Side: All Inclusive Luxury Boat Trip & Free Time in Alanya

The sea is the star here. This seven-hour Alanya boat trip combines open-water swims, cave views, a buffet lunch, and time ashore in Alanya, all aboard Turkey’s biggest pirate ship. I like the useful mix of activity and free time, and I like that the ship offers a quieter first deck as well as music, dancing, and a foam party. The main drawback is the long transfer from Side and the busy, party-focused feel on parts of the cruise.

You get plenty for the $65 price: hotel transfers, lunch, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, three swimming stops, and one hour in Alanya. Beer and wine are included only on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so check your date before booking. Pickup times are approximate, and the small transfer bus can be full.

Key points to know before booking

• Turkey’s biggest pirate ship: The boat has a luxury-style interior, several decks, music, and room for both lively entertainment and quieter sitting.
• Three swimming breaks: You stop at Ulaş Beach, near Kleopatra Beach, and again before returning to port.
• One hour in Alanya: Use it for the Red Tower, harbor, shops, or a quick walk through the center.
• Caves from the sea: The boat passes Pirates’ Cave, Phosphorus Cave, and Lover’s Cave.
• Drinks depend on the day: Soft drinks are included throughout, while beer and wine are included only on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Family fun with a party edge: There is a children’s mini disco, adult contests, dancing, a foam party, and a 30-meter cliff-jump show.

From Side to Türkler: the day starts on the road

The excursion begins with hotel pickup in Side and a transfer to the port at Türkler. The drive is listed at about 1.5 hours, though the total pickup time can vary with your hotel location and the number of stops.

You should wait outside your hotel’s main entrance about five minutes before the stated pickup time. The time you receive is approximate, not a promise of an exact arrival. One useful sign of good organization is that the operator may contact you the day before, which helps reduce the usual morning worry about whether the minibus is coming.

The transfer deserves a realistic warning. One booking account described the minibus as very full and the drive as somewhat adventurous. That does not ruin the day, but it matters if you dislike cramped transport or long road transfers. The trip is better suited to someone who sees the drive as part of a full-day outing rather than a quick boat ride from the hotel.

Once you reach Türkler, the road portion gives way to the main event: a large pirate-themed ship with a more polished interior than the word pirate might suggest. The boat is designed for a big group, with areas for meals, music, swimming, and rest.

Ulaş Beach provides the first swim

The first stop is at Emirgan Ulaş Mesire Yeri, commonly referred to as Ulaş Beach, for about 20 to 25 minutes. This is a short stop, but it helps you get into the rhythm of the day before the longer coastal section.

The water is described as clear open sea, and swimming is one of the strongest parts of the experience. You can expect a straightforward swim rather than a guided water activity. Bring your swimsuit under your clothes, since changing time may be limited, and keep anything you do not want wet safely stored.

A 20-minute stop passes quickly when many people want to enter the water. If you prefer to swim without pressure, move toward the exit area as soon as the crew gives the return signal. The cruise is not built around long, quiet swims. It gives you several short chances instead.

Alanya free time: one hour to choose your priority

After the first swim, the boat heads to Alanya port. You get about one hour of free time in the city center. The detailed schedule also allows roughly 1.5 hours around the Alanya stop, including lunch arrangements, so follow the crew’s exact return time rather than relying only on the headline duration.

This is not enough time for a full visit to Alanya Castle or a relaxed museum visit. It is enough to pick one small goal and enjoy it without a guide directing every step.

Good choices include:

• Walking by the harbor and looking back at the pirate ship
• Seeing the Red Tower from the outside
• Browsing nearby shops and markets
• Taking a short city-center walk
• Finding a quick drink or snack, although lunch follows soon after

The Red Tower is the obvious landmark if you want a quick cultural stop. The harbor is easier if you want photographs and a simple walk. Shopping works too, but keep an eye on the clock. The ship will not wait for one last bargain.

This pause is valuable because it breaks up the boat time. You are not confined to the ship for the entire day, and you get a small taste of Alanya without paying for a separate city tour. The tradeoff is that the visit feels more like a short orientation than a proper exploration.

Buffet lunch on board keeps the schedule moving

After free time in Alanya, you return to the ship for a buffet lunch. The meal is served on board and is included in the price.

The food received especially strong praise in one booking account, with the meat described as well cooked and tasty. That is encouraging for a group buffet, where quality can vary. Still, you should think of lunch as practical cruise food rather than a carefully planned restaurant meal.

The meal saves you time and money. You do not need to search for a restaurant during your short Alanya stop, and you can eat while the cruise continues. Soft drinks are included throughout the trip.

Pay close attention to the alcohol condition. Beer and wine are included only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On other days, the included drink offer is soft drinks. The $65 price is still reasonable without alcohol, but do not book expecting unlimited beer or wine every day.

Pirates’ Cave, Phosphorus Cave, and Lover’s Cave

The ship then passes three named coastal caves: Pirates’ Cave, Phosphorus Cave, and Lover’s Cave. These are viewed from the boat, so you should not expect to walk inside or take part in a cave tour.

The attraction is the setting and the stories attached to the names. The coastline gives the cruise a sense of discovery, while the crew points out the formations and sails close enough for photographs. The stop is best understood as a scenic pass-by, not a long sightseeing visit.

If you want good pictures, keep your phone ready before the ship reaches the caves. The ship may not pause for long at each one, and people gather along the rails when a notable view appears. A waterproof case or secure strap is sensible around the swimming areas.

