A pirate ship beats Side’s sidewalks. You trade the crowds for open water on a multi-deck boat run by Payless Turizm, with a treasure hunt that keeps things fun even when you’re just looking out at the coast. It’s a simple day: ride, play, swim, eat, repeat—plus hotel pick-up and drop-off so you’re not dealing with transport stress.

What I really like is the combo of unlimited soft drinks with lunch, and the fact the crew leans into a pirate-party vibe instead of acting like you’re on a bus. The one thing to think about is timing: at 6 hours, you might feel it drags a bit if the sea is rough or if the boat shifts between swim moments with lots of waiting.

Key things to know before you go

• Pirate ship + treasure hunt: It’s not just costumes. There’s an actual activity built into the day.
• Manavgat River start: You get a scenic early cruise before you’re out on open sea.
• Swim and snorkeling breaks: Expect actual water time, not just photo stops.
• Foam party on deck: Classic boat energy that works best if you’re traveling with kids or party-minded adults.
• Included lunch and soft drinks: You’ll need to be quick to eat when service is happening.
• On-board upsells exist: If you’re watching your budget, plan ahead.

Side to the Sea: The Pirate-Ship Switch That Makes It Worth It

This tour is built for one goal: give you a calm, fun break from Side’s street life. You start with an organized hotel pick-up from Antalya Province—then you’re delivered to the port area with the kind of structure that usually makes group tours easier. Once you’re on the boat, you can immediately fall into “vacation mode”: no lines, no figuring out where to go next, just decks, sun, and the feeling of being carried away.

The pirate theme matters more than it sounds. A lot of boat days end up being “sit, maybe swim, eat, leave.” Here, you get a pirate-themed ship and a treasure hunt, so there’s a reason to look around and pay attention even if you’re traveling with people who get bored easily. It’s also the kind of setup that works for mixed groups: parents, couples, teens, and kids often all find something to do.

Now, the practical reality: it’s still a boat trip. If the water is choppy, you’ll feel it. If you hate waiting around, you’ll want to keep a flexible mindset. A commenter once pointed out that the day can feel long and the pace isn’t always the snappiest, especially when there’s time between swim actions.

Price and Value: What You’re Actually Buying for $29

At $29 per person, you’re not paying for a “luxury yacht” experience. You’re paying for a full day away from the crowds with basic food, soft drinks included, and entertainment that’s clearly designed to keep everyone on board.

Here’s how the value works in real life:

• You’re getting transportation baked in via hotel pickup and drop-off. That’s often the hidden cost on boat days.
• Lunch is included, which turns the tour into a mostly all-in cost for a day at sea.
• Soft drinks are included and described as unlimited, which matters if you’re traveling with kids or you just want to stay hydrated without extra purchases.
• Foam party + guided service add to the “whole package” feeling, not just an open-water cruise.

The trade-off is that this is a party-style day. That usually comes with upsells—photos, snacks, and other board purchases—so if you want to stay disciplined, set a budget before you step on. One person also noted that selling extras can bring the total cost closer to a “you paid for the package, then paid again” situation if you’re not careful.

Still, for the money, it’s one of the more straightforward ways to get a classic Mediterranean boat day without doing lots of planning.

Getting On Board: Transfers, Timing, and Why 6 Hours Matters

The tour runs about 6 hours, and that length is both a blessing and a possible drawback. It gives you time for multiple water breaks and onboard activities. But it also means you’ll be sitting on a boat longer than you might expect if you’re used to shorter excursions.

Your day starts with a morning transfer from your hotel to the port. You’ll want to show up properly early at the meeting point—specifically, wait at the main security gate of your hotel 10 minutes before pickup. One missed timing point can snowball into stress when everyone’s boarding and the day’s schedule tightens.

Also, plan for the rhythm of boat life:

• ride time,
• wait time,
• swim/snorkel time,
• food time,
• activity time.

Some people found the transitions between swim moments a little drawn out. If you’re the type who wants “go go go,” I’d treat this as a relaxed social boat day. If you’re traveling with kids or you want a fun day where the ship itself is the entertainment, the pacing often feels about right.

Manavgat River First: The Calm Start Before Open Sea

One of the nicer touches is that the cruise begins with sailing into the Manavgat River during the early part of the day. That gives you a scenic start before you fully commit to open-water cruising.

Why that matters: the early segment often sets the tone. You’re not immediately dealing with full sun on open sea and you get coastline views from multiple deck angles while everyone settles in. Even if you’re not a “watch the scenery” person, the river start helps you ease into the day instead of feeling rushed.

What to watch for: river/early cruise can still be breezy and cool compared to later deck heat. Bring a light layer if you get cold easily when the boat is moving and you’re wet from water breaks.

Swim and Snorkeling Breaks: Fun Water Time, With a Realistic Caveat

The big reason to choose a boat day like this is simple: you want crystal-clear water time and an easy way to get out there. This tour includes swimming and snorkeling breaks, and that’s usually when the day becomes the most “vacation.”

A practical note from experience with boat schedules: you might find the water stops aren’t spread perfectly across totally different spots. One person reported two swim stops felt like they happened in the same area and that the later part may have been more about additional activities (like rentals/jet ski opportunities). I can’t promise that will happen on every trip, but it’s a fair consideration. If you’re paying mainly for snorkeling variety, don’t assume you’ll get a different “wow” location each time.

