Antalya: Manavgat River Cruise With Waterfall & Bazaar

Taking a day out to explore the scenic beauty and lively culture around Antalya can be a real treat — or a bit of a gamble, depending on the tour you choose. The Manavgat River Cruise with Waterfall & Bazaar is one such experience that promises a mix of nature, local life, and a touch of adventure. While some travelers love the relaxing boat ride and vibrant market, others have raised concerns about the overall quality and organization.

We’ll break down what you can expect from this 9-hour adventure, highlighting the highlights and some pitfalls, so you can decide if it fits your travel style. If you’re after a laid-back day with some authentic Turkish sights and don’t mind a busy schedule, this tour could be worth considering. But if you’re looking for a top-tier experience or impeccable comfort, there are some caveats to keep in mind.

3 things we like about this tour are the opportunity to see the beautiful Manavgat Waterfall, the chance to walk through a local bazaar filled with traditional goods, and the scenic boat trip along the river. These elements make it a practical way to get a taste of both natural and cultural sights in one day.

However, a key consideration is that the tour has received mixed reviews, with some guests citing issues like outdated transportation, tight scheduling, and less-than-impressive waterfall views. It’s best suited for travelers who value a packed itinerary and are happy to overlook minor inconveniences for the experience of exploring a different part of Turkey.

Good To Know:

• Affordable price point at $51 per person for a full-day excursion
• Includes transportation, guide, and lunch, offering good value for a structured day
• Not a luxury experience — some aspects, like transport and timing, are quite basic
• Varied reviews highlight both enjoyable boat trips and disappointing logistical issues
• Perfect for travelers seeking local culture and natural sights without a high price tag
• Suitable for those comfortable with busy schedules and some level of unpredictability

You can check if your dates are available here:

What’s This Tour All About?

This tour is essentially a blend of nature, local markets, and a bit of leisure on the water. It kicks off with a hotel pickup in Antalya, followed by a roughly one-hour drive to the town of Manavgat. Once there, the day spins into several parts: a boat cruise, a visit to the Waterfalls, some free time at the bazaar, and a return trip with a few scenic stops along the way.

What sets this experience apart is the combination of natural beauty and local culture. The boat trip along the Manavgat River offers a relaxing way to see the countryside and some interesting sights like shipyards crafting traditional wooden boats. The highlight for many is the Manavgat Waterfalls, a short stop that’s quite charming, although some visitors find the waterfall smaller and less impressive than they might expect.

The tour wraps up with free time at the bustling Manavgat bazaar, where you can test your bargaining skills and browse Turkish textiles, crafts, and souvenirs. Finally, a brief visit to the waterfalls completes the day before heading back to your hotel in Antalya.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Transfer

The tour begins with a pickup from your Antalya hotel, with exact times depending on your location. The air-conditioned bus makes the roughly one-hour drive to Manavgat, setting the tone for a comfortable but straightforward journey.

Manavgat Town & River

Once in Manavgat, you’ll hop aboard a boat for a scenic cruise along the river. Expect to pass by local shipyards and, if you’re lucky, spot some river turtles basking on the banks. The boat ride lasts around three hours, offering plenty of time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the views.

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The River Meets the Sea

One of the tour’s interesting moments is witnessing where the river flows into the sea. It’s a natural transition point that’s quite picturesque. During the boat trip, you’re also encouraged to take a swim either in the river or the Mediterranean Sea — a refreshing break from the cruise.

Lunch Onboard

A lunch buffet is served on the boat, providing a break from sightseeing and a chance to refuel. While the menu details aren’t specified, the included meal generally offers simple, satisfying fare — a nice perk considering the overall cost.

Manavgat Waterfalls

After lunch, you’ll make a short stop at the famous waterfalls. Though the name suggests grandeur, some reviews note the waterfall is only about 3 meters high, and the overall impression can be underwhelming. Still, it’s a lovely spot for photos and a quick walk, especially if you enjoy natural scenery.

Free Time at the Bazaar

Post-waterfalls, the tour takes you to the local bazaar in Manavgat, where around 1.5 hours are allocated for shopping and exploring. Here, you’ll find everything from traditional Turkish textiles to handmade crafts. It’s a vibrant, bustling place that’s perfect for picking up souvenirs — but don’t forget to bargain.

Return Journey

The day concludes with a drive back to Antalya, passing through scenic areas that provide a relaxed end to the trip. Some travelers find the bus somewhat old and not always in the best shape, which can impact comfort during the return.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation and Comfort

The tour uses an air-conditioned bus for pickup and transfer, but reviews have pointed out that some vehicles are quite old with issues like broken sunroofs covered by cardboard. If you’re sensitive about vehicle comfort, this might be a minor concern, though most find the ride manageable.

Duration and Schedule

The full tour lasts about 9 hours, with specific start times depending on your hotel location. The timetable can be tight, with some reviews mentioning rushed visits, especially at the waterfall and bazaar.

Guides and Language

The tour is guided in English and German, with some reviews praising the guides for their knowledge. However, the level of organization and communication can vary — some guests report a lack of clear instructions or delays.

Cost and Value

At $51 per person, this tour offers a decent package including transport, guide, lunch, and multiple sightseeing stops. However, some feel the value diminishes due to the poor condition of transportation and tight timing, which leaves little room for leisurely exploration.

Additional Costs

Entrance fees to attractions are not included — about 10 cash payable on the day — and drinks or souvenirs are extra. The bazaar is a great place to find souvenirs, but bargaining skills will enhance your experience.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

One guest, Laura, was quite disappointed, criticizing the poor state of the boat and transport, and describing the waterfall as “at most 3 meters high,” which didn’t meet expectations. She also mentioned that the timing was too tight, leaving no room to enjoy the sights properly. Her advice? This tour isn’t recommended if you’re after a leisurely or high-quality experience.

Another reviewer, Munir, appreciated the boat trip, but pointed out issues like the bus’s old condition and a lack of clarity on the pickup process. He also highlighted extra costs imposed during the trip, such as the 10 per head fee for water and bazaar tickets, which was not initially clear. These insights suggest you should be prepared for some logistical hitches and possibly extra expenses.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want to see multiple sights in one day without spending a fortune. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with a busy schedule, don’t mind older transportation, and enjoy local markets and natural scenery. The tour’s value lies in the overall package — combining a relaxed boat ride, a quick waterfall visit, and vibrant bazaar exploration.

If you are looking for luxury, perfect organization, or high-end comfort, you might want to consider alternative options, as this tour’s reviews suggest it can be a bit rough around the edges.

The Sum Up

The Manavgat River Cruise with Waterfall & Bazaar offers an accessible introduction to the natural and cultural highlights of the Antalya region. For just over $50, you get a full day packed with scenic river views, a quick waterfall stop, and the chance to haggle at a lively market — all with included lunch and transport.

While the experience can be somewhat inconsistent, especially regarding transportation quality and timing, it still delivers an authentic taste of Turkey’s local life and natural beauty. It’s well-suited for travelers on a budget, eager to pack in multiple sights, and flexible enough to overlook some logistical imperfections.

If you’re after a straightforward, inexpensive way to explore Manavgat’s highlights and don’t mind a busy schedule or basic amenities, this tour might be just what you’re looking for. Just keep expectations realistic, especially around the condition of transportation and the waterfall’s size.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from hotels in Antalya, but exact times will depend on your location and should be confirmed post-booking.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat cruise lasts about 3 hours, giving you ample time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.

Can I swim during the trip?
Yes, there’s an opportunity to swim either in the river or at the sea at the boat’s mouth, which is a popular part of the experience.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transport, a guide, and onboard lunch. Entrance fees to attractions cost about 10 cash and are payable on the day.

Are drinks or souvenirs included?
No, drinks and souvenirs are extra. The bazaar is a good place to buy souvenirs, but bargaining is recommended.

Is the waterfall worth visiting?
Reviews are mixed — some say it’s a nice photo stop, but others find it small and underwhelming.

How’s the transportation?
Most guests find the bus comfortable but note that some vehicles are quite old and in need of maintenance, which can affect your comfort.

What language is the tour guided in?
Guides speak English and German, and most reviews praise their knowledge despite some organizational hiccups.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the activities are generally family-friendly, but keep in mind the tight schedule and bus comfort issues.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if your plans change.

In the end, the Manavgat River Cruise with Waterfall & Bazaar is a budget-friendly way to see some of Antalya’s natural and cultural highlights. If you’re prepared for some rough edges and a busy day, this tour could be a good choice. For those seeking a more polished experience, it may be worth exploring other options.

You can check if your dates are available here: