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A clear, honest checklist of what a Side boat trip includes as standard (hotel transfer, cruise, swim stops, often animation) versus what usually costs extra (drinks, some lunches, photos). Written by the operator, with a comparison table and the real tours we run.
A Side boat trip typically includes hotel transfer, the boat cruise itself, and swim stops in the sea or a river; on the lively pirate boats it usually adds onboard animation. Drinks, some lunches, and photos are normally extra. Inclusions vary by tour, so always check the product page. Here is the full checklist from us, the people who run the boats.
The short answer: what's in the price
We run shared and private boats across Side, Manavgat, Antalya, Alanya, Belek and Kemer, and the pattern is consistent. When you book one of our boat trips in Side, the core of the day — getting you to the harbour, the cruise, and the swim stops — is built into the starting price. The parts people forget to budget for are the small extras bought on board: a cold drink in the heat, a keepsake photo, or lunch on a tour where food isn't part of the package. This guide separates the two so there are no surprises on the day.
One honest caveat first: no two tours are identical. A calm freshwater cruise, a pirate-themed party boat and a full island day each package things differently. We'll show you the usual rules below, then point you to the exact tour page for the detail that matters to your booking.
What's usually included as standard
Across most of our Side sea trips, these are included in the starting price unless a tour page says otherwise:
- Hotel transfer — guests are picked up from their hotel in the morning; the exact time is confirmed the day before and varies from hotel to hotel. Return drop-off after the trip is included too.
- The boat cruise — your seat on the boat and the full route, whether that's a sea loop, a river run or an island crossing.
- Swim stops — time in the water at the tour's swim points. On sea trips that means the Mediterranean; on the freshwater tours it means calm river or reservoir water.
- Onboard animation — on the pirate boats especially, the crew run the music, foam, water fights and party atmosphere as part of the day.
- Crew and safety — our captains and deckhands, plus the boat's safety equipment.
That's the reliable core. If a tour bundles anything beyond this — say lunch or a specific activity — it will be stated plainly on that tour's page.
What's usually extra
These are the items you'll most often pay for separately, either on board or as an add-on. They're not hidden costs — they're optional spends — but it helps to plan for them:
- Drinks — soft drinks, water, tea, coffee and any alcohol are commonly bought at the onboard bar rather than included.
- Lunch on some tours — some trips include a meal, others don't. Where lunch isn't in the price, it's usually available to buy on board, or you eat before/after.
- Photos and videos — professional shots or a video of your day are typically an optional purchase.
- Personal extras — tips for the crew, souvenirs, and anything from the onboard shop.
Because this list shifts from tour to tour, the golden rule stands: read the "included" and "not included" sections on the product page. If it isn't listed as included, assume it's an extra and check.
Included vs extra: the comparison table
Here's the checklist at a glance. Treat the middle column as the general rule and the notes as your reminder to confirm per tour.
| Item | Usually included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel transfer (both ways) | Yes | Morning pickup; exact time confirmed the day before, varies by hotel. |
| Boat cruise and route | Yes | Your seat and the full itinerary. |
| Swim stops | Yes | Sea on coastal trips; calm freshwater on river/canyon trips. |
| Onboard animation | Often | Standard on the pirate boats; quieter tours won't have it by design. |
| Crew and safety gear | Yes | Captain, deckhands, life jackets on board. |
| Drinks | No (usually) | Onboard bar; pay as you go. |
| Lunch | Varies | Included on some tours, extra on others — check the page. |
| Photos / video | No | Optional purchase. |
| Tips and souvenirs | No | Personal spending. |
Ready to compare specific trips? Browse our tours from Side and open any product to see its exact inclusions.
How inclusions change by type of trip
The same checklist reads differently depending on the kind of boat you choose. Here's how it plays out on the tours we actually run.
Lively pirate and party boats
These lean into animation — music, foam and water games are part of the deal. The Side pirate boat trip (from EUR23) is our go-to for teens and groups, while Little Pirates (from EUR20) is pitched at younger kids and families. Drinks and photos are the usual extras here.
Calm freshwater and relaxed cruises
The Green Canyon boat tour (from EUR28) trades the party for still, cool freshwater — a favourite with families, non-swimmers and seniors. For an even quieter pace, the Side relax boat trip with waterfall suits guests who want scenery over a soundtrack. These tours don't include animation, and that's the point.
Sea days and island trips
For a short sea day, the Side dolphin island boat tour (from EUR21) keeps it simple. For a bigger island outing, the Antalya Suluada island boat tour (from EUR68) is a full day out — worth checking whether food is bundled on the page.
Evenings and private hire
The Side disco-yacht night tour (from EUR68) is the evening option for teens and groups. If you'd rather have the boat to yourselves, the private VIP boat from Side, the private gulet charter and the luxury motor yacht are priced per boat on request, with inclusions agreed when you book.
Roughly what it costs
These are approximate 2026 per-person starting prices to help you plan — the live figure is always on each tour page:
- Sea trips: around EUR20–25
- Pirate boats: from about EUR23
- Green Canyon: from EUR28 in Side (the Alanya Green Canyon boat tour is around EUR38, and the Antalya version runs higher)
- Suluada island day: roughly EUR42–68
- Disco-yacht evening: about EUR48–68
- Private boats: on request, priced per boat
Starting bands only — the price you pay depends on the exact tour, dates and party size shown at checkout.
How booking and paying works
You book online and pay on the day of the tour — there's no upfront payment to make the reservation. Once you're booked, we arrange your hotel transfer: guests are picked up from their hotel in the morning, and the exact time is confirmed the day before, as it varies from hotel to hotel. On the day, keep some cash or a card handy for the onboard extras above. Find the trip that fits your group over on our boat trips page and secure your spot in a couple of minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the hotel transfer included in a Side boat trip?
Yes — return hotel transfer is included on our Side boat trips. Guests are picked up from their hotel in the morning; the exact time is confirmed the day before and varies from hotel to hotel.
Are drinks and lunch included?
Drinks are usually an extra bought at the onboard bar. Lunch varies: some tours include a meal and some don't. Check the "included" and "not included" sections on the specific tour page before you book.
Do all Side boat trips have animation and party games?
No. Animation is standard on the pirate and party boats, but the calm freshwater and relaxed cruises deliberately skip it. Pick the boat that matches the mood you want — lively or quiet.
When and how do I pay?
You book online and pay on the day of the tour. There's nothing to pay upfront to hold the reservation, though it's wise to carry cash or a card for onboard extras like drinks or photos.
How do I know exactly what my tour includes?
Every tour page lists its own inclusions and extras. When something isn't listed as included, treat it as an extra and confirm on that page. If you're unsure, browse our boat trips and compare the details side by side.
Ready to book?
The core of every Side boat trip — transfer, cruise and swim stops — is in the price, with drinks, some lunches and photos as the usual extras. Now you know the checklist, the only thing left is picking your boat. Compare every option and open the tour that suits your group on our boat trips in Side page, book online, and pay on the day.