A pirate ship near Alanya really delivers. You get sea views of Alanya Castle and a proper swimming stop at Kleopatra Beach, all wrapped in a fun onboard pirate theme. Add the caves along the coast and an included meal, and it turns a normal day into something you can actually remember.

One thing to consider: the music onboard is loud, so if you want a quiet cruise, bring earplugs or pick a calmer option.

Key takeaways before you go

• Turb2B pirate-ship vibe: A crew that keeps the energy up with animation and entertainment.
• Kleopatra Beach swim stop: Photo time plus about an hour in the water.
• Alanya Castle views from the sea: You’ll see it at a distance, from a perspective most people miss.
• Caves along the coast: Time in the water and sightseeing through Boğaz Cave, Lovers’ Cave, and Maiden’s Cave.
• Lunch with beer and wine included: Open buffet lunch served on board.
• Loud music onboard: Fun for many, but not ideal if you’re noise-sensitive.

Side to Alanya on Turb2B: the pirate-ship day at a glance

This is a classic Turkish Riviera day: you board a pirate-style boat, cruise along Alanya’s coast, stop for swimming, then enjoy a mix of onboard shows and a longer time around Alanya’s waterfront area. The big draw is the combo. You’re not just taking pretty photos. You’re also getting water time, cave scenery, and a social party atmosphere.

The cruise is built around two emotions: views and play. From the water you get a strong “wow” factor because Alanya’s buildings and cliffs look different when they’re not framed by land. And on the boat, the entertainment keeps the energy moving, so even if you’re traveling solo, it’s easier to feel like you’re part of the group.

Duration-wise, the total experience runs about 5 hours, and you’ll also see that the scenic cruise time is listed as around 5.5 hours. In practice, plan for travel time too, especially if you’re using the optional transfer.

Getting to the boat: Side pickup, meeting point, and transfer timing

You can join from Side and Alanya, with an optional hotel transfer from a defined set of areas (Side/Sorgun/Titreyengöl/Kızılağaç/Kızılot/Okurcalar/Avsallar/Türkler/Konaklı/Alanya/Mahmutlar). If you’re picked up, the vehicle waits no longer than 5 minutes at the hotel’s main security gate. Once it leaves, it won’t come back and there’s no refund for missed pickup.

If you don’t use transfer, you’ll need to arrive at the boat location on time. The meeting point details are sent to you 24 hours before the tour, and you’ll meet a guide wearing a TURB2B shirt. The boat name is Turb2B.

Here’s a practical tip that matters: if you’re unsure where to go, use the contact method they provide and follow their pinned location instructions fast. One traveler had a last-minute location mix-up and was guided to the correct spot with help through messaging and pinning. That’s exactly the kind of stress you can avoid by being ready when the instructions arrive.

The bus ride segment: how the 70-minute coach time shapes your day

The schedule includes a coach/vehicle leg of about 70 minutes. That’s not a small chunk of time, and it changes how you should pace your day. If you’re sensitive to sitting, bring a hat and water and plan to rest during the ride. If you’re fine with travel, this is the “settle in” part before the boat fun starts.

This also means your day won’t feel like a rushed half-hour hop onto the water. You’re starting the experience as a full outing, with time built in for the cruise stops and the Alanya segment afterward.

Kleopatra Beach stop: photos first, then about an hour to swim

Kleopatra Beach is the headline beach for this tour, and you’ll experience it from a fun angle: you’ll pull in for a photo stop and then get time to swim. The water time is listed as about 1 hour.

Expect clear Mediterranean water during calmer conditions, and you’ll be able to take photos with Alanya’s shoreline in the background. It’s also one of the rare moments in the day where your feet hit sand rather than only deck railings and boat steps.

Practical advice: bring beachwear you don’t mind getting sandy, and consider quick-dry sandals. You’ll also want cash on hand. The tour notes cash as something to bring, and the boat has an onboard bar where special drinks cost extra.

Alanya from the water: Castle, harbor, and the Red Tower view

The cruise segment gives you panoramic views of Alanya city from the sea, including Alanya Harbor and the iconic Red Tower from afar. Seeing these landmarks from water changes their scale. The Red Tower in particular can feel more dramatic when you’re not looking at it head-on from the street.

You’ll also get the big-ticket view: Alanya Castle from a distance. Even if you’re not going ashore to climb anything, this is a strong way to understand why Alanya built defenses here.

This is the part I’d prioritize photos for. When you’re on deck, you’re high enough for good angles, and you get long sightlines along the coastline. Try to get to a decent spot early because the boat’s stops and entertainment moments can crowd the best viewing areas.

The caves along the Turkish Riviera: Boğaz, Lovers’, and Maiden’s Cave

One of the coolest elements of this cruise is the cave route. You’ll pass or explore sections connected to Boğaz Cave, Lovers’ Cave, and Maiden’s Cave. The tour description frames this as part of the pirate-style coastal journey, not a dry museum stop.

The practical win: caves add variety to a day that could otherwise just be “cruise, swim, lunch.” It keeps the scenery moving. It also makes your swimming moments feel intentional rather than random.

Because sea conditions can change, swimming breaks and the exact route may shift. The captain can adjust timing or where you stop. Also, the boat provides audio guidance in three languages (English, German, Russian), so you’re not left guessing what you’re looking at the whole time. Follow the crew instructions, because they’ll guide you to safe boarding and swimming spots.

Onboard entertainment: animation, dance shows, foam party, and disco

This is not a quiet boat day. It’s built to entertain. You get animation and entertainment shows onboard, plus a foam party with music and dancing. After that, there’s an onboard disco that adds a more nighttime-style vibe, even though this is a daytime cruise overall.

There’s also a dance show included during the Alanya segment: you’ll see a dance show and a traditional dance show. That’s a nice touch because it gives you something culturally themed without requiring you to buy separate tickets.

If you’re the type who enjoys a lively atmosphere, this is where you’ll feel it most. If you’re not, the loud music onboard could be a dealbreaker. Earplugs are a small thing that can save your mood.

Alanya in the middle of the day: photo stop, visit time, and swimming

After the Kleopatra Beach swim, the day includes a longer Alanya segment with a photo stop, a visit, swimming time, and the dance entertainment. This part is listed as about 2 hours.

What that means for you: you get a taste of Alanya beyond the shoreline view. You’ll have time to take photos, enjoy the waterfront area, and get another swim window. It also gives you a rhythm change: boat travel, then time on land, then back on the water.

Because the exact timing can be adjusted by weather, keep your schedule flexible. This is especially true for swim-related moments. The sea decides sometimes.

Lunch on the boat: open buffet, beer and wine included, and a smart drink choice

Lunch is a key value point. You’ll get an open buffet meal onboard with grilled chicken, spaghetti, and fresh salads. Beer and wine are included with lunch, and soft drinks are also included during lunch.

Important detail: depending on the option you select, you’ll travel on different boats for alcohol vs non-alcoholic choices. So make sure you picked the right option before you go. The tour also notes that between November 1 and March 15, alcoholic drinks are not available in this option. If you’re traveling in that window, plan around soft drinks and the non-alcoholic setup.

The buffet is practical for a group setting. You don’t have to choose a complicated menu mid-cruise, and it keeps the day moving without long waits. If you want to line up early, do it right at the start of lunch time so you’re not stuck holding a drink while everyone else is eating.

Also note: the bar exists onboard, but special drinks are extra charge. Hookah (shisha) is also available for an additional fee.

Facilities onboard: toilets, showers, sunbeds, and where comfort matters

You’re not packed into a bare-bones boat. The tour description highlights modern onboard facilities: toilets and showers, plus a bar area. There are free sunbeds on deck, which is a big deal on a day where you’ll likely spend time rehydrating and resting between the main swim moments.

There’s also the practical aspect of a boat with showers: after swimming, you can reset without improvising with beach water. That’s especially helpful if you plan to keep going after the tour.

And for the record: the boat plays loud music, so deck comfort is tied to your tolerance for sound. Bring a small towel or quick-dry wrap if you want to cool off without staying soaked.

Price and value: is $53 per person worth it?

At $53 per person, this tour aims to bundle several things that would cost more separately: cruise time along Alanya’s coast, multiple sightseeing moments, a Kleopatra Beach swim slot, onboard entertainment, and lunch with drinks.

Here’s why it can feel like good value:

• You get a full day structure: transfer/coach time plus multiple stops.
• Lunch is more than a snack, and beer/wine are included with lunch (in the non-season window).
• You’re paying for the experience package: foam party, disco, shows, and a social boat atmosphere.

Where it might not feel like a deal:

• If you hate loud music, you’re paying for an itinerary built around entertainment.
• If you’re expecting a slow, quiet scenic cruise, the vibe may feel too party-forward.

Still, for the price, it’s a lot of included items in one block, especially the lunch and the “sea + beach + shows” combination.

Who should book (and who should skip it)

I think this tour is a strong match if you want:

• A fun, social cruise with shows and music.
• At least one major swim stop at Kleopatra Beach.
• Photos from the water of Alanya Castle, the Red Tower, and the harbor.
• A straightforward lunch without having to plan a restaurant.

I’d skip it if:

• You’re sensitive to loud music.
• You need mobility accommodations, because it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

For families: the tour includes children with free tickets, but there’s no separate seat mentioned during the transfer. Kids share their parents’ seats during coach transfer. If you’re traveling with kids, that’s worth planning for.

Returning to Side: drop-off points and one last time cue

On the way back, you’ll ride the coach/vehicle for about 1 hour. Drop-offs are listed as Alanya Liman Başkanlığı, Alanya, and Side.

If you used transfer, you’ll be dropped off at the same pickup location. If you did not use transfer, you’ll need to handle your own return from the drop-off area. Plan a little buffer so you’re not rushing right after the boat day ends.

Should you book this Side to Alanya pirate boat tour?

If you want a day that mixes views, swimming, and onboard fun, I’d book it. The combination of Alanya Castle and Cleopatra Beach from the sea, plus a real buffet lunch and included beer/wine, is the kind of value that’s hard to replicate by piecing things together.

But make your decision based on your personality. If loud music and a party atmosphere sound stressful, choose carefully. If you’re okay with noise and you like group energy, this is a solid pick for a memorable Riviera day without over-planning.

FAQ

How long is the Side to Alanya pirate boat tour?

The tour is listed as about 5 hours total.

Is lunch included, and what do they serve?

Yes. Lunch is included as an open buffet with grilled chicken, spaghetti, and fresh salads.

Are soft drinks and alcohol included?

Beer and wine are included with lunch. Soft drinks are included during lunch as well. Alcohol availability is not offered between November 1 and March 15.

Do I need to choose an alcohol option?

Yes. The tour notes that alcohol and non-alcoholic guests travel on different boats, so you should select the option that matches what you want.

Where is the meeting point and how do I find it?

The geographical location is sent 24 hours before the tour. You meet a guide wearing a TURB2B shirt. The boat name is Turb2B.

Does the tour include hotel transfers from Side?

Transfers are optional and available only from hotels in specific regions, including Side and nearby areas. If you miss the pickup, the vehicle waits no longer than 5 minutes and there is no refund for missed transfers.

How many swimming breaks are included?

There is one refreshing swimming break listed as weather permitting. Additional swimming time may happen during the Alanya segment depending on conditions.

What if the sea is rough and swimming plans change?

Swimming breaks may be changed or canceled based on sea conditions, and the captain can adjust the route or duration.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

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