Side: Blue Lagoon Boat Trip with Swimming & Sunbathing - Final Thoughts

Side: Blue Lagoon Boat Trip with Swimming & Sunbathing

Side: Blue Lagoon Boat Trip with Swimming & Sunbathing offers a delightful escape along Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast. For just $34 per person, you’ll spend approximately six hours exploring the waters around Side, with stops for swimming, enjoying lively entertainment, and taking in breathtaking views. The tour departs from Side Harbor, where you’ll hop aboard a well-maintained boat with a friendly guide, ready to show you the natural beauty and historic sites like the Temple of Apollo from a new perspective.

What really makes this experience stand out are two key aspects. First, the chance to see playful marine creatures like turtles and dolphins—even if, as some reviews mention, sightings aren’t guaranteed, the possibility adds a layer of excitement. Second, the combination of scenic cruising and engaging entertainment, including a foam party and lively animations, makes it suitable for those looking for a fun, social day on the water.

A potential consideration is the sea conditions, which can sometimes lead to schedule adjustments or omitted stops for safety reasons. Also, while the tour includes a delicious onboard lunch, drinks and souvenirs like photos are extra, so budget accordingly if you want more than the basic package.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy relaxing on a boat, swimming in natural waters, and engaging in lively group activities. If you’re after a more cultural or historical tour, you might want to explore other options. But for those seeking a fun, scenic day with some marine wildlife spotting and plenty of sun, this cruise hits the right notes.

Key Points

  • Comfortable, well-organized half-day trip leaving from Side Harbor
  • Multiple swimming breaks in fresh and saltwater, including the Manavgat River beach
  • Wildlife sightings like turtles and dolphins, with some luck
  • Lively onboard entertainment including foam parties and animations
  • Delicious onboard lunch included in the price
  • Weather and sea conditions can influence the schedule or stops
You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Blue Lagoon Boat Trip

Side: Blue Lagoon Boat Trip with Swimming & Sunbathing - A Closer Look at the Blue Lagoon Boat Trip

When considering a boat adventure along the Side coast, this tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, fun, and cultural sights. The journey begins early in the morning with hotel pickup, a thoughtful touch that saves you time and hassle. From there, you’re transported to Side Harbor, where the boats are ready and waiting, promising a comfortable and safe ride.

The Itinerary Breakdown

1. Departure and Scenic Cruising
Around 10:00 am, you’ll set sail from Side Harbor with the chance to appreciate the views of the old harbor and the Temple of Apollo from the water. This is a great way to see these historic sites without the crowds or the heat of the day. The guides are typically knowledgeable, offering insights in English, German, or Russian, which adds value for international travelers.

2. Coastline Exploration & Wildlife Spotting
As you cruise along the coast, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and loggerhead turtles. While sightings depend on luck, the guide’s enthusiasm and the chance to see these creatures in their natural environment add a memorable element. We loved the way the tour combines natural beauty with the thrill of potential wildlife encounters.

3. Swimming & Beach Breaks
The tour offers 3-4 swimming breaks, covering both the Manavgat River beach and the waters near Side. The Manavgat River, where fresh and saltwater mingle, provides a unique swimming experience—something you won’t find everywhere. Be sure to bring your swimsuit, towel, and sun protection. One reviewer mentioned, “We didn’t see any dolphins or turtles unfortunately, but the day was still a lovely outing,” which reminds us that sometimes luck isn’t on your side, but the scenery and atmosphere still make it worthwhile.

4. Cultural & Natural Highlights
During the cruise, you’ll pass by notable sights like the Ancient Side Harbor and the Temple of Apollo, adding a touch of cultural context to your day. It’s a peaceful way to appreciate these sites from afar, avoiding the crowds and heat of onshore visits.

5. Lunch & Entertainment
A highlight is the onboard lunch, which is included in the ticket price. It’s a good-quality meal that keeps you energized for the day. The tour also features animations and a foam party, making it especially appealing for families or groups looking for lively entertainment. We found these lively sessions to be engaging, adding a playful vibe to the trip.

6. Return & Disembarkation
After a relaxed afternoon, you’ll sail back to Side, with a final swimming break near the harbor before returning to your hotel. The transfer back is straightforward, though a review notes that the drop-off was on a street, requiring some navigation back to the hotel, so travelers should be prepared for a little extra walking or to ask for directions.

What’s Included & What’s Extra

The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and guides, which ensures a hassle-free experience. However, drinks, ice-cream, and photos are not included, so if you want souvenirs or beverages, expect to pay extra onboard or ashore.

The Experience from the Review Perspective

While most reviews highlight the timely pickup and beautiful views, some mention that not everyone will see dolphins or turtles, which is typical for wildlife tours. One traveler noted, “We didn’t see any dolphins or turtles, but the day was a nice outing at sea,” emphasizing that even without wildlife sightings, the overall experience remains positive due to the scenery and the fun atmosphere.

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Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

Side: Blue Lagoon Boat Trip with Swimming & Sunbathing - Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a lively, relaxed day at sea. If you enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and social activities like foam parties, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s also well-suited for those interested in seeing the coast and historical sights from the water without the hassle of land-based tours.

If your priority is wildlife viewing, be aware that sightings are not guaranteed, but the chances are good enough to keep the excitement high. This tour suit travelers who don’t mind some unpredictability but want a balanced mix of relaxation and fun.

Final Thoughts

Side: Blue Lagoon Boat Trip with Swimming & Sunbathing - Final Thoughts

This boat trip in Side strikes a good balance between natural beauty, cultural sights, and lively entertainment. For $34, you’re getting a well-organized six-hour adventure that includes multiple swimming stops, a tasty onboard lunch, and the chance to enjoy the coast from a different perspective. The lively atmosphere, especially with animations and foam parties, makes it especially appealing for those eager to make new friends and have fun in a relaxed setting.

We appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to see the coast from the water, which adds a fresh dimension to your visit. While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the overall experience brings a blend of scenic cruising, cultural appreciation, and lively group activities that many travelers will find enjoyable.

If you’re after a fun, social day with spectacular views and some wildlife chances, this tour offers good value and memorable moments. Just remember to bring sunscreen, your swimming gear, and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from hotels in Side, making it convenient for travelers.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about six hours, with departures around 10:00 am, though check availability for exact times.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks and ice-cream are not included, so you might want to bring some money if you’d like beverages or snacks.

Can I see dolphins or turtles?
While the tour offers the chance to see playful dolphins and loggerhead turtles, sightings are not guaranteed and depend on wildlife activity.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and camera. Changing cabins and restrooms are available on the boat.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the lively animations and fun atmosphere make it suitable for families, but always check the age restrictions if traveling with very young children.

This Side boat trip offers a lively, scenic, and relaxing way to enjoy the Mediterranean waters, with enough variety to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re seeking a day of sun, swimming, or just a different view of Side’s coast, it’s a solid choice for an authentic, enjoyable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: