Down the Emerald Manavgat River, a Swim Where the River Meets the Sea, Then the Grand Bazaar
The Experience
Check the day of the week before anything else. The Manavgat Grand Bazaar is held on Mondays and Thursdays only, and the bazaar is half of this trip: two full hours of textiles, spices, fresh produce and souvenirs. On any other day that market simply does not exist. The boat leaves the pier at 10:00, after a morning collection from your Side hotel; we confirm your exact time personally once you have booked. It works along the calm green Manavgat River with hills leaning in on both sides, as far as the swim stop at the river mouth that locals call the Bosphorus. Icy fresh water on one side of you, warm salt water on the other, sometimes a couple of strokes apart. That is the part people remember. Lunch is cooked and served on deck, and later, out on open sea, the deck turns into a foam party. Ten hours in total, €21 for adults and €15 for children, the cheapest full day on our list, which is worth holding in mind when you compare offers. Drinks are the one real extra: none are included and the bar is on board. The waterfall is optional too. Our guide will point you towards it during your bazaar time, but the transfer there and the national park ticket are paid on the spot. Bring small lira notes, dress modestly for the market, and expect to haggle. We take no prepayment.
Highlights
- Two full hours to shop the huge Manavgat Grand Bazaar
- Fun foam party out on the open sea for all ages
- Freshly cooked lunch served onboard as you sail
- Swim where the icy river meets the warm Mediterranean at the delta
- Scenic cruise along the calm, green Manavgat River, away from the crowded resorts
What's Included
- ✓Friendly, experienced local guide throughout the day
- ✓Lively onboard foam party for the whole family
- ✓Freshly prepared lunch served onboard
- ✓Fully guided river and open-sea boat cruise
- ✓Round-trip air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off
Not Included
- ✕Photos and videos from independent onboard photographers
- ✕Personal spending and purchases at the Grand Bazaar
- ✕Optional Manavgat Waterfall transfer and national park entrance fee
- ✕All drinks (available to buy from the onboard bar)
Good to Know
- ℹPickup from Side hotels is usually between 08:30 and 09:30 in summer
- ℹThe river is calm, ideal if you prefer to avoid rough open sea
- ℹDress modestly for the bazaar (covered shoulders is the local norm)
- ℹBring small Turkish lira notes; friendly bargaining is part of the fun
- ℹThe Manavgat Grand Bazaar is only held on Mondays and Thursdays
Where You'll Be
Everything on this page starts from Side. Hotel pickup across the resort area is arranged after you book, and the exact time is confirmed with you personally rather than printed here.
◆ SIDE · 36.77°N 31.39°E · ANTALYA RIVIERA
Tours in SideQuestions & Answers
What does the day include?+
A relaxed cruise along the Manavgat River with a swim stop at the delta, a freshly cooked lunch onboard, a foam party at sea, and two hours of free time to explore the Manavgat Grand Bazaar, plus round-trip hotel transfers.
How long does the tour last?+
It's a full-day outing of roughly ten hours, from your early hotel pickup to the boat leaving at 10:00, through the cruise and lunch, and on to your bazaar time before the drop-off.
Is it good for families with children?+
Absolutely. The river stays calm and scenic, the foam party is a hit with kids, and the market is a colourful, hands-on cultural stop everyone enjoys.
Can I visit the Manavgat Waterfall too?+
Yes, during your free time at the bazaar our guide can help arrange a quick trip to the famous waterfall. The transfer there and the national park entrance fee aren't in the tour price and are paid on the day.
How do I book?+
Just reserve online here or message our team directly, and we'll confirm your spot and pickup details.
Guest Reviews
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