Manavgat, with its lush riverbanks, scenic waterfalls, and proximity to the Mediterranean, is a perfect setting for boat tours and cruises. The region offers a variety of experiences, whether you’re after a relaxing boat ride along the Manavgat River, a lively dolphin island cruise, or an adventurous off-road safari combined with lake swimming. We particularly enjoy the Side: Manavgat Boat, Bazaar, & Waterfall Day Trip with Lunch for its blend of natural beauty and local culture, and the Side Dolphin Island Boat Cruise with Lunch & Drinks for those seeking a splash of marine excitement. These tours give you a chance to see the area’s highlights from a comfortable boat, often paired with stops for swimming, shopping, or sightseeing—perfect for making the most of your time in this corner of Turkey.
What you’ll find on our list are diverse boat experiences: from full-day river cruises with bazaar visits, to off-road jeep safaris combined with lake boat rides, and even specialized tours like the Green Canyon excursion. Each offers its own flavor, catering to different interests, budgets, and energy levels. Whether you want a laid-back scenic cruise or an active adventure, there’s something here for everyone. To explore these options further, check out the detailed reviews and itineraries below.
1. Side: Manavgat Boat, Bazaar, & Waterfall Day Trip with Lunch
This 4-star rated day trip offers a relaxed yet comprehensive experience of Manavgat. For $29 per person, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise lasting up to 8 hours, hotel transfers from Side, Okurcalar, and Konaklı, plus a tasty lunch. The tour blends visits to the Manavgat Waterfall, swimming at the river confluence with the sea, and shopping at the largest bazaar in Manavgat. The itinerary includes multiple boat segments, with breaks for sightseeing and relaxation, making it ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of nature, culture, and local markets. The reviews highlight good value and friendly guides, with some noting the long duration makes it suitable for those comfortable with a full day out.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers on a budget who want a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and shopping, with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.
2. Manavgat Waterfall, Boat & Bazaar Tour from Alanya & Side
This highly rated tour at 4.7/5 and $25 per person is perfect for those wanting a peaceful river cruise combined with scenic waterfall visits. Starting from Alanya or Side, the tour includes swimming in the Manavgat River and the Mediterranean, a photo stop at the impressive Manavgat Waterfall, and a lively bazaar visit. The guided boat cruise along the river offers a calming, scenic experience, with the highlight being the breathtaking waterfall and the chance to explore local markets. The tour’s shorter duration (around 5-6.5 hours) makes it accessible for travelers with tighter schedules or those who prefer a relaxed pace. Reviewers love the harmony of natural beauty and local culture, often mentioning the cooling breeze at the waterfall as a memorable feature.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a scenic, well-rounded day with less time commitment and a focus on natural beauty.
3. From Side Jeep Safari Off-Road and Boat Tour with Lunch
For around $35, this adventure-packed tour mixes off-road jeep safaris with a lake boat ride and a lakeside lunch. Starting from Side, you’ll first take a 45-minute drive into the countryside, then hop into 4×4 jeeps for an off-road adventure at Oymapınar Dam. The highlight is a 2-hour boat cruise in Green Lake, followed by a delicious lakeside meal. The itinerary also features a quick visit to Manavgat Waterfalls, making it a perfect choice for active travelers who want a combination of nature, adventure, and cultural sights. Guests praise the thrilling off-road experience and the serene boat ride.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who enjoy a bit of adrenaline and want to combine scenic waterways with off-road exploration.
4. Side, Alanya: Green Canyon Boat, Waterfall&Orchards Mix Tour
This 7-9 hour tour at approximately $21 offers a comprehensive day exploring lakes, waterfalls, and orchards. Traveling in style aboard open-top cabrio buses, you’ll visit the Green Canyon, enjoy a boat cruise, and see the Manavgat Mosque. The tour also includes a visit to a mini zoo, making it fun for families and animal lovers. The mix of natural beauty and cultural sights makes this a standout, as does the emphasis on local flavors with a traditional lunch. Reviewers appreciate the smooth transportation and the variety of experiences packed into one day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking an all-in-one experience with a good balance of natural scenery and cultural sights.
5. From city of Side: Full-Day Manavgat Boat Trip with Transfer
This 7-hour full-day cruise for just $15 per person is a budget-friendly option that includes hotel transfers, a river boat cruise, and lunch onboard. Highlighting views of Manavgat River, the tour also visits the local bazaar and the Waterfalls. It’s great for travelers looking for a relaxed, all-in-one experience with a focus on local life. Though simple, it offers good value, with reviews noting the scenic cruise and convenient transfers.
Bottom Line: Excellent for budget-conscious travelers who want an uncomplicated, enjoyable day on the water.
6. Side Dolphin Island Boat Cruise with Lunch & Drinks
For those craving a marine adventure, this 7-hour cruise with unlimited drinks and a visit to Dolphin Island is a delightful option. The double-deck boat sails along the Mediterranean Sea, with stops for swimming in crystal-clear bays and the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat. Guests rave about the relaxing atmosphere, the beautiful bays, and the lunch included onboard. The itinerary involves a pickup from Manavgat, a 4-hour cruise, and return, making it suitable for travelers who want a full day of sea and sun.
Bottom Line: Best suited for water lovers and families wanting a fun, relaxed cruise with dolphin sightings.
7. City of Side: Cabrio Bus & Green Lake Boat Tour with Lunch
This 7-hour tour combines land and water exploration, including a cabrio bus ride, a boat tour of Green Lake, and a lunch featuring traditional Turkish dishes. It also features a visit to the Manavgat River, mosque, and waterfall. The open-top bus adds a stylish touch, and the guide shares insights about the area’s history and culture. Guests appreciate the comfort of the transportation and the variety of sights included, though some mention the price point is higher than other options.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who want a stylish, informative day with a combination of scenic boat rides and cultural sights.
8. Full-Day Antalya Old City Tour: Kaleiçi, Waterfalls & Boat
While primarily focused on Antalya city, this tour includes a boat trip to Düden Waterfalls and time exploring Kaleiçi. For lovers of history, architecture, and nature, it combines sightseeing on land and water, providing a well-rounded day in the city. The boat to Düden Waterfalls is a highlight, with the chance to see the falls from a different perspective. The reviews are modest but positive, noting the rich mix of experiences.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a city-focused experience with a splash of nature and history.
9. Side Manavgat River Cruise, Waterfall, and Bazaar Boat Tour
This 8-hour tour offers a full day of river cruising, waterfall visits, and bazaar shopping. It includes swimming, a foam party, and a lunch served on the boat. The tour is lively, with a mix of activities suited for families or groups looking for fun and relaxation. The foam party makes it memorable, and the shopping at Manavgat Bazaar is a highlight for many. Reviewers mention the long duration but appreciate the variety of experiences.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who enjoy a lively, full-day adventure with plenty of activities.
10. City of Side: Green Canyon Tour w/ Boat, Lunch & Fishing
This 6.5-hour experience at around $40 features a boat trip in Green Canyon, a lunch, and fishing opportunities. It’s especially suitable for anglers or those interested in nature and quiet waters. The focus on fishing adds a unique twist, and the lake swimming provides refreshment. The reviews are mixed but note the beautiful natural scenery.
Bottom Line: Best for nature lovers who enjoy a relaxed pace and fishing.
11. Alanya: Manavgat River Boat Cruise & Waterfall Visit
This 7-hour trip features a river cruise, waterfall visit, and bazaar shopping. It’s a straightforward, calming experience—perfect for those wanting to unwind and see the local river scenery. The description highlights swimming and shopping, making it a practical choice for casual travelers. The reviews are limited but positive overall.
Bottom Line: Suited for travelers seeking a relaxed river and waterfall experience with some shopping.
12. Hidden Paradise Combo Green Lake With Lunch & Boat
This 7.5-hour tour at $47 offers a full-day journey through waterfalls, canyons, and lush nature. It emphasizes visiting the Ancient City of Seleukia, exploring a local orange garden, and waterfall visits. Its appeal is the well-rounded combination of natural beauty and cultural insights, plus the comfortable transportation. It’s ideal for those wanting a mix of adventure and history.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers looking for a comprehensive nature and history tour with a focus on scenic beauty.
13. From Antalya: Manavgat River Cruise, Waterfall & Bazaar
This 7-hour full-day tour involves a river cruise, waterfall, and bazaar shopping, similar to other options but with a focus on Antalya travelers. The photos of the waterfall and local market are highlights. It’s a simple, relaxing way to experience Manavgat’s natural and cultural sights without extra fuss.
Bottom Line: Good for travelers based in Antalya seeking a straightforward day out.
14. Manavgat: Boat Tour with Turkish Bath and Massage
For those wanting a full day combining boat fun and relaxation, this 9-hour tour includes a foam party on the boat plus a Turkish bath and massage afterward. It’s a luxurious way to unwind, with swimming stops and water fun during the cruise. The reviews are not detailed but suggest a relaxing experience with added pampering.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want both water activities and relaxation in one day.
15. Side: Altınbeşik Cave and Ormana Village Tour with Boat Ride
This 6.5-hour trip, around $47, explores Altınbeşik Cave, with a boat ride inside the cave, and visits to Ormana Village. It’s perfect for adventure seekers and history lovers, offering a guided cave experience and a chance to see traditional village life. The itinerary is detailed, with a focus on nature, culture, and scenic drives.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting an active, culturally rich day in a natural setting.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in Manavgat
When deciding which tour to book, consider your budget, time, interests, and fitness level. If you prefer a full day packed with activities, options like the Side: Manavgat Boat, Bazaar, & Waterfall Day Trip with Lunch or the Green Canyon Tour are excellent. For a more relaxing, scenic experience, the Manavgat Waterfall, Boat & Bazaar Tour from Alanya & Side offers a gentle pace. Budget travelers will appreciate options like the Full-Day Manavgat Boat Trip from Side, while adventurers should consider the Jeep Safari & Lake Boat Tour.
Booking early is recommended, especially in the peak summer months. Also, think about the type of experience you want—whether it’s cultural, adventurous, or relaxing—and pick the tour that best matches your travel style.
To sum up, Manavgat offers a wide range of boat-based experiences. For a full immersion in natural beauty and local culture, the Side: Manavgat Boat, Bazaar, & Waterfall Day Trip with Lunch shines. For marine fun and dolphin sightings, the Side Dolphin Island Boat Cruise is hard to beat. And if you’re after a combination of adventure and scenic exploration, the Jeep Safari and Green Lake tour provides excellent value. Whatever your preferences, booking early will ensure you secure your spot on these memorable trips.