Kumköy is the hotel zone closest to Side's old town, and for boat-trip guests that has one very practical perk: the pickup bus reaches you almost last. From most Kumköy hotels the typical collection time is around 08:55, and we confirm the exact minute one day before your tour — a small detail most listings never mention. Side Boat Trips is a direct local operator, so your booking is confirmed instantly, nothing is paid in advance, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure.
Hotel pickup in Kumköy: around 08:55, confirmed the day before
Our morning route works its way along the whole Side coastline. It begins near 08:20 at the far ends of the region and finishes around 09:00 in Side center — and because Kumköy borders the town itself, your stop comes close to the end, at roughly 08:55. The precise time shifts slightly with the tour and the day's route, which is why we send it to you the day before, usually over WhatsApp. You'll never stand at the gate at dawn "just in case": you'll know the minute, and you can plan breakfast around it.
The meeting point: your hotel's outer gate
Almost every large resort in Kumköy keeps tour vehicles outside the grounds, so the meeting point is the hotel's outer gate — the security barrier where taxis stop. Come out five to ten minutes before your confirmed time; the driver or guide has your name on the list. If your hotel has more than one entrance and you're not sure which gate to use, write to us on WhatsApp — we answer in seven languages.
Which boat trips pick up from Kumköy?
All of our group tours collect guests from Kumköy hotels:
- Dolphin Island cruise — about eight hours door to door: a cruise along the Manavgat River past turtles sunning on the branches, a long swim where the river meets the sea, grilled chicken lunch on board and a foam party. One honest note: we never promise dolphin sightings — no serious crew can.
- Pirate galleon — a multi-deck wooden ship that casts off at 10:00, with a treasure hunt, free face painting, a kids' menu and activities for children aged three and up. It sails on set days of the week, so check the booking calendar.
- Green Canyon — around seven hours, most of it on a mountain reservoir; soft drinks on the boat are included and the guide works in English, German and Russian.
- Suluada — a full-day trip to the white-pebble beach nicknamed the "Turkish Maldives"; pack sun protection, as shade on the island is scarce.
For the private gulet and the luxury yacht, transfer from Kumköy is arranged on request as an extra. Not sure which day out fits your group? Our guide to choosing a boat tour in Side compares them all.
Your boat is not on Kumköy beach — and that's the best part
Group boats depart from the pier on the Manavgat River, not from Side harbor and not from the beach in front of your hotel. That's no compromise; it's a highlight. The gentle river stretch — reeds, turtles, fishing boats — is scenery you simply can't get from a beach departure. Green Canyon works differently again: the bus drives you into the Taurus foothills to Oymapınar lake, where the boat is already waiting.
FAQ: boat trips from Kumköy
What time should I be ready at my hotel?
Plan for roughly 08:55, but treat the message we send a day ahead as the final word — and be at the outer gate about five minutes early.
Do I pay when I book?
No. Booking costs nothing and is confirmed instantly; you pay in cash or by card on the boat on the day of the tour, and you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours ahead.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes — on every group tour listed above, pickup and drop-off at Kumköy hotels are part of the package. Only private charters handle transfers on request.
What about children?
Children under two travel free on all group tours, child rates for older kids are shown on each tour page, the pirate ship runs activities from age three, and the dolphin boat carries life jackets in every size.
Check availability for your dates on our tours page and reserve in two minutes — you don't pay a cent until tour day.
Ready to book your day at sea?
Instant confirmation · No prepayment · Free cancellation up to 24h
