Is the Side Dolphin Boat Trip Worth €21? An Honest Answer
A fair value question deserves a fair answer, including the part where we tell some readers not to book.
Short answer
For €21 you get the hotel transfer both ways, a full boat day from 10:00 with three swim stops, a BBQ lunch on deck, the foam party, guiding on board and full-day travel insurance. Drinks and photos cost extra. It is worth it if you want a day on the water with the swims and lunch taken care of; it is not, if dolphins are the only reason you would go, because nobody can guarantee them.
What the fare pays for
- The round trip between your hotel and the boat, anywhere in the Side belt.
- The boat day: out at 10:00, back at the harbour around 16:30–17:00.
- Three swim stops — the Boğaz river mouth, Dolphin Island and a last dip.
- A BBQ lunch on deck — chicken from the grill, served with rice or pasta, a fresh salad and bread.
- The foam party with music, professional guiding and full-day travel insurance.
Children aged 2 to 10 pay €15; under 2 they travel free. Every line is on what is included.
What you may spend on top
Four things sit outside the fare: drinks from the bar on board, the optional all-inclusive drinks package, the optional professional photos, and your own spending and souvenirs. None is needed to enjoy the day. We have no prices on record for the drinks package or the photos, so we quote none; bring some euros in cash and decide once you are aboard. The extras guide covers each one.
Who comes back pleased
Guests who want a whole day at sea without organising anything. The hotel pickup, the route, the food and the stops are decided for you; your only job is to choose between deck and water. It suits families, friends travelling together and couples who do not mind sharing the boat, and anyone who likes a slow river start, a swim where fresh water meets salt, and a lively ride home.
It also suits people who dislike surprises at the till. The figure on the page is the figure you hand over, nobody collects it before the trip, and you can cancel for nothing until 48 hours ahead. If the weather or a sore throat changes your plans, you have lost nothing.
Who would be happier elsewhere
- Anyone for whom the trip only counts if a dolphin appears. They are wild; they may pass, they may not, and we never sell a sighting. Read will we see dolphins? first.
- Anyone hoping for a hands-on dolphin encounter. This is not that kind of day, and it never will be.
- Couples after a boat to themselves: this is a shared day sold per person.
- People who want a short outing. The boat is out from 10:00 until the afternoon, and the transfer adds to that.
- Anyone who cannot stand loud music. The foam party can be sat out, but it does happen.
