Hotels near Manavgat River Boat Trip

The Manavgat River runs 93 km from the Taurus mountains to the Mediterranean, and the lower 12 km offers calm flat-water cruising suitable for all ages. Day boats depart Side harbour at 09:30 and Manavgat town pier at 10:00 in 2026, and the standard six-hour itinerary follows the river upstream to the Manavgat Waterfalls (a 60-minute stop), then continues to a riverside grand bazaar where vendors sell Turkish delight (TRY 250 per kilo), spices, and counterfeit handbags, before lunch on the boat (included; usually grilled chicken or river trout). Tickets cost TRY 800 (around EUR 22) including pickup from Side hotels. Most boats have an open upper deck and a covered lower lounge. The water is freshwater and clean, and a 30-minute swim stop near a quiet bend is part of the standard trip.

Pro Tip: Pick a smaller boat with under 60 passengers. The two-tier giant cruisers feel cramped at the bazaar stop and the buffet lunch quality drops significantly above 80 guests.