Side-Turkey.

If you've ever wanted to drop a line into the warm Mediterranean and feel the tug of a real catch, our fishing boat excursions are built exactly for that moment. Departing from the harbours around Side and Manavgat, these trips put a rod in your hand, salt on your skin, and a friendly local skipper at the wheel who actually knows where the fish are.

What a Fishing Boat Excursion Really Looks Like Here

Forget the crowded sunbathing cruises. A genuine fishing trip on this stretch of coast is calmer, slower and far more rewarding. We motor out a short distance from shore to the reefs and drop-offs where bream, bass, mackerel and the occasional bonito gather. The water shifts from turquoise over the sandbanks to a deep ink-blue where the seabed falls away — and that's usually where the action begins.

Tackle, bait and rods are all provided and rigged for you. Total beginners get a quick, no-nonsense lesson on casting, feeling the bite and reeling in without snapping the line. Seasoned anglers are simply pointed to the productive spots and left to enjoy. Most boats anchor over two or three marks during the morning, so if one is quiet, we move.

The Catch-and-Cook Bonus

One thing visitors love: many of our skippers will clean and grill what you reel in, right on the boat or back at the jetty. There is no seafood fresher than a fish you hooked an hour earlier, served with bread, lemon and a sea view.

How to Get the Best Value on Fishing Excursions

People often search for cheap fishing trips, but the smarter question is how to get genuine value. The single biggest factor in what you pay is the chain of middlemen. Hotel desks, street agencies and online marketplaces all add their own commission on top of the boat's actual rate. When you book directly with us — the people who own and run the boats — that markup simply disappears.

Other things that affect cost are season (high summer is busier), group size (shared departures spread the cost, private charters cost more but give you the whole boat), and trip length. We offer a best-price guarantee: book direct and you will not find the same excursion cheaper through an agency. Travelling in the shoulder months of spring and autumn also stretches your money further, with calmer seas and fewer crowds as a bonus.

Who These Trips Suit

Fishing boat excursions are wonderfully flexible. Families with curious kids, couples wanting a peaceful half-day on the water, and groups of friends chasing a bigger catch all fit comfortably. Children love the hands-on reeling and the chance to spot turtles and dolphins. If anyone in your party is prone to seasickness, the sheltered coastal waters here are kind, and morning departures are the smoothest.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Approximately 4-6 hours
• Pick-up Time: Early morning (typically 06:30-08:00)
• Drop-off Time: Early afternoon
• Includes: Hotel transfer, rods, tackle and bait, skipper/guide, drinking water
• Excludes: Personal items, lunch upgrades, gratuities
• Family Friendly: Yes
• Recommended Age: 5 and up
• Best Season: April to October (peak May-September)
• Difficulty Level: Easy — suitable for all fitness levels

Related Excursions

• Boat trips & tours in Side
• Antalya sea excursions
• Alanya boat tours
• Kemer coastal trips
• Belek excursions
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel transfer included?

Yes. We arrange complimentary pick-up and drop-off from hotels in Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts. Just share your hotel name when booking.

Are fishing boat excursions suitable for children?

Absolutely. The trips are calm and hands-on, and our skippers help younger anglers reel in. Life jackets are on board for every child.

Can I pay on the day?

Yes, pay-on-the-day options are available for most departures. We confirm the arrangement with you when you book.

Should I book in advance?

We strongly recommend it, especially in summer. Boats have limited seats and popular morning slots fill quickly. Booking direct also locks in our best price.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Safety comes first. If the sea is too rough, we reschedule you to another day or arrange a full refund — no hassle.

Do I need a fishing licence or experience?

No licence and no experience are needed. Everything is covered under our operation, and the skipper teaches you on the spot.

Will I actually catch something?

Fishing is never guaranteed, but our skippers know the productive marks and move between spots to maximise your chances. Most guests go home with a story and often a catch.

What should I bring?

Sun cream, a hat, sunglasses, a light jacket for the morning breeze and a camera. