REVIEW · SIDE
City of Side: Side & Caretta Bay Boat Trip w/ Lunch & Drinks
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Seven Tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Foam, sun, and Side views in one day. This half-day cruise mixes a silly-good foam party with classic ancient Side photo moments from the water. I like the way the trip keeps moving, with swim breaks built in, so you’re not just sitting on a boat. One thing to consider: the foam party can get loud and messy, so if you want a quiet, serene cruise, this one may feel a bit too party-focused.
You start with hotel pickup by bus and then settle into the boat routine. The day runs about 6 hours, and it’s paced around cruising the Manavgat River, eating, and cooling off in the sea. The trade-off is that it’s not a walk-through tour of Side’s ruins; you mainly get views and photo time from the boat.
On board, you’re treated to lunch and non-alcoholic drinks, plus a guided experience in English or German. I also appreciate that there are showers, so you can rinse off before heading back. The only drawback I’d flag is that photos are not included, so bring your own camera if you want those Apollo-area snapshots.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About
- Manavgat River to Caretta Bay: how the day flows
- Getting picked up in Side (and what “on time” feels like)
- Side’s ancient views from the water (Temple of Apollo photo time)
- Caretta Bay swimming: the water stop you’ll remember
- Lunch on board: what included food means for value
- Foam party onboard: why it’s fun (and why you should pack like it)
- Price and value: is $25 a good deal?
- What to bring (and what will save you time)
- Who this boat trip fits best (and who might not)
- Should you book this Side & Caretta Bay boat trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the Side & Caretta Bay boat trip?
- Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are non-alcoholic drinks included?
- Will there be swimming?
- Is the foam party included?
- What languages is the tour guide available in?
- Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?
- Are photos included in the tour?
- Is cancellation possible?
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About
- Foam party onboard: included, and it’s the main “wow” moment
- Caretta Bay swim break: time in crystal water for a real ocean break
- Side views from the cruise: plus a photo stop for the Temple of Apollo
- Hotel pickup and drop-off: less hassle, more holiday time
- Lunch on the boat: food is part of the experience, not an afterthought
- Guided cruise: tour guide present, with German and English available
Manavgat River to Caretta Bay: how the day flows
This is a 6-hour boat trip that’s built around variety. You cruise along the Manavgat River, then head toward a sea swim at Caretta Bay. Between those blocks, you eat lunch and build in time to cool off.
Think of it like a floating plan: sightseeing when you’re on the move, then swimming when you actually want to be in the water. It’s a solid format if your goal is a fun day without burning time finding public transport or coordinating multiple stops.
Other Side tours we've reviewed in Side
Getting picked up in Side (and what “on time” feels like)
The tour starts with pickup from hotels in Side. You’re collected by bus, then transferred to the boat for boarding. That matters more than it sounds: the easiest way to enjoy a half-day boat trip is not having to worry about parking or timing your own way to the dock.
Once on board, the day follows a fairly standard rhythm:
- cruise time while you take in the scenery and photo spots
- lunch service onboard
- swimming breaks (including the main Caretta Bay swim)
- the foam party segment, which is the highlight
If you’re the type who likes a clear schedule, you’ll likely feel comfortable. If you hate waiting, just remember you’re on a shared tour where the day’s flow is the priority, not individual pacing.
Side’s ancient views from the water (Temple of Apollo photo time)
One of the best parts is how the boat gives you a different angle on Side. From the water, you get great views of Side’s ancient city, and the tour includes time for photos of the famous Temple of Apollo.
Important detail: this is not described as a full land excursion through ruins. So if you’re hoping for long walks inside the archaeological area, keep expectations realistic. What you do get is a strong photo opportunity tied to the coastal perspective—often the kind of images you can’t easily replicate from the street.
Tip: bring your camera ready. The Temple of Apollo moment is specifically mentioned as a photo time, and it’s usually most effective when you’re not fumbling with batteries or settings.
Caretta Bay swimming: the water stop you’ll remember
The trip includes a swim break at Caretta Bay, with time to get in the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. This is the part that turns a cruise into a real beach-and-water day.
A few practical thoughts before you go:
- Wear something you can swim in immediately. There’s no point spending the best water minutes changing at the last second.
- Bring a towel (recommended) because you’ll want to dry off after.
- Plan to protect your skin from the sun. Sunscreen is on the packing list for a reason.
Also note: there are showers on board. That’s great if you want to rinse saltwater off and feel decent on the ride back.
Lunch on board: what included food means for value
Lunch is included, served onboard as part of the experience. You also get meals and non-alcoholic drinks on the boat, which is a big deal on a half-day tour. It means you don’t need to hunt for food before the pickup or stop for lunch after.
