You’ll spend a fun day on a pirate ship in Alanya. I love the biggest pirate ship in Turkey with its more comfortable, luxury-style interior, and I really liked the food and drinks value (buffet lunch plus soft drinks all day, with beer and wine on specific days). One thing to consider: the onboard fun can get loud, especially during animation and the foam party.

The mix is the whole point: you get sea time for swimming, cave sights like Pirates’ Cave, Phosphorus Cave, and Lover’s Cave, and a classic Alanya break on land near the harbor. If you’re after quiet sightseeing only, you’ll want to plan on using the quieter deck area when the music gets going.

Finally, if you’re sensitive to motion, you’re not stuck suffering. You can request seasickness tablets at the bar, and you can pick where you sit—quiet deck works well for calmer moments and saving your energy for the swims.

Key highlights I’d put at the top

• Biggest pirate ship in Turkey with a luxury interior and clear focus on comfort
• Cave views on the way to the swims, including Pirates’ Cave, Phosphorus Cave, and Lover’s Cave
• Alanya center free time near the Red Tower and the harbor area
• Buffet lunch onboard plus soft drinks, with beer and wine only on Wednesday and Saturday
• Animator energy: cliff-jump show (30 meters), games, mini disco, and a foam party
• Multiple swim windows (first swim, a second beach-area swim, and a final shorter swim)

The Biggest Pirate Ship in Turkey: How It Feels Aboard

This isn’t a small speedboat. You’re on a proper pirate-ship setup, marketed as the biggest in Turkey, and it shows in the atmosphere. The interior feels more “done” than you’d expect for a day trip, and it makes a big difference if the day starts warm or you want a comfortable place to hang between activities.

The day is structured around movement—short bus ride, then sailing, then stops for swimming and photos, then back to onboard fun. That structure helps you avoid the most common boat-trip problem: sitting bored while the boat cruises forever. Here, the ship keeps you busy with music and staff-led entertainment.

One of the most praised parts by people who’ve taken it is the way the day blends kids’ animation with adult party energy. Translation: it’s not just kids running around and it’s not just a nightclub on water. You’ll still hear music during the fun parts, but it’s designed to keep everyone involved.

Tip: if you prefer lower volume, you can relax on the first deck where the music is minimal. It’s your best option for downtime before the next swim stop.

Getting There From Side: Plan for the Transfer Time

Your day starts with pickup from Side, then a coach ride to the port area in Türkler. The schedule lists a transfer of about 1.5 hours, and the full tour duration is 7 hours when you include transport. The boat part itself is about 6 hours, so your “real sightseeing time” is the day on the water plus the time on land.

Two practical things matter here:

• Start thinking about this as a day-trip workout for your schedule. You’re on the move for most of the day, not just lounging.
• Build your expectations around timing. The pickup is approximate based on your exact location, so don’t plan anything tight right before pickup.

Also, plan to meet the driver correctly. You’re asked to wait outside at the main entrance of your hotel about 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. That small habit avoids the stress of last-minute searching in a busy area.

First Swim at Ulaş Beach: Short, Clear, and Worth It

The first water stop is at Emirgan Ulaş Mesire Yeri (Ulaş Beach), with about 20–25 minutes in the water. This is a good length: long enough to cool off, short enough that you don’t feel like you lost half the day to one swim.

What you’re going for here is water clarity and a quick break from the heat. If you like photos, this is often when people feel most energetic—before the boat party ramps up and before everyone gets a little tired from sun and motion.

Pack like it’s a swim day. You’ll want:

• a swimsuit you can dry later
• water-safe footwear if you’re worried about slippery stones
• sunscreen, even if you plan to stay under shade

If you get motion sickness easily, this first swim is also when many people decide whether they need help. The fact that seasickness tablets are available at the bar (upon request) is a big comfort advantage.

Alanya Free Time: Use the Red Tower and Harbor Window

After the first swim, you head to Alanya port. You get free time in the city center—listed as 1 hour in one place and 1.5 hours in the itinerary—so expect roughly an hour to an hour and a half depending on timing.

