Manavgat is a fantastic place for those who enjoy shopping and local markets combined with natural beauty. The region’s lively bazaars, scenic waterfalls, and relaxing boat trips make for memorable outings. We especially like the Side: Manavgat Boat, Bazaar, & Waterfall Day Trip with Lunch, which offers a well-rounded experience. It combines a visit to the largest bazaar in Manavgat, a refreshing dip at the Manavgat Waterfall, and a scenic boat cruise, all with hotel transportation and a tasty lunch included. This trip showcases the region’s vibrant market culture while blending in natural sights.
For travelers who want a shorter, more focused experience, the Manavgat Waterfall, Boat & Bazaar Tour from Alanya & Side offers a delightful half-day exploring the waterfall, boat cruise, and local bazaar. Meanwhile, the Side Manavgat River Cruise, Waterfall, and Bazaar Boat Tour provides an 8-hour adventure with a foam party and in-depth sightseeing, perfect for those wanting a full-day outing. Lastly, the From Antalya: Manavgat River Cruise, Waterfall & Bazaar offers a relaxed 7-hour tour ideal for combining nature, shopping, and leisure.
Below, we explore each of these top tours, highlighting what makes them special and helping you decide which fits your style and plans.
1. Side: Manavgat Boat, Bazaar, & Waterfall Day Trip with Lunch
This trip packs a lot into a single day for just $29 per person, making it one of the best value options. It includes hotel transfers from Side, Okurcalar, and Konaklı, plus visits to the Manavgat Waterfall, which is a cooling retreat where you can stand under the spray and snap photos of the rushing water. The day then moves to the largest bazaar in Manavgat, famous for its wide array of fresh spices, handmade souvenirs, and local crafts.
The highlight is the boat cruise (about 2 hours), where you float along the river, enjoying the scenery and the chance to swim at the confluence of the River and the Sea. A tasty lunch is included, giving you a chance to sample local Turkish cuisine, and there’s time to relax at the further scenic stops like Furnas Lake. The tour’s flexible schedule means you can spend between 5 to 8 hours on this trip, making it suitable for those with limited time or looking for a comprehensive experience.
Key Highlights:
– Waterfall visit with photo opportunities
– Swimming in the river and sea
– Exploring the vibrant bazaar
– Enjoying a boat cruise with scenic views and a traditional Turkish lunch
Bottom Line:
Great for budget-conscious travelers who want a full mix of shopping, natural beauty, and leisure. The itinerary is well-paced, and reviews praise the smooth organization and friendly guides.
2. Manavgat Waterfall, Boat & Bazaar Tour from Alanya & Side
At $25 per person, this tour offers a relaxed yet comprehensive look at Manavgat’s natural and cultural highlights. Starting from Alanya, Side, or Antalya, it focuses on the scenic Manavgat Waterfall, where you’d feel the refreshing spray and enjoy some peaceful moments. The tour guides are known for sharing interesting tidbits about the area, making the experience more enriching.
The boat trip along the Manavgat River is a highlight—it’s relaxing, with plenty of opportunities for photos, and is perfect for anyone wanting a laid-back cruise with natural scenery. The local bazaar visit adds a lively shopping component where you can haggle for spices, textiles, and souvenirs. The tour’s shorter duration makes it suitable for travelers with a busy schedule or those who prefer a less intense day.
Unique Aspect:
The tour emphasizes breathtaking natural scenery with photo stops at the waterfall and river, paired with a guided shopping experience at the bazaar. The cruise provides a calming escape from the busy beaches, perfect for nature lovers.
Reviews note the friendly guides and beautiful scenery, making it a great introduction to Manavgat’s highlights. It’s ideal for those seeking a half-day adventure with a good balance of nature and shopping.
Bottom Line:
A well-priced, scenic tour for travelers who want a taste of everything without the full-day commitment. It’s perfect for those on a tight schedule or who prefer a more relaxed pace.
3. Side Manavgat River Cruise, Waterfall, and Bazaar Boat Tour
This 8-hour tour is the most immersive option, offering swimming breaks, a foam party, lunch, and a full exploration of the area. Starting from Side, it offers an in-depth look at the Manavgat River, where you can relax on board and even join a lively foam party—something different for families or groups wanting fun entertainment.
The highlight is the visit to Manavgat Waterfall, where you can feel the refreshing spray and get some fantastic photos. Following that, the tour includes shopping time at the bazaar, where you can haggle for local crafts and spices. The lunch onboard is a relaxing break, with the boat providing a scenic backdrop for your meal.
This tour is particularly praised for its enthusiastic guides and the lively atmosphere, especially during the foam party. It’s suited for active travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, shopping, and social fun. Some reviews mention that the schedule can be busy, but the variety of activities keeps everyone engaged.
Key Highlights:
– Swimming in river and sea
– Foam party onboard the boat
– Waterfall visit with memorable photos
– Shopping at the bazaar with free time to explore
Bottom Line:
Ideal for families or groups wanting a full day of diverse activities, blending natural sights with lively entertainment. It offers excellent value for those who enjoy social, active outings.
4. From Antalya: Manavgat River Cruise, Waterfall & Bazaar
This 7-hour tour provides a relaxing experience with a focus on natural beauty and shopping. Starting from Antalya, it includes a 2-hour river cruise, where you can unwind while taking in the lush scenery. The Manavgat Waterfall visit offers a cooling mist and plenty of photo ops, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers.
The trip concludes with free time at the Manavgat Bazaar, where you can browse and buy local products, or simply relax near the beach in Side. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a leisurely pace and a good balance of sightseeing and free exploration.
While the reviews are limited, the tour’s straightforward itinerary makes it a dependable option for those new to the area or looking for a simple, relaxing day trip. It’s especially convenient for visitors staying in Antalya who want to see the highlights without a full-day commitment.
Key Highlights:
– Scenic river cruise
– Waterfall with stunning photos
– Free time for shopping or relaxing in Side
Bottom Line:
A simple, relaxing way to enjoy Manavgat’s natural scenery and local markets, ideal for travelers who prefer a low-key, laid-back experience.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you want comprehensive coverage with hotel transfers, the Side: Manavgat Boat, Bazaar, & Waterfall Day Trip with Lunch is hard to beat. For a shorter, relaxed half-day, the Manavgat Waterfall, Boat & Bazaar Tour from Alanya & Side offers excellent value. If you’re after full-day fun, the Side Manavgat River Cruise, Waterfall, and Bazaar Boat Tour provides lively entertainment, including a foam party. For those based in Antalya or seeking a more leisurely pace, the From Antalya: Manavgat River Cruise, Waterfall & Bazaar fits well.
Booking early is recommended, especially in high season, as these tours tend to fill up quickly. Consider the activity level and interests—families with kids might prefer the more lively, activity-rich options, while couples or solo travelers might enjoy the relaxed, scenic tours.
In summary, Manavgat has a lot to offer: from bustling markets and scenic waterfalls to relaxing river cruises. Whether you’re looking for a quick half-day or a full-day adventure, these tours offer a fantastic way to experience the region’s natural beauty and local culture. We encourage you to pick the one that best suits your style and book early to secure your spot.