Side offers more boat trips than almost any resort on the Turkish Riviera, and they are genuinely different days out — a pirate galleon, a mountain lake, a wild island beach, private yachts. As the local operator running these trips ourselves, we see exactly which tours guests rave about as they step off the boat. Here is our ranked editor's list for 2026, with a clear "who it's for" on every pick.
How we ranked Side's boat trips for 2026
This is not a list of everything that floats in Side harbour. We ranked our six tours by three things:
- Guest feedback — what families, couples and groups actually tell us after the tour.
- What's included — meals, drinks, insurance and hotel pickup, so there are no surprises on board.
- Value for the day — how much experience you get for your time on the water.
Group tours are priced per person and private charters per boat; the current price and full inclusions list are always on each tour page.
The 2026 ranking: Side's best boat trips
#1 Pirate Boat Adventure — best boat trip for families
A multi-deck wooden galleon with a treasure hunt, free face painting and a children's menu — plus all drinks from the on-board bar included and sea insurance for every guest. It departs at 10:00 on set days of the week and fills roughly seven hours with swimming stops, a foam party and non-stop entertainment. Who it's for: families with kids — nothing else in Side comes close. See dates on the Pirate Boat Adventure page.
#2 Dolphin Island Cruise — best all-in-one day
Eight hours combining a Manavgat River cruise, swimming where the river meets the sea, open-sea stops, lunch on board (drinks sold separately) and a foam party on the way to Dolphin Island. Hotel pickup runs between 08:30 and 09:25, with return around 17:30. One honest note: dolphins are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed. Who it's for: mixed groups who want a bit of everything on a single ticket. Details on the Dolphin Island cruise page.
#3 Green Canyon Boat Tour — best for nature and calm
Instead of the open sea, you cruise an emerald mountain lake behind the Oymapınar dam: swimming in cool water, fishing from the boat, a lakeside restaurant lunch and soft drinks on board included, with a guide speaking English, German and Russian. Alcohol isn't allowed, which keeps the day genuinely peaceful; you're back around 17:00. Who it's for: couples, photographers and anyone allergic to party boats. See the Green Canyon tour page.
#4 Suluada Island Boat Trip — best beach day
A full-day escape to the island nicknamed the "Maldives of Turkey": white pebble beach, glassy turquoise coves and lunch served on board. Bring sunscreen and a hat, because natural shade on the island is scarce. Who it's for: beach lovers chasing that one postcard photo. Full details on the Suluada boat trip page.
#5 Private Gulet Charter — best for big private groups
A traditional wooden gulet for up to around 50 guests, with a flexible route and a menu tailored to your group — birthdays, company days out, extended families. Hotel transfer can be arranged on request at extra cost. Who it's for: celebrations where you want the whole boat to yourselves. Priced per boat — see the gulet charter page.
#6 Luxury Motor Yacht — best for special occasions
Around six hours on a private motor yacht for up to about 25 guests, with the menu agreed with you in advance and fuel, port fees and insurance included. There's a sunset option, and in bad weather you can postpone free of charge; note the yacht is not wheelchair accessible. Who it's for: proposals, anniversaries and small VIP groups. Details on the luxury yacht page.
Booking tips that protect your budget
- Book direct with the local operator — no middleman commission built into the price.
- No prepayment: your booking is confirmed instantly and you pay on the tour day, cash or card on board.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
- Your exact hotel pickup time is confirmed the evening before.
- Cheap-looking offers elsewhere often exclude transfer, lunch or drinks — compare against the transparent inclusions list on each tour page.
- On group tours, children aged 0–2 travel free; child rates are listed on each tour page.
FAQ: best boat trips in Side
Which Side boat trip is best for families with children?
The Pirate Boat Adventure — treasure hunt, face painting, a children's menu and calm swimming stops make it the clear number one for kids.
Do I have to pay in advance?
No. Booking is confirmed instantly with zero prepayment; you pay on the day of the tour, on board, by cash or card, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure.
Is hotel pickup included?
On most group tours, pickup from hotels across the Side–Manavgat area is included, and your pickup time is confirmed the evening before. For private charters, transfer is arranged on request.
Will we definitely see dolphins on the dolphin cruise?
No operator can honestly promise that — dolphins are wild animals. On lucky days you'll spot them, and the rest of the day (river cruise, swimming, lunch, foam party) stands on its own.
Ready to pick your day on the water? Browse all Side boat trips and reserve your spot in minutes — no prepayment, free cancellation up to 24 hours.