From City of Side and Alanya: Legends and Pirates Yacht Tour

If you’re heading to the Antalya region and looking for a fun, relaxed day on the water, this Legends and Pirates Yacht Tour might just be what you need. It’s a full-day cruise leaving from either Side or Alanya, packed with swimming, stories, entertainment, and good food.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines a casual boat trip with some lively activities—like the foam party and pirate-themed face painting for kids—that make it feel more like a whole day of celebration rather than just a sightseeing tour. Plus, the stops at iconic spots like Alanya Castle and the Lovers Cave give you a taste of local highlights without the hassle of navigating on your own.

That said, a potential caveat is that the overall experience can be a bit crowded, especially during peak season, and some travelers have mentioned inconsiderate guests or issues with the return transfer. It’s not a quiet, romantic cruise—think more lively and family-friendly with a festive atmosphere.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy social, upbeat days out on the water, don’t mind a lively crowd, and want a good balance of swimming, sightseeing, and entertainment. If you’re after something calmer or with fewer people, you might want to consider other options. But if you’re after a day full of fun, good food, and lively vibes, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Includes a lively foam party and pirate-themed activities for children and families
• Multiple scenic stops, including Alanya Castle, Cleopatra Beach, and Lovers Cave
• Good value for the price, with an open buffet lunch and unlimited soft drinks
• Suitable for children and family-friendly, with care taken for kids’ entertainment
• Duration of around 7 hours offers a relaxed day without feeling rushed
• Some minor complaints about crowding and the return transfer, so be prepared

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

This yacht tour begins early morning with hotel pickup, which is a real bonus for travelers wanting to skip the hassle of finding the port. Pickup is available from Side, and the journey kicks off sometime between 07:20 and 08:30, with departure from Alanya/Türkler port around 09:00. Honestly, start times are pretty flexible, which is convenient if you’re on a relaxed holiday schedule.

Once aboard, the crew immediately sets a festive tone. Kids are quickly turned into mini pirates with face painting and bandanas—an adorable touch that adds to the playful spirit of the day. The boat itself is described as a sizable yacht, capable of handling a decent number of guests, which means it can get lively but not overly crowded.

First Swimming Stop: Alanya Castle & Cleopatra Beach

The first break is at the shores of Alanya Castle and Cleopatra Beach, where you’ll get about 30 minutes to jump into the sea. These spots are worth the visit—they’re among the most iconic stretches of sand and coastline in the area. You’ll love the opportunity to cool off and enjoy the clear waters, especially with the scenic backdrop of the castle looming nearby.

Break at Alanya Harbor & Local Exploration

Next, the yacht anchors at Alanya Harbor for about 1.5 hours. This is time enough to explore the Alanya Historical Bazaar, visit Alanya Castle, or see the Red Tower. The reviews highlight this as a highlight, with many appreciating the balance of free time and guided options. One traveler mentioned the bazaar was easy to reach and that the time given was sufficient.

Lunch on Board

After the sightseeing, the crew serves a delicious buffet lunch with plenty of grilled seafood options. The all-you-can-eat style, along with soft drinks, makes this meal a good value for the price. Reviewers consistently praise the food quality, noting it’s satisfying and well-prepared, especially considering it’s included in the trip.

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Passing the Lovers Cave & Entertainment

The boat then moves along the coast, passing by the Lovers Cave, with a special show involving high jumps and performances. This adds a bit of excitement and visual flair to the cruise. The crew also organizes fun animations and shows for children, keeping the little ones entertained and engaged.

The Foam Party & Final Swim

What sets this tour apart is the foam party—a lively, disco-like atmosphere with music, foam, and dancing. It’s a highlight for many, especially the kids. The reviews mention how much fun everyone had, with one traveler calling the DJ “awesome” and noting the ship’s crew as “great.” After the party, there’s one last swimming stop, giving guests time to relax and enjoy the sea.

Return and Drop-off

The trip wraps up with a return to Alanya/Türkler port and transfers back to your hotel. The reviews indicate that the pickup and drop-off process generally runs smoothly, although some guests experienced minor issues with the return journey, like being dropped off far from their hotel or the driver missing the intended drop point.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the price of around $35 per person, the tour offers a lot—open buffet lunch, unlimited soft drinks, foam party, swimming stops, hotel pickup and drop-off, and full insurance. It’s a pretty good deal for a full day on the water with entertainment and scenic views.

However, alcohol isn’t included, so if you’re craving a cold beer or wine, you’ll need to buy that separately. Also, personal expenses, photos, or DVD souvenirs aren’t covered, so plan accordingly if you want to capture the moments.

The Experience Through Travelers’ Eyes

Based on reviews, many find the experience to be lively and enjoyable. One guest from Germany described it as “good overall,” appreciating the crew and the ship’s atmosphere, despite some guests being inconsiderate, like occupying loungers with bags or pushing children. Another praised the “delicious food” and “great day at sea,” calling it a “wonderful experience.”

A UK traveler suggested that more instructions on what to do or where to go at Alanya could enhance the experience, which is worth considering if you prefer a more guided visit. Some mention minor frustrations, like the transfer back being less smooth, or the boat getting crowded during peak times, but these issues seem secondary to the fun overall.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying the Tour

• Bring a towel for swimming and relaxing on the boat.
• Snorkeling gear is allowed, so pack your mask if you want to explore underwater.
• The tour is suitable for children, but do consider if your kids are comfortable with lively environments and swimming.
• If you’re sensitive to crowds, try to arrive early to secure a good spot on the yacht.
• Expect a lot of activity, so wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for a day that’s part relaxing, part party.
• The free soft drinks help keep everyone refreshed, but remember no alcohol is included.
• Be aware that the return journey might have minor hiccups, so plan accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This yacht experience is perfect if you’re after a fun, energetic day at sea with plenty of swimming, entertainment, and good food. Families can enjoy the kid-friendly activities, like face painting and the foam party, while groups of friends who love social atmospheres will appreciate the lively vibe. It’s also suitable for travelers who want to see some key sights like Alanya Castle without a lot of hassle.

However, if you prefer a quiet, more subdued day or are traveling with very young children who might not enjoy the boisterous foam party, you might want to consider other options. The crowded nature and the lively party atmosphere aren’t for everyone, but for most, it’s a memorable way to spend a day on the Turkish coast.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 7 hours, including pickups, sightseeing, swimming, and the return.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes an open buffet lunch, unlimited soft drinks, foam party, swimming breaks, hotel pickup and drop-off, and full insurance.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own gear to enjoy the swimming stops.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, it’s suitable for children, especially since kids’ activities like face painting and animations are included.

Is alcohol included?
No, alcohol isn’t included, but soft drinks are unlimited and free.

What should I bring?
Just a towel and perhaps some sunscreen; swimsuits are recommended for the swimming stops.

Is the pickup service reliable?
Most reviews say yes, with hotel pickup generally running smoothly, though the return transfer has seen some issues like being dropped off far from the hotel.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
The stops at Alanya Castle, Cleopatra Beach, Lovers Cave, the lively foam party, and the delicious buffet lunch stand out as the top experiences.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a day that combines sightseeing, swimming, lively entertainment, and good food, the Legends and Pirates Yacht Tour offers a memorable package. It’s best suited for those who thrive in a social, energetic environment and enjoy a bit of a party atmosphere. While it’s not a quiet or romantic cruise, it’s a solid choice for families, friends, or anyone wanting a full day of fun on the Turkish Mediterranean.

For a reasonable price, you get to explore some iconic spots, enjoy a generous buffet, and dance to tunes amid the foam and waves. Just keep in mind the crowd and the lively vibe—this is a trip that’s about making enjoyable memories rather than serene tranquility.

You can check availability for your dates here: