Side Manavgat Boat Trip With Lunch And Unlimited Drinks

If you’re considering a full-day excursion while in Side, the Manavgat Boat Trip coordinated by Payless could look appealing. It promises a blend of natural beauty, local culture, and relaxation, all packed into roughly 7 to 8 hours. Honestly, this kind of day trip can be a highlight—if everything runs smoothly.

What we like about this trip is its balanced mix of scenery, local culture, and convenience, especially with hotel pickup included. Plus, the unlimited soft drinks and a decent lunch make it a good value for the price. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, such as inconsistent reviews on the service quality and some logistical hiccups.

If you’re someone who enjoys a relaxed pace, loves scenic river views, and isn’t overly fussed about a few booking bumps, this trip could suit you well. It’s especially good for travelers who want a straightforward, all-in-one experience that combines boat rides, local markets, and natural waterfalls.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $27 per person, it offers a lot of variety for your money.
• Scenic Views: Expect lovely vistas of the Manavgat River, waterfall, and local bazaar.
• All-Inclusive Feel: Unlimited soft drinks, lunch, and hotel pickup make it convenient.
• Variable Experiences: Reviews highlight both the scenic beauty and logistical challenges.
• Suitable for Relaxed Travelers: It’s a laid-back day with opportunities for swimming, shopping, and sightseeing.
• Watch Out for Inconsistencies: Some reviews mention issues like no-shows and extra charges.

What the Tour Entails: A Deep Dive into the Day

The trip kicks off early in the morning with hotel pickup, a real plus if you prefer to avoid the hassle of navigating public transport or taxis. The bus ride to the boat launch site is comfortable, with friendly drivers that set a relaxed tone for the day. The tour is capped at around 150 travelers, so while it’s not a small group, it’s not overly crowded either.

Start in Side

Once you’re picked up, you’ll head to the starting point in Side, where the boat awaits. The initial 30-minute stop in Side is mostly for gathering everyone and board preparations. It’s a good chance to stretch your legs and get your camera ready for the day ahead.

Cruising the Manavgat River

The main event is the river cruise, which lasts about 3 hours. As the boat glides along the Manavgat River, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap photos and take in the scenery. The route passes by fish farms and boatyards, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some river turtles sunning themselves on the banks.

The deck is spacious enough for sunbathing or relaxing with a soft drink, making it a relaxing escape from the heat. Travelers have mentioned the spectacular landscape along the river, as well as the chance to see local wildlife and traditional watercraft.

Lunch and Market Time

After the cruise, a fish or chicken lunch with pasta and salad is served onboard. It’s straightforward but satisfying, perfect for refueling after a morning on the water. The lunch is included in the price, which is a nice touch considering the overall affordability of the tour.

Post-lunch, you get about an hour and a half to explore the Manavgat Bazaar. Here, you can wander through narrow streets, browse for souvenirs, and taste fresh fruits or local treats. This part of the tour is highly praised for its authentic feel—small shops, bustling atmosphere, and the chance to pick up handcrafted items or clothes.

Visiting the Waterfall (Optional)

Next, those interested can follow their guide to the Manavgat Waterfall (entrance fee extra). The waterfall itself is a beautiful spot, with water flowing from a 4-meter height into an emerald river. It’s a popular photo-op, and the surrounding scenery is lush and inviting.

However, some reviews mention that the waterfall entrance is not included, and additional tickets are sold on the spot—something to be aware of if you’re planning to visit. The waterfall visit is about 30 minutes, a quick but worthwhile stop if weather permits.

Return to Side

After exploring the waterfall, the group reunites and heads back to Side, with additional free time for last-minute shopping or a quick stroll. The tour concludes with a 30-minute drive back to your hotel.

What Travelers Say: The Good and The Less Good

Many reviews highlight the beautiful scenery and the value for money. We loved the way the boat cruise offers peaceful, scenic moments in the middle of a busy holiday. The guides are often praised for their friendliness and local knowledge, helping to make the experience more engaging.

On the positive side, travelers appreciate the included lunch and the unlimited soft drinks, making the day feel quite relaxed and effortless. The opportunity to shop at the bazaar and walk around Manavgat is also a favorite aspect, especially for those wanting a taste of local life.

That said, a handful of reviews point out some disappointments. For instance, there are reports of poor organization, with some travelers waiting over an hour for pickup without communication. A few guests felt that the extra charges for waterfalls and waterfall tickets not included were a bit misleading, and some have also expressed dissatisfaction with service inconsistencies (like being sold tickets for activities they didn’t get to enjoy).

Interestingly, a negative review from Michael describes the trip as a “scam,” citing that unlimited drinks don’t include coffee and that waterfall tickets are sold separately—which calls for careful reading of the details before booking.

Is It Worth It? The Value Perspective

At $27, the overall value is quite reasonable for a full day of diverse activities. The combination of scenic river cruising, market shopping, and natural beauty makes it a practical choice. The included lunch and drinks are a bonus, especially considering the typical prices for similar tours.

However, the logistical hiccups and the extra charges for waterfall entry can affect your overall experience. If you’re someone who prefers perfectly organized tours and transparent pricing, this might be a bit frustrating.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for relaxed travelers who don’t mind some unpredictability and want a comprehensive day without fuss. It’s ideal for those wanting a mix of nature and local culture with convenient pickup and drop-off. If you’re on a budget but still want a well-rounded experience, it offers good value.

However, if you’re sensitive to poor organization or hidden costs, you might want to consider other options or prepare for some surprises. The trip’s appeal largely depends on your expectation for a laid-back, scenic experience rather than a perfectly polished tour.

The Sum Up

The Side Manavgat Boat Trip provides a scenic, affordable way to explore some of the region’s natural and cultural highlights. Its main attractions—the river cruise, market, and waterfall—are genuinely beautiful and memorable. The included lunch and unlimited soft drinks add to the overall value, especially for travelers looking to relax and enjoy a variety of experiences in one day.

While there are some organizational quirks and extra charges, many guests find the trip worthwhile, especially if they’re flexible and appreciate an authentic local vibe. It’s a solid choice for those who want to combine sightseeing, shopping, and nature in a single, affordable package.

For the best experience, just be sure to clarify what’s included, arrive prepared for potential delays, and enjoy the laid-back pace of this Turkish adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package, making it very convenient, especially if you’re staying in Side.

How long does the entire trip last?
The trip runs around 7 to 8 hours, including stops and travel time.

What does the lunch consist of?
You’ll get a simple, filling meal with options like fish or chicken, pasta, and a salad.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, soft drinks are unlimited during the trip, though coffee is not included.

Can I visit the waterfall?
Yes, but note that entrance to the waterfall costs extra, and tickets are sold separately on the spot.

What if I don’t want to do the waterfall?
You can skip the waterfall visit and spend more time at the bazaar or relaxing on the boat.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically targeted at families, the relaxed pace and scenic stops make it suitable for most travelers, provided children are comfortable with boat rides and walking.

If you’re after a laid-back, scenic day out with some local flavor thrown in, this trip can be a good pick. Just set your expectations for some bumps along the way and enjoy the beautiful views of the Manavgat River and the lively bazaar.