A Private Wooden Boat on the Manavgat River, by Side
For a private day on the Manavgat river and the sea off Side, our two wooden boats are the natural choice: both are pictured on the river, with shaded decks and tables, and they suit families and groups who want a calm day. You charter the whole boat, from €550, with the final price quoted for your group. Route and stops are agreed with the captain on the day.
Where the river meets the sea
The Manavgat river reaches the Mediterranean right next to Side. That gives our wooden boats something the yachts out at sea do not have: green banks, sandy stretches of riverbank and calmer water, alongside the open coast. Our photos of these two boats were taken on the river itself, one boarding from a river pier and one moored at a sandy riverbank.
It is a gentler kind of boat day. Less about speed and open water, more about shade, conversation and watching the banks go by.
The two wooden boats
Both boats are chartered whole, for one group, like every boat in our fleet.
- The small traditional wooden boat: a shaded deck with tables, an open upper deck and a seating area at the bow. Suits families, small groups and a calm river-and-sea day.
- The large wooden boat: an upper deck laid out with blue sunbed mattresses and a shaded wooden deck with tables, boarding from a river pier. Suits a quiet day without a party, larger families and groups, sunbathing and swimming.
River day or sea day: how they differ
Neither is better; they are different days. If you want to compare the full fleet, our guide to choosing between a gulet, a motor yacht and a wooden boat lays out every type.
- Water: the river is sheltered; the open sea depends on the wind and swell of the day.
- Scenery: river banks and greenery on one side, the Side coastline and the ancient city on the other.
- Pace: the wooden boats invite a slow, shaded day; the yachts lean towards sun decks and sunset.
- Swimming: swimming from the boat is part of a sea day at anchor; where and when you swim is the captain's call.
Who a river-and-sea day suits
Families with younger children often like the calmer water and the generous shade under cover. Grandparents appreciate a table in the shade and a deck that does not feel like a party boat. Groups who want to talk, eat and swim, rather than dance, tend to choose the large wooden boat.
If you are planning around children, read our guide to a private boat for families as well; it covers ages, shade and swimming.
What we confirm, and what the captain decides
We do not sell a fixed route with named stops. The route, and whether the day stays on the river, heads out to sea or does a little of both, is agreed with the captain on the day, depending on sea and weather.
Your meeting point is confirmed with your quote: for these boats it can be a pier on the Manavgat river, but we tell you exactly where. If you add a hotel transfer, the pickup time is confirmed with your booking. The guide to seeing the Side coast by boat explains what you can expect once you are out on the sea.
Price and options
A private wooden boat starts from €550 for the whole boat, either as the daytime package (10:00–15:00) or the sunset package (from 15:00 until sunset). Food or lunch, soft drinks and a hotel transfer are options priced in your quote. Children count as guests, so tell us their ages. Free cancellation applies up to 48 hours before the start.
For the full picture of what moves the figure, see our private yacht prices guide.
Ready for your own boat?
Tell us the date and your group — we reply with one price for the whole boat.
Questions guests ask
Can you hire a private boat on the Manavgat river?
Yes. Our two wooden boats are pictured on the Manavgat river and are chartered whole for one group. The route is agreed with the captain on the day.
Is the Manavgat river calmer than the sea at Side?
The river is more sheltered than the open sea, which can be livelier depending on wind and swell. The captain decides the day's plan by conditions.
Where do the wooden river boats leave from?
The meeting point is confirmed with your quote. For the wooden boats it can be a pier on the Manavgat river.