City of Side: Boat Tour on the Manavgat River w/ Bazaar Trip

If you’re thinking about exploring the Antalya region and want a mix of scenic views, cultural experiences, and a bit of fun in the sun, the Boat Tour on the Manavgat River with Bazaar Trip offers a pretty solid package. This tour, offered by River Quad Safari, is popular among travelers for its affordability and the variety of stops packed into a single day. It’s billed as a 7-hour adventure that combines nature, shopping, and local flavor — and at just $15 per person, it’s hard to argue with the value.

What we really appreciate about this experience are the hotel pickup and drop-off—making logistics one less thing to worry about—and the chance to visit the stunning Manavgat waterfall and bazaar, both of which give you a taste of regional beauty and culture. On the flip side, some may find the schedule a bit packed, with a lot packed into a single day, so flexibility might be limited, especially if you want to linger longer at any spot.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want to see a good slice of the area without breaking the bank, and it works for those who enjoy a lively, social atmosphere. If you’re after a quiet, contemplative experience, or have specific needs like accessibility, this might not be your best fit. But for most, it’s a practical, enjoyable way to get a broader sense of Side and its surroundings.

Key Points

• Affordable price point makes it accessible for most budgets
• Includes hotel transfer, saving you time and hassle
• Variety of stops — waterfall, bazaar, swimming, and scenic river cruise
• Multiple language guides (English, German, Russian) help enhance understanding
• Flexible itinerary options, with choices like waterfall visit or bazaar shopping
• Comfortable boat setup with bars, sun terrace, and multiple floors for different moods

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

When we talk about tours like this, it’s the little details that really shape whether it’s worth your time. First off, the pickup process is smooth—buses arrive between 8:30 and 9:30 AM from your hotel, on comfortable coaches. The scenic drive to the river pier is a pleasant start, giving you a glimpse of Turkey’s lush forests and the Taurus mountains in the background.

Once at the Manavgat river dock, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff and ushered onto a boat that’s quite well-equipped. With three floors, the boat caters to different moods: there’s a lively second floor with a bar and dance floor, a relaxing sun terrace on the third, and a more casual first floor with seating, showers, and restrooms. The layout means you can switch from sunbathing to socializing without hassle, which many reviews highlight as a positive.

The boat’s narration by guides is a highlight according to reviews—most speak English, German, and Russian, which helps keep everyone informed. We loved the way guides share details about the river, the shipyards, trout farms, and the flora and fauna, including turtles along the banks. That kind of commentary adds depth to what might otherwise be just a scenic cruise.

The Scenic Journey and Waterfalls

The trip along the Manavgat River takes about 35-40 minutes to reach the Manavgat strait, where the river meets the Mediterranean. As we crossed the strait, you’ll pass shipyards, football stadiums, and the Taurus mountains—pretty impressive sights for a short trip.

Next, the Manavgat waterfall stop is a favorite for many. Your guide can reserve a spot if you want to visit, but it’s a flexible part of the tour. Some reviews mention that this part of the trip is especially memorable, with the waterfall itself being a picturesque spot. However, note that the entrance fee and transfer to the waterfall aren’t included—so plan accordingly if you want to visit.

Cennet Beach and Swimming Break

The highlight for many is the swimming stop at Cennet Beach, where the river’s emerald green waters blend with the blue of the Mediterranean. Here, you get about an hour to swim, sunbathe, or even ride a jet ski (extra cost). The water is a rare mix of salt and fresh, making for a unique swimming experience. Many reviews mention the beautiful setting and the chance to snap some great photos.

While at the beach, you can buy delicious regional pancakes—a treat after some swimming—and enjoy the clear waters or just relax under the sun. The boat itself offers a buffet with grilled chicken or fish, salads, and plenty of drinks, which many reviewers say is surprisingly tasty at this price point.

The Bazaar and Waterfall Visit

Back on the dock, you’ll split into two groups—those headed to the Manavgat Bazaar, and those going to the waterfall. The bazaar is huge and bustling, offering a wide array of souvenirs, clothes, and local products. The guide provides a map and meeting instructions, helping you make the most of your 2.5-hour shopping spree. Reviewers appreciate the market for its variety, but some note that prices are high compared to previous visits, so bargaining is encouraged.

If you chose the waterfall, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours there, enjoying the scenic spot and taking photos. The flexibility to choose which activity you prefer is a nice touch that caters to different interests.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Return Trip

After all the sightseeing, the boat cruises back up the river for about 30 minutes before arriving at the pier. From there, the bus will take you back to your hotel, ending a full day of adventure. The entire experience, from pickup to return, is generally well-organized, according to many travelers.

What Works Well and What to Keep in Mind

Price for value: At $15, you’re paying for a full day of scenic cruises, cultural stops, and local flavor. Many reviews highlight the tasty lunch and the friendly, accommodating staff as big positives. This makes it a good option for budget-conscious travelers wanting a diverse experience without spending a fortune.

Guides and organization: The tour’s guides are praised for being knowledgeable and friendly, making the day flow smoothly. They’re also multilingual, which helps a lot if your group isn’t fluent in Turkish.

Stops and flexibility: The ability to choose between visiting the waterfall or shopping at the bazaar allows for some customization, which we appreciate. It’s also worth noting that some travelers found the market a bit hectic, but the overall experience was positive.

Boat amenities: The boat’s layout means you can switch from lively to relaxed easily. The sun terrace is perfect for unwinding, and the bars are convenient for drinks, although local drinks like beer and cocktails are not included.

Potential downsides: The schedule can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to spend more time at any stop. Also, some reviews mention that the waterfall entrance and transfer aren’t included in the price, so budget accordingly. Plus, not all drivers or transport arrangements are perfect—some travelers had concerns about the safety and professionalism of the bus drivers.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded day out that hits scenic landscapes, cultural stops, and a lively boat atmosphere without breaking the bank. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy social, guided experiences where logistics are handled for you, letting you relax and focus on enjoying the sights.

If you’re after a family-friendly outing, the flexible itinerary and scenic stops make it a good pick, especially for older children. However, keep in mind that some parts involve walking and swimming, so consider your group’s mobility.

It’s also a good choice for solo travelers or couples looking to meet others and share a lively day on the water. If you prefer quieter, more private experiences or have specific accessibility needs, you might want to explore other options.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the price?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with buses arriving between 8:30 and 9:30 AM from your accommodation.

What languages do the guides speak?
Guides speak English, German, and Russian, helping most travelers understand the tour and enjoy the commentary.

Are drinks included during the boat trip?
No, local drinks like beer, wine, and soft drinks are not included and can be purchased on the boat at the bars.

Can I visit the Manavgat waterfall?
Yes, the waterfall is optional. You can reserve a spot for a transfer to see it, but the entrance fee is not included in the tour price.

How long is the swimming break?
The swimming stop at Cennet Beach lasts about one hour, giving you plenty of time to swim, relax, or rent a jet ski (extra cost).

What’s the duration of the bazaar visit?
You get approximately 2.5 hours at the bazaar, which is enough for shopping and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Is the lunch on the boat good?
Yes, many reviews mention the lunch as tasty and satisfying, especially considering the modest price—grilled chicken or fish with salads.

Final Thoughts

The City of Side: Boat Tour on the Manavgat River with Bazaar Trip offers a practical, budget-friendly way to see some of the most popular sights around Side. From scenic river cruising and waterfalls to lively markets and beach stops, it packs a lot into one day. The experience is especially suited for travelers who want a lively, guided day with plenty of local flavor and scenic beauty without spending too much.

While some may find the schedule a bit packed or the optional activities require extra fees, the overall positive reviews and honest descriptions suggest it’s a solid choice for those seeking value and variety. It’s a chance to unwind, explore, and enjoy some of Turkey’s natural and cultural highlights—all while making new friends along the way.

If you’re comfortable with a busy itinerary and enjoy social, guided experiences, this tour will likely be just what you’re looking for.

You can check availability for your dates here: