If you’re considering a day on the water in Side, Turkey, you’ll likely come across the Side Blau Laguna Pirate Boat experience. While it might not fully resemble a pirate’s ship in every detail, it promises a lively, family-friendly cruise with plenty of entertainment, scenic views, and good food. For those looking to combine fun and relaxation, this tour offers a lively mix of playful activities and stunning coastal scenery.
What we love about this experience is its affordable price point of just $22 per person, making it accessible for many travelers, and its engaging pirate-themed atmosphere, which adds a memorable, playful touch to the day. The scenic route along the ancient coastline and multiple swim stops in clear turquoise waters are definite highlights. On the flip side, some might find the pirate theme a bit superficial, especially if they’re expecting a more authentic pirate adventure. This tour is best suited for families, groups of friends, or anyone interested in a fun, relaxed day on the Mediterranean with some light-hearted entertainment.
Key Points
- Affordable price with plenty included, making it good value for a fun day.
- Scenic coastal views of Side and the Temple of Apollo from the sea.
- Lively pirate-themed entertainment suitable for kids and families.
- Multiple swim stops in crystal-clear waters perfect for relaxing and snorkeling.
- Delicious on-board lunch with options to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
- Foam party and entertainment add a lively, playful element to the cruise.
An Honest Look at the Experience
The Side Blau Laguna Pirate Boat tour is designed for those wanting more than just a standard boat ride. It mixes scenic cruising, playful activities, and a good dose of humor and entertainment, all at a reasonable price. The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, a decent length for a relaxing yet engaging day. With pickup and drop-off services from your hotel, the logistics are straightforward, removing the hassle of organizing your transport.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Side
The Itinerary: What to Expect
Start with Comfort: The day begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel around 8:30 am, giving you a stress-free start. This is particularly helpful if you’re staying outside the city center, as it ensures you won’t have to hunt for the meeting point.
Cruising from Side to Manavgat: The first part of the journey involves sailing from the historic harbor of Side along the coast of Manavgat. This stretch lasts about three hours and offers a relaxing cruise with plenty of chances to take photos of the ancient ruins and stunning coastline. The views of the Temple of Apollo from the sea are especially photogenic, and many travelers find this to be a highlight. The cruise is family-friendly, with entertainment on board, and the crew dressed in full pirate gear to enhance the theme.
Second Stop in Side: After a brief stop, you’ll continue cruising along the coast of Side, which is famous for its golden beaches and dramatic cliffs. This part of the trip also lasts around three hours and offers panoramic vistas of the ancient city landmarks. It’s an excellent time for taking in the scenery, relaxing, and maybe snapping some photos of the Roman ruins from the water.
Swimming and Snorkeling
One of the biggest draws of this tour is the multiple swim stops in secluded, turquoise bays. These are perfect spots for cooling off and enjoying the clear waters. While the tour description highlights these as “secret” spots, the true value lies in their tranquility and beauty. Travelers can snorkel, float in the water, or simply relax on the boat deck. Several reviews mention how refreshing it is to take a break from the sun in these sparkling waters.
Food and Drinks
The lunch is included in the price, and it’s a highlight for many. Expect a freshly grilled meal served on deck, with options such as chicken, rice, spaghetti, or pasta, along with salads. The meal is simple but satisfying, and the scenic backdrop adds to the enjoyment. Plus, unlimited soft drinks like cola, Fanta, Sprite, and water keep everyone hydrated and happy.
The Foam Party and Entertainment
The 1-hour foam party is the tour’s signature event, creating a lively, carnival-like atmosphere on the boat. Kids and adults alike seem to enjoy the playful chaos, making it a memorable part of the day. The crew also hosts treasure hunts and other pirate-themed activities, keeping the energy high and the fun flowing.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Side
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- Alanya City Tour With Picnic Lunch by the Dim River From Side
- Side:Jeep Safari Adventure With Lunch
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Authenticity and Customer Feedback
While the theme is fun, some travelers have expressed disappointment — particularly one review notes that “pictures and description are pure deception” when it comes to the pirate theme. The reviewer was expecting a full-fledged pirate ship experience, and found the reality somewhat underwhelming in that regard. However, they also acknowledged that the food and drinks were fine, and appreciated the entertainment.
Other guests have enjoyed the stunning coastline views and delicious lunch, describing the experience as a lively, family-friendly day out. The tour’s lively atmosphere, combined with the scenic cruising and swim stops, makes it valuable for those seeking a relaxed, entertaining day rather than an authentic pirate adventure.
Practical Details: What You Need to Know
- Duration: About 6 to 7 hours, making it a full-day outing.
- Price: $22 per person, an affordable option considering the included lunch, drinks, and entertainment.
- Group Size: Limited to 30 travelers, helping ensure a more personal experience.
- Timing: Begins at 8:30 am, with pickup included from your hotel, so early risers will have plenty of time for other activities later.
- What’s Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, unlimited soft drinks, onboard entertainment, and the foam party.
- What’s Not Included: Personal expenses like souvenirs or additional snacks.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for families with children, as the pirate theme and foam party add a playful element. It’s also suitable for groups of friends or anyone looking for a cost-effective way to enjoy scenic cruising and beach time. If you appreciate good food, stunning views, and lively entertainment, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. Those expecting a highly authentic pirate adventure might be slightly disappointed, but if you’re after a fun, relaxed day on the water with some laughs and good scenery, this tour hits the mark.
The Sum Up
For travelers seeking a lively, affordable day on the Mediterranean, the Side Boat Tour with Foam Party offers a good balance of scenic beauty, relaxed swimming, and playful entertainment. The included lunch and soft drinks keep things easy and convenient, while the coastal views and swim stops make it a memorable experience. It’s especially well-suited for families, groups of friends, or anyone craving a fun, social outing that doesn’t break the bank.
While the pirate theme may not satisfy those expecting an authentic adventure, the lively atmosphere, beautiful coastline, and refreshing water stops make it a worthwhile choice for many visitors. Just keep in mind that the tour is more about fun and scenery than historical authenticity.
FAQ: Practical Questions Answered
Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to start your day without extra hassle.
How long does the tour last? The entire experience runs about 6 to 7 hours, including cruising, swimming, and entertainment.
What kind of food is served? The lunch features grilled chicken, rice or spaghetti, and salads, with options to suit different tastes.
Are soft drinks unlimited? Yes, unlimited soft drinks like cola, Fanta, Sprite, and water are included.
Is the foam party safe for kids? While specific safety details aren’t provided, the activity is designed to be fun for all ages, with onboard entertainment.
Can I expect an authentic pirate experience? Not exactly. The theme is playful and lively but not an authentic pirate ship experience. Some reviews mention disappointment in this aspect.
What should I bring? Swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and some cash for personal expenses are recommended.
Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers? Yes, you can relax on the boat and enjoy the scenery if you prefer not to swim.
In all, the Side Boat Tour with Foam Party provides a cheerful, scenic, and reasonably priced way to enjoy a day on the Turkish coast. Whether you’re after a fun family outing or a lively cruise with friends, it offers enough entertainment and beautiful views to make your trip memorable.
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