Side: All Inclusive Luxury Boat Trip & Free Time in Alanya

Turkey’s biggest pirate ship is the main event here, but the best part is how much the day packs in: swimming in open water, a short taste of Alanya, cave views, lunch, music, and a foam party. You get a holiday-sized sampler rather than a quiet sailing trip.

I like the three swimming stops, since they break up the music and sightseeing, and I like the one-hour stop in Alanya, which gives you time to see the harbor area without arranging a separate city visit. The catch is the transfer from Side, which can take a good part of the day, and the alcohol package applies only on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Key points to know before booking

• Turkey’s biggest pirate ship: The boat has a large luxury-style interior, several decks, music, onboard Wi-Fi, and room for both lively entertainment and quieter time.
• Three open-sea swim stops: You get roughly 20 to 25 minutes at Ulaş Beach, another swim near Kleopatra Beach, and a final 10 to 15 minute stop.
• A useful Alanya break: You have about one hour in the city center for the Red Tower area, harbor, shops, and markets.
• Lunch is served onboard: The buffet meal follows your Alanya stop, so you do not need to find a restaurant during the excursion.
• A party cruise with a calmer option: Animators run contests, children’s activities, dancing, and a foam party, while the first deck has less music.
• Beer and wine are date-specific: Soft drinks are included throughout, but unlimited beer and wine are included only on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Boarding the pirate ship at Türkler

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Side. You should wait outside the main entrance about five minutes before the scheduled time, but treat that time as an estimate. Pickup varies by hotel, and the road transfer from Side is a substantial part of the day.

The boat leaves from the port at Türkler at about 9:00 in the morning. The transfer section is listed at roughly one and a half hours, though the exact timing depends on your location and road conditions. The full excursion lasts seven hours including transport, while the boat portion itself lasts about six hours.

Once onboard, you will find a ship designed for entertainment rather than a small, quiet yacht. The luxury interior and pirate theme give the boat a playful holiday feel, but the practical point is space. You can move between decks, find a place to sit, and choose how closely you want to follow the music and activities.

The ship provides free Wi-Fi, though the supplied information does not promise a particular connection speed or coverage. If you are prone to motion sickness, tablets are available at the bar on request. That is a useful touch, especially since the day includes several hours at sea.

The first swim at Ulaş Beach

The first stop is at Emirgan Ulaş Mesire Yeri, near Ulaş Beach. You get around 20 to 25 minutes to swim in the open sea.

This is a short stop, so have your swimwear ready before the boat slows down. You will not have much time to search through bags, change clothes, and then enjoy the water. The appeal is simple: you get an early chance to cool off before the longer sightseeing and lunch portions of the day.

The phrase crystal-clear open sea gives you the right idea about the setting, but remember that this is a group boat stop. You are swimming from or near the boat, not settling onto a beach for a long afternoon. If you prefer a structured day with several brief swims, this works well. If you want one long, quiet swim, the schedule may feel rushed.

One hour to see central Alanya

After the first swim, the boat heads to Alanya port. You then have about one hour of free time in the city center.

This is enough for a quick look, not a full city tour. You can walk around the harbor, see the Red Tower from the outside, browse local shops and markets, or simply use the break to stretch your legs on land. The Red Tower is one of Alanya’s best-known sights, but the tour does not include a long guided visit or a detailed historical tour.

I like this part because it adds a land-based stop to a day that could otherwise feel like one long boat ride. You can get your bearings in Alanya, take a few photos, and experience the waterfront at your own pace.

The limitation is time. Keep an eye on the clock and do not wander too far from the port. The group returns to the ship for lunch, and the boat cannot wait for anyone who treats the one-hour break as an open-ended city visit.

Buffet lunch back on board

After your time in Alanya, lunch is served on the ship. The meal is buffet style, which makes sense for a large group and lets you choose your portion without waiting for table service.

The food received strong praise in the available feedback, with one diner singling out the meat as well cooked and especially tasty. That is encouraging, though buffet quality can vary with timing and personal taste. You should think of lunch as a convenient included meal, not a destination restaurant.

The lunch lasts about 30 minutes in the listed schedule. That is enough for a proper plate, but it is not a leisurely meal. If you want photographs, drinks, and a second helping, move efficiently.

Soft drinks are included throughout the trip. Beer and wine are included only on Wednesdays and Saturdays, despite the broader all-inclusive wording used to describe the excursion. Check the day before booking if drinks are important to your decision. Personal expenses and photos or videos cost extra.

Three caves along the Alanya coast

The boat continues past Pirates’ Cave, Phosphorus Cave, and Lover’s Cave. These are sightseeing passes, not long cave walks. You view them from the water, and the boat’s route gives you a chance to see the rock formations from a different angle than you would on land.

Each name adds to the pirate-ship mood. Pirates’ Cave fits the theme, Phosphorus Cave suggests an atmospheric coastal formation, and Lover’s Cave adds the familiar local storybook touch. The value here is the combination: you see several named places during a single cruise rather than spending your day arranging separate stops.

Keep your phone or camera ready, but protect it near the water. Photos and videos are not included as part of the excursion, so any professional images offered onboard will be an extra purchase. You can take your own pictures if you bring a suitable waterproof case.

Cliff jumping, Kleopatra Beach, and more water time

One of the more theatrical moments is a cliff jump by a professional animator from a rock about 30 meters high. This is an entertainment feature, not an activity you are expected to copy. You can watch from the boat and enjoy the spectacle without taking any risk yourself.

The next major stop is near Kleopatra Beach. The schedule allows roughly 20 to 25 minutes for another swim and a boat cruise along the coast. This gives you a second proper chance to get into the water after lunch and the cave route.

The timing remains fairly tight. The swim stops are long enough to be worthwhile, but they are not designed for long-distance swimming or relaxed beach lounging. Bring a towel, sun protection, and a dry place for your phone. The supplied information does not state that snorkeling equipment is provided, so do not book this expecting a snorkeling excursion.

Music, children’s activities, and the foam party

The later part of the cruise shifts from sightseeing to entertainment. Professional animators run music, contests for adults, a mini disco for children, dancing, and a large foam party.

This is where the boat feels most like a floating holiday club. Families can use the children’s activities, while adults can join the contests or stay near the music. The available feedback describes a good mix of children’s entertainment and an adult party, with the crew making an effort to keep the program moving.

You also have a quieter option. The first deck has minimal music, so you can sit there if the main party becomes too loud. That detail makes the excursion more flexible than a nonstop party boat. Still, the foam party and dance program are central parts of the afternoon, not minor extras.

If you have young children, keep in mind that foam, wet decks, music, and movement require attention. The activity is described as suitable for all ages, but the party atmosphere will appeal most to families and adults who enjoy organized fun.

The final swim and return to Side

Before heading back to port, the boat makes one final swim stop of about 10 to 15 minutes. It is brief, but it gives you one last chance to cool off before the return journey.

The transfer then takes you back to your Side hotel. Because the advertised seven hours includes transport, the total time from pickup to drop-off depends on your hotel and the day’s road conditions. You should expect a full day rather than a precisely timed seven-hour boat visit.

The pickup service is a real convenience. You do not need to arrange a taxi to Türkler or work out how to return from the port. The tradeoff is a shared transfer. One account describes the minibus as very full and the ride as somewhat adventurous, so do not expect a private vehicle or a roomy transfer every time.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, the price is reasonable if you plan to use most of what is included. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a long boat cruise, buffet lunch, soft drinks, three swim stops, the Alanya break, cave views, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

The value improves on Wednesdays and Saturdays because beer and wine are included on those days. On other days, the included drink package is soft drinks, so do not compare the price with a true unlimited alcohol cruise.

You are also paying for convenience. A separate trip to Alanya, a boat outing, lunch, and transport from Side could take more planning and may cost more when combined. The compromise is that Alanya receives only a quick visit, and much of the day follows a fixed group schedule.

The price will suit you best if you want variety and activity. It is less attractive if your priority is a small boat, quiet water time, a long historical tour, or a refined meal.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and groups who want an easy full-day outing with plenty happening. The mix of swimming, city time, cave views, lunch, children’s games, adult contests, and dancing means the day rarely feels repetitive.

Couples can enjoy the scenery and quieter first deck, though the foam party and music make this more of a shared celebration than a private romantic cruise. Adults traveling without children can join the contests and dancing, especially on the days when beer and wine are included.

You should think twice if you dislike loud music, shared transfers, short stops, or fixed meal times. You should also check the alcohol schedule before paying. A calmer deck is available, but the main program remains lively.

The strongest reasons to book are the amount included for the price and the chance to combine Alanya with a full coastal cruise. Book it if you want an active, social day with no need to organize separate transport. Skip it if you want slow sightseeing or a peaceful sailing experience.

FAQ

Where does this boat trip depart from?

The transfer begins with pickup in Side, and the boat departs from the port at Türkler at about 9:00 in the morning.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Side are included. You should wait outside the main hotel entrance five minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

How long does the whole experience last?

The stated duration is seven hours, including transport. The boat trip itself lasts about six hours, and pickup times can vary by location.

How much free time do I get in Alanya?

You get about one hour of free time in Alanya city center. You can use it to see the Red Tower area, walk around the harbor, or browse shops and markets.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is served onboard after the Alanya stop.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks are included throughout the trip. Unlimited beer and wine are included only on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

How many swimming stops are there?

There are three swimming breaks. The first lasts about 20 to 25 minutes, the second lasts about 20 to 25 minutes, and the final stop lasts about 10 to 15 minutes.

Which caves does the boat pass?

The route passes Pirates’ Cave, Phosphorus Cave, and Lover’s Cave.

Is the activity suitable for children?

Yes. The excursion is described as suitable for all ages and includes a mini disco for children. Adult contests, dancing, and a foam party are also part of the program.

What if I get seasick?

Motion sickness tablets are available at the bar on request. You can also use the first deck, where the music is minimal, if you prefer a quieter area.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.