Side’s dolphin watching excursions rank among the best in the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Most tours depart from the harbor, lasting between 3-6 hours, with prices ranging from €30-60 per person. The full-day cruises stand out, combining wildlife watching with swimming stops and generous onboard meals – making them an excellent value.
Two particularly solid choices: the traditional wooden gulet cruise (includes hotel transfers and lunch) and the family-friendly pirate ship tour (great for kids, with entertainment and foam parties). Both maintain small group sizes and employ experienced crews who know the best spots for dolphin sightings.
Let’s look at our carefully selected top dolphin watching tours in Side…
Key Points
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The Dolphin Island Cruise from Side, Turkey, offers a highly rated (4.5/5) full-day excursion with family-friendly activities like swimming and snorkeling.
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The Dolphin Island Boat Trip With Lunch & Unlimited Drinks provides a 7-hour exploration of the Mediterranean Sea with opportunities to see Bottlenose Dolphins.
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The Dolphin Island Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer is a 7-hour tour that includes round-trip hotel transfers and a guided boat trip with lunch.
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The Dolphin Island Boat Tour is a 9-hour excursion from Side with activities such as swimming, BBQ lunch, and a foam party, priced between $27 to $30 per person.
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The Dolphin Watching Boat Trip is a 7-hour excursion along the Manavgat River and Mediterranean Sea, starting at $21.16 per person and offering opportunities to spot dolphins and sea turtles.
Dolphins Island Cruise
The Dolphins Island Cruise offers a full-day excursion departing from Side, Turkey.
With 171 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it’s a family-friendly experience where visitors can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe, with the potential to spot dolphins.
Lunch, including vegetarian options, is included. Pickup is available from the hotel security gate or a designated meeting point, with a start time of 8:30 am.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 45 travelers, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before.
While the crew’s friendliness and enjoyable activities are praised, some guests have criticized the experience as underwhelming, citing issues like loud music and lack of dolphin sightings.
Read our full review: Dolphins Island Cruise Review
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Side: Dolphin Island Boat Trip With Lunch & Unlimited Drinks
For those seeking a more immersive dolphin-watching experience in Side, the Side: Dolphin Island Boat Trip With Lunch & Unlimited Drinks offers an engaging seven-hour excursion.
Priced at £20.77 per person, the boat trip explores the Mediterranean Sea, providing opportunities to spot Bottlenose Dolphins.
Featuring a pirate-themed vessel with onboard amenities, the tour includes two swim stops, a barbecue lunch, and unlimited soft drinks.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, the trip provides a convenient and enjoyable way to experience Side’s coastal wonders.
While not recommended for those with heart conditions, the tour earns an overall rating of 3.8/5 from 206 reviews, highlighting its value and appeal for all ages.
Read our full review: Side: Dolphin Island Boat Trip With Lunch & Unlimited Drinks Review
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Side Dolphin Island Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer
Offering an alluring glimpse into Side’s coastal wonders, the Side Dolphin Island Boat Trip with Lunch and Hotel Transfer immerses guests in a captivating seven-hour excursion.
Priced from $22 per person, this tour accommodates up to 100 travelers and includes round-trip hotel transfers, a guided boat trip, and a delightful lunch.
While many guests praise the beautiful scenery and entertainment, some report issues with cleanliness, misleading advertising, and rude staff.
Management has addressed these concerns, offering apologies and refunds.
With a mix of positive and negative reviews, travelers should weigh the pros and cons before booking this experience.
Read our full review: Side Dolphin Island Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer Review
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Dolphin Island Boat Trip From Side : a Seaside Adventure
Dolphin Island Boat Trip from Side promises a seaside adventure that immerses travelers in the captivating natural wonders of the region.
Priced from $21.16 per person, this full-day excursion offers a 7-hour journey with hotel pickup, bus transfer, and a 6-hour boat cruise.
The itinerary includes swimming, snorkeling, and photo stops along the Manavgat River, as well as a visit to Dolphin Island and Karaburun Peninsula for potential wildlife sightings.
Lunch is served on the boat, and the trip is suitable for all ages.
Though reviews are mixed, the opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty and cultural highlights makes this a popular choice for those seeking a seaside adventure.
Read our full review: Dolphin Island Boat Trip From Side : a Seaside Adventure Review
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Side: Dolphin Park Transfer Service
Traveling to Side’s Dolphin Park is made convenient with the available transfer service. Visitors can easily arrange a pickup from their hotel or any other location in Side.
The transfers are operated by reliable, licensed providers who ensure a smooth and comfortable journey to the park. Guests don’t have to worry about navigating the roads or finding parking.
The service runs on a set schedule, allowing travelers to plan their day efficiently. Rates are reasonable, and payment can be made directly to the driver.
This hassle-free transfer option allows visitors to focus on the excitement of the dolphin encounter experience at the park.
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Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour With Lunch And Soft Drinks
Although the Dolphin Park offers a convenient transfer service, visitors to Side can also embark on a Dolphin Island Boat Tour.
This excursion takes guests to a nearby island where they can observe dolphins in their natural habitat. The tour includes a boat ride, a delicious lunch, and refreshing soft drinks.