This is the part that turns the trip from purely “on the boat” into a real Alanya experience. You’re in a location where you can:

• see the iconic Red Tower
• stroll along the harbor
• browse local shops and markets

You don’t need a complicated plan. With this amount of free time, the goal is quick orientation plus one satisfying walk. If you’ve never been to Alanya, getting your bearings near the harbor helps the whole rest of the day make more sense when you’re sailing back.

Practical tip: carry your essentials and keep an eye on the clock. When the ship calls everyone back, you’ll be heading straight for onboard lunch and the next wave of entertainment.

Lunch Onboard: Buffet Lunch and the Drinks Deal

Once you return to the boat after city time, lunch is served onboard as a buffet. Lunch is included, and it’s not just something you eat quickly. The food is one of the highest-praised parts, especially the way meat is cooked and served hot.

You’ll also have soft drinks included throughout the trip. That’s a key value point because it keeps you from thinking about buying drinks in the middle of the day.

Alcohol has a schedule detail that you should factor in: unlimited beer and wine are included only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On other days, you still get soft drinks, but you should not count on beer and wine being included.

One more perk that’s easy to overlook: free Wi‑Fi is included. If you want to post a few photos from the caves or check directions later in Alanya, it’s there without needing to buy a data plan.

If you’re sensitive to crowds at meals, plan your buffet timing. People tend to rush right after arriving onboard, so stepping in a little later can mean less waiting, especially if you’re traveling with kids who want to run around first.

Pirates’ Cave, Phosphorus Cave, and Lover’s Cave: Sea-View Sights

The middle chunk of the cruise is about sailing past the caves: Pirates’ Cave, Phosphorus Cave, and Lover’s Cave. You’re not asked to hike or do a complicated excursion here. You get the views from the sea as the boat moves through the area.

Why this matters: cave stops are one of those experiences that feel like “more than just swimming.” You’re seeing natural features that connect the storybook pirate vibe with real coastal geography.

Also, the cave trio fits the pirate theme perfectly. The names alone make it fun for kids, but the practical experience is the sea-side perspective—you’ll be able to look and learn without the pressure of committing to a long activity on land.

If you care about photos, treat this section like your best chance for exterior shots. Once the animation ramps up, you’ll probably be busy with foam party energy and short swim windows. Caves are the calm, scenic moment.

The Cliff-Jump and Animation Shift: When the Boat Turns Into a Show

After sailing past the caves, you’ll see excitement on the timetable. There’s a cliff jump performed by professional animators from a 30-meter-high rock. This is one of those moments that people remember because it changes the mood instantly.

Then the entertainment continues with:

• games and contests for adults
• mini disco for kids
• dancing and general hype
• a foam party

This is where the ship becomes more like a floating event space. It can be a blast if you’re the type who likes active days. If you prefer a quieter vibe, your best strategy is simple: choose a spot on the deck that matches your energy level, then move as needed when the show starts.

A helpful note for comfort: the tour is suitable for all ages. That doesn’t mean it’s equal volume for everyone. It means they’re planning the day so kids have something to do and adults aren’t bored—just sometimes not exactly calm.

Kleopatra Beach Swim Stops and Foam Party Timing

Near the beach area (Kleopatra Beach is part of the route), you get another swimming break: about 20–25 minutes. After that, there’s animation and the foam party, plus a final shorter swim window of about 10–15 minutes before heading back to shore.

So the pattern looks like this:

1) swim

2) onboard and/or city time

3) cave sightseeing

4) swim again

5) foam party and games

6) quick final swim

7) return

That sequencing is why this tour works for a wide range of travelers. If you don’t want to spend hours in the sun, you’re never forced into it for long stretches. You’re always getting a reset point: move, watch a show, eat, swim, play.

Foam parties can be messy. If you’re sensitive to residue on skin or swimsuit fabric, consider rinsing off soon after you change decks or after the main foam moment. You’ll also want to think about what you wear when you’re not in the water—because foam days don’t stay neat.

Tips for a Smooth Day on a Loud Boat (Without Missing the Fun)

This kind of tour goes best when you plan for heat, music, and water breaks. Here’s how I’d help you enjoy it without stress:

• Pick your deck seat early. If you want a quieter experience, use the first deck where music is minimal.
• Bring water-friendly essentials. Swimsuit, towel if you use one, sunscreen, and something to keep your phone safe for short walks.
• Use the seasickness option if you need it. Tablets are available at the bar upon request.
• Time your meals. After returning from Alanya, everyone heads to lunch quickly. Waiting less is mostly about stepping in smart.
• Plan your Alanya mini-walk. With about 1–1.5 hours, prioritize the Red Tower and harbor area. Anything beyond that is extra and might feel rushed.

If you want a practical “day rhythm,” follow this: eat after Alanya, then enjoy caves, then stay flexible during animation. The foam party is the kind of event you can join for a while, then retreat to the calmer deck when you need shade or quieter conversation.

Is It Good Value for $65 Per Person?

At around $65 per person, the value comes from the bundle: hotel pickup and drop-off, a day on a large pirate ship, buffet lunch, soft drinks, free Wi‑Fi, and multiple swim opportunities. That’s a lot packed into one pass.

The alcohol detail matters for value. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, beer and wine are included, which can make the day feel closer to a higher-end “all inclusive” package. On other days, your drinks are soft drinks included, so you may want to treat alcohol as an add-on rather than part of your expectation.

Still, the best value angle is the time mix:

• a real Alanya free-time block
• cave scenery from the sea
• entertainment with cliff jump and foam party
• not one, but several swim windows

If your ideal day in Turkey is mostly swimming and sun with a simple storybook setting, this checks the boxes without requiring you to plan a bunch of separate transport tickets.

Who This All-Inclusive Pirate Ship Trip Fits Best

This experience is especially good for:

• families who want structured fun for kids and adult energy too
• couples who like an easy “no decisions” day—transport, lunch, drinks, and activities are handled
• people who want both land time in Alanya and multiple swims from the boat

It’s less ideal if:

• you need a strictly quiet sightseeing day
• you strongly dislike loud music and foam-based activities
• you want long time on land (your city block is limited to about an hour to an hour and a half)

The good news: there are options on the ship for different comfort levels, and you can control your experience by where you sit and when you participate.

Should You Book This Pirate Ship Cruise From Side?

Book it if you want a fun, all-in-one Alanya day with swimming, cave sights, and a real onboard show—plus lunch and soft drinks included. The strong points are the ship itself, the entertainment setup, and the way the day is paced so you’re not stuck bored at sea.

Skip it or adjust expectations if you’re looking for calm, minimalist sightseeing. This is a party-leaning boat day, and even though you can find quieter space on the first deck, the main entertainment is part of the design.

If you’re choosing between days based on alcohol, remember beer and wine are only included on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If that’s important to you, it can tip the value in favor of booking those days.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip overall?

The total experience lasts about 7 hours, including transfers. The boat cruise itself is about 6 hours.

Where are you picked up from?

Pickup is from Side, and the ship is located in the port of Türkler.

What time does the tour depart?

Departure is listed at 09:00.

Is there free time in Alanya?

Yes. You get free time in the city center, listed as 1 hour in one place and 1.5 hours in the itinerary. Expect roughly that range depending on timing.

What meals and drinks are included?

You get a buffet lunch onboard and soft drinks are included throughout the trip. Unlimited beer and wine are included only on Wednesday and Saturday.

How many swim breaks are there?

There’s a first swim at Ulaş Beach (about 20–25 minutes), then a second swim near the beach (about 20–25 minutes), plus a final shorter swim stop (about 10–15 minutes).

Do I need to bring swim gear?

If you plan to swim, you’ll want a swimsuit and basics like sunscreen. The stops are built around swimming time.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Photos and videos are not included.

Is Wi‑Fi available?

Yes. Free Wi‑Fi is included.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What languages are spoken by the driver?

The driver is listed as speaking English, Russian, and Turkish.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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