Your day starts with a river breeze.

This cruise is built for an easy, full-day float: hotel pickup from Side, a three-deck boat with lots of space, and swim breaks where you can jump in and cool off. I also like that you get a real food moment on board (grilled chicken plus buffet lunch) and not just a snack. The main consideration is budget for extras—drinks and onboard photo packages cost extra.

What makes it fun is the mix of scenery and “do what you want” time. You’ll cruise from the Manavgat River toward the sea, then hit stops like Cennet Play and the Side peninsula area with views of the Apollo and Athena temples. I love the way the boat is set up so you can choose your vibe: shaded seating, a dance/party floor for the foam moment, or a sun terrace when you want to bake. My only heads-up: the foam party and deck entertainment are part of the experience, so if you want a perfectly quiet tour the whole time, this may feel a bit lively.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Side, with a smooth transfer to the Manavgat River pier
• Three-deck layout: showers and seating below, a dance floor and foam party middle, sun terrace up top
• Cennet Play swim break (1 hour) for saltwater swimming and optional jet ski add-on
• Two bigger swim moments (including a 45-minute stop near the Apollo and Athena temple views)
• On-board lunch cooked while you’re swimming, so you’re not stuck waiting for food
• Foam party on the return ride, plus crew energy (and even a parrot photo opportunity)

Getting from Side to the boat: it’s mostly “sit back”

You start with pickup from the Side area hotels. The schedule is built around a morning window: buses typically collect you between 08:30 and 09:30, and the pickup point is the hotel main gate. After you’re loaded, the drive takes you through forested stretches before you reach the Manavgat River pier.

One thing I appreciate is that the timing feels designed to reduce waiting. The bus reaches the dock about half an hour after pickup, then you’re on the boat within about 20 minutes of boarding. With an 8-hour day, that matters—you want time on the water, not standing around.

The three-deck boat setup: choose your mood

This is one of the biggest reasons the trip feels good value. The boat is split into three levels, and each one has a job.

On the first floor, you get a bar area, comfortable seating groups, and 10 showers at the back. That shower detail is surprisingly useful on a day with multiple swim breaks—you can rinse off without hunting for an awkward makeshift solution.

The second floor is where the energy lives. There’s another bar, more seating, and a dance floor that becomes the party zone for the foam party. This is also where the team runs the fun during the return ride, so you’re not stuck doing the party only at one moment of the day.

Up top, the third floor is the sun terrace. It’s the best place for full-on sunbathing and panoramic views, especially when you’re cruising out from the river into open sea. The trade-off is simple: the mats and seats can get claimed quickly, so go early in each swim window if you want the best sun real estate.

Cruise route: Manavgat River to the Mediterranean

The trip’s flow is straightforward. After the tour begins, you head toward the Manavgat strait—where river water meets the sea. From there, you cruise along the coastline area with a mix of river scenery and open-water views.

You also get the occasional “keep your eyes up” moment. The boat course and stops are set up for sightseeing while you’re traveling, not for long lecture-style sightseeing. In other words: you’ll feel like you’re on a real boat day, not just a bus with a detour.

Swim stop #1 at Cennet Play: one hour to reset

The first stop is called Cennet Play. This is your main “first swim” moment, and you get about a one-hour break. It’s designed for flexibility: you can swim, sunbathe, or relax on the beach side while you’re not moving.

There’s also an optional jet ski activity here. Jet skis aren’t included, but you can add them if you want a faster thrill between the calm cruising. If you’re traveling with friends or kids, this is also where the group mood often clicks—everyone has time to choose their pace.

While you’re in the water, the crew keeps lunch moving. The kitchen team grills chicken and prepares a buffet, timed so you’re ready to eat when you get back on board.

Lunch on board: simple, filling, and timed well

Lunch is included, and the biggest benefit isn’t fancy food—it’s timing. Your swim break and lunch are paired, so you’re not stuck waiting hungry on a moving boat.

The buffet is served after you return to the boat, and the chicken grilling happens while you’re swimming. There’s also a fish option mentioned, so it’s not one sad plate for everyone.

What to watch: drinks are separate. The tour includes lunch, but local drinks—like beer, wine, soda, water, and tea/coffee—aren’t included. That means if you plan to drink a lot, factor it into your budget early rather than being surprised at the end.

Swim stop #2 by the Side peninsula views (Apollo & Athena)

After the first break, the boat continues and reaches the historical Side peninsula area in about 45 minutes. On the way, there’s a chance to spot dolphins and sea turtles (caretta caretta). You can’t control wildlife sightings, but the route is specifically set up so you have opportunities to look.

Then comes the second swim break. This one runs about 45 minutes, and it’s positioned in front of a view area with the temples of Apollo and Athena. Even if you don’t swim, this is a scenic stretch: you’re swimming with a visual backdrop of ancient-stone views from the water.

Back on the boat, you can also use the 10 swimming ladders behind the vessel if you’d rather climb in and out that way. If your idea of a swim day is “get in, float, take photos, repeat,” this is where you’ll spend your time.

A third swim moment at the river mouth

On the way back, you cruise toward the Bosphorus area again and then head back to the river mouth. The return cruise is roughly 45 minutes, and you also get the party energy on board during this segment.

When you’re nearing the end, you get a third swim break at the river mouth. This one is shorter—about 20 minutes—but it’s a nice final splash before you head back to the pier and the bus drops you off between 17:00 and 17:30.

That short final stop works well for people who don’t want another long swim but still want that last burst of beach-and-water time.

Foam party and deck fun: loud enough to remember

The foam party happens during the return journey on the second floor, with dance and animations led by the crew. This is the heart of the “party boat” vibe—fun for many ages, and it’s clearly part of the program instead of an optional add-on.

If you want a specific crew member detail to know, one name that shows up in the onboard energy is Cem (pronounced similar to gem). The vibe is playful and choreographed enough that even if you’re not a dancer, you’ll end up watching and laughing.

Photo and entertainment extras are also part of the atmosphere. There’s a parrot onboard for photo moments, and there’s an on-board photographer who offers printed photos for a fee. In at least one account, the printed photos were priced around €5 per picture. You can say no—just don’t be caught off guard if someone starts selling prints right away.

Wildlife spotting: realistic expectations, better odds with the route

Dolphins and caretta caretta sea turtles are mentioned as possible sightings. The key word here is possible. The boat’s route and timing are arranged to make sightings more likely, and you’ll have chances to look during the approach to the peninsula.

If wildlife is a major reason for booking, treat this as a bonus, not a guaranteed show. That mindset keeps the day fun even if the sea stays quiet.

Price and value: $16 buys a real day out

At around $16 per person for an 8-hour day, this trip is priced like you’re getting the full boat-day package without the usual premium.

You’re paying for:

• hotel pickup and drop-off (so you don’t deal with transport stress)
• a guided experience with tour staff on board
• lunch on board (grilled chicken plus buffet)
• multiple swim breaks
• the foam party

Then you pay extra for the predictable “on vacation” costs: drinks, jet skis, and photo prints. If you keep drinks to a minimum and skip jet skis, the overall value stays strong. If you drink heavily and buy lots of photos, the total can creep up—so plan your budget like you would for any beach day.

Also, the boat size and deck space matter. When a boat tour is packed, you feel it fast. Here, the layout gives you options, from shaded seating to sun terrace, so the day feels less cramped.

Who should book this cruise (and who might want another option)

This cruise fits best if you want:

• a low-effort day with pickup and drop-off handled
• lots of water time (three swim breaks)
• a fun atmosphere with foam party energy
• a simple included meal without planning anything

It’s also a good choice for mixed groups—people who want to swim and people who just want to hang out on deck can both be happy.

If you’re the type who wants quiet sightseeing only, you might find the party-focused areas distracting, especially on the second floor. Still, the boat’s design means you can move levels and find calmer corners.

Should you book City of Side: Sightseeing Cruise w/ Swim Stops & Foam Party?

I’d book it if your goal is a classic Mediterranean boat day: cruise + swimming + lunch + one big fun moment. The big wins are the structured swim stops (Cennet Play plus the Side peninsula view area) and the fact that lunch is handled while you’re enjoying the water.

Skip or look for alternatives if you mainly want museums, walking tours, or a strictly quiet experience. Also, if you know you’ll want lots of drinks and you’re easily tempted by photo packages, keep an eye on your total vacation spend.

If you want an easy, good-value day from Side that mixes sea time with real entertainment, this is the kind of booking that usually makes the holiday feel bigger than its price tag.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the cruise?

The total duration is listed as 8 hours.

What time is hotel pickup in Side?

Pickup is scheduled between 08:30 and 09:30 from the Side area, and from 08:30–09:00 from the main gate of the hotel.

Where are the swimming stops during the day?

You get a first swim break at Cennet Play for about 1 hour, a second swim break in front of the historical Side peninsula area for about 45 minutes, and a final shorter swim break of about 20 minutes at the mouth of the river.

Are jet skis included?

No. Jet ski use is not included and is available as an extra.

What does the price include?

Included items are hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat trip, a tour guide, lunch, foam party, and tips.

Are drinks included?

Local drinks like beer, wine, soft drinks (cola/sprite/fanta), water, and tea/coffee are not included.

What languages is the live tour guide offered in?

The guide is available in English, German, and Russian.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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