Quick answer: our group boats depart from the Manavgat River pier — not from the small ancient harbour next to Side's Temple of Apollo, which is where most first-time visitors expect them. For the vast majority of guests the departure point makes no practical difference, because hotel pickup is included with every group tour and your exact time is confirmed one day in advance. Here is where each boat actually starts, how pickup works area by area, and what to do if you prefer to drive yourself.
The short answer: the Manavgat River pier, not Side harbour
Side's picturesque old harbour looks like the obvious place for boat trips to start, and plenty of holidaymakers walk down there by mistake. In reality our group boats are moored on the Manavgat River, close to Manavgat town. The dolphin cruise leaves the river in the morning once all hotel pickups are complete, and the pirate galleon casts off at 10:00 on its scheduled days.
Starting on the river is part of the experience rather than a compromise. Your day opens with a calm cruise along the Manavgat River — keep an eye on the branches near the banks, where turtles often bask in the sun — before you reach the famous spot where the river meets the Mediterranean, one of the best swimming stops of the whole day. We cover that stretch in detail in our Manavgat river boat day guide.
Why the departure point rarely matters
You do not need to find the pier yourself. Hotel pickup is included with every group tour, and the meeting point is usually the outer door or security gate of your hotel. These are the typical pickup windows by area:
- Kızılot — around 08:20
- Kızılağaç — around 08:30
- Gündoğdu — around 08:30
- Çolaklı — around 08:40
- Evrenseki — around 08:45
- Titreyengöl — around 08:45
- Sorgun — around 08:50
- Kumköy — around 08:55
- Side centre — around 09:00
Treat these as guide times: your exact pickup is confirmed one day before the tour, and you can always double-check on WhatsApp. Being at the gate a few minutes early keeps the whole route on schedule.
Coming by your own car? Aim for Manavgat centre
If you are staying outside the pickup area, travelling independently, or simply prefer your own wheels, that is no problem at all. The pier is close to Manavgat town centre and straightforward to reach. Mention it when you book and we will send you the precise meeting point and arrival time over WhatsApp.
Green Canyon, Suluada and private charters start elsewhere
Not every trip begins on the Manavgat River. Green Canyon boats sail on the Oymapınar mountain lake rather than on the sea, with pickup available across the Side, Manavgat and Alanya areas. Suluada — often called the “Maldives of Turkey” — is a full-day excursion further along the coast, with morning pickup and an afternoon return, transport included. Private gulet charters and luxury yacht days are planned individually with you, and transfers can be arranged on request.
Frequently asked questions
Do any boats leave from the ancient harbour in Side?
Our group boats do not — they depart from the Manavgat River pier. If you would love to see Side itself from the water, the private gulet route can pass the Temple of Apollo, viewed from the sea.
How do I find out my exact pickup time?
We confirm it one day before the tour. The area times listed above are reliable guide windows, and our WhatsApp line answers quickly if anything is unclear.
Where exactly do I wait for pickup?
At most hotels the meeting point is the outer door or security gate. Being there about five minutes early is all you need to do.
Can I join a tour without hotel pickup?
Yes. Tell us when booking that you will arrive by car, and we will share the exact pier location near Manavgat centre and the time you should be there.
Compare all Side boat trips and reserve your spot in minutes — instant confirmation, no prepayment, payment on the day of the tour, and free cancellation up to 24 hours.
Ready to book your day at sea?
Instant confirmation · No prepayment · Free cancellation up to 24h
