Side: Manavgat Boat, Bazaar, & Waterfall Day Trip with Lunch

If you’re planning a day trip from Side or nearby areas in Antalya Province, the Manavgat Boat, Bazaar, & Waterfall Tour could be a solid choice. It offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural shopping, and a taste of Turkish cuisine—all for a very reasonable price. We’ve looked into what makes this tour stand out and also considered some of the possible downsides to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your travel plans.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines relaxing boat rides with scenic waterfall visits and lively market shopping, all wrapped into one day. Plus, the value for money is hard to beat, especially with included transfers, lunch, and entrance tickets. However, one thing to keep in mind is that some parts of the day—like the waterfall stop—can feel a bit rushed, meaning you might not get as much time as you’d like to fully soak in each highlight.

This tour appeals most to travelers who want a taste of Turkey’s natural and cultural side without spending a fortune. It’s especially good for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, scenic views, and a bit of shopping. If your idea of a perfect day involves a little bit of everything—water, history, markets—this trip is worth considering.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $29 per person, this tour offers good value for a busy day packed with diverse activities.
• Natural and Cultural Highlights: Includes visits to the Manavgat Waterfall, a boat cruise on the river, and free time at the bazaar.
• Comfort and Convenience: Hotel transfers from Side, Okurcalar, and Konakl take the hassle out of logistics.
• Varied Experiences: From swimming breaks and boat rides to shopping and sightseeing, there’s plenty to keep you engaged.
• Flexible Duration: The tour lasts between 5 to 8 hours, giving you options based on your pace and interests.
• Good for Relaxed Travelers: This trip is suited for those who want a laid-back, multi-layered day out without feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with pick-up from several convenient locations—Side, Belek, Okurcalar, Konakl, and Alanya—which means most travelers can hop on easily without extra travel. Once aboard the comfortable coach, it’s about 45 minutes of scenic driving to reach the first major highlight: the Manavgat Waterfall.

The waterfall area is one of the tour’s biggest draws. Reviewers consistently praise its beauty, describing it as a “spectacular” spot worth visiting. Several folks mentioned that the waterfall is beautiful and provides great photo opportunities. But a common note is that your time here is limited—about 30 minutes—so you’ll want to move quickly if you want a good look or a swim. One review even said, “Waterfall was lovely but a bit rushed as you only got 30 mins there.” It’s a quick stop, but enough to appreciate the natural scenery and snap some memorable pics.

The Manavgat River Boat Cruise

Next comes the highlight for many—the boat cruise that takes you along the Manavgat River. This peaceful journey lasts about 2 hours, with commentary about the region’s natural and historical points. The boats are described as cozy and safe, suitable for all ages, and equipped with seating that makes relaxing easy. Several reviews emphasize how relaxing and well-organized the cruise is, with many appreciating the friendly staff and informative guide.

During the cruise, you’ll get to swim in the confluence of the river and the sea, which many reviews say is a refreshing break—”Bring shoes for swimming because the beach can be a bit stony,” one reviewer recommended. The water is described as warm and inviting, perfect for taking a dip and cooling off from the Turkish sun.

Lunch and Shopping Time

After the first cruise segment, it’s time for a tasty lunch on the boat. The meal is generally described as simple but plentiful and flavorful, with many reviewers mentioning it as a highlight—”The lunch was basic but tasty,” as one person put it. Soft drinks are included, and it’s a great way to fuel up for the rest of the day.

Following lunch, there’s a free shopping session at the Manavgat Bazaar, renowned as the largest in the area. You’ll find an array of handcrafted souvenirs, textiles, and local delicacies. Several reviews note that the market has a lively, hospitable atmosphere, with prices being quite affordable—”Be sure to bring cash, as not all stalls accept cards.” Some say the stalls sell similar items, so if you’re after unique souvenirs, it’s worth browsing carefully.

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The Final Water and River Cruise

The day wraps up with a second boat cruise lasting about an hour, giving you more chances to enjoy the waters and scenery. This is usually relaxed and scenic, a good way to wind down after the shopping frenzy. A few people appreciated that the tour includes admission to the Waterfall and free time, making it feel like good value.

Breaks and Photo Opportunities

Throughout the day, there are additional stops for photos—like at Furnas Lake—and quick breaks that allow you to stretch and capture moments. These are generally well-reviewed, with several travelers mentioning how they enjoyed the chance to snap pictures and take in the views.

Practicalities and What to Expect

Transport: The tour uses comfortable buses, and pickup is included from select locations. The total travel time is about 45 minutes one-way, so expect some time on the coach. Reviews mention that the drivers are friendly and punctual, making the whole process smooth.

Duration: The full experience lasts between 5 and 8 hours. The variation depends on how long you spend at each stop and possible delays. It’s a relatively relaxed pace, but some parts, especially the waterfall stop, are brief.

Group Size: While the exact number varies, reviews suggest it’s a well-organized group tour—big enough to be lively but not overly crowded. The boats are described as semi-private, so you won’t feel like you’re crammed in.

Cost and Value: At just $29, this tour offers a lot. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, boat rides, lunch, entrance tickets, and soft drinks. Many reviewers commented on how good the value was, especially considering the variety of activities packed into a single day.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent value for money: You get a lot for a reasonable price, including transportation, activities, and meals.
• Beautiful natural sights: The waterfall and river views are genuinely impressive.
• Relaxing boat trips: Comfortable, scenic, and suitable for all ages.
• Good food and free soft drinks onboard make the day more enjoyable.
• Lively bazaar shopping: Perfect for picking up souvenirs and experiencing local culture.
• Helpful guides: Several reviews praising the guides’ friendliness and knowledge.

Cons

• Limited time at key stops: The waterfall and bazaar are relatively quick visits—if you want more time to explore or shop, you might feel rushed.
• Potential for crowdedness: While boats are described as semi-private, the overall tour can feel busy during peak seasons.
• Weather considerations: Hot days can make a long tour tiring; plenty of water and sun protection are advisable.
• Late arrivals could miss parts: One review warned that arriving late, even by a few minutes, might cause you to miss the waterfall or part of the tour—timing is tight.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for budget-conscious travelers who want a diverse day filled with natural beauty, local culture, and some relaxation. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy water activities and market shopping without the hassle of organizing everything yourself. If you’re after a laid-back, value-packed day out that covers key sights in the Antalya region, this tour hits the mark.

It’s not ideal if you’re looking for a long, unhurried exploration of each site or if you prefer a more personalized experience. Also, if you’re not comfortable with quick stops or tight schedules, you might find parts of it a bit rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from several locations, making it very convenient. The bus ride is about 45 minutes each way.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts between 5 and 8 hours, depending on the group size and timing at each stop.

What should I bring?
Bring shoes suitable for walking and swimming, some cash for shopping, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, and a camera.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a tasty lunch is served on the boat, along with soft drinks. The meal is described as simple but plentiful.

Can I swim during the trip?
Absolutely. There’s a swimming stop at the confluence of river and sea, which many guests find refreshing and enjoyable.

Are there any age restrictions?
While the tour is suitable for most ages, people over 95 might find it less suitable due to the physical aspects. The boat cruise and stops are generally safe for all ages.

Final Thoughts

The Manavgat Boat, Bazaar, & Waterfall Day Trip offers a well-rounded introduction to some of Turkey’s natural and cultural highlights. With friendly guides, comfortable boats, and a variety of activities, it’s a great way to spend a day if you want a light, scenic, and affordable experience. The combination of water, shopping, and a splash of history makes it especially appealing for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace and a bit of everything.

While it’s not a full-blown exploration of each site, the value and diversity make it a popular choice. Just keep in mind that some stops are brief, so if you prefer to linger longer at each location, you might need to plan additional excursions.

Overall, if you’re in the Antalya region and looking for a fun, budget-friendly way to see some of Turkey’s scenic and cultural gems, this tour could be just what you need. It’s an efficient, enjoyable, and reasonably priced way to tick several boxes on your travel list.

You can check availability for your dates here: