Question
River or Sea: Which Private Boat Day from Side Suits You?
Choose the river if you want calm, sheltered water, shade and green banks: our two wooden boats are pictured on the Manavgat river, which meets the sea next to Side. Choose the sea if you want sun decks, swimming at anchor off the coast and views of the ancient city. Every boat is chartered whole, from €550 for the boat, with the final price quoted.
Two different kinds of water
The Manavgat river reaches the Mediterranean right beside Side, so you have two settings within reach. The river is sheltered, with green banks and sandy stretches of riverbank. The sea is open, with sandy beaches, rocky stretches with clear water and the ancient harbour and city on the shore. Our Manavgat river guide and the guide to the Side coastline by boat describe each in detail.
The river day: wooden boats and shade
Two of our boats are wooden boats pictured on the river. The small traditional wooden boat has a shaded deck with tables, an open upper deck and seating at the bow. The large wooden boat has an upper deck laid out with sunbed mattresses and a shaded wooden deck with tables below, boarding from a river pier.
This is the slower, calmer day: good for families, grandparents and groups who want to talk, eat and enjoy the scenery more than chase sunshine.
The sea day: yachts, sun decks and swims
Out at sea, the motor yachts and the motor boat come into their own: sun pads, flybridge decks and stern platforms for swimming at anchor. The motor boat with the sun deck was pictured at anchor by Side's rocky coast in clear water. The sea also brings the ancient city into view from the water, and on the sunset package (from 15:00 until sunset) the evening light along the coast.
Who each one suits
There is no wrong answer, only a better fit for your group:
- River: families with young children, older guests, anyone who prefers calm water and plenty of shade
- Sea: swimmers, sunbathers, couples and celebrations, sunset lovers
- A bit of both: ask about a wooden boat day that combines river and sea, as agreed with the captain
What stays the same
Whichever you choose, the route and stops are agreed with the captain on the day, depending on sea and weather; we never sell a fixed list of named stops. The meeting point is confirmed with your quote: Side harbour or a pier on the Manavgat river, depending on the boat. Options such as a hotel transfer, food and soft drinks are priced in the quote, and free cancellation applies up to 48 hours before the start.
Ready for your own boat?
Tell us the date and your group — we reply with one price for the whole boat.
Questions guests ask
Is a river boat trip at Side good for people who get seasick?
The river is more sheltered than the open sea. Tell us about any concerns and we suggest a boat and plan for your group.
Can one private boat do both the river and the sea?
Ask us about the wooden boats; the captain agrees on the day whether to combine river and sea, depending on conditions.
Which is better for swimming, the river or the sea?
For swimming at anchor in clear water, the sea off Side's coast is the usual choice. The captain chooses the stops on the day.