You’ll be able to choose from a variety of fresh dishes, and the goal here seems pretty clear: keep you comfortable enough to enjoy the water time and the foam party without hunger ruining the mood.
One detail worth checking: the information says non-alcoholic drinks are provided, while soft drinks like cola, fanta, sprite, and water are listed as part of a soft-drink option. In plain terms: you’ll have non-alcoholic beverages, but the exact “unlimited” mix may depend on the option selected. If unlimited soft drinks is a must-have, double-check what’s covered in your booking.
Other boat tours we've reviewed in Side
Foam party onboard: why it’s fun (and why you should pack like it)
The tour’s headline is the foam party, and it’s framed as the unforgettable moment of the day. If you like playful, social energy, you’ll probably enjoy it a lot. If you don’t like getting splashed or you’re worried about ruining clothes, you’ll still get the experience—but you need to prepare.
Here’s how to make foam-day work for you:
- Bring a change of clothes (recommended). You’re going to want dry clothes after.
- Use sandals or easy footwear—something you can move in on a wet boat deck.
- Pack a swimsuit you’re okay with getting fully rinsed, not your “only-on-special-days” one.
- Expect photos to be harder once foam starts flying. If you care about pictures, use your camera early or save it for calmer moments.
From the feedback people have shared, the party energy is exactly what folks remember. One verified booking noted it was very fun and enjoyable, and another said everything was super and they’d book again. That matches the overall vibe: this is not a quiet nature cruise; it’s a day built for laughs.
Price and value: is $25 a good deal?
At $25 per person, you’re not paying for just a boat ride. You’re paying for a packed half-day that includes:
- hotel pickup and drop-off
- lunch
- foam party
- tour guide
- insurance during tour
That combination is where the value sits. Boat trips in coastal areas can be pricey once you add transport and food. Here, those pieces are bundled, so you’re less likely to end up spending extra money on the day to compensate.
What you should weigh is what you personally want:
- If you want swimming plus a party moment plus food, this price feels like it matches the experience.
- If you mainly want a quiet sightseeing cruise with lots of land time in Side’s ruins, $25 may still be fair, but your expectations need adjusting because the focus is on the boat and water stops, not long temple-walk time.
What to bring (and what will save you time)
The packing list is practical, and I agree with it. Bring:
- Swimwear
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Sandals
- Camera
- Sunscreen
A few extra reminders based on the day’s structure:
- If you wear sunscreen, apply it before the first swim break. Waiting until you’re already in the sun is a classic regret move.
- Bring a bag that can handle wet gear. You’ll have a towel and possibly a suit that needs drying.
- Photos are mentioned as not included, so your camera is your best friend here.
Not allowed: pets, and food and drinks. So don’t plan on bringing snacks to solve hunger. Lunch onboard is part of the deal.
Who this boat trip fits best (and who might not)
This tour is a strong fit if you want:
- an easy day from Side with pickup and drop-off
- swimming time at Caretta Bay
- a fun, social highlight in the form of a foam party
- a guided day without lots of planning
It may feel less ideal if you:
- prefer quiet, calm sightseeing and don’t enjoy the chaos of foam
- want a long, detailed on-land exploration of Side’s archaeological sites
- don’t like swimming in open water (the trip includes multiple swim moments)
The languages listed are German and English, so most people should feel comfortable with the guide during the cruise.
Should you book this Side & Caretta Bay boat trip?
If your idea of a great holiday includes sunshine, swimming, lunch taken care of, and a foam party moment you’ll laugh about later, I’d say book it. The biggest reasons are simple: pickup is included, food is included, and the day is built around two things people actually enjoy—being on the water and getting in it.
Skip it only if you want a quiet, strictly sightseeing-only cruise or you’re hoping for a full land tour of Side’s ruins. Otherwise, for $25 and about 6 hours of water time, this feels like a fair, low-stress plan.
FAQ
How long is the Side & Caretta Bay boat trip?
The duration is 6 hours.
Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes. Pickup is included from all hotels in Side, Turkey, and you’ll also be dropped back after the tour.
What’s included in the price?
Included items are hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, foam party, tour guide, and insurance during tour.
Are non-alcoholic drinks included?
Yes. You’ll be provided with non-alcoholic drinks onboard. Soft drinks like cola, fanta, sprite, and water are listed as part of an option, so check what your booking covers.
Will there be swimming?
Yes. The tour includes swim breaks, including a swim time at Caretta Bay.
Is the foam party included?
Yes. The foam party is included.
What languages is the tour guide available in?
The live tour guide is available in German and English.
Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?
Yes. The tour includes swim breaks and a foam party, so you should bring swimwear and a towel.
Are photos included in the tour?
No. Photos are not included.
Is cancellation possible?
The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.
