The River-Mouth Swim on the Kids' Pirate Programme in Side
One part of the kids' pirate programme happens nowhere else on our two days: the ship leaves the dock, goes down the river and stops where the river runs into the sea.
Short answer
On the kids' pirate programme, the pirate ship sails at 10:00 from the Side departure dock and goes gently down the river to the river mouth, where cold fresh river water meets the warm salty sea. There the ship stops for a swim break. It is part of the €23 fare that every guest from 2 pays; under 2 ride free.
How the morning reaches the river mouth
The day opens with an air-conditioned ride from your hotel to the Side departure dock. At 10:00 the ship casts off and heads gently down the river. Rather than going straight out to sea, the ship stays on the river itself for the opening stretch, so the day begins gently.
The swim break comes where the Manavgat river mouth opens into the sea. After it, the day carries on with face painting, the treasure map, the tug-of-war, catching the pirate Ferhat, the kids' lunch and the foam party, before the transfer back to your hotel.
What makes this swim different
The appeal is the meeting of two waters. The river brings down cold fresh water; the sea is warm and salty. You can feel the difference in the water, which is what sets this stop apart from a swim out at sea.
We publish no water temperatures and no list of months. What makes the swim memorable is the contrast itself — cold river water against warm sea. Keep a towel within reach: a child coming out of the cold river water will want it straight away.
Who swims, and who watches
The day is themed for children, and parents are welcome to join the swim as well as the games. If your child is not a confident swimmer, stay in the water with them or keep them with you on board; nobody is obliged to go in. If your child usually swims with armbands or similar, bring them, and tell us before you book if there is anything we should know. The crew decides on the day.
What to pack for it
- Swimwear for everyone who might go in — worn under clothes saves time
- A towel each
- High-SPF sun cream and hats
- A dry change for the ride back to the hotel, since the foam party follows later
Drinks from the bar on board and extra snacks are not in the fare. The kids' lunch is.
If you want a sea swim instead
The other pirate-ship day, the pirate boat trip, cruises along the coast with swim stops in the sea rather than going down the river. An adult seat there is €20; a child aged 2 to 10 travels for €14. The swim stops guide compares the swimming on both days, and you can book the river day on the kids' pirate programme page.
