Manavgat River Cruise & Waterfall & Bazaar Visit – Drinks inclusive onboard

If you’re considering the Manavgat River Cruise & Waterfall & Bazaar Visit in Side, Turkey, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth the time and money. From what we’ve gathered, this tour offers a pretty solid day of sightseeing, with some standout moments and a few things to keep in mind. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances scenic views, cultural stops, and some good opportunities for shopping and relaxing.

What we like most about this experience is how it combines different facets of the local area — the peaceful cruise, the natural beauty of the waterfall, and the bustling bazaar. Plus, the onboard drinks and lunch add nice touches of convenience and value. The price point of around $30.86 per person is quite reasonable for a full day out, especially with the included guide, WiFi, and insurance.

However, there are some potential downsides to consider — mainly the brevity of certain stops and the mixed reviews about the authenticity of the experience. If you’re expecting a deep dive into ancient ruins or a longer, more leisurely waterfall visit, you might be a bit disappointed. Still, if you’re up for a day of varied sights without too much hassle, this tour could suit you well.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a balanced day trip that includes scenic cruising, a quick waterfall visit, and some shopping. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate good value, enjoy boat rides, and don’t mind a packed schedule. Families, couples, or even groups of friends should find it a worthwhile outing, especially if they’re after a taste of the local sights with a relaxed vibe.

• Balanced itinerary with scenic river cruise, waterfall, and bazaar visits
• Good value with included lunch, guide, WiFi, and insurance
• Mixed reviews about the waterfall and some misleading expectations
• Comfortable group size (up to 115 travelers) ensures a lively yet manageable experience
• Potential for longer shopping time if you skip the waterfall
• Easy booking and pickup options make it convenient

Planning a day out in Side? Here’s the lowdown on this 7 to 8-hour cruise experience that promises a blend of natural beauty, history, and local culture.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off early at 8:30 am, with hotel pickup included, which means you won’t have to worry about finding your way to the meeting point. The group size can be up to 115 people, so expect a lively but organized atmosphere. The tour provider, Prestige Group Travel Agency, seems to be well-organized, with prompt communication, as some reviews highlight.

The Cruise: Sights on the Manavgat River

Once onboard the boat, you’ll immediately notice the comfortable setting. The vessel is described as a “pirate-like” three-tier boat, which adds a bit of fun, and you’ll be treated to WiFi onboard — great for sharing pictures or just staying connected. The boat ride takes you down the river towards the sea, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area.

What makes this part special is the chance to enjoy the sights of Side’s ancient sites from the water. You’ll sail past the Athena Temple and the Ancient City, providing great photo opportunities to capture some of the area’s history. Several reviews mention how the views are stunning, and it’s a relaxing way to see the landscape without much walking.

The Sandbar Swim Stop

The highlight for many is the stop at a sandbar for a swim. You’ll love the refreshing break where you can dip into the cool waters of the sea. One reviewer mentioned that the sea on one side and the river on the other creates an interesting contrast, especially with the river being noticeably cooler. Keep in mind that the water here can be quite cold and may not be suitable for everyone, especially young children or those with health concerns.

Visiting the Manavgat Waterfall

Next up is the Manavgat Waterfall, which is often described as a pretty and photogenic spot. The tour uses a “cabrio bus” to get there, and you’ll spend about 20 minutes soaking in the scene. Some reviews, however, express that the waterfall visit feels rushed — about 30 minutes — and some travelers felt it was not long enough to really enjoy or swim in the area.

You might find the Waterfall a bit overhyped, especially if you’re expecting to relax or swim. As one review pointed out, you can’t actually swim in the waterfall area unless you pay extra for an entrance fee, which is only €4. So, if you’re after a longer, swim-friendly waterfall experience, this might not meet your expectations.

The Bazaar Experience

After the waterfall, the focus shifts to the bustling Manavgat bazaar. Expect a large, lively market with lots of stalls selling souvenirs, textiles, and local crafts. It’s a great spot to haggle for a bargain or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Some reviews mention spending a couple of hours here, and it’s a good place to stretch your legs after a busy morning.

Be prepared for the usual market scene: hot, crowded, and full of energetic vendors. The market’s size and variety appeal to many, but some find the prices inflated or the experience a bit overwhelming.

Lunch and Additional Comforts

The lunch onboard is generally described as tasty and well-portioned. It adds value, especially considering the tour price. The drinks are included, so you can enjoy soft drinks without extra charges, which many travelers appreciate.

The guide and staff are often praised for being friendly and helpful, making the experience smoother. WiFi onboard is a nice touch, especially if you want to share your adventures or stay connected.

Looking at the reviews, a lot of travelers seem quite satisfied with the overall experience. Many highlight the friendly staff and good organization. For example, some mention the prompt pickup and attentive guides as making the day enjoyable.

The scenic boat ride and views of Side’s ruins get lots of praise. Several reviewers talk about how beautiful the scenery is, and the lunch on the boat is consistently described as good. The bazaar gets mixed reviews — some love the shopping, others find it overwhelming or overpriced.

However, a few reviews express frustration about misleading advertising or short stops at key sights. One traveler noted that the waterfall isn’t really worth a long visit and that the waterfall entrance fee should be considered separately. Others mention issues with late pickups or the need to pay extra for certain experiences, which can be disappointing if expectations aren’t aligned.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Beautiful river and seaside views
• Good value for money with lunch, guide, WiFi, and insurance included
• Smooth organization and convenient hotel pickup
• Variety of stops offering a mix of natural beauty, history, and shopping
• Friendly staff and knowledgeable guides praised in many reviews

Cons:

• Some stops are brief and may feel rushed
• Waterfall visit can be underwhelming and short, with extra fees
• Misleading advertising about what’s included or seen in the tour
• Boat quality described as in some cases less than ideal (e.g., strong odors or uncomfortable seating)

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of scenery, culture, and shopping without needing too much time at each stop. It’s a good pick if you’re after a cost-effective way to see different sides of Side — from the river to the waterfalls and bustling markets.

It also works well for those who don’t mind a full schedule and are happy to hop on and off the boat, with some brief sightseeing. Families with older children might find it a manageable and fun way to spend a day, especially if they’re interested in the boat ride and market shopping.

The Manavgat River Cruise & Waterfall & Bazaar Visit offers a well-rounded glimpse of the region’s natural beauty and lively culture. The scenic cruise, lunch onboard, and the chance to visit the waterfall and bazaar make for a genuinely enjoyable day, provided your expectations are aligned with the itinerary.

While there are some frustrations, notably around the short stops and the waterfall experience, the overall value for money and friendly guides tend to leave travelers with positive impressions. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, varied tour that captures the essence of Side’s sights, this one is likely to suit you.

Just remember to skip the waterfall if you’re craving a longer swim, and be prepared for some lively market bargaining. With a mix of nature, history, and culture, this trip hits a lot of the highlights in a single day.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it very convenient for travelers staying in Side or nearby.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 to 8 hours, typically starting at 8:30 am with a pickup.

Are drinks included onboard?
Yes, soft drinks are included in the price, so you can enjoy refreshments during the cruise.

Can I skip the waterfall?
Some reviews suggest that skipping or spending less time at the waterfall might be a good idea if you prefer more shopping or extra leisure time.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs around $30.86 per person, which is quite reasonable given the number of sights and inclusions.

Is there WiFi onboard?
Yes, WiFi is available on the boat, helpful for sharing photos or staying connected.

Are there any extra costs?
Entrance to the waterfall costs €4, payable separately. Some reviews mention additional costs for photos or souvenirs at the bazaar.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the relaxed pace and varied stops can appeal to families with older children. Always consider the weather and the short stop durations.

Hopefully, this gives you a clear picture of what to expect. If you enjoy scenic boat rides, lively markets, and a taste of local nature, this tour could be a good fit. Just keep your expectations realistic and plan to make the most of each stop!