What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. It’s also good to have a waterproof phone case if you want photos during swimming stops.

Are drinks included?
Soft drinks are included if you choose the drinks option, but additional drinks are available for purchase onboard. Some reviews mention confusion about soft drinks being free versus paid.

Can I rent Jet-Skis?
Yes, you can rent Jet-Skis at the Manavgat Bosphorus stop, adding some extra excitement to your day.

Will I see dolphins?
Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, but some travelers do spot dolphins or turtles during their trip.

Is the boat comfortable?
The boat is described as spacious and well-organized with enough life vests. However, some reviews noted the boat was quite dirty, so this may vary.

What language is the guide in?
Guides speak both English and German, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

Is the lunch suitable for all dietary needs?
The meal options are traditional Turkish grilled chicken or fish with rice and salad. Special dietary needs are not specifically mentioned, so it’s best to inquire beforehand.

How is the foam party?
It’s a lively, fun part of the trip—most guests enjoy dancing amidst the bubbles. It can be a highlight, especially for families or groups celebrating.

This City of Side Dolphin Island Boat Tour offers a lively, affordable way to enjoy a full day on Turkey’s beautiful coast. The mix of swimming, scenic views, lively entertainment, and local food makes it a practical choice for travelers wanting to combine relaxation with some fun. While it might not satisfy everyone’s need for dolphin sightings or pristine conditions, the overall atmosphere, friendly staff, and variety of activities ensure most guests leave with plenty of memorable moments.

Ideal for those seeking a family-friendly adventure, social outing, or affordable day trip, this tour brings together the best of Turkish Riviera leisure—under sunshine, with good company, and a splash of bubbly foam.