Dolphin Island Boat Tour from Side with Swim Stops

Side is one of the oldest towns on the Turkish Riviera, built on a small peninsula with the columns of its Temple of Apollo standing at the water's edge. Boats from its harbour and from the Manavgat coast sail out along a shoreline of long sandy beaches and rocky stretches. On this tour the boat follows what local crews call the Dolphin Island route, cruising areas where dolphins are regularly seen in the open sea.

The dolphins here are wild animals living freely in the Mediterranean, so sightings are a matter of luck and can never be promised. When they do appear, they often swim alongside the bow for a few moments, and the crew slows down so everyone can watch from the deck.

Around the cruising there are swim stops in clear water and plenty of time to relax in the sun on deck. The day suits families, couples and anyone who wants a calm sea day without much walking.

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The whole trip takes about 7 hours including transfers. A typical day:

• Morning pickup from your hotel and the drive to the departure harbour in the Side area.
• Boarding and departure along the coast.
• Cruising on the Dolphin Island route, with the crew watching for dolphins.
• Two or three swim stops in bays or open water, depending on sea conditions.
• A break for a meal on board, as arranged by the boat team.
• Deck time in the sun on the way back.
• Return to the harbour in the afternoon and the drive back to your hotel.

The exact route and the swimming spots are decided on the day by the captain, according to the wind and the sea.

• Bring swimwear, a towel, sun cream, a hat and sunglasses; the sun on the water is strong even when there is a breeze.
• A light top or shirt is useful for the shade and the ride back.
• Children should wear life jackets when swimming and be supervised by an adult on deck at all times.
• Older travellers can enjoy the cruise from the shaded part of the deck; boarding and the swim ladder need a little balance.
• Take your usual seasickness remedy before boarding if you need it; the open sea can be livelier than the bays.
• Have your camera ready: dolphin encounters are often short. Never feed or touch wild animals.
• Have some cash for drinks or personal extras offered on board.

What is included (entrance tickets, meals, equipment) is confirmed when you book.

We collect you from your hotel and bring you back after the cruise, from the resort areas of the Antalya region: Side, Manavgat, Kumköy, Çolaklı, Evrenseki, Titreyengöl, Belek, Kızılağaç, Okurcalar and, with a longer drive, Alanya, Lara and Antalya city. Transport is in our own vehicles: a Minivan (VW Caravelle class), a VIP Mercedes-Benz Vito or a Mercedes Sprinter for larger groups.

The pickup time depends on where your hotel is and is given to you when you book. A private option with the vehicle for your group only can be requested. Child seats are free on request.

Write to us on WhatsApp at any time, 24/7, or use the booking form. We send a fixed price within 1 minute. There is no prepayment and cancellation is free. You pay in the vehicle, in cash or by card if agreed beforehand.

You can also combine the boat trip with your airport transfer and book both in one message.