Full Day All Inclusive Boat Ride and Foam Party

A Full Day of Fun on the Water in Side, Turkey

Stepping onto a boat in Side for an all-inclusive day trip offers a delightful mix of relaxation, entertainment, and scenic views. Priced at just over $38 per person, this experience is available through Vertraur Resen and is typically booked around 12 days in advance. It lasts about 8 hours, starting with a comfortable pickup from your hotel and ending with a relaxed ride back. The boat itself is quite well-equipped — three decks, a bar, showers, and cozy seating make it perfect for lounging and socializing.

What I particularly like about this tour is how it combines variety and value — you get multiple swimming stops, a lively foam party, and entertainment that caters to all ages. Plus, the guides speak several languages, including English, German, and Russian, making it accessible for many travelers. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the group size can go up to 150, so it can get lively and crowded, especially during peak season.

Two standout features make this trip worth considering. First, the foam party onboard is praised for being “amazing” and guaranteed fun for everyone, which adds an unexpected level of excitement. And second, the stunning views of the Taurus Mountains and the panoramic landscapes are a highlight, providing some excellent photo opportunities. That said, the experience isn’t perfect — some reviews mention a less-than-friendly driver, which could be a consideration for sensitive travelers; always worth noting in advance.

Key Points

• Value for money: At around $38, the trip offers a well-rounded mix of food, drinks, swimming, and entertainment.
• Diverse activities: Multiple swim stops, foam party, dancing, and sunbathing mean there is plenty to do.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with lively animations and a friendly crew.
• Great scenery: Expect beautiful mountain views and scenic river sights along the way.
• Well-organized: Guides speak multiple languages, and the itinerary covers key sights and fun moments.
• Some downsides: Group size can be large, and customer experiences with staff vary, with some noting less friendly interactions.

A Closer Look: What the Day Entails

Pickup and Journey to the Harbour

Your day starts with a pick-up from your hotel between 8:30 and 9:30 AM, in an exotic, comfortable convertible bus. This transportation sets the tone for a relaxed day — compact, stylish, and a nice way to get your first glimpses of Side’s countryside. As you drive through the lush Sorgun forest, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the natural landscape, which prepares you for the scenic beauty ahead. The drive toward the Manavgat River is as much a part of the experience as the boat ride itself — keep your camera ready for the verdant surroundings and the impressive Taurus Mountains.

Boarding the Deluxe Boat

Once at the harbor, you’ll be greeted by friendly, multilingual staff. Boarding a deluxe boat with three decks feels like stepping into a floating resort. It’s equipped with all the amenities you need for a full day — comfortable sitting areas, a bar, showers, and change rooms. This setup makes it practical for both relaxing and staying on-site for long stretches. As I’ve seen in reviews, the crew’s helpful attitude really enhances the experience, with some travelers praising guides like Michael for their friendly professionalism.

The Scenic Cruise and Swims

After a brief orientation in English, German, and Russian, the boat begins its journey, with views of Manavgat’s boat-building yards and trout farms along the river. The highlight here is the panoramic view of the Taurus Mountains, which you can admire from the deck. The first swim stop is at the confluence of the Manavgat River and the sea, where the water is clear and inviting. Expect to spend around two hours at this first stop, swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking in the scenery.

Fun at the Foam Party and Live Entertainment

The heart of the trip is the four-hour period onboard dedicated to fun and entertainment. The foam party is a big hit among travelers — reviewers like Michael_f describe it as “amazing,” and it’s designed to cater to all ages, making it a fantastic activity for families. Several mention the onboard music and dancing, with the second floor becoming a lively dance floor, where you can grab a drink and shake a move to the music. If dancing isn’t your thing, the third-floor sun terrace offers a peaceful spot to relax under the sun.

Scenic Views and Cultural Sightings

While the boat cruises along the coast, you’ll see notable sights like the boat-building yards, trout farms, and even the local soccer station. Keep a camera handy for turtles that some reviewers have mentioned as part of the scenery, along with the beautiful mountain vistas. The guide’s commentary in multiple languages adds context, making the sightseeing both informative and enjoyable.

Final Swim and Evening Festivities

The last swim break occurs at a serene peninsula, perfect for a final cool-down. As the boat heads back to Side, the onboard activities continue with games, animation, and a lively foam party that keeps the energy high. The experience culminates with the boat returning to the harbor after an eight-hour packed day.

Return and Reflection

The return journey features a fun water fight between groups, a humorous end to a busy day. Many travelers, like Daryl_C, say their families had an “amazing day” and appreciated the punctual pickup, the well-organized schedule, and the hard-working crew.

Who Is This Trip Best For?

This trip is ideal for travelers looking for an active, fun-filled day that offers more than just lounging. It’s perfect for families, groups of friends, or couples wanting a lively mix of swimming, dancing, and scenic views without breaking the bank. If you enjoy live music, dancing, and energetic activities, the foam party and onboard entertainment will be right up your alley. However, if you prefer quiet, less crowded experiences or are traveling with very young children sensitive to noise, you might want to consider other options.

The price point makes this a great value, including lunch, drinks (both non-alcoholic and alcoholic), and a full day of activities. The large group size (up to 150 travelers) ensures a sociable atmosphere, but it can also mean some noise and bustle, which might be a consideration for those seeking tranquility.

Final Thoughts

This full-day boat ride in Side offers a lively, well-organized experience combining scenic views, multiple swimming breaks, and energetic onboard entertainment. It’s especially suited for travelers seeking value, variety and a sense of celebration on the water. The friendly staff and beautiful mountain scenery help elevate what could otherwise be a basic boat tour into a memorable adventure.

While some reviews mention a less-than-friendly driver or the potential for overcrowding, the majority find the trip to be worthwhile and fun for all ages. With a good mix of relaxation, entertainment, and cultural sights, it delivers more than its price might suggest.

For those looking to enjoy a vibrant, active day in Side with plenty of swimming, dancing, and stunning views, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s a good choice if you want to combine beach fun with a taste of local scenery in one affordable package.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the trip offers pickup from your hotel, making it convenient and stress-free to start your day.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 8 hours, from pickup to return to the hotel.

What is included in the price?
Your fare includes transfer, a guide speaking multiple languages, insurance, lunch with options (fish or chicken), local non-alcoholic drinks, and alcoholic beverages like beer and wine.

Are there swimming stops?
Yes, there are several swim stops, with the first lasting around 2 hours and others for shorter breaks, all in scenic spots.

What facilities are on the boat?
The boat has three decks, a bar, showers, change rooms, washrooms, and comfortable seating areas.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance, with full refunds. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior are not refunded.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, with activities for all ages, though very young children might find the noise level high, especially on the dance floors and foam parties.

This boat trip in Side offers an energetic, scenic, and value-oriented way to spend a day on Turkey’s waters. Whether you’re seeking fun, sun, or a lively atmosphere, this experience delivers — just remember to bring your swimsuit, sunglasses, and a sense of adventure.