Side’s best boat day is loud fun or pure relaxation—depending on you.

This Blau Laguna cruise is built for an easy family outing: hotel pickup and drop-off, a full day on the water (about 7 hours), and an English-speaking guide. The real draw is that you’re not stuck doing one thing the whole time—you get swimming breaks, time for optional activities, and a lively onboard crew that keeps kids busy.

Two things I really like: the way the trip blends a river route toward the sea with actual water time (not just passing views), and the fact that lunch is handled for you on the boat. One consideration: it can feel more like a party-style day than a quiet sightseeing cruise, with loud music and mic-led entertainment.

Key points to know before you go

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Side makes it low-stress, especially with kids.
• Lunch is included on board so you can stop worrying about mid-day hunger.
• River-to-sea cruising gives you a more interesting route than a straight coastal hop.
• Swimming time is the main event (and people often regret skipping it).
• Jet skis and foam-party style entertainment can be a big yes—or a big nope.
• Drinks aren’t included, and bringing your own water may be restricted on some boats.

From 8:30 pickup to a full 7-hour water day

The day starts with an 8:30 am pickup from hotels in Side. That matters because you’re not trying to figure out transport with towels and sunscreen. You’ll spend most of the day on the move—part cruise, part swim breaks—before heading back.

In general, this kind of day tour works best when you think of it as a “floating beach plus activities” plan, not a strict museum-and-temple checklist. The schedule is flexible enough for different interests, since the tour notes that you can participate only in the activities that sound good to you.

One more practical detail: the group is capped at 45 travelers. That’s big enough to be lively, but small enough that you’re not swallowed by a crowd the whole time.

The ride through Manavgat: what you’re really paying for

Your route includes Manavgat (it appears twice in the flow), and that’s the part that gives the trip its character. A river approach usually means you get a calmer rhythm at the start—then it opens up as you transition out toward the Mediterranean.

Why you’ll probably like this: cruising down a river toward the sea feels more like a journey than a flat drive-to-the-water experience. It also tends to make the middle of the day feel less “stuck on a single stop,” because you’re building time on the water continuously.

What to calibrate: don’t expect this to be a classic land sightseeing day with specific sites. If you’re hoping for major “must-see” landmarks like a waterfall or a temple visit, this isn’t set up that way. Your time is focused on the boat experience and water breaks.

Side and Colakli: how the tour keeps the timing moving

The itinerary also includes stops labeled Side and Colakli, which basically means the trip is anchored around the Side/Colakli area and you’re cycling through the region before and after water time.

This matters for two reasons:

1. You’re more likely to spend less time on long bus rides with strangers, since the tour is designed around Side-area hotels.
2. You’ll get a smoother day flow—there’s a reason these boats run as organized “circuits” rather than one random marina.

If you’re the type who likes to see a lot of places in a day, you may feel a little impatient. The payoff is that your time is concentrated on being on the water, not bouncing between stops.

Lunch on the boat: included, but plan around drinks

Lunch is included, which is a big part of the value at around $42 per person. When lunch is on board, it also reduces decision fatigue—you don’t have to hunt for a restaurant mid-cruise.

Two food tips based on what people tend to do:

• Bring/keep some cash if you want to buy extra snacks or treats. One favorite mentioned is Turkish pancakes sold during the ride.
• Treat drinks like an extra budget item, since drinks aren’t included.

Also, consider that water rules can be stricter than you expect. One unhappy family reported they weren’t allowed to bring their own water on board and ended up having to purchase it. I can’t promise that’s how every boat operates, but it’s smart to be ready either way: bring small essentials, and don’t assume you can always bring your own bottled water onboard.

Swimming stops, jet skis, and the foam-party reality

This is where the trip either wins your heart or tests your patience. The “main character” is water time—there’s a long chance to bathe in the Mediterranean, plus a stop where you can jump in.

