Side & Manavgat, Antalya, Turkey  ·  6  ·  From €35 per person

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Side Dolphin Island Boat Trip 2026 - Video Tour | Side, Manavgat, Antalya, Turkey
dolphin island boat - Side, Manavgat, Antalya, Turkeydolphin-watching-tour-side-antalya-turkeypirate-boat-trip-side-foam-party-funside-dolphin-island-swimming-stop-crystal-watermanavgat-river-meeting-sea-boat-tour - Side, Manavgat, Antalya, Turkeyboat-trip-lunch-on-board-side-excursions
Duration
6
Pickup
08:00
Price per person
35€
Adult
1
Child
0
Total amount
35€
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Dolphin Island Boat Trip — Side, Turkey

A full day on the Mediterranean: cruise the Manavgat River out to the open sea, swim at Turtle Bay and Dolphin Island, enjoy a foam party and lunch on board — with dolphins sometimes spotted along the way. Here’s exactly what to expect, honestly, before you book.

Rated by real travelers Licensed local operator Pickup from Side, Manavgat & nearby
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Dolphin Island Boat Trip at a Glance

A 6-hour day trip from Side or Manavgat, starting around 08:00–09:00 with hotel pickup. Cruise the Manavgat River out to the Mediterranean, swim at the river mouth and Turtle Bay, and sail near Dolphin Island — with BBQ lunch and a foam party included, from €35 per person.

Duration

6 hours door-to-door with pickup

Price

From €35 per person

Pickup Time

~08:00–09:00 from your hotel

Rating

4.9 / 5 10,000+ happy guests

Swim Stops

2 stops Turtle Bay & Dolphin Island

Lunch & Fun

BBQ + foam party both included

Hotel pickup available from:

  • Side
  • Manavgat
  • Kumköy
  • Sorgun
  • Titreyengöl
  • Evrenseki
  • Çolaklı
  • Gündoğdu
  • Kızılot
  • Kızılağaç

What Is Dolphin Island, Exactly?

Dolphin Island is a small, uninhabited rocky islet off the Mediterranean coast near Side, in the direction of Alanya. The tour starts on the Manavgat River, where fresh river water meets the sea near the river mouth — the two create a striking “layer” effect, with cold fresh water sitting under warmer salt water, both safe and pleasant to swim in.

From there, the boat heads out into open Mediterranean water toward Dolphin Island itself, where wild bottlenose dolphins are sometimes spotted swimming nearby — never guaranteed, since they’re wild animals, but a real highlight when it happens.

River mouth swim Dolphin Island
Good to know

How This Differs From Our Other Boat Tours

We run a few different boat tours from Side — different boats, different routes, different days out. Here’s how to tell them apart:

You’re Viewing
Dolphin Island Boat Trip A river-to-sea day out — sail past the Manavgat river mouth into open water, swim near Dolphin Island, and enjoy a BBQ lunch and foam party along the way.
Pirate Boat Tour [Add the specific boat type and route for this tour — e.g. themed pirate galleon, which bays/stops it covers]
Side Boat Tour (River) A relaxed cruise along the Manavgat River itself — calm water, riverside scenery and swim stops, without heading out to open sea.
Private
VIP Yacht A private yacht just for your group — your own route, your own pace, with no fixed itinerary and no sharing with other guests. Ask about VIP

Why Book This Tour With Us

We’ve read the reviews too — the surprise fees, the hours-long market stops, the promises that don’t match reality. Here’s what we do differently.

No Hours-Long Shopping Stops

Your day is spent on the water, not parked at a market or leather shop for hours. What’s on the itinerary is what you get.

Transparent Pricing

No surprise charges for water, drinks or “extras” once you’re already on board. The price you see is the price you pay.

Honest About Dolphin Sightings

They’re wild animals, so we won’t promise guaranteed encounters — just an honest, realistic picture of what to expect.

Your Group, Your Tour

We don’t pad the boat by merging you into an unrelated group’s itinerary. You know what tour you booked, and that’s the tour you get.

Licensed & Insured Local Operator

Registered with Turkey’s Ministry of Tourism, fully insured, and based right here in Side & Manavgat.

Real WhatsApp Support

Message us before, during, or after the tour and get a real answer from a real person, not a call center.

Dolphin Island Boat Trip — What’s Included

One tour, one clear price. Here’s exactly what’s included, and what isn’t.

4.9 · 10,000+ guests €35 Dolphin Island Boat Trip from Side, Turkey — boat cruising toward the open sea

Dolphin Island Boat Trip

A full 6-hour day from Side or Manavgat: hotel pickup, a cruise from the Manavgat river mouth out to Dolphin Island, swim stops, BBQ lunch and a foam party on board.