The cave section also gives the day a little more character than a simple beach cruise. You get open water, coastal rock, and the chance to see Alanya from a different angle. The descriptions are more dramatic than the actual length of each stop, so keep your expectations measured.

Kleopatra Beach brings the main open-water break

The cruise continues toward Kleopatra Beach, where you get another swimming stop of about 20 to 25 minutes. The ship may pass along the beach before anchoring or pausing for the swim.

This is likely to feel like the main swimming part of the day because the boat has already moved through the coastal sights and everyone knows the routine. The water is the focus, not a guided beach visit. You remain connected to the ship rather than going ashore for a long walk.

You will want to bring a towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. These are simple items, but they make a big difference after several swims. The tour has multiple water stops, so a bag that keeps wet clothing separate is useful.

The schedule lists about two hours around Kleopatra Beach for cruising, viewing, and swimming. That does not mean two hours in the water. Much of the time includes sailing past the beach and moving between activities.

The 30-meter cliff jump and the foam party

The entertainment becomes livelier after the cave and beach section. Professional animators perform a cliff jump from a rock about 30 meters high. This is a show for you to watch, not an invitation to copy it. The height is serious, and the activity is handled by the crew.

Afterward, the ship shifts into party mode with music, dancing, adult contests, a children’s mini disco, and a large foam party. This is where the cruise will appeal most to families with energetic children, couples who enjoy a social day, and anyone who wants more than quiet sightseeing.

The party has a useful escape hatch. If the music becomes too much, the first deck has minimal music and offers a calmer place to sit. That small detail makes the boat more flexible than a cruise built around nonstop sound on every deck.

The foam party can be messy, so protect phones, cameras, and anything that should stay dry. The included Wi-Fi is a welcome extra, but connection quality on a moving boat can vary. Use it for basic messages and sharing a few photos, not for dependable work.

The final swim and return to Side

Before heading back to port, the boat makes one final swimming stop of about 10 to 15 minutes. It is the shortest swim of the day, but it gives you one last chance to cool off before the return journey.

The boat itself lasts about six hours, while the advertised total duration is seven hours including transfers. The difference matters. From Side, you should set aside most of the day, not just a short morning or afternoon.

The return transfer takes you back to your hotel. Since pickup and drop-off are included, you do not need to arrange your own transport to Türkler. The tradeoff is that shared transfers can add time and may feel less comfortable than a private car.

Is $65 good value?

At $65 per person, the price is strong if you plan to use the included features. Hotel pickup, return transport, a buffet lunch, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, three swimming breaks, coastal views, Alanya free time, and entertainment add up quickly if purchased separately.

The value is best for someone who wants variety. You get a city stop, a boat ride, swimming, food, scenic views, and a party in one day. You do not get long cultural visits, a small-group atmosphere, or much control over the pace.

Beer and wine improve the value only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On other days, treat the trip as a soft-drink-inclusive cruise. Personal expenses, photos, and videos cost extra, so you should not feel obliged to buy the photographer’s products.

The 4.4 rating from six verified bookings suggests a generally positive experience, but it is a small sample. The strongest praise centers on smooth pickup communication, tasty food, fun entertainment, good swimming stops, and solid value. The main caution is the crowded transfer vehicle, not the boat program itself.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to:

• Families wanting swimming and a children’s mini disco
• Couples who enjoy music, dancing, and a social atmosphere
• Groups looking for a full day out at a reasonable price
• People who want a short Alanya visit without arranging separate transport
• Visitors who like several short swims rather than one long beach stay

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet sailing day, a small boat, extended time in Alanya, or a serious cultural tour. The first deck helps, but the ship remains large and entertainment-led.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, which is useful for some visitors, although the provided details do not explain how easy it is to enter the water or move between every deck. If mobility access is important to you, confirm those points before paying.

If you are prone to seasickness, motion sickness tablets are available at the bar on request. You should still plan ahead, since the boat spends several hours at sea and the ride may feel different depending on conditions.

Should you book the Alanya pirate ship cruise?

Book it if you want a busy, good-value day with swimming, food, Alanya free time, and music. The mix is the real strength. You are unlikely to get bored, and the quieter first deck keeps the experience from becoming one long party.

Skip it if you want slow sightseeing or a peaceful boat ride. The transfer from Side can be long, the minibus may be crowded, and the Alanya stop is too short for a full city visit.

Before booking, check the weekday. Wednesday and Saturday include beer and wine, while other days include soft drinks only. With that detail clear, this is a practical choice for families, couples, and groups who want a lively coastal day without paying for several separate activities.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is seven hours, including transfers. The boat trip itself lasts about six hours, and the total timing can vary based on your hotel location and pickup route.

Where is pickup provided?

Pickup and drop-off are provided from hotels in Side. You should wait outside the main hotel entrance five minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Where does the boat depart?

The ship departs from the port at Türkler, after the transfer from Side.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is served on board after the free time in Alanya.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks are included throughout the trip. Beer and wine are included only on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

How much free time do I get in Alanya?

You get about one hour of free time in Alanya city center. You can use it for the harbor, the Red Tower area, shops, or a short walk.

Which caves does the boat pass?

The boat passes Pirates’ Cave, Phosphorus Cave, and Lover’s Cave. The caves are viewed from the boat.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Yes. The program includes a children’s mini disco and is described as suitable for all ages. It also includes swimming, adult contests, dancing, and a foam party.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. The available information does not specify access details for every deck or swimming area.