A few useful things to know:

• Jet skis are offered for a short window (around 10 minutes was mentioned). If you want that experience, don’t assume it will feel like a long adventure—think of it as a taste.
• There may be jellyfish in the water at times. That doesn’t automatically mean you can’t swim, but it does mean you should be cautious, especially for kids or anyone with sensitive skin.
• One review described a foam dance party on the ocean with music turned up loud enough to create a chaotic, party vibe.

The foam party is the make-or-break point. If you’re traveling with kids and you want energy and laughs, it sounds like a blast. If you’re trying to enjoy a quieter “floating beach” day, the loud music and mic-led entertainment could wear on you fast.

And there’s also an activity-optional vibe in the tour approach. Since the tour says you only join what interests you, you’re not forced into every onboard event in theory—so if you want the swims but not the spectacle, you can plan your day around that.

Entertainment volume and comfort: bring the right mindset and gear

Let’s talk honestly about comfort. The tour style includes entertainment—so expect music, microphones, and a crew encouraging participation. Some people love this. Others call it too loud and too constant.

One strong negative experience described:

• loud music with speakers crackling
• ongoing upselling chatter through the microphone
• a short beach stop of about 30 minutes
• limited access to water unless purchased
• an uncomfortable boat and a coach that was not sufficiently air-conditioned

On the flip side, a top positive review said the entertainers kept the kids engaged all day, and that the foam dance party was amazing.

What does that mean for you? It means you should pack and plan for the reality that this may not be a whisper-quiet cruise. Practical moves:

• Bring ear protection if you’re sensitive to loud sound.
• Wear swimwear you can tolerate for a long stretch, since your day is water-heavy.
• Plan for heat. Even if the pickup/drop-off is described as air-conditioned, you’ll still have long exposure while on the boat and during stops.
• Bring sun protection and something simple for drying off when you get back on board.

Also, check your expectations about what you’ll see. If you’re looking for famous sights on land, this tour isn’t designed as a guided sightseeing checklist. It’s guided around the water experience.

Price and value: about $42 buys convenience and water time

At about $42.05 per person, you’re paying for a bundle:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• lunch
• a local guide
• a day structured around cruising and swimming

That’s a decent deal when you compare it to piecing together transport, lunch, and a boat outing separately. The biggest reason value feels strong is that lunch removes one cost and one headache.

Where value can feel weaker is if you expected a calmer sightseeing day with specific landmark stops. If you want temples, waterfalls, and a laid-back beach break, you might feel like the time is spent on onboard entertainment and party energy. In that case, the same price could feel like it’s buying the wrong mood.

So, the value calculation really comes down to your tolerance for lively entertainment.

Who should book this Blau Laguna trip (and who should think twice)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• a family-friendly day where kids have something to do
• a river-to-sea cruise plus real swimming time
• lunch included and minimal planning
• optional activities like jet skis if you’re curious, without needing to commit to every onboard event

It’s a tougher fit if you:

• hate loud music or mic announcements
• want a quiet, sightseeing-heavy itinerary with specific landmark visits
• are very strict about controlling water and drinks during the day (especially if your experience turns out to be one where onboard restrictions apply)

If you fall in the middle—like you want swims and don’t mind some entertainment—you’ll probably have a good time if you go in prepared.

Should you book the Blau Laguna boat trip from Side?

If you want a fun, water-focused day with hotel convenience and lunch handled, I’d say yes—especially if you’re traveling with kids or you know you’ll enjoy the energy of a lively boat crowd.

If your ideal day is calm and scenic, and you’re mainly chasing quiet beach time or specific attractions, I’d think twice. This trip can feel party-heavy, and the entertainment volume is a legit swing factor.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Blau Laguna boat trip from Side?

It runs for about 7 hours (duration is approximate).

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a local guide.

Are drinks included on board?

No. Drinks aren’t included.

What time does the tour start, and where do I get picked up?

It starts at 8:30 am. Pickup is offered from all hotels in Side.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience has a maximum of 45 travelers.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

If you want, tell me your group (adults/kids, noise sensitivity, and whether you want jet skis), and I’ll help you decide if this matches your style of day.

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