Most boat trips around Side head straight for open water. A Manavgat river boat day flips the script: you start on a calm, green river, watch turtles sunbathing on the branches, and finish where fresh water meets the Mediterranean — a junction locals call the "little Bosphorus". Here is exactly what the day looks like and which boat fits your group.
Why start on the river?
The first part of the trip is a slow cruise along the Manavgat River. The water is flat and sheltered, so the day starts relaxed — a real plus for families with small children and anyone who needs time to find their sea legs.
It is also simply a different view. Instead of open horizon from minute one, you get green riverbanks sliding past on both sides until the channel widens and the sea appears ahead.
Turtles on the branches
The river section has a small star attraction: freshwater turtles that climb onto branches and logs at the water's edge to warm up in the sun. Keep your camera ready and watch the banks as you cruise — the boats pass right by their favourite basking spots. It is a quiet, real wildlife moment, not a staged show.
The "little Bosphorus": swimming in two waters
Where the Manavgat River flows into the sea, the river and the Mediterranean meet in one wide channel. Locals nicknamed it the little Bosphorus, and it is the highlight stop of the day: the boat anchors and you swim right where fresh and salt water mix. A few strokes one way and you are in the river; a few strokes the other way and you are in the sea.
On the dolphin watching cruise the swim stop at this junction lasts about 1.5 hours — enough time to actually enjoy it rather than rush it.
Two boats, two moods: dolphin cruise or pirate galleon
Side Boat Trips runs two tours that combine the river cruise with the river–sea swim:
- Dolphin Watching Cruise — hotel pickup between 08:30 and 09:25, river cruise with turtle spotting, about 1.5 hours of swimming at the junction, extra stops in the open sea, grilled chicken with rice and salad for lunch, a foam party and a visit to Dolphin Island. Back at the harbour between 16:30 and 17:00, at your hotel around 17:30. Life jackets are available for all ages, and optional water sports are offered at the beach stop for an extra charge. One honest note: dolphins are wild animals — there is no guarantee, and sightings happen on lucky days.
- Pirate Boat Adventure — a multi-deck wooden galleon built for families. Pickup between 08:30 and 09:30, departure at 10:00, then the ship anchors in the delta for a treasure hunt, tug of war and free face painting for every child. Swimming happens at the same shallow river–sea point, plus a foam party and live music all day. The menu is kid-friendly, activities suit ages 3+, sea insurance is included and the whole day runs about 7 hours. Note: this tour operates on certain days of the week, and all drinks — including water — are sold at the bar.
Booking, payment and what to pack
- Your booking is confirmed instantly; the hotel pickup time is sent the day before the tour.
- You pay on the day of the tour, on the boat — cash or card.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip.
- Children aged 0–2 join free on all group tours.
- Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and spare clothes — and some cash for drinks, which are sold on board.
FAQ
Will we really see turtles?
The route passes the banks where the turtles like to sun themselves on branches, so keep watching the water's edge during the river cruise. Dolphins, on the other hand, are never guaranteed — they are wild animals and show up on lucky days.
Is the swimming stop suitable for children?
Yes — the pirate galleon anchors at a shallow point at the river–sea junction and its activities are designed for ages 3 and up, while the dolphin cruise has life jackets for every age. Children aged 0–2 travel free on all group tours.
Are lunch and drinks included?
Lunch is served on board: grilled chicken with rice and salad on the dolphin cruise, a kid-friendly menu on the pirate ship. Drinks are not included — they are sold on board, and on the pirate galleon that includes water, so bring some cash.
What if my plans change?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, and since payment happens on the boat on the day, there is nothing to refund.
Pick your boat, pick your date — and spend one day swimming in a river and a sea at the same stop with Side Boat Trips.