Side Dolphin Island Boat Tour – Karaburun Bay, Three Swim Stops & Lunch
A seven-hour cruise east of Side: from the Manavgat River to the forest-fringed cove of Karaburun and little Dolphin Island, where you can jump off the boat and swim ashore – lunch and soft drinks included.
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Operating days
- Tue, Fri, Sun
- Pickup
- 09:00 → 16:00
- Destination
- Side & Manavgat
The Side Dolphin Island boat tour is the long version of a day on the water around Side. Instead of staying close to the old town, the boat follows the coast east towards Alanya: to Karaburun, a calm cove near Okurcalar where the forest reaches down to a sandy beach, and to the small island locals call Yunus Adası – Dolphin Island. Seven hours leave time for three swim stops, lunch on the beach and long stretches of open sea.
From the river to Dolphin Island
You board at a private pier on the Manavgat River and cruise downstream – keep watching the water, because turtles sometimes show up in the river. Stop number one is the beach at the river mouth, where river water and sea water lie a few strokes apart; rent a jet ski if you like before lunch is served. Then the boat leaves the river behind and heads east along the shore to Karaburun Bay for a swim in calm, clear water. The big moment comes at Dolphin Island: jump off the deck and swim across to the island or stroll along its shore while the crew gets the foam party going. On the way back the captain scans the sea for dolphins – they are spotted on many days, though no one can promise them.
What the day includes
- Lunch of grilled chicken, rice and three kinds of salad
- Soft drinks on board throughout
- Guide, games, animation and foam party
- Changing rooms, WC, showers and life jackets
Days and pickup
The boat sails on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Hotels in Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts such as Kumkoy, Sorgun or Titreyengol are on the pickup route, and you are back at your hotel in the afternoon. Would you rather stay near the ancient city? The Side boat tour visits Turtle Bay in six hours. And if seeing dolphins is a must, the dolphin show from Side is the sure thing. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
Highlights
- Seven hours on the coast between Side and Okurcalar
- Jump off the boat and swim to Dolphin Island
- Karaburun Bay – a sandy cove framed by forest
- River and sea swim at the Manavgat river mouth
- Beach lunch and soft drinks included
- Lookout for wild dolphins on the way back
Itinerary
-
09:00
Hotel pickup
Minibus to the boat pier on the Manavgat River.
-
Morning
River cruise
Downstream to the sea – turtles are sometimes seen in the river.
-
Late morning
River mouth beach
Swim in fresh and salt water; lunch is served here.
-
Early afternoon
Karaburun Bay
Swim stop in a forest-fringed cove near Okurcalar.
-
Afternoon
Dolphin Island
Swim across to the island or walk its shore; foam party on deck.
-
Afternoon
Back along the coast
Dolphin watching on the way to the river pier.
-
16:00
Hotel drop-off
Transfer from the pier to your hotel.
Included / Not included
Included
- Hotel pickup and return in the Side and Manavgat area
- Cruise with three swim stops
- Lunch (grilled chicken, rice, three salads)
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- Guide, games, animation and foam party
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Ice cream and snacks sold on board
- Photo service
- Jet ski at the river mouth
Packages & options
Dolphin Island boat tour
Cruise with lunch, soft drinks and hotel transfer
Good to know
Good to know
- Dolphins are wild animals – they are often seen, but sightings are never guaranteed.
- Swimming to the island is optional; non-swimmers stay on board.
- The captain may change the order of the stops depending on wind and waves.
What to bring
- Swimsuit and towel
- Shoes you can get wet for the island’s shore
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Cash for extras on board
Frequently asked questions
Where is Dolphin Island?
It is a small island just off Karaburun Bay near Okurcalar, east of Side on the way to Alanya. The boat reaches it along the coast after the lunch stop at the river mouth.
Will we definitely see dolphins?
No one can promise that – dolphins are wild and move freely. They are often seen on this stretch of coast, and the captain slows down whenever a group appears.
Do I have to swim to the island?
No, it is up to you. You can also swim next to the boat, stay on deck or join the foam party.
On which days does the Dolphin Island tour run?
On Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. On Wednesdays and Saturdays you can take the Side boat tour to Turtle Bay instead.
Is lunch included?
Yes – grilled chicken with rice and three salads at the river mouth, plus soft drinks all day. Alcoholic drinks, ice cream and snacks are extra.