Included

  • Hotel pickup & drop-off
  • BBQ lunch on board
  • Foam party & entertainment
  • Life jackets, all ages

Not Included

  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities (optional)
Book on WhatsApp — €35

How the Day Unfolds

A full, relaxed day from hotel pickup to drop-off — here’s exactly what to expect, hour by hour.

~08:00

Hotel Pickup

Comfortable pickup from your hotel in Side, Manavgat or nearby.

~09:30

Board & Cruise Out

Board the boat at the Manavgat river pier and cruise toward the river mouth.

~10:30

River-Sea Swim Stop

Swim where the cool river water meets the warm sea, at the river mouth and Turtle Bay.

~11:30

Dolphin Island

Sail out toward Dolphin Island, keeping an eye out for wild dolphins along the way.

~12:45

BBQ Lunch

A freshly prepared BBQ lunch is served on board while you relax.

~14:30

Foam Party & Return

Music, foam party fun, then a relaxed cruise back with drop-off at your hotel.

Everything Else You Need to Know

The honest, practical details other tour listings skip — including a straight answer about the dolphins.

Dolphin Sightings — The Honest Truth
These are wild, free-roaming bottlenose dolphins, not a marine park — so we won’t tell you sightings are guaranteed, because no honest operator can. Our crew knows the areas where dolphins are seen more often and times a decent stretch of the route through them, which gives you a real chance. If you don’t spot one, the swimming, the island, and the rest of the day are still worth the trip on their own.
Best Time to Visit
May, June and September tend to have calmer seas, which also makes it easier to spot dolphins near the surface. July and August are warmer and busier, still enjoyable, just with more boats out on the water. An early pickup helps you get the calmest conditions of the day.
Family & Accessibility
This is a genuinely family-friendly day — life jackets are provided for all ages, and kids especially love the foam party. One honest note: like most boats in the region, there are a few steps to board, which can be difficult for travelers with limited mobility. Message us on WhatsApp before booking if this is a concern, and we’ll tell you exactly what to expect.
Safety on Board
Life jackets are provided and swimming ability isn’t required for the swim stops — crew supervise the swimming areas and mark safe zones. Sea conditions are generally calm in the warmer months; on rare rough-weather days, the crew adjusts the route or stops for safety rather than pushing ahead.
Other Wildlife to Look For
Beyond dolphins, keep an eye on the water near the river mouth and open sea for Caretta Caretta sea turtles, which surface for air every so often. Sightings are, again, never guaranteed, but they’re a regular enough visitor to the area that it’s worth watching the water on the way out.
What to Bring
Swimwear and a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the open deck. A dry bag or ziplock is handy for your phone during the foam party. Bring some cash in small denominations for extra drinks or tips, since these aren’t included in the tour price.

Combine Your Trip With Nearby Highlights

Turning your visit into a multi-day itinerary? Here’s what else is worth seeing around Side & Manavgat.

Green Canyon

A completely different kind of water day — the emerald freshwater lake of Oymapınar Dam, inland in the Taurus Mountains.

Read the guide →

Manavgat Waterfall

A short, easy stop on the Manavgat River — wide, powerful, and close to where this boat trip starts.

Read the guide →

Side Ancient City

Roman ruins, the Apollo Temple and the old harbor — an easy half-day on a morning you’re not out on the water.

Plan your visit →

Manavgat Bazaar

The region’s biggest weekly market, best visited on your own schedule rather than as a forced tour stop.

Bazaar guide →

Best Photo Spots in Side & Manavgat

Our local guide to the region’s most photogenic spots, on land and water.

See the spots →

Want This Trip Just for Your Group?

Ask us about a VIP Yacht version of this route — your own boat, your own schedule.

See VIP options →

Dolphin Island Boat Trip — Frequently Asked Questions

The questions travelers actually ask about this tour, answered honestly.

Dolphins & Wildlife

1Are there really dolphins in Turkey?
Yes — wild bottlenose dolphins live along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, including the waters near Side. This tour sails through an area where they’re regularly spotted.
2Is a dolphin sighting guaranteed?
No, and we won’t pretend otherwise. These are wild, free-roaming animals, not a marine park. Our route passes through areas where they’re seen fairly often, which gives you a genuine chance, but it can never be a guarantee.
3Will we see sea turtles too?
Possibly. Caretta Caretta sea turtles are native to this stretch of coast, particularly around the river mouth and Turtle Bay. Like the dolphins, sightings happen often but aren’t guaranteed.
4Can we feed the dolphins or turtles if we see them?
Please don’t — we ask all guests not to feed dolphins or turtles, as human food can harm wild marine animals. Enjoy watching them from the boat instead.

