Planning a boat trip while staying in or near Manavgat town centre? The single most common question we hear is a simple one: where do the boats actually leave from? The answer surprises many visitors — and knowing it in advance saves you a confusing morning. Here is exactly how the Manavgat boat trip departure works, how hotel pickup is arranged, and what to do if you prefer to drive yourself.
The departure point: the Manavgat River pier — not Side's ancient harbour
Because Side's picturesque ancient harbour appears in so many holiday photos, plenty of guests assume that every boat trip in the region starts there. For our group tours, that is not the case: all of our group boats depart from the pier on the Manavgat River, which means boarding happens in Manavgat itself.
The best-known example is our pirate galleon, which casts off from the river at 10:00. Starting the day on the calm water of the river is part of the experience before the sea section of the programme begins.
So on the morning of your tour, don't head to Side's ancient harbour — for our trips, the meeting point is the Manavgat River pier. It is a lovely spot to visit on another day, but it is not where these boats board.
Staying in Manavgat centre? Hotel pickup is available
You don't need to find the pier on your own. If your hotel is in Manavgat town centre, hotel pickup is available for our group tours. One honest note about timing: we don't publish a fixed "standard" pickup hour for Manavgat centre, because the time depends on the tour and the day's route. Instead, your exact pickup time is confirmed the day before the tour, and the details are also set out with your booking confirmation — so you are never left guessing.
Coming with your own car
Prefer to drive yourself? That is completely fine. The pier is located in the Manavgat district, and when you book we send you the exact meeting-point details so you know precisely where to go on the morning of your tour. Simply mention at booking that you will be arriving by car.
Which tours can you join — and can you charter privately?
Every one of our group boat trips can be booked from Manavgat: the family-favourite Pirate Boat Adventure, the dolphin cruise and more — you will find the full line-up on our boat tours page. And if you would rather have a boat entirely to yourselves, a private gulet charter is the way to go for families, groups and celebrations.
Booking works the same way for all of them: instant confirmation, no prepayment — you pay by cash or card on the boat on the day of the tour — free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and children aged 0–2 join free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Do Manavgat boat trips leave from Side's ancient harbour?
No. Our group boat trips depart from the Manavgat River pier in Manavgat. Side's ancient harbour is well worth seeing, but it is not the departure point for these tours.
What time is hotel pickup from Manavgat centre?
There is no fixed standard time — it varies by tour and date. Your exact pickup time is confirmed one day before the tour, and it is also stated with your booking confirmation.
Which tours can I join, and can I charter privately?
You can join any of our group boat trips from Manavgat — the pirate galleon that leaves the river at 10:00, the dolphin cruise and more — and you can also book a private charter to have a boat entirely to yourselves. See everything on our boat tours page. Booking is instant, with no prepayment and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Ready to get on the water? Browse all departures on our boat tours page, pick your date and receive instant confirmation — the Manavgat River pier will be waiting.
Ready to book your day at sea?
Instant confirmation · No prepayment · Free cancellation up to 24h