Passengers can expect to see the playful creatures up close and learn about their behavior from knowledgeable guides. The tour lasts approximately 3-4 hours, providing ample time to enjoy the dolphin sightings and the scenic island surroundings.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a unique experience, the Dolphin Island Boat Tour is an excellent option for visitors to Side.
Read our full review: Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour With Lunch And Soft Drinks Review
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Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour With BBQ Lunch
For visitors to Side looking to get up close with dolphins, the Dolphin Island Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch offers an exciting and comprehensive experience.
Priced from €31.18 per person, the 6-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a scenic boat ride, swimming breaks, and a visit to Dolphin Island. Guests can enjoy a grilled chicken lunch with salads and rice, as well as entertainment and activities led by the crew.
The spacious yacht provides changing cabins, restrooms, and showers, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the day. While dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour promises a packed itinerary with opportunities to spot other wildlife like pelicans and sea turtles.
With a 4/5 rating based on reviews, this tour delivers good value for money.
Read our full review: Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour With BBQ Lunch Review
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From Side: Dolphin and Seal Show Ticket With Hotel Transfers
Visitors to Side can experience the captivating Dolphin and Seal Show at Sealanya Dolphinpark. The 3-hour show features dolphins and seals performing spectacular tricks, including synchronized jumps and playful antics.
Trainers provide educational insights about the animals’ conservation status, biology, and habitats. The ticket includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and it’s wheelchair accessible.
With an overall rating of 3.8/5 based on 4 reviews, the show is recommended by previous attendees for its impressive performances. The experience also offers opportunities for swimming with the marine creatures and taking photos.
Priced from $53.95 per person, the show can be booked with a reserve now & pay later option, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: From Side: Dolphin and Seal Show Ticket With Hotel Transfers Review
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From City of Side: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour With Lunch
While exploring the picturesque coastal town of Side, visitors can embark on a captivating dolphin watching boat tour that promises an unforgettable experience.
The tour departs from the harbor and takes guests on a scenic cruise along the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Passengers will have the opportunity to spot pods of playful dolphins frolicking in their natural habitat, as an expert guide provides fascinating insights into the marine life.
The tour also includes a delicious lunch served on board, allowing guests to savor local cuisine while taking in the breathtaking views.
This immersive dolphin watching experience is a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting the City of Side.
Read our full review: From City of Side: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour With Lunch Review
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From City of Side: Dolphins Island Boat Trip With Transfer
Travelers seeking an immersive encounter with the marine life of Side can embark on the Dolphins Island Boat Trip, a 7-hour adventure that promises a chance to spot dolphins in their natural habitat.
Priced from $15.87 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Highlights include a cruise along Dolphins Island, snorkeling in clear-blue waters, and a lunch served on the boat.
With an overall rating of 4/5 from 78 reviews, the tour receives praise for its friendly staff and enjoyable atmosphere, though some criticize the cleanliness of the onboard toilets.
Transfers from/to the hotel and English, German, and Russian-speaking guides are provided.
Read our full review: From City of Side: Dolphins Island Boat Trip With Transfer Review
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City of Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour With BBQ & Foam Party
The Dolphin Island Boat Tour with BBQ & Foam Party offers travelers a 9-hour excursion from Side, providing the opportunity to swim in the turquoise waters and discover Dolphin Island.
The tour includes a fresh-cooked lunch, a foam party, and optional activities like jet-ski rental and traditional Turkish Gözleme. Priced from $30 to $27 per person, the tour offers free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 471 reviews, the tour is praised for its friendly staff, well-organized activities, and enjoyable meals.
Ideal for families, couples, groups, and solo travelers, the tour provides wheelchair accessibility and recommendations on what to bring.
Read our full review: City of Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour With BBQ & Foam Party Review
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From City of Side: Dolphin Watching Boat Trip With Lunch
Departing from the city of Side, the Dolphin Watching Boat Trip with Lunch offers a 7-hour excursion along the Manavgat River and into the Mediterranean Sea.
Priced from $21.16 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, a guided cruise, and the chance to spot dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Guests can also enjoy swim stops, a beach visit, and a foam party on board, as well as a delicious lunch.
With a 4.2/5 overall rating based on 581 reviews, the tour provides excellent value for money and is led by a knowledgeable guide fluent in English and German.
Read our full review: From City of Side: Dolphin Watching Boat Trip With Lunch Review
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From City of Side/Alanya: Sealanya Dolphin Show W/ Transfers
Alongside the Dolphin Watching Boat Trip with Lunch, visitors to the Side/Alanya region can also experience the Sealanya Dolphin Show with Transfers.
Priced from £33.23 per person, the one-hour family-friendly show features dolphins performing acrobatics, dances, and water polo. The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an express security check for quicker entry, and travel insurance.
While the show receives praise, some feedback mentions language barriers, high photo costs, and cramped bus conditions.
Read our full review: From City of Side/Alanya: Sealanya Dolphin Show W/ Transfers Review
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Sum Up
Side offers a variety of dolphin watching tours that provide an up-close look at these captivating marine creatures. Visitors can choose from different cruise options, including trips with lunch, drinks, and hotel transfers. These tours are a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region while observing dolphins in their natural habitat.