If you’re considering a day on the water while visiting Alanya, a Pirate Boat Tour might sound like a fun escape. This particular experience, offered by PROfessional Travel SOlutions, promises a mix of adventure, sightseeing, and a hearty buffet. While we haven’t been on it ourselves, we’ve gone through the details to help you decide if this day trip fits your travel style.
What we really like about this tour is how it combines a lively boat adventure with some authentic local flavor — exploring the bazaar and tasting good food. Plus, the chance to see dolphins and turtles during the cruise adds a touch of magic. On the flip side, the reviews do highlight some frustrations, especially around organization, which is worth keeping in mind before booking.
This tour is perfect if you’re after a full day of varied activities without the hassle of planning. Families, groups of friends, or couples who want a relaxed yet lively experience should find it appealing. Just go in with a flexible attitude and a sense of adventure.
Key Points
- Scenic stops and animal sightings like dolphins and Caretta Caretta turtles make the cruise memorable.
- Includes a hearty buffet lunch with a variety of local and familiar dishes.
- Lively entertainment with competitions, foam parties, and dance keep the energy high.
- Shopping and exploring at Alanya Bazaar offers a taste of local culture.
- Organized for comfort with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
- Be aware of some mixed reviews on organization and communication.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Departure from Türkler Harbor
Your day kicks off early morning with the boat departure from Türkler Harbor. The boat used for this trip is called the Big King, a vessel that promises fun and adventure. We liked the idea that the boat is equipped for a lively day, with ample space for swimming, entertainment, and socializing.
Dolphin and Turtle Sightings
One of the highlights during the first 30 minutes is the chance to see dolphins and Caretta Caretta turtles in their natural habitat. Watching these creatures in the open water really adds a special touch to the trip, especially if you love wildlife. The reviews mention that this part of the tour is a real crowd favorite, with many travelers excited to snap photos of these gentle animals.
Exploring Alanya Bazaar
At around 11:30 AM, you’ll arrive at Alanya Harbor. Participants get about an hour and a half to explore the bazaar — a vibrant spot filled with stalls selling everything from souvenirs to local snacks. This gives you a chance to stretch your legs, soak up some local flavor, and maybe pick up a few goodies. It’s a good balance to the boat’s more active parts, and many appreciate the opportunity to experience local life.
More Great Tours NearbyLunch Time Delights
By noon, the boat is back on the water, and everyone is ready for the buffet lunch. The spread is quite comprehensive: baked chicken, spaghetti, bulgur pilaf, mashed potatoes, Russian salad, purslane salad, and seasonal fruits. It’s a satisfying meal that caters to a variety of tastes, especially if you enjoy hearty, traditional Turkish fare. The food is served buffet-style, so you can go back for seconds if you’re still hungry.
The Pirate’s Cave and Adventure
At 1:00 PM, the focus shifts to the Pirate’s Cave — a fascinating natural attraction. The staff present a short, lively presentation about the cave’s history, including a story about a brave crew member navigating its depths. The highlight here is the spectacle of a staff member jumping from a 40-meter height into the sea, which is quite a daring sight and adds a sense of thrill.
Phosphorus and Lovers’ Caves
Next up is a visit to the Phosphorus Cave, described as a “natural aquarium,” filled with fascinating fish. This stop offers a peaceful moment to swim or snorkel, marveling at the underwater world. It’s a highlight for many, especially those interested in nature and marine life.
Swimming at Cleopatra Beach
A 30-minute swim break at Cleopatra Beach gives everyone a chance to cool off and enjoy some free time in the water. Kids can have fun with the face painting and bandana services available in the mini club, making it a family-friendly aspect of the trip. Adults can relax or join in some light competitions organized on board, with attractive prizes as incentives.
Entertainment and Fun
The afternoon continues with lively entertainment, including competitions, a live DJ, and a foam party. These elements keep the energy high and ensure that the younger crowd (and the young at heart) stay engaged. The lively atmosphere is one of the tour’s biggest draws, especially if you enjoy music and dancing.
Return to Türkler Harbor
By around 4:00-4:30 PM, the boat begins its journey back, ending a packed day filled with sights, tastes, and entertainment. The return trip is a good time to relax and reflect on the day’s highlights.
Our Take on What’s Included and What’s Not
The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, soft drinks, and a visit to Alanya Bazaar. These make the experience quite convenient, especially if you’re not keen on organizing transport or meals yourself.
However, it’s worth noting that alcoholic drinks are not included, so if you want wine or beer with your meal, you’ll need to purchase those separately. Personal expenses are also on you — souvenirs or extra drinks outside the provided options.
The Price and Value
At around $68 per person, the tour offers a decent value considering the inclusions. You’re paying for transportation, a full buffet, drinks, and multiple sightseeing stops, all within six hours. If you enjoy a lively day with a mix of nature, culture, and entertainment, this is a fair price point.
That said, some reviews mention issues with organization. One traveler shared a negative experience about communication failures and booking errors, which is a reminder to stay flexible and confirm details in advance.
The Experience Provider
The tour is operated by PROfessional Travel SOlutions, a company that offers multiple experiences in the region. They provide services in English and German, with options for free cancellation if booked in advance. The flexibility to reserve now and pay later is a plus if your plans are still shaping up.
Who Would Enjoy This Tour?
This trip is well-suited for those who want a full, active day with a variety of highlights. It’s good for travelers who enjoy wildlife spotting, exploring local markets, and engaging in lively entertainment. Families with children will find the face painting and gentle moments of swimming appealing, but be mindful of the review about some organizational hiccups.
For travelers seeking a relaxing, quiet day or a highly structured experience, this might not be the best fit. The overall vibe is energetic and casual, perfect if you’re after a fun, social atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the Alanya Pirate Boat Tour offers a lively, scenic, and filling day out, especially for those who love a bit of adventure mixed with cultural touches. The inclusion of a satisfying buffet lunch and drinks makes it a convenient option, while the stops at caves and the bazaar add variety.
However, potential guests should be aware of some organizational bumps, as reflected in mixed reviews. If you’re someone who can go with the flow and appreciates the promise of good views, fun entertainment, and a busy itinerary, this tour might be a good pick.
Overall, it balances fun with practicality, making it a worthwhile option for a memorable day on the Aegean coast.
Alanya: Pirate Boat Tour with Buffet Lunch and Drinks
“I booked this boat tour for 60. On the app. The organizer didn't call me at 8 a.m. to pick me up, even though he was supposed to warn me in advance…”
FAQ
- What’s included in the tour?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, soft drinks, and a visit to Alanya Bazaar are included. - Are alcoholic drinks provided?
No, alcoholic drinks are not included, but soft drinks, beer, and wine are available during the cruise if you purchase separately. - How long is the tour?
It lasts about 6 hours, with the boat departing and returning from Türkler Harbor. - Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, kids can enjoy face painting and bandana services, and the swimming breaks are family-friendly. - What should I bring?
Sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, and towel are recommended for comfort and safety. - Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. - What’s the main highlight of the trip?
Watching dolphins and turtles, exploring the Pirate’s Cave, and enjoying the lively entertainment onboard. - How is the food?
The buffet offers baked chicken, spaghetti, bulgur pilaf, salads, and seasonal fruits — generally considered tasty and filling. - Is the tour eco-friendly?
The information doesn’t specify, but respecting wildlife and natural caves is advisable. - How many people typically go on this tour?
Group sizes aren’t specified, but the experience seems suitable for small to medium groups, given the activities and presentation style.
If you’re after a fun, active day with plenty of sights, eats, and entertainment, this pirate-themed boat trip could fit the bill. Just keep your expectations flexible and enjoy the spirited atmosphere.
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