Foam, music, and pirate play set the tone fast. This big Mediterranean yacht trip turns the water into a full-day party: kids get face painting to look like mini pirates, you’ll get a bunch of time on the sea with swimming breaks, and the tour builds in classic Alanya sights from the water. I like the family-first setup (including a team to look after kids), and I really like the mix of active fun (swims + foam party) with real time on land in Alanya. One thing to consider: it’s a party format, so if you’re sensitive to loud music, the disco-style foam event may be too much.

The itinerary is built like a rhythm: early pickup, a morning swim near Alanya Castle and Cleopatra Beach, a long-ish port break for sightseeing, then lunch and more entertainment as you cruise by landmarks like Lovers Cave. I also like that included drinks don’t leave you scrambling for your wallet in the middle of the day. If you want slow, quiet sightseeing all day, this is not that kind of cruise.

Key takeaways before you go

• Mini pirate face painting for kids, plus bandannas and on-board kid support
• Swim break by Alanya Castle and Cleopatra Beach for a quick, good-value sea moment
• 1.5 hours in Alanya Harbor to check out the bazaar area, Alanya Castle, and Red Tower
• Open buffet lunch + unlimited cold drinks, with unlimited beer and wine included
• Lovers Cave pass-by and a high-jumping show, then animations geared to kids
• Foam party disco plus a final swim, with snorkeling gear allowed if you bring your own

Family-friendly fun: mini pirates, kids shows, and real breaks

This tour is clearly aimed at families. Right when you get on board, the vibe goes kid-first: face painting turns children into mini pirates, and kids receive a bandanna. There’s also a team onboard dedicated to kids, which matters a lot when you’re trying to keep the day fun without constantly managing every little moment yourself.

What I like is that it’s not just face paint and then chaos. The day has structure: a swim break early, a port break for adults who want to step out, then shows and activities again later. Even older kids and teens can still have fun here because the energy is constant—swimming, music, and group entertainment.

There’s a practical catch. This is a daytime party cruise, so you should expect the sound system to be part of the experience. One review note that music can feel a bit loud at times. If you’re traveling with someone who needs quiet, plan accordingly (earplugs can be a lifesaver on any party boat).

And note the age limit: it’s marked as not suitable for people over 95 years. That’s likely about getting on and off the boat and moving around on deck.

From Side or Alanya pickup to Türkler Port departure

Your day starts with hotel pickup. Pickups run from the wider Alanya/Side-area hotels, including places like Side, Türkler, Çolaklı, Evrenseki, Kumköy, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, and more. The stated pickup window in Alanya is 07:20 to 08:30, and boarding happens at Alanya/Türkler port with departure around 09:00.

That timing is useful. You get a full day on the water, but you’re not stuck until late afternoon. You also avoid the “drive yourself, find parking, pay for snacks” stress. If you’re staying outside central areas, that included transfer is a big part of the value.

The tour also runs in Russian, German, and English, so you should have no trouble following what’s happening. The guide team leads the day’s flow, from kid activities to the on-board entertainment cues.

The first sea stop: Alanya Castle shores and Cleopatra Beach

After you head out, the tour’s first swimming break is designed to be easy and scenic. You’ll anchor along the shores of Alanya Castle and Cleopatra Beach for about 30 minutes.

This is a smart stop for a couple reasons. First, it’s short enough that it doesn’t drag. Second, it gives you that “I’m actually on the Mediterranean” feeling without committing to a long swim session. For many people, this becomes the highlight because it’s the clearest contrast to the busy coastline land views.

Practical tip: bring a towel. That sounds obvious, but it’s the one item people forget when they’re packing for a beach day. Also, plan for sun. You’re on a yacht in open daylight, so sunscreen and a hat aren’t optional if you burn easily.

One more consideration: you only get about half an hour here. If you want time to snorkel or just float slowly, jump in quickly and don’t wait for the last minutes.

Alanya Harbor time: bazaar strolling, castle views, and Red Tower

Next comes a change of pace. The boat anchors at Alanya Harbor for about 1.5 hours. This is your window to get off the yacht and explore.

In this break you can visit:

• Alanya Historical Bazaar
• Alanya Castle
• Red Tower

Even if you don’t plan to hike all the way up to the castle, the Red Tower area is worth a look. The bazaar zone gives you a chance to snack, browse, and pick up beach stuff without trying to coordinate an extra day trip.

Here’s the part to manage: 1.5 hours is enough for a focused walk and photos, but it’s not enough to go slow and do everything. Choose your priorities before you step off. If you want castle views, head toward the castle route first. If you want shopping and quick bites, let the bazaar be your center.

A handy mindset: use this as a “taste of Alanya” stop. The sea portion is the main event, and the harbor break is the bonus.

Lunch on board: buffet food plus serious drink value

Lunch is served as an open buffet onboard. If you’re the kind of eater who gets picky when you’re hungry, this helps. You won’t have to search for a restaurant between swims, and you’re not stuck eating once the day is over.

Included with lunch are unlimited cold soft drinks, plus unlimited beer and wine. That’s a big value point for a tour at this price level. It also means adults can enjoy the cruise without constantly paying per drink.

Food-wise, the buffet is described as something like chicken and salad in at least one account, and it’s described as tasty enough. Since it’s a buffet, you’ll likely find something that works, but if you’re vegetarian or have strict dietary needs, you might want to double-check what’s typically offered (the tour data only confirms lunch is included, not specific menus for all preferences).

One last detail: because lunch is onboard, you get a small rhythm reset. You’ve been outside on deck and in the sun; the buffet is your chance to cool down and refuel before the afternoon entertainment.

Cruise past Lovers Cave and enjoy the high-jumping show

After lunch, the cruise keeps moving. You’ll pass by the coast of Alanya Castle, and you’ll see Lovers Cave from the water. There’s also a show during the cruise, including high jumping.

This portion is where the tour adds spectacle. It’s not a quiet museum-style experience. It’s more like “watch the action while you enjoy the sea air.” If you’re with kids, this is the moment they often remember because it mixes the scenery with something happening right in front of you.

The tour also includes animations and shows for children after this segment. The plan seems to be: keep kids entertained between swim moments, while adults get a chance to relax on deck or take photos of the coastline.

Foam party disco and the last swim: your big afternoon moment

Then comes the payoff: the foam party. Expect a disco-style atmosphere with popular music. You’ll have a proper foam event on the yacht, which is exactly the kind of “one time in your life” fun that makes group cruises feel different than a regular ferry or resort beach day.

Just be aware of the tradeoff. Because it’s party-focused, music can be loud. If you’re sensitive, keep that in mind and step away for a moment when you need a break. Bring sunglasses and keep a bottle of water handy, even if you’re drinking included beverages.

After the foam party, there’s a last swimming break. If you want to bring your own snorkeling gear, that’s allowed on this swimming trip. The tour itself doesn’t supply snorkeling gear in the provided info, so bring only if you already have your own kit.

This final swim is a good time to slow down. By then, you’re past the “first-time excitement” and into the relaxed part of the day. It’s also the best moment to check the water, because conditions usually settle after the earlier rush of the day.

Price and value: what $45 covers on this big day

At $45 per person, the tour sits in a sweet spot for families who want a lot included without paying for a dozen separate extras.

Here’s what’s covered based on the tour details:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Open buffet lunch
• Foam party
• Swimming breaks
• Unlimited cold soft drinks
• Unlimited beer and wine
• Full insurance
• Included entertainment and kids activities
• The basic tour experience from Side or Alanya to Alanya and back

What you’re paying for is not just a boat ride. You’re paying for the full day structure: transport, food, activities, and the big entertainment moment. The foam party alone can cost more than that on some stand-alone events, and the included drinks are a clear value add.

What’s not included:

• Other alcoholic beverages beyond what’s listed
• Personal expenses
• Photos and DVD (and extra paid photo-style souvenirs)

If you like collecting memories, budget a bit extra. One review mentions additional costs like photos and shirt painting. That’s common on party cruises: they’re selling keepsakes, not adding them for free.

What to bring (and what not to do) for a smooth day

Keep your packing simple. The tour’s basic advice is:

• Bring a towel

That said, you’ll also want your normal sea-day basics: swimsuit, sunscreen, water-friendly sandals. You’re going to be on deck and doing quick swim breaks, so comfort matters.

Not allowed:

• Fishing

That rule is standard for boat activities near swim areas. Just don’t plan on bringing fishing gear.

Also, you’ll likely be exposed to sun and sound for long stretches, so plan for that reality. Even if you’re having fun, you still need a break sometimes.

Should you book the Pirates Yacht Tour from Side or Alanya?

Book it if you want a family-friendly day on the Mediterranean with built-in fun. This is especially good if your group includes kids who will enjoy face painting, the mini pirate theme, and the foam party. The included lunch and drink setup makes it easier to keep everyone happy without constant spending.

Don’t book if your idea of a perfect day is quiet sightseeing and long calm walks. This is an energetic cruise with shows, music, and multiple activity blocks. Also skip it if someone in your group is uncomfortable with loud sound, or if mobility is limited—remember it’s not suitable for people over 95 years.

If you’re looking for a “do something different” day in Antalya Province that mixes sea time with a practical city stop in Alanya, this one fits the bill.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Pirates Yacht Tour?

The tour duration is listed as 7 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

You board the excursion boat at Alanya/Türkler port and depart from there around 09:00.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included, with pickup from hotels across many Side and Alanya-area neighborhoods.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes open buffet lunch, foam party, swimming breaks, hotel pickup and drop-off, full insurance, unlimited cold soft drinks, and unlimited beer and wine.

Is lunch provided during the cruise?

Yes. There is an open buffet lunch onboard.

What should I bring?

You should bring a towel.

Is fishing allowed on the tour?

No, fishing is not allowed.

You Might Also Enjoy

Side Forest Buggy Safari with Hotel PickupBelek: Taurus Mountains and Jeep Tour with LunchSightseeing Cruise from Old Town HarborAntalya Airport Transfer Luxury and Comfortable Meet Transfer