Manavgat River Cruise & Waterfall & Bazaar Visit – Drinks inclusive onboard

Explore the Manavgat River and Waterfalls with a Friendly Crew

The Manavgat River Cruise & Waterfall & Bazaar Visit offers a rewarding day out for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, natural sights, and lively markets. Priced at $30.86 per person, this tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours and departs from Side, Turkey. It includes pickup service, a tour guide, WiFi onboard, and lunch, making it a practical choice for travelers seeking a well-organized day. The tour is best suited for most travelers, with a max group size of 115, and is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

During this trip, you’ll cruise down the Manavgat River on a sailboat, with plenty of opportunities to photograph the Ancient City and Athena Temple from the water. The trip features a swim stop at a sandbar, a visit to the scenic Manavgat Waterfall, and time to explore a busy bazaar in the town center. The onboard lunch and drinks are included, and WiFi makes sharing moments easier. However, some reviews mention that the waterfall visit can be brief and that certain attractions might feel rushed.

Key Points

• Full-day cruise: Lasts about 7 to 8 hours with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Scenic boat ride: Sail along the Manavgat River with views of Ancient City ruins and the Athena Temple.
• Water and sea swimming: Stop on a sandbar for a swim in the sea; the river is cooler than the sea.
• Waterfall visit: See the Manavgat Waterfall by cabrio bus, spending around 20 minutes taking photos.
• Bazaar shopping: After sightseeing, explore the local bazaar with opportunities for bargain shopping.
• Inclusive amenities: Lunch, WiFi onboard, and travel insurance are included; entrance fee to the waterfall is 4 euros per person.

The Boat Trip: From River to Sea

The boat journey starts at 8:30 am from Side, Turkey, with a pickup service arranged for most travelers. The sailboat is a three-tier vessel that sails from the Manavgat River toward the Sea, offering panoramic views of the surrounding nature and ancient ruins. The photos of the Ancient City and Athena Temple from the water are highlights, giving a chance to capture historic sites from a unique angle.

The onboard atmosphere is described as friendly, with the crew providing drinks included and the option to purchase photos, even though some reviews note that the drinks are included in the price. The lunch served on the boat is generally appreciated, with positive comments about its quality. The sea swim is a popular feature, though the river waters tend to be colder, making the swim in the sea more refreshing.

Visiting the Manavgat Waterfall by Cabrio Bus

The Waterfall stop is a brief but scenic highlight of the day. Reaching the Manavgat Waterfall involves a cabrio bus ride, and visitors spend about 20 minutes there. The waterfall’s natural beauty and the sound of flowing water create a relaxing atmosphere. Some reviews mention that the time allocated to the waterfall feels limited, and it might be worth considering whether to prioritize this stop or spend more time shopping at the bazaar.

The entrance fee for the Waterfall is 4 euros per person, payable on-site. Visitors are encouraged to take photos, but swimming in the waterfall is not permitted. The waterfall provides a great photo opportunity and a chance to enjoy the serene environment before heading to the market.

Shopping at the Manavgat Bazaar

After the water stop, the tour takes travelers to the Manavgat city center for about 2 hours of shopping. The bazaar is described as large and colorful, with many stalls offering similar goods. Visitors can browse for local crafts, souvenirs, and clothing, often at bargain prices. Multiple reviews praise the bargains found at the bazaar, making it a good spot to pick up souvenirs or gifts.

Some reviews indicate that the market can be crowded and hot, especially during warmer months. It’s advisable to carry cash and be prepared for the bustling environment. The shopping time is flexible enough to explore at your own pace, but some mention that it can feel overly crowded and hectic.

Logistics and Group Size

The tour starts at 8:30 am with hotel pickup included in most cases. The group size is capped at 115 travelers, which helps maintain a lively yet manageable atmosphere. The transportation between stops is via coach and cabrio bus, ensuring smooth transitions from the boat to the waterfall and bazaar.

While the meet-up point is near public transportation, guests should be aware of possible delays—some reviews mention late pickups. The tour’s duration makes it suitable for most children and adults alike, but participants should be prepared for walking and some physical activity during the waterfall visit and shopping.

Food, Drinks, and Onboard Comfort

The lunch onboard is included and generally well-rated, with plenty of drinks served throughout the cruise. The WiFi onboard is a thoughtful addition, allowing travelers to share photos or stay connected. The drinks are included in the tour price, although some reviews note confusion or attempts to charge extra, which the staff clarify is not the case.

The boat’s environment is described as comfortable and friendly, making the journey pleasant. The food is considered decent for the price, with some reviewers mentioning that the meals are particularly good given the cost.

Tour Reviews: Highlights and Criticisms

Most reviews highlight the friendly and helpful staff, with mentions of excellent communication via WhatsApp and attentive guides. The scenery and the boat ride are often praised for their relaxing and scenic qualities.

However, some reviewers express disappointment with the duration of the waterfall visit, feeling it was too brief. Others point out that some attractions are overhyped or that the tour description is slightly misleading, especially regarding ruins visibility and costs for optional extras.

Critics of the tour cite late pickups, short time at key stops, and some unanticipated charges. Yet, overall, the value for money remains high, especially considering the inclusion of lunch and drinks.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour is ideal for families, couples, or groups who appreciate scenic boat rides, natural sights, and vibrant markets. The moderate pace and inclusive amenities make it accessible to most travelers, though those seeking a more in-depth exploration of ancient ruins might find the waterfall and bazaar stops somewhat rushed.

Travelers who enjoy bargain shopping, photography, and relaxing on the water will find this experience rewarding. The friendly staff and comfortable environment further enhance its appeal for those looking for a well-organized day in Side.

Manavgat River Cruise & Waterfall & Bazaar Visit: Final Thoughts

The Manavgat River cruise offers a balanced mix of scenic views, natural beauty, and lively markets at a reasonable price. The inclusive lunch and drinks onboard add value, while the waterfront views of ancient ruins provide memorable photo moments. The brief waterfall stop is picturesque but might leave those wanting more wishing for extra time.

While some criticisms point to brief stops and possible miscommunication about costs, the overall friendly atmosphere and well-coordinated logistics make this tour a solid choice for visitors in Side. It suits those looking for a relaxing yet active day with plenty of photo opportunities and local shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the price of $30.86 per person all-inclusive?
Yes, the tour includes lunch, WiFi onboard, and travel insurance. The waterfall entrance fee costs 4 euros per person and is payable on-site.

What are the main stops on this tour?
The tour features a boat cruise along the Manavgat River, a swim at a sandbar, a visit to the Manavgat Waterfall, and shopping at the bazaar in the town center.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat journey lasts approximately 2 hours, sailing from the river into the sea, with photo opportunities of historic sites.

Is the Waterfall visit lengthy?
No, the waterfall stop is about 20 minutes. Some reviews note this is too brief for a full appreciation, so plan accordingly.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It is ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, natural sights, and market shopping, and those comfortable with moderate walking and brief stops.