Tour Basics

5Where exactly is Dolphin Island?
It’s a small, uninhabited rocky islet in the Mediterranean Sea near Side, in the direction of Alanya. The tour reaches it by boat after cruising out from the Manavgat River mouth.
6How long does the tour last?
Around 6 hours door-to-door, including hotel pickup and drop-off.
7What’s included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat trip itself, a BBQ lunch, life jackets, and the foam party. Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses aren’t included.
8Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, there are multiple swim stops — in the river near the mouth, where cool river water meets the warm sea, and again near Dolphin Island.
9Is lunch included, and what’s on the menu?
Yes, a freshly prepared BBQ lunch is served on board, usually chicken or fish with rice, salad and bread.

Family & Practical

10Is this tour suitable for children and families?
Yes, it’s a popular family choice. Life jackets are provided for all ages, and kids especially enjoy the foam party.
11Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Partially. Like most boats in the region, there are a few steps to board, which can be difficult for travelers with limited mobility. Message us in advance so we can explain exactly what to expect.
12What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and some cash for extra drinks or tips.
13What happens if the weather is bad?
In genuinely bad weather, the crew may adjust the route or, in rare cases, reschedule the tour for safety. This is uncommon outside of storm conditions.

Booking & Planning

14Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially in high season, when boats fill up quickly. Booking a day or two ahead is recommended.
15How can I book?
Easily via WhatsApp or directly on our website. Payment is typically made on the day of the tour.
16Is hotel pickup included from all areas?
Yes, pickup is included from Side, Manavgat, Kumköy, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Evrenseki, Çolaklı and nearby areas.
17How is this different from your Pirate Boat Tour or Side Boat Tour?
Different boats and routes. This tour sails from the river out to Dolphin Island in the open sea. Our Side Boat Tour stays on the calmer Manavgat River itself, without heading out to sea.
18Can I book a private version of this tour?
Yes — ask us about a VIP Yacht version of this same route, with your own boat and schedule, just for your group.
19What’s the best time of year for this tour?
May, June and September tend to have calmer seas, which also makes it a little easier to spot dolphins near the surface. July and August are warmer and busier.
20Is the Dolphin Island Boat Trip worth it?
Yes — even without a dolphin sighting, you get a full day of swimming in two kinds of water, a boat trip through beautiful scenery, lunch, and a genuinely fun foam party. The dolphins are a bonus, not the whole trip.
Mehmet, founder of SideKickTours, local guide from Manavgat, Turkey

Written & Reviewed By

Mehmet Local Expert · Manavgat

Mehmet was born and raised in Manavgat and has spent his whole life on this stretch of the Mediterranean coast. He founded SideKickTours over 15 years ago and has personally run boat trips out to Dolphin Island more times than he can count — the honest expectations about dolphin sightings, the seasonal tips, and the practical advice on this page come from that firsthand experience on the water, not a travel brochure.

Born & raised in Manavgat 15+ years running SideKickTours Licensed local tour operator

Ready for a Day on the Water?

Message us on WhatsApp to check availability and book your spot — or ask about a private VIP Yacht version of this same route.

€35per person
Dolphin Island Boat Trip
6 hours, BBQ lunch, foam party, hotel pickup included
VIPcustom quote
Private VIP Yacht
Same route, your own boat and schedule, just for your group
Book on WhatsApp
Licensed Tour Operator — Ministry of Tourism, Turkey Based in Side & Manavgat, Antalya 4.9 Rating · 10,000+ Happy Guests WhatsApp Support, Every Day

What's Included

  • Hotel Transfer: Comfortable pick-up and drop-off from all Side hotels.
  • Professional Guidance: English, German, and Russian speaking experienced guides.
  • Open Buffet Lunch: Freshly cooked BBQ lunch on the boat (Chicken or Fish options).
  • Dolphin Watching: Scenic cruise through the natural habitats of Mediterranean dolphins.
  • Foam Party: High-energy foam party with professional sound systems and DJ.
  • River & Sea Swimming: Stops at the famous point where Manavgat River meets the sea.
  • Insurance: Full travel insurance coverage for all participants.

Not Included

  • Drinks: All kinds of beverages (Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic) at the boat bar.
  • Professional Photos/Videos: Professional photography service capturing your best moments.
  • Personal Expenses: Souvenirs or extra snacks at the break points.
  • Special Spirits: Premium imported drinks.