A boat trip from Side fills a whole day, and the right bag makes it an easy one. The good news: the list is short, and most of it is already in your suitcase. Here is what to bring, why it matters, and how pickup, payment and cancellation work at Side Boat Trips.
The essential packing list
Six items cover practically every tour in our fleet:
- Swimwear — wear it under your clothes so you are in the water at the first swimming stop without queuing for a changing spot.
- Towel — you will be in and out of the water more than once; a quick-dry towel saves space.
- Sunscreen — the sun over open water is stronger than it feels. Reapply after every swim.
- Sunglasses and a hat — useful on every deck, and doubly so on Suluada, where natural shade on the beach is scarce.
- A dry change of clothes — the ride back to your hotel is far more comfortable in something dry.
- Some cash — mainly for drinks. Details below.
What can stay at the hotel: anything valuable you would worry about while swimming. A phone in a waterproof pouch is plenty for photos.
Why you should bring cash for drinks
On most of our boats, drinks are sold on board rather than included in the price. On the pirate ship that applies to all drinks — including water — sold at the bar. The friendly exception is the Green Canyon boat tour, where soft drinks on the boat are included; only drinks at the lakeside restaurant are extra. A modest amount of cash in a zip pocket keeps the whole day simple.
Tour-specific notes
- Suluada: shade on the island is scarce — hat and sunscreen are non-negotiable here.
- Green Canyon: alcohol is not allowed on this tour. Fishing from the boat is possible and the gear is on board, so leave your own rod at home.
- Pirate ship: all drinks, including water, are sold at the bar — this is where cash is most useful.
- Dolphin cruise: water sports at the beach stop are optional and paid separately — one more reason to carry a little cash.
- Private gulet: you may bring one bottle of spirits; other alcohol is available at the bar. And yes, your own playlist plays on board.
Pickup: you get the exact time one day before
No need to guess when to be ready. We confirm your hotel pickup time one day before the tour, so check your messages the evening before and be at the agreed spot a few minutes early. That is your whole job — the boat, the lunch and the route are ours.
Payment and cancellation: zero risk
Three rules keep booking stress-free:
- Instant confirmation — your reservation is confirmed the moment you book.
- Pay on the day — payment is taken on the boat on tour day, in cash or by card. No prepayment.
- Free cancellation — cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour.
Travelling with a baby? Children aged 0–2 join all group tours free of charge.
FAQ
Do I have to pay in advance?
No. You pay on the day of the tour, on the boat, in cash or by card. Your booking is still confirmed instantly.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes — cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour.
When will I know my pickup time?
One day before the tour. We send the exact hotel pickup time so you know when to be in the lobby.
Are drinks included on board?
On most tours drinks are sold on board, so bring some cash. On the Green Canyon tour, soft drinks on the boat are included.
Pick your boat on our tours page — booking takes a minute and your spot is confirmed instantly.