How to make your water breaks better:

• Bring reef-friendly beachwear and keep your things organized so you can change quickly.
• Keep snorkel gear simple (if you have your own). If you don’t, just plan on being a swimmer who sometimes does snorkel laps.
• If the sea is rough, don’t fight it. Use the time to hang out on a more stable deck spot and jump in when you feel ready.

One review also mentioned extreme waves being the highlight—meaning: when conditions are rough, it can still be fun, but it won’t feel “relaxing.” If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring something for it and choose your deck spot accordingly.

Treasure Hunt, Foam Party, and the Entertainment Mix

Here’s where the tour leans hardest into the “pirate adventure” idea. There’s a real-life treasure hunt on a pirate-themed ship. That’s a big plus if you’re traveling with kids, or if you just like the energy of an organized activity instead of random shouting over music.

Then there’s the foam party. This is the kind of moment that turns a boat ride into a memory, fast—especially for families. But it also means you should dress with the mess in mind. Expect water, foam, and people laughing way too loud.

The entertainment style can be hit-or-miss depending on your taste. One commenter described the entertainment as corny and cheesy, and also noted the music being very loud with kids onboard. That’s useful to know. If you’re sensitive to sound, plan to step away from the loudest area during “performance time.”

My practical advice: treat the activities like a menu. Jump into what you enjoy, and retreat when you don’t. You still get plenty of quiet moments on the decks when you choose your spot away from the main gathering area.

Lunch and Soft Drinks: The Included Food Game Plan

Lunch and drinks are where this tour delivers real, measurable value. Soft drinks are included and described as unlimited, plus you get lunch as part of the package.

But here’s the detail that matters when you’re hungry: on boats, timing is everything. One person warned that you need to be fast for the food, and that portion sizes can feel inconsistent if you arrive later. Another mentioned that being quick matters because people who got to lunch service right away had an easier time than people who waited.

Drink quality can vary too. One review said drinks were served from plastic bottles into small plastic cups, and they weren’t as crisp as expected. Another person reported the overall value was worth it, since drinks were included (even noting an extra few euros being worthwhile). That tells me the setup is basically “included drinks,” not a premium beverage bar.

How to eat well on this tour:

• Plan to grab lunch early in the service window.
• If you’re picky about soft drinks (or want diet versions), don’t assume every option will be available. Go with what’s served rather than what you wish would be there.
• If you want alcohol, budget for it because alcoholic drinks aren’t included.

Food is best described as basic but satisfying for a day on the water. You’re not coming here for gourmet dining. You’re coming for a full day that stays easy.

Upsells and Extra Spending: How to Keep the Budget Under Control

On-board sales are part of the reality of boat tours. The tour includes lunch, soft drinks, and insurance—but personal spending isn’t included. That’s where extras show up: snacks, sweets, warm items, alcohol, and paid photo/DVD add-ons.

One review also mentioned that a cheaper base price can get “recovered” through selling things on board and through the way photo packages are marketed. Whether that’s your vibe or not, it’s smart to assume you’ll be offered options.

My budget tip is boring but effective: decide what you will not buy. Maybe that’s souvenirs. Maybe it’s extra water toys. Maybe it’s photos. Then you won’t end up making impulse decisions while you’re on a roll.

What to Bring (and What You Shouldn’t)

You’ll have a better day if you pack like you’re spending time outdoors and in water:

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Camera
• Beachwear

Don’t bring:

• Food and drinks (it’s listed as not allowed)

Also, think practically about comfort:

• Bring sunscreen and something for sunburn avoidance. The deck is open, and you’ll get hours of sun.
• If you don’t like wet sand everywhere, protect your bag with a dry pouch or waterproof phone case.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, consider bringing motion sickness medication.

Who This Boat Tour Fits Best

This is a good match if you want:

• a relaxing day at sea instead of more sightseeing,
• an easy family outing (the pirate theme, treasure hunt, and foam party help),
• hotel pickup convenience,
• included lunch and soft drinks so you don’t constantly pay for basics.

It’s less ideal if you:

• hate long stretches on a boat,
• expect quiet, elegant cruising,
• want premium food variety or top-tier drink selection,
• need lots of snorkeling variety at totally different locations.

If your group includes both adults who want fun and kids who want action, this tour often lands right in the middle.

Should You Book the Blue Laguna Boat Tour?

Book it if you want a straightforward boat day with pirate energy, real on-board activities, and a cost that includes lunch and unlimited soft drinks. At $29, you’re paying for convenience plus a whole entertainment structure, not for luxury.

Hold off if you’re very sensitive to loud music, you dislike waiting between activities, or you’re budgeting tightly and don’t want any chance of extra spending on board. Also, if you’re prone to seasickness, be ready for rougher water possibilities.

If you go in with the right expectations—fun social day, basic food, and time on open water—you’ll likely come away with exactly what these trips promise: a break from the crowds and a couple of solid water-time memories.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Blue Laguna boat tour?

It lasts about 6 hours.

Where does the tour operate?

It’s in Antalya Province, Turkey, starting from Side.

What’s the price per person?

The price is listed as $29 per person.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.

Are drinks included, and are they unlimited?

Unlimited soft drinks are included. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes, the tour includes swimming and snorkeling breaks.

Is the boat tour only for adults?

It’s described as ideal for people of all ages.

Is food and drink allowed on board?

Food and drinks are not allowed.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, a camera, and beachwear.

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