Where the Manavgat River Meets the Sea: The First Swim
Before the boat ever reaches open sea, it stops where the river ends. It is the most unusual swim of the day, and the easiest one to enjoy.
Short answer
The first swim of the Side dolphin boat trip is at Boğaz, where the Manavgat river flows into the Mediterranean. The boat anchors, and within a few strokes you can move from cold fresh river water into the warm salty sea. It comes first for a simple reason: it is where the river journey ends and the sea begins.
Two waters, one swim
The Manavgat river crosses the coastal plain and pours into the Mediterranean, and at the mouth the two kinds of water lie side by side. On one side the river is cold and fresh; a few strokes further out the sea is warm and salty. Swimming from one into the other is the whole point of the stop.
Boğaz is the name the operator's record gives this stop. You do not need to find it on a map; the boat takes you there.
Why it comes first
The boat leaves at 10:00 and spends the opening part of the day on the calm river — described on the Manavgat river by boat. The mouth is simply where that river stretch runs out. Anchoring there gives everyone a first swim while the morning is still young, before lunch and before the boat heads into open water towards Dolphin Island.
It also makes a gentle introduction for anyone unsure about swimming from a boat: you get a feel for going in and coming back aboard before the long swim later on.
Getting the most out of it
- Go in slowly. The river side is noticeably colder than the sea side, and the surprise is half the fun if you are ready for it.
- Try both sides. Swim a little way and feel the water change from fresh to salt.
- Not swimming? The deck is a good seat for watching others discover the cold patch.
- Keep your towel close and your sun cream on; the stop is in full sun.
Nobody has to swim at any stop. See first boat trip, or an older guest if you are nervous about the water.
What comes next
Back on board, the BBQ lunch comes out on deck — chicken from the grill with rice or pasta, salad and bread — and then the boat turns out to sea for Dolphin Island. Anything to drink is bought separately at the onboard bar; what it sells is on lunch and drinks on board.
The river-mouth swim is part of the single day ticket: €21 for adults, €15 for children aged 2 to 10, transfer included. Reserve your places and pay in euros on the day.