Side days compared
Dolphin Boat or Horse Safari in Side: By Boat or in the Saddle
One day takes you out on the Mediterranean; the other takes you along the land behind it on horseback. Both are gentle in their own way, and they suit different moods.
Short answer
Book the dolphin boat for a day on the water: a calm river cruise, a swim at the river mouth, BBQ lunch on deck, a long swim at Dolphin Island — where wild dolphins and turtles may pass, though nobody can promise them — and a foam party home. Book the horse safari for a guided ride through pine forest and countryside near Side. Water lovers pick the boat; animal and nature lovers may want both.
Sea or land
On the dolphin boat the sea is the setting from start to finish. The boat leaves at 10:00, cruises down the Manavgat river and out into open water, and is back at the harbour around 16:30–17:00. You swim, eat, watch the water and, on a lucky day, see a wild animal pass by.
A horse safari keeps you on land: a guided ride at a relaxed pace through forest and open countryside near Side. The pleasure is the horse, the path and the quiet.
Who each day suits
| Dolphin boat | Horse safari | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | River and open sea | Forest and countryside |
| Children | 2 to 10 pay €15; under 2 free | Its own site sets the age rules |
| Experience needed | None; swimming optional | Its own site explains what riders need |
| Animals | Wild dolphins and turtles, a chance, never promised | The horses you ride |
With children
Children are welcome on the dolphin boat, and the day is easy on them: no effort is required, the swims are optional and the foam party on the way home is the loud, cheerful part. Our family guide covers what a day at sea asks of small children and their parents.
Whether a child can ride, and on what terms, is for the horse safari team to say on their own page.
What to pack for the boat
For the dolphin day: a swimsuit and a towel, your sunglasses, sun cream with a high factor, and a little cash for drinks at the bar, which are not in the fare. Our packing list has the rest, including what to leave at the hotel. A horse ride asks for different clothes and shoes; check the sister site for its own advice.
Both in one week
The two days balance each other well: one on the water, one in the saddle. Keep a beach day between them if you can.
The horse safari is sold by our sister site sidehorsesafari.com, which lists its own price, times and what is included. The dolphin boat is €21 per adult with hotel pickup and lunch in the fare; book it here, settle in euros on the trip day, and drop out without charge until 48 hours ahead.
Side Dolphin Island Boat Trip: price, what is included, and booking