Half Day Sea Fishing Tour from Alanya & City Of Side

An Honest Look at the Half Day Sea Fishing Tour from Alanya & Side

If you’re considering a sea fishing adventure along Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast, this tour promises a mix of relaxation, scenic views, and the thrill of catching fish. It’s marketed as suitable for both beginners and seasoned anglers, but the actual experience can vary quite a bit depending on expectations and circumstances.

What we love about this experience? First, the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful coastal landscapes and spot playful dolphins adds a memorable, almost magical touch. Second, the chance to learn some fishing techniques from experienced guides can make it more engaging for newcomers.

However, a potential downside is the mixed reviews about the quality of equipment, timing, and overall value. That can be a dealbreaker if you’re expecting a seamless, professional experience.

This tour tends to suit travelers who are flexible, appreciate scenic boat rides, and are curious about marine life rather than solely focused on catching big fish. It’s worth considering if you’re after a relaxed day on the water with some fun stories and beautiful sights, rather than a premium fishing expedition.

Key Points

• Stunning Views & Marine Encounters: Enjoy the coastline, dolphin sightings, and chances to see sea lions.
• Beginners Welcome: Guides are available to share fishing tips, making it accessible for novices.
• Mixed Equipment & Service: Some reviews report outdated gear and inconsistent service.
• Time & Duration: The tour lasts roughly 5 hours, including pick-up, boat time, and drop-off.
• Value & Pricing: The cost covers transportation, fishing gear, and food, but reviews suggest it may not always match expectations.
• Seasonal Variability: Fish catches can be small or sparse depending on conditions.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for families looking for a day of outdoor fun on the water.
• Potential Delays & Issues: Be prepared for possible delays or equipment shortcomings as noted by past travelers.
• Nature & Relaxation: Expect to spend plenty of time soaking up the sun, swimming, and enjoying the scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Start with Convenience: The tour begins with a hotel pick-up around 8:00 AM, designed to make your morning fuss-free. Keep in mind, because Alanya is a big area with scattered hotels, the pickup time can vary. The tour provider promises to confirm this a day in advance, so staying reachable is wise.

Getting to the Harbor: The journey involves a transfer to the harbor, which might include a short drive to a different port depending on your hotel’s location. For those staying in Side, breakfast replaces lunch, adding a different pace to the day.

Boarding the Boat: The boat itself is described as a small, cozy vessel, with professional crew including a captain and a fisherman. This intimacy is ideal for a personal experience, but some reviews suggest that the boat and equipment might fall short of what anglers expect. One traveler noted they were greeted with a “normal wooden excursion boat” and “fishing rods with old, blunt hooks.” This highlights that equipment quality can be inconsistent.

Fishing and Marine Life: The main event is fishing in the open sea, targeting species like sea bass, bonito, seabream, tuna, coral, grouper, swordfish, and sparrow. The guides aim to show you good spots, but success isn’t guaranteed—especially if the fish are small or scarce. Several reviews mention that catches were minimal or disappointing, with one stating, “hardly anyone had any fish.”

The Scenic Side: Besides fishing, the tour emphasizes relaxing breaks for swimming and soaking up the spectacular coastal views. This is what makes a boat trip along the Mediterranean so appealing. Watching dolphins play if you’re lucky can be a highlight, as one reviewer enthusiastically shared, “Keep an eye out for playful dolphins.”

Food and Refreshments: Lunch is included, but with some variations—on tours from Side, it’s breakfast instead. The provided meals are meant to complement the day, and soft drinks are available. If you catch fish, the crew will often prepare it for you, which can be a real treat and a highlight if successful.

Return & Drop-off: Around 1:30 PM, the boat heads back to harbor, with arrivals back at your hotel typically in the early afternoon. It’s a relaxed, gentle end after a day on the water.

What the Reviews Tell Us

While the tour promotes fun and scenic fishing, some travelers have faced challenges. One reviewer from GetYourGuide complained about poor equipment, outdated hooks, and a shorter-than-expected trip—over after just 4 hours instead of the advertised 5.5 hours. Another pointed out delays and inaccuracies in pickup times, which can be frustrating if you’re tight on time or expecting a smooth experience.

The most common critique revolves around equipment quality and the fish caught. Several mentioned that fish were small or scarce, and some felt the tour was overpriced for the service level received. Conversely, others appreciated the chance to enjoy the coastal scenery and marine life, making it a worthwhile day if your expectations are flexible.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive with patience: Pickup times can vary, so stay reachable and prepared for delays.
• Manage expectations: If fishing success is a priority, remember that the Mediterranean’s fish stocks can be unpredictable.
• Bring sun protection: The open boat offers little shade, so hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential.
• Consider your equipment needs: The supplied gear might not be professional-grade; bringing your own hooks or tackle may improve your chances.
• Enjoy the scenery: Even if fish aren’t biting, the coastline and potential dolphin sightings make for a pleasant day.
• Kids and families: This can be a fun outing for children who enjoy boat rides and nature, but be aware of the potential gaps in service quality.
• Value for money: With soft drinks and meals included, the cost covers a full day of outdoor activity, but the overall experience hinges on weather, marine life, and equipment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best for travelers who value scenic boat rides, marine life observations, and a relaxing day on the water. If your main goal is big catches or professional fishing, you might find this tour lacking. However, if you’re happy with a laid-back outing that offers sunshine, scenic views, and the possibility of dolphin sightings, it’s worth considering.

Families and casual anglers will appreciate the informal vibe, but those expecting a high-end fishing adventure should proceed with tempered expectations. For travelers who are flexible and curious about the Mediterranean’s coastal environment, this tour offers a decent way to spend half a day.

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The Sum Up

In the end, this half-day sea fishing tour from Alanya and Side offers a complementary experience for those looking for a scenic, laid-back day on the water. The highlights—stunning vistas and marine animal encounters—are often the most memorable parts. However, the inconsistencies in equipment, service, and fish catches mean it might not meet everyone’s expectations, especially if you’re chasing a serious fishing trip.

It’s best suited for relaxed travelers, families, or those simply wanting a taste of the sea. If you go in with realistic expectations and a sense of adventure, you’ll likely come away with some stories and maybe even a fish or two, along with plenty of stunning views.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 5 to 5.5 hours, including pick-up, boat time, and drop-off.

What time does the tour start?
Start times vary based on your hotel’s location, with pickups around 8:00 AM. Confirm your exact time the day before.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a meal is included—either a lunch if departing from Alanya or breakfast from Side. Soft drinks are also provided.

What kind of fish can I expect to catch?
Possible catches include sea bass, bonito, seabream, tuna, coral, grouper, swordfish, and sparrow. Success varies.

Is equipment provided?
Yes, fishing equipment is included, but some reviews indicate it might be outdated or not of the highest quality.

Can children join?
Yes, the tour is suitable for families, especially those interested in marine life and boat rides.

Are dolphin sightings common?
Dolphins occasionally appear during the trip, making for a memorable moment if you’re lucky.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, comfortable clothing, and possibly your own fishing tackle if you want better odds.

Does the tour operate year-round?
While not explicitly stated, marine conditions and fish availability may vary seasonally, affecting the experience.

In brief, this tour offers a gentle, scenic, and family-friendly way to enjoy the Mediterranean’s natural beauty, with the caveat that equipment and fishing success might not always match expectations. It’s ideal for those who prize sunshine, coastal scenery, marine encounters, and a relaxed day on the water over high-stakes fishing.

You can check availability for your dates here: