City of Side: Boat Tour on the Manavgat River w/ Bazaar Trip

A boat trip on the Manavgat River, starting from Side, offers a delightful blend of nature, local culture, and leisurely fun. For around $15, you’ll enjoy a full 7-hour experience that includes hotel pickup, visits to the spectacular Manavgat Waterfall, browsing the bustling Grand Bazaar, and relaxing with a lunch served on board. It’s a tour designed for those who love scenic views, a touch of authentic Turkish market life, and a laid-back day out on the water.

What we really like about this experience is how smoothly everything runs — the hotel pickup is punctual and comfortable, and the guides are praised for their friendliness and multilingual skills. Plus, the stops at Cennet Beach for swimming and the Waterfall highlight the natural beauty of the region, while the bazaar allows ample time for souvenirs and local treats.

One thing to consider: the cost of extras like drinks, jet skis, or entrance tickets to the waterfall aren’t included in the base price, so budget accordingly if you want to indulge. This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate a mixture of scenic relaxation, cultural exploration, and good value, especially if you enjoy a friendly atmosphere with plenty of authentic Turkish flavor.

Key Points

• Affordable Day Trip: Excellent value at $15, including transportation, guide, and a full itinerary.
• Diverse Highlights: Combines river cruising, waterfall visits, market shopping, and beach swimming.
• Well-Organized: Smooth pickup and drop-off with clear timing and multilingual guides.
• Authentic Experiences: Visit to the Manavgat Waterfall and Grand Bazaar provide local flavor.
• Multiple Facilities on Board: Three-floor boat with bars, restrooms, showers, and sun terrace.
• Flexible Options: You can choose to visit the waterfall or focus on the bazaar, with plenty of free time at each stop.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, relaxed way to enjoy the best of the Antalya region, this boat tour from Side hits many marks. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines scenery, culture, and leisure, all packed into a manageable 7-hour trip that won’t break the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What’s Included and Why It Matters

The journey begins early, with hotel pickups between 8:30 and 9:30 AM. From the start, the staff provides a comfortable bus that winds through lush forests before arriving at the Manavgat pier. This part of the trip alone is pleasant, offering glimpses of the local landscape as you await your boat departure.

The Boat: A Floating Social Hub

Once on the boat, you’ll notice it’s quite sizable, with three floors designed to cater to different tastes. The first floor features a bar, comfy seating, and showers — perfect if you want to cool off or freshen up after swimming. The second floor offers another bar, a dance floor, and cozy spaces for conversation, making it lively enough for those who enjoy socializing. The third floor is a sun terrace ideal for sunbathing and taking photos of the river and mountains.

The Scenic Stretch: Manavgat Strait to Cennet Beach

The cruise takes you through the Manavgat Strait, where you get striking views of shipyards, trout farms, and the lush Taurus Mountains. Along the way, keep an eye out for turtles on the riverbanks — a charming detail highlighted by guides.

About 35-40 minutes into the trip, you’ll reach the Bosphorus area, where the boat moors near Cennet Beach. Here, you have about an hour for swimming, sunbathing, or trying a jet ski (extra charge). The water’s unique because it’s where the green river water meets the blue Mediterranean, creating one of the few places in the world where you can swim in both salt and fresh water during the same visit.

Lunch on the Water

While on the beach, the kitchen team grills chicken or fish and prepares a buffet. In many reviews, visitors mention the quality of the food, often saying it’s simple but tasty — a good value considering the price. You can eat on deck, enjoying the views and the sea breeze.

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Optional Waterfall or Bazaar Visit

After lunch, the boat returns to the dock, where guests can opt for the Manavgat Waterfall or visit the Grand Bazaar. The waterfall visit involves an additional entrance fee and takes about 1.5 hours, whereas the bazaar is included and offers 2.5 hours of shopping and exploring.

Reviews consistently praise the guides’ friendliness and multilingual skills, with many calling them informative and accommodating. One reviewer said, “The guides and staff are amazing,” emphasizing the professionalism that keeps the day running smoothly.

The Market and Waterfall: Flexibility and Fun

The bazaar is lively, with vendors selling everything from souvenirs to local snacks. Travelers find it a little hectic but still enjoyable, as one reviewer put it, “The market was a bit hectic but it didn’t stop us from buying a few things.” The Waterfall visit is picturesque, although some mention that it’s a quick stop, so don’t expect a long hike or detailed tour.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This tour provides a balanced mix of activity and relaxation. The boat’s lively atmosphere makes it a fun social outing, especially on the second deck with music and dancing. The swimming stop at Cennet Beach is a highlight, offering a chance to cool off after a hearty lunch, while the waterfall adds a touch of natural beauty. The bazaar, with its local market stalls, offers a window into Turkish daily life and shopping culture.

From the reviews, it’s clear many travelers appreciate the value — for just $15, you get hotel transfers, a guided cruise, lunch, and free time at key stops. Several mention that additional costs, like drinks or entrance fees, are optional but worth budgeting for if you want to indulge.

Transportation and Comfort

Transportation is described as reliable and comfortable. The buses are air-conditioned and punctual, which is crucial for maintaining the schedule. The boat itself is equipped with bar facilities and restrooms, making the long day comfortable. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing for a more intimate experience, especially at the bazaar.

Authenticity and Cultural Touchpoints

The stop at the Manavgat Waterfall offers a glimpse of Turkey’s natural landscape, while the bazaar presents an authentic shopping experience. Visitors from reviews note that guides provide useful information about the region, making the experience more than just sightseeing — it’s an introduction to local life.

The Downsides: What to Watch Out For

While most reviews are positive, a few mention potential pitfalls. The waterfall visit involves an extra fee and a relatively short stop, which might leave some wanting more time. Also, drinks on the boat are not included, and some reviews suggest bringing your own or budgeting for extra purchases. Finally, some travelers found the bazaar prices a bit high compared to local markets elsewhere, so be prepared to haggle or set realistic expectations.

This trip is best for budget-conscious travelers who want a comprehensive day out without sacrificing variety or authenticity. It’s suited for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, beach swimming, and market browsing. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find it easy to join, thanks to the smooth organization and friendly guides. If your ideal day involves relaxing in beautiful surroundings, with a bit of adventure and cultural flavor, this tour will serve you well.

This Manavgat River boat tour offers excellent value and a well-rounded experience. It’s a great way to see the natural beauty of the region, enjoy Turkish hospitality, and explore local markets — all for a very reasonable price. The friendly guides, comfortable boat, and diverse stops make it an appealing choice, especially if you prefer a relaxed, scenic day with plenty of options for swimming, shopping, and soaking in the views.

If you’re after a cost-effective, organized, and authentic day trip that combines nature, culture, and fun, this tour is a solid pick. Just keep in mind the extra costs for drinks and entrance fees, and you’ll be set for a memorable day on the Manavgat River.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with pickup times between 8:30 and 9:30 AM. You’ll be transported comfortably from your hotel to the pier.

How long is the boat trip?
The total tour lasts about 7 hours, including the boat ride, swimming stop, bazaar visit, and waterfall option.

What facilities are available on the boat?
There are three floors, with bars, restrooms, showers, and a sun terrace. It’s designed to be comfortable for a full day on the water.

Can I choose whether to visit the waterfall or the bazaar?
Yes, upon arrival at the dock, you can opt for the waterfall (additional fee) or spend more time at the bazaar, which is included.

What’s the quality of the food?
Reviews mention the lunch — grilled chicken or fish with salad — as simple but tasty, good for the price. Snacks like pancakes are also available at the beach.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included. There are bars on the boat where you can buy beverages, or you might want to bring some from outside if you prefer.

This detailed look at the City of Side: Boat Tour on the Manavgat River reveals a well-organized, value-packed day that blends scenic beauty, cultural insights, and leisure. Perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet varied experience in Turkey’s stunning Antalya region.

You can check availability for your dates here: