Dolphin Islands Boat Trip Lunch and Soft Drink Included From Side

A fun-filled day on the water in Side is what this dolphin island boat trip promises. Priced at just over $30 per person and lasting around 7 hours, it offers a combination of swimming, sightseeing, and a tasty onboard lunch. With a relaxed itinerary that includes multiple stops—including the famed Dolphin Island—this tour appeals to those looking for a light, value-packed escape into nature and local sights.

One feature we particularly appreciate is the friendly, organized transfers from hotels, making it easy to start your day without logistical fuss. The included soft drinks and a barbecue lunch add to the appeal, especially if you’re keen to enjoy a full day on the water without extra costs.

A potential consideration is the chance that some guests might not see dolphins or encounter the ideal snorkeling conditions, based on varied reviews. Still, if you’re after a laid-back, family-friendly excursion with good value, this trip is likely to suit you. It’s especially ideal for travelers who enjoy gentle boat rides, some swimming, and sightseeing in a beautiful setting.

Key Points

• Value for money: The tour includes hotel transfers, lunch, drinks, and multiple swim stops for around $30, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Multiple swimming opportunities: With three swim stops, including Dolphin Island, you get plenty of chances to cool off and snorkel.
• Sightseeing focus: Passing by Side’s historic sights, such as the Manavgat River and Temple of Apollo, adds a cultural element.
• Family-friendly: The relaxed pace, soft drinks, and snorkeling options make it suitable for families and casual travelers.
• Limited dolphin sightings: While some reviews mention dolphin spotting, it’s not guaranteed, and the focus is more on the boat ride and scenery.
• Good for a relaxed day: The tour emphasizes sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a leisurely lunch — perfect if you prefer a laid-back, scenic experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Dolphin Islands Boat Trip in Side

This boat trip from Side offers a mix of scenic views, aquatic fun, and cultural sightseeing, all wrapped into a roughly 7-hour adventure. It’s operated by Arbek Travel, a company with a good track record of providing reliable transfers and engaging boat excursions. The tour is priced at $30.01 per person, which, considering the inclusions, offers solid value—especially when you factor in hotel pickup, lunch, and soft drinks.

Starting the Day: Convenient Hotel Transfers and Departure

The experience kicks off early—around 9:00 am—with hotel pickup from your accommodation. This is a major plus, removing the hassle of finding the departure point by yourself, and it sets a relaxed tone for the day. The journey to Kumköy beach, the departure spot, is approximately 5 km, making it a quick and comfortable start.

Onboard, the boat itself is described as visually appealing with a good reputation. The small group size (up to 100 travelers) means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, which helps with a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere. The staff, including guides like Atilla Arman, are noted for their organization and friendliness.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

First stop: Kumköy Beach and the Start of the Water Fun
Once on the boat, the first leg involves cruising along the coast, giving you a chance to soak in the sights of Side’s shoreline. The boat leaves the pier at Kumköy and heads toward the first swim stop. The initial swim is around 30 minutes, giving everyone time to cool off and get comfortable in the water. Snorkel gear is provided, so you can keep an eye out for marine life, though the reviews suggest dolphin sightings are more hit than miss.

Second stop: The Scenic Passage and River Spot
Next, the boat heads towards the Manavgat River, passing by some of Side’s iconic sights such as the ancient port and the Temple of Apollo. Here, there’s a unique opportunity to swim either in the river or the sea at the river’s mouth—a highlight for those who enjoy mixed waters (cold river meets warm Mediterranean). One review mentions that this spot offers “the cold river waters combined with the warm waters of the Mediterranean,” creating a refreshing contrast.

Lunch Onboard: Barbecued Chicken or Fish
After the second swim, a delicious barbecued chicken or fish lunch is served on the boat. The menu includes rice, salad, and bread, providing enough sustenance for the rest of the day. The reviews note that the lunch is tasty and the drinks service is efficient, though some guests mention prices on the boat can be a bit inflated. Still, with soft drinks included in the package, you won’t need to worry about extra costs for beverages—perfect for staying hydrated in the sun.

Final stop: Dolphin Island
The main event is the visit to Dolphin Island—a natural spot where, according to some reviews, you might catch a glimpse of playful dolphins. While sightings aren’t guaranteed (and some guests have left disappointed after not seeing any), the chance to swim near such a famous creature adds a dash of excitement. The island itself is known for its natural beauty, and the boat often “pauses for photos and a relaxing swim” in this scenic spot.

End of the Day: Return and Relaxation

After a full day on the water, the boat returns to Kumköy beach, with comfortable transportation waiting to take you back to your hotel. The entire journey wraps up around 4 pm, leaving you with memorable views, some great swimming, and hopefully, a dolphin encounter.

What Guests Say

Positive feedback often highlights the value—many find that for around $30, they get a lot: hotel transfers, a hearty lunch, soft drinks, and multiple swim stops. Jude_N describes it as “really good value for money” and appreciated the safety measures like social distancing and sanitizers. Seeing dolphins, even if only in the distance, was another perk for some.

On the flip side, a few guests felt the experience was somewhat underwhelming. One reviewer, Patrick_K, called it “leider enttäuschend” (unfortunately disappointing), citing a lack of excitement during the river cruise and no dolphin sightings. Maria_R mentioned that the trip involved some unnecessary back-and-forth, and the snorkeling wasn’t very fruitful, with no notable marine life to observe.

Overall, the reviews paint a picture of a tour that hits the mark on affordability and scenic beauty but can vary in the actual wildlife encounters and snorkeling experiences.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: Approximately 7 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning mid-afternoon.
• Includes: Hotel pickup/drop-off, soft drinks, lunch, and multiple swim stops.
• Not included: Alcoholic drinks and extras—so bring cash if you want to buy additional beverages or souvenirs.
• Group size: Up to 100 travelers, making it a relatively intimate experience.
• What to bring: Swimwear, towel, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and a camera. Snorkel gear is provided but bring your own if preferred.

Weather & Cancellation Policy

The tour relies on good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or a reschedule is offered. You can also cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time, which adds flexibility if your plans change.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want an affordable, relaxed day on the water. If you enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and scenic boat rides without high expectations of dolphin sightings, you’ll likely enjoy the trip. It’s also a good choice if you prefer all-inclusive convenience, with food, drinks, and transfers covered.

However, if your main goal is to see dolphins or explore marine life, you might want to manage expectations or consider other tours that focus specifically on wildlife encounters. The trip is more about enjoying the scenery and the experience of being on the water than a dolphin-watching expedition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Side, making it easy to start and end your day comfortably.

Can I snorkel during the stops?
Absolutely. Snorkel gear is provided, and you can swim or snorkel at each stop, including Dolphin Island and the river mouth.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers transfers, soft drinks, a BBQ lunch, and the boat ride with multiple swimming stops. Extras like alcoholic drinks are not included.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts around 7 hours, starting at 9:00 am. You’ll return to Kumköy beach in the mid-afternoon.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
No, sightings depend on the day and conditions. Some guests have seen dolphins, others not. It’s more about enjoying the boat ride and scenery.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera. Optional items include a hat, additional snacks, or extra cash for souvenirs and drinks.

To sum it up, this dolphin island boat trip offers excellent value for money, especially if you’re after a relaxed day of swimming, sightseeing, and a good meal. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy gentle boat rides and scenic coastal views without high expectations of dolphin sightings or adventure thrills. With reliable transfers and a friendly crew, it’s a solid choice for a laid-back day in Side, but do keep your expectations realistic about wildlife encounters. Whether you’re traveling with family or seeking a peaceful escape, this tour provides a comfortable, enjoyable way to spend your day by the sea.