City of Side: Side & Caretta Bay Boat Trip w/ Lunch & Drinks

If you’re visiting Antalya Province and looking to combine scenic sights with some fun in the sun, the Side & Caretta Bay Boat Trip offered by Seven Tours might just fit the bill. This half-day adventure promises a lively foam party, opportunities to swim in clear waters, and a chance to see the iconic ancient ruins of Side—all for an affordable price of around $25 per person. While it’s a popular choice for travelers seeking a relaxed, fun-filled outing, it’s important to understand what’s included, what to expect, and whether it suits your style.

One of the things we really appreciate about this tour is the balance of entertainment and sightseeing. You’re not just on a boat for the sake of cruising—you get plenty of opportunities to swim, take photos, and experience a foam party that adds a splash of excitement to the day. The large, three-deck boat offers plenty of space to relax, socialize, or enjoy the food and drinks. However, a potential downside is the focus on onboard fun rather than a deep exploration of Side’s historic sites, which might be a consideration for history buffs.

This tour is ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who want a lively, social experience combined with scenic views and some beach time. If your main goal is to soak in the history or explore at a slower pace, this might not be the tour for you. But if you’re after good value, entertainment, and a memorable day on the water, this trip could hit the spot.

Key Points

• Vibrant foam party onboard provides a unique and lively experience.
• Includes a delicious lunch with a variety of fresh dishes.
• Swim in the turquoise waters of Caretta Bay and other stops.
• Guided commentary helps you understand the sights of Side from the boat.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation and pay later options.
• Suitable for all ages and accessible for wheelchair users.

What to Expect from the Side & Caretta Bay Boat Trip

Convenient Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off

From the moment you book, the process is straightforward. Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel, making logistics hassle-free. This is especially helpful if you’re staying in Side or nearby, as it saves time and effort in organizing transportation.

Scenic Cruise Along the Manavgat River

The journey starts with a cruise along the Manavgat River, offering peaceful views and a chance to see the lush surroundings. For those interested in photography, this section provides some great angles of the river and the countryside, setting the tone for a relaxing day.

The Highlight: The Foam Party

The foam party is the star feature of this trip. As described by reviewers, it’s an event designed to entertain all ages, with plenty of foam and music to create a festival-like atmosphere. One guest mentioned that it made the whole trip “unforgettable,” praising the lively environment. The foam is generated in a way that’s safe and supervised, and many travelers find it a hilarious, joyful addition to their day.

Swimming Breaks at Caretta Bay and Other Stops

The tour includes swimming in the Mediterranean’s turquoise waters at Caretta Bay, which is often highlighted as a beautiful and refreshing experience. Reviewers appreciated the bathing opportunities, with one noting the chance to “cool down in the ocean” and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. The water temperature and clarity often come up as positive aspects, making it easier to relax and enjoy.

Lunch and Drinks

A well-reviewed aspect of this tour is the lunch, which features fresh and tasty dishes like chicken with rice and salad. Many travelers appreciated the generous portion sizes and the variety of options. Soft drinks are included if you select that option, with prices for beverages on board noted as reasonable (about €2 for Coke or Efes). It’s a good value, given the all-in package, and the food helps fuel the afternoon’s activities.

Sightseeing of Side’s Ancient Ruins

While the main focus is on the boat experience, you do get great views of Side’s historic sites, like the Temple of Apollo, from the water. Some reviews mention that they expected more on-foot exploration but still enjoyed the opportunity to see these iconic ruins from the sea.

Additional Details from Reviews

• The boat is described as “like on the picture” with enough space across three levels.
• The crew is generally regarded as friendly and attentive, with some reviews praising good communication before the tour.
• The sanitary facilities onboard are considered adequate.
• Activities like deck jumping are available under supervision, with some guests mentioning they felt comfortable trying higher jumps, up to 13 meters, especially with children under watch.

Value and Practical Tips

At just $25 per person, this tour offers great value considering the included meals, drinks, entertainment, and transportation. It’s a convenient way to pack a lot of fun into a six-hour window without worrying about logistics or extra costs.

What to bring:
– Swimsuit and towel for swimming and foam party
– Change of clothes for after water activities
– Sunscreen and sunglasses to shield from the sun
– Camera or phone for capturing the fun and scenic views
– Sandals or flip-flops for water and deck walking

Not allowed:
– Pets, food, or additional drinks (except water or soft drinks if you’ve purchased them)

Timing and Accessibility

Check the schedule for availability and starting times to plan your day. The tour is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal. The duration is around six hours, making it a manageable half-day activity that doesn’t feel rushed.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Many reviewers highlight the friendly crew, with one mentioning that the communication before start was particularly good. The entertainment value is praised by families, especially with the kids enjoying the foam and swimming. One traveler shared that children under 10 loved the experience and found the deck-jumping “very exciting.”

While some had hoped for more extensive sightseeing of Side on foot, most appreciated the combination of scenic views and active fun. The food quality and reasonable prices for drinks onboard also stand out as positives.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for families, young groups, or solo travelers who want to relax and have fun on the water without the hassle of organizing multiple activities. It suits those looking for a lively atmosphere with music, foam, and swimming, rather than a focus on historical exploration. It’s particularly good if you enjoy social experiences and water-based activities.

Not recommended if you’re after a slow-paced, in-depth tour of Side’s history or prefer a quieter day with fewer crowds. Also, if you’re not comfortable with foam or loud music, this might not be your ideal choice.

The Sum Up

The Side & Caretta Bay Boat Trip with lunch and drinks offers a lively, affordable way to enjoy the Turkish Riviera. From the spectacle of the foam party to swimming in crystal waters, it provides a fun-filled day for all ages. The inclusion of delicious food, friendly guides, and scenic views makes it a good pick for travelers seeking a mix of entertainment and sightseeing.

While some might wish for more historical exploration, the overall experience is well-balanced and great value. If you’re after a social, energetic day on the water with plenty of opportunities for swimming and photos, this tour will likely leave you with plenty of happy memories—and lots of photos of the foam party.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, the foam party, a tour guide, and insurance during the tour.

Are soft drinks included?
Soft drinks are included if you select that option. Beverages like cola, Fanta, Sprite, and water are available onboard at reasonable prices.

Can I swim in Caretta Bay?
Yes, swimming in the turquoise waters of Caretta Bay is a highlight, with time allocated for cooling off and enjoying the sea.

Is there entertainment onboard?
Yes, the foam party is the main entertainment, creating a lively, festive atmosphere. There’s also music and the chance to enjoy the social environment.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 6 hours, with starting times available based on your booking.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for all travelers to participate.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, camera, and sandals suitable for water activities.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your trip planning.

In summary, this boat trip offers a fun, social way to spend half a day in Side with great value for money. It’s perfect for those seeking lively entertainment, scenic sea views, and refreshing swims, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends. Just keep in mind that it’s more about the onboard fun than the historical sites, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed, lively day on Turkey’s beautiful coast.