Full Day Manavgat Boat Trip from Side: A Detailed Review

If you’re visiting Side, Turkey, one excursion that comes highly recommended, it’s a full-day boat trip to Manavgat. That gives you a blend of relaxation, sightseeing, plus a little shopping all rolled into one quite fun day. I took this trip not too long ago, and I’m going to give you a rundown of my whole experience, which hopefully, will assist you to figure out whether it sounds like a good fit for you, too.

What’s Involved In Booking and Getting There

The tour starts with, almost, an easy pickup straight from your hotel in Side. Now, this really is nice because it just saves you from having to figure out the local transportation early in the morning, that could be kind of annoying. After a rather short bus ride, maybe around 30 minutes or so, you arrive at the Manavgat River, and it’s from there that your boat adventure starts, or so it seems.

Setting Sail: The River Cruise Section

As the boat actually starts gliding down the Manavgat River, things quickly become really scenic. The river banks have, it’s almost, beautiful greenery, with willow trees that nearly touch the water in some spots. What I found interesting is that you’re not only surrounded by nature, too you also get to see some local life along the shores. There were little farms, and some houses, here and there, which offered a neat little look at rural Turkey, as a matter of fact.

Visiting the Manavgat Waterfalls

A key part of the trip usually involves a stop at the Manavgat Waterfalls. That’s a pretty cool sight, even if the waterfalls may not be as enormous as some others, for instance, Niagara Falls, let’s say. It’s that wide cascade of water and the surrounding park area that makes it a worthwhile visit, I feel. You get just enough time to take photos and just walk around a little bit. Be aware, that there might be a small entry fee to get into the park near the falls, right.

Lunch on Board and the River-Sea Divide

Lunch is provided on the boat, and, typically, it’s a rather simple, open buffet. You could usually count on grilled chicken or fish, some salad, and rice. Now, it’s not gourmet cuisine by any stretch of the imagination, very not, but it’s more than adequate and fills you up after swimming, or some sunbathing. What adds something special is eating out on the deck while, seemingly, enjoying the beautiful views. After lunch, one of the real highlights occurs as you get to the place where the river meets the sea. The boat, basically, stops there, giving everyone the chance to swim either in the quite cold river water or in the rather salty Mediterranean – you get your choice, kind of.

The Manavgat Bazaar Experience

Next up is, that, the Manavgat Bazaar. This is one massive local market where you’re going to find just everything from clothes and souvenirs to spices and fresh produce. What you have to know is, haggling really is anticipated here. Put your negotiation skills to work and you may, seemingly, get some pretty solid deals, is that right. Even if shopping isn’t something that you really love, just the lively environment of the bazaar alone is something to behold, maybe. It gives you such a good sense of the local culture and it’s, arguably, loads of fun.

The Return Journey and What to Expect

The boat slowly begins heading back toward Side in the late afternoon. Most people usually spend the return trip relaxing on the deck, maybe taking in the views and soaking up those rays of sunshine. It’s just such a great way to end a fun day. Expect the same transfer service to take you right back to your hotel, which is rather handy.

Is This Trip For You? Considerations for Travelers

Who might find this trip enjoyable? This Manavgat boat trip really is a solid pick for anyone looking for a relaxed but diverse day trip from Side, nearly. Families, for instance, particularly will appreciate the safe swimming stops and the bazaar’s colorful atmosphere. Those who might not enjoy it as much are, seemingly, people who aren’t into boat trips in general, or who dislike, almost, crowded markets. The bazaar can be a bit much if big crowds aren’t for you, even so, you’re not required to go there, after all.

What to Bring With You

To ensure that you have a super comfortable trip, bringing a few essentials along is, basically, a superb idea. A must is, maybe, sunscreen, a hat, plus sunglasses to shield yourself from that sunshine. That’s quite important. Don’t forget to carry a swimsuit and a towel if you plan on taking a dip in the river or sea, that’s for sure. You may want to have some Turkish Lira with you for the bazaar since not all vendors will accept cards. Ultimately, bringing a camera to capture all the unforgettable scenes is a pretty solid idea.

Some Tips For Getting the Most out of Your Trip

Haggling is Key: when you’re at the bazaar, it might seem, embrace haggling to, virtually, get good deals. Start by offering about half of the asking price and, arguably, be ready to walk away. Most vendors are willing to negotiate.
Arrive Early for Best Seats: Get to the boat, that is, on the early side to secure a really prime spot, potentially. The upper deck offers amazing views, which is something to consider.
Stay Hydrated: Bring water or other drinks to keep hydrated, most especially during the hotter parts of the day. While lunch is included, bringing additional snacks might just be useful, very.
Respect Local Customs: When visiting the mosque or even other cultural sites, dressing a little more modestly is the right way to go. Shoulders and knees ought to be covered.

Final Thoughts

All things considered, the Full Day Manavgat Boat Trip from Side truly offers a blend of relaxation and cultural sightseeing, basically. You get to cruise a rather scenic river, witness waterfalls, perhaps swim where the river meets the sea, and maybe try out some local shopping. While there are many excursion options available from Side, I’d argue that this boat trip stands out, definitely. I felt like it offered value, if you take it for what it is, nearly.

Would I recommend it? Quite likely! If what I’ve talked about sounds like a great day, then, I really would say go ahead and give it a try, literally. It’s a super way to experience a bit of Turkey away from those beaches.

To summarise, the Full Day Manavgat Boat Trip delivers on its promises as, seemingly, a fulfilling excursion. With suitable planning and expectations, you’re set for an awesome adventure, for instance.

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