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

A foam party on the water makes Side feel like a day off. This Side boat tour mixes sightseeing from the Manavgat River with real swim time at Caretta Bay, then turns the trip playful with a foam party onboard. I especially like the combo of a scenic cruise and a proper activity schedule, not just sitting and watching. One thing to plan for, this outing is built around getting in the water, so pack your swimwear and a change of clothes.

The flow is simple: you get bus pickup from hotels in Side, then you’re fed onboard with lunch and non-alcoholic drinks while cruising. I also like that you get a live guide on the trip, with German or English, so you’re not stuck guessing what you’re seeing.

At $25 per person, it can feel like good value because lunch, a tour guide, insurance during the tour, and the foam party are all part of the package. Still, alcohol, tea, coffee, ice cream, and photos are not included, so if you want those extras, budget a bit more.

Key Things You’ll Remember From This Side Boat Trip

• Foam party onboard: the main event, built for fun, not a passive ride
• Manavgat River cruise views: you travel past the scenery while getting photo opportunities
• Caretta Bay swim break: turquoise water time in the Mediterranean Sea
• Lunch plus non-alcoholic drinks: you eat onboard without scrambling for food
• Shower and change comfort: there are showers so you can reset after swimming
• Hotel pickup in Side: you do less planning and more time enjoying

Manavgat River to Caretta Bay, the Simple Plan

This is a half-day boat outing that tries to hit three goals at once: sightseeing, swimming, and onboard entertainment. You start in Side, then cruise along the Manavgat River, where the scenery does the work for you. The views are part of the point, especially around Side’s ancient coastline, where you get chances to take photos of well-known landmarks like the Temple of Apollo.

Then you cool off with swims. You’ll have swim breaks during the trip, including a highlight stop at Caretta Bay, where you can swim in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. And when it’s time to switch gears from postcard views to pure fun, the foam party takes over.

If your idea of a good day is active, social, and outdoors, this format fits. If you want quiet, museum-style pacing, you may find the water-and-party rhythm a bit much, because the schedule is designed around getting wet and enjoying the onboard atmosphere.

Hotel Pickup in Side, Then Straight Onto the Boat

The day begins with hotel pickup and drop-off by bus from Side. That matters more than it sounds. In summer in this region, getting to the harbor can eat up time, and this removes most of the logistics stress. Once you’re picked up, the trip stays focused on the boat experience.

Onboard, meals and drinks are handled for you, so you’re not hunting for a late lunch or paying tourist prices for snacks right before you swim. The tour is also guided, with a live guide speaking German or English, which helps if you want context while you’re cruising.

Practical note: with pickup and a set duration of 6 hours, plan your day around the trip. It’s easier if you keep one flexible block open on either side, especially if you’re traveling with kids or you’re already spending time in the Side historic area.

What You See on the Cruise, Including the Temple of Apollo Views

The cruise segment is where the sightseeing payoff happens. You travel along the Manavgat River with beautiful surroundings, and as you go, you’ll get great views of Side. Side is known for its ancient ruins and the coastline setting, and seeing it from the water gives a different angle than walking the streets.

One of the most specific photo moments is a view of the Temple of Apollo. You’ll have time to take pictures, and that’s the kind of stop you can treat like a mini break rather than a full walking excursion.

Here’s what to keep in mind: you’ll be moving, not parked at a viewpoint for hours. So if photography is a priority for you, have your camera ready and your sunscreen on before you reach the best angles. Also remember that photos are not included in the package, so you’re responsible for capturing your own memories.

Lunch and Drinks Onboard, What’s Included and What Costs Extra

This tour includes lunch and meals are served onboard while you cruise. I like that you don’t have to plan around food. In a day that includes swimming, it’s a big win to know you’ll eat before, between, or alongside the activities without searching for restaurants.

For drinks, the tour includes non-alcoholic drinks onboard. Depending on your selected option, soft drinks may include items like cola, fanta, sprite, and water. What’s not included is alcoholic drinks, and also tea, coffee, ice cream.

So how should you think about this financially? If you normally skip alcohol on hot days, the package can feel straightforward. If you like having beer or wine during tours, this can add up, because you’ll need to cover those drinks separately. Also, photos are not included, which is worth remembering if you were hoping for a photographer to handle the souvenir shots.

If you’re prone to getting sun-sick or thirsty fast, take advantage of the included non-alcoholic drinks early. Waiting until after you’ve been swimming can be a mistake, especially when you’re already dehydrating from heat and saltwater.

Caretta Bay Swim Break, the Real Motivation for Getting Wet

The swimming portion is the heart of the day. You’ll have swim breaks, and the standout stop is at Caretta Bay. This is where you get to swim in turquoise water in the Mediterranean Sea.

This matters for two reasons. First, you get a break from heat on shore and turn your time into something physical. Second, swimming in open water feels like a vacation upgrade compared to a quick dip in a pool.

To make the most of the swim time, come prepared:

• wear swimwear from the start if you can
• bring a towel
• bring sandals suitable for getting on and off the boat

There are showers available, and you can bring extra clothes to change at the end of the tour. That detail is genuinely helpful, because it turns the day from wet-and-done into wet-and-comfortable enough to head back to your hotel feeling human again.

Foam Party Time, How to Enjoy It Without Ruining Your Day

The foam party is listed as the highlight, and the tour is clearly designed around it. Think of it as the onboard energy switch. You’re on the water already, and then the crew adds a full activity element, not just a music track and a quick photo moment.

How to enjoy it:

• wear your swimsuit, and don’t treat foam like something you can avoid
• apply sunscreen before you start, so you’re not scrambling later
• expect to get messy and playful

What I like about this is it changes the feel of the trip. The cruise and the river views can be relaxed, then the foam party makes it memorable and different from the usual boat ride.

Possible consideration: if you prefer a calm, low-noise outing, the foam party is built to be lively. In that case, you might want to bring a little patience and plan to enjoy it on your terms, not fight the party energy.

What to Bring, So You’re Not Borrowing Things Midday

You’ll get the most out of the day if you show up ready for water time. The basics are clearly spelled out:

• swimwear
• change of clothes
• towel
• sandals
• camera
• sunscreen

The trip also includes showers, which is great because you’ll have swim foam and salt on you. Packing an easy outfit for after the tour helps, especially if you’re going straight back to the beach or dinner plans.

One small tip that saves headaches: keep your essentials together in one waterproof or sealed bag. You’ll be switching between lounging, swimming, and foam party time, and you don’t want your sunscreen or phone stranded somewhere awkward.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Might Want Another Option

This experience is a strong match if you want:

• a half-day Side boat tour that includes lunch
• real swim time at Caretta Bay
• fun onboard entertainment with a foam party
• a guided trip with German or English support
• an easy day format starting with hotel pickup in Side

It’s also good for families and groups who want one ticket that covers food and activities without lots of planning.

It may not be ideal if you’re seeking a quiet cultural tour with long stops on land. This is water-first and fun-first, and the sightseeing moments are timed around cruising and photos.

If you care a lot about alcohol or café-style breaks, note what’s not included. You’ll get non-alcoholic drinks, but alcohol and hot drinks like tea and coffee are not part of the included package.

Price and Value at $25, Plus What You Might Add

At $25 per person for a 6-hour outing, the value mainly comes from what’s bundled:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• lunch
• the foam party
• a tour guide
• insurance during the tour
• onboard non-alcoholic drinks

That’s a lot to include in one ticket. Many trips charge extra for lunch or basic onboard food, and many boat days do not include guided context.

What could add cost:

• alcoholic drinks
• tea and coffee
• ice cream
• photos

If you want those extras, treat them as add-ons rather than surprises. If you’re mostly focused on the swim break, the views, and the foam party, the included package is likely what you need.

Should You Book This Side and Caretta Bay Boat Trip?

I’d book this if you want a straightforward Side boat tour where the day has built-in fun and built-in swimming. The foam party is a big draw, and the Caretta Bay swim break gives you a clear payoff for being on the water.

I’d think twice if you’re sensitive to lively onboard activities, or if you’re looking for long, quiet sightseeing stops on land. This trip is designed for action, not stillness.

If you go, go prepared. Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes are not optional if you want to enjoy the foam party and swim breaks comfortably.

FAQ

How long is the Side and Caretta Bay boat trip?

The duration is 6 hours.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is included from hotels in Side, Turkey.

What’s included in the price?

The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, foam party, a tour guide, and insurance during the tour.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Are soft drinks included?

Non-alcoholic drinks are provided. Soft drinks like cola, fanta, sprite, and water may be included if that option is selected with your booking.

Do you have swim breaks during the tour?

Yes. There are swim breaks, including swimming in the turquoise waters at Caretta Bay.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sandals, a camera, and sunscreen.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring pets or outside food and drinks?

Pets are not allowed, and food and drinks are not allowed.