Manavgat River Cruise & Bazaar +Waterfall Tour: Side, Alanya

Traveling through Turkey’s Antalya Province, we often find that the best experiences blend nature, culture, and a little bit of everyday life. This tour, the Manavgat River Cruise & Bazaar + Waterfall Tour, promises just that—combining a leisurely boat ride, a stunning waterfall, and a vibrant market all in one day. Perfect for those seeking a straightforward, value-packed day out with plenty of photo-worthy moments.

What we really like about this experience is how it offers a good mix of activities—cruising on the river with the option to swim, gazing at the impressive Manavgat Waterfall, and then wandering through a bustling local bazaar. It’s a flexible, relaxed way to see some hallmark sights without feeling rushed. However, it’s worth noting that the size of the waterfall might leave some craving a more dramatic cascade, and the bazaar can be quite busy and similar to others around the region.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate natural beauty, enjoy local markets, and are looking for a comprehensive experience without breaking the bank. It’s also a good pick for those who want an easy-to-organize day with options for hotel pickup—making it a convenient choice for visitors staying in Alanya or Side.

Key Points

• Includes a scenic 2-hour river cruise with swimming opportunities
• Visit to the famous Manavgat Waterfall is included, with optional additional payments
• Explore the vibrant bazaar filled with fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs
• Affordable price point around $23 per person offers good value
• Guided in multiple languages including English, German, and Russian
• Flexible options for transfers and add-ons, making it customizable

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Experience

We’ll start with the river cruise, which is the core of this tour. Expect a leisurely 2-hour boat ride along the Manavgat River, where the scenery is lush and green. One of the highlights is the chance to swim at the point where the river meets the sea—a unique spot that combines freshwater and saltwater, perfect for a quick dip if the weather’s warm. The boat includes a local lunch, served onboard, which is a welcome touch, allowing you to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings without worrying about finding a nearby restaurant.

From the reviews, we know that many travelers appreciated the good quality of the food, describing it as “delicious,” which adds a lot of value to the package. The boat ride itself offers a calm escape from busy tourist spots and gives you a chance to spot fish farms along the banks. Depending on the season, you might also see river turtles basking on the sunny rocks—small moments that remind you how diverse the local ecosystem is.

Next up is the visit to the Manavgat Waterfall. While this waterfall is not the tallest or most dramatic in Turkey, it’s still a visually appealing cascade surrounded by greenery. The size of the waterfall is described as “manageable,” meaning you can comfortably enjoy the view without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a great spot for photos and to stretch your legs after the boat ride, but don’t expect a towering fall if you’re craving something more spectacular.

The final major component is the bazaar, an ideal place to explore local life firsthand. The market is one of the largest in the region, offering fresh produce, souvenirs, and traditional crafts. While some reviews noted that the bazaar resembles others in the area, many still enjoyed browsing the stalls and sampling the local flavors. Be sure to bring cash, as many products aren’t certified or invoiced, and the guide will not accompany you inside the market—so you’ll be on your own for shopping.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation and Timing

The tour includes hotel pickups from Alanya and Side, with the vehicle waiting outside your hotel’s security area. The transfer starts approximately 2 hours before the boat departs, which means your day begins early in the morning or late morning, depending on your location. The vehicles cannot access Antalya Kaleiçi or Side Ancient City, so you’ll need to meet at designated points like outside your hotel or at NOVAMALL if you choose the non-transfer option.

Duration and Flexibility

Spanning 6 to 8 hours, this tour offers a comfortable pace. You’ll get to enjoy the cruise, waterfall, and bazaar without feeling rushed. Check availability for starting times, as they vary, but typically the tour will start in the morning.

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Cost and Value

At $23 per person, this experience provides excellent value. The price includes the boat ride, lunch, entrance to the waterfall, and guiding services if you select the options. Keep in mind that additional expenses might include soft drinks, alcohol, or souvenirs, which are not included. The lunch has been praised as good, making the overall cost quite reasonable for a full day out.

What to Bring

We recommend packing a hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and a change of clothes if you plan to swim. Also, bring cash for the bazaar, and a charged smartphone for photos. Remember, soft drinks and alcohol are not allowed on the vehicle, and smoking is prohibited during the tour.

Accessibility and Limitations

While the tour offers a lot of natural beauty and lively market experiences, it’s not suitable for people with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or the visually impaired. The water and walking involved in the waterfall visit and bazaar might be challenging for some.

Real Travelers’ Perspectives

From the reviews, it’s clear that this tour hits the right notes for many. One traveler said, “The boat trip was actually nice, and the food was good,” but also expressed concern over the treatment of the parrot used for photos—a reminder to be mindful of animal welfare. Another appreciated the good transportation and service, but noted that the beach area was less interesting and that the bazaar was similar to others.

This feedback underscores that while the scenery and food are appreciated, some travelers might find the market experience somewhat repetitive or less unique. The waterfall, while picturesque, might not impress those seeking a spectacular cascade, but it remains an enjoyable spot for a quick visit.

This experience is ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking a full day of varied activities without overcomplicating logistics. It’s perfect if you enjoy nature, local markets, and a relaxed boat ride. Those who prefer more dramatic scenery or extensive shopping might find this tour somewhat subdued, but for many, it offers a well-rounded glimpse of the Manavgat region.

Families with children can enjoy the swimming and open spaces at the waterfall, and anyone wanting a cultural peek into local life will appreciate the bazaar. However, if you have mobility issues or prefer private, tailored experiences, this might not be the best fit.

This tour offers a solid, affordable way to experience some of the best sights near Manavgat. The scenic river cruise, with its swimming opportunity, combined with the peaceful waterfall, makes for a relaxing part of any Turkey itinerary. The large bazaar adds a lively, authentic touch, giving you a chance to pick up souvenirs and sample local produce.

You’ll love the value for money, especially the quality of the included lunch and the beautiful natural scenery. The guided commentary in multiple languages adds helpful context, making the experience more enriching. While the waterfall might not satisfy those craving a towering cascade, it’s a charming, manageable highlight.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, varied day out that combines nature, culture, and good value. It’s an easy way to see some highlights without the fuss, and it offers enough flexibility to fit different schedules and interests.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, transfers are available from Alanya and Side, with pickup outside your hotel’s security area. If you choose the non-transfer option, you’ll meet at NOVAMALL.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs between 6 and 8 hours. Exact start times vary, so check availability when booking.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers a 2-hour boat cruise, lunch, entrance to the waterfall if selected, and guiding services if opted for.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, you can swim at the point where the river meets the sea during the boat ride.

Are drinks or alcohol included?
No, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not included or allowed on the bus or boat.

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers?
It’s best for those with good mobility; the activities involve walking and some uneven terrain. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges.

In the end, this tour offers a friendly, affordable way to enjoy some of the most tranquil and lively sights near Manavgat. Whether you’re after natural beauty, culture, or a simple relaxing day, it’s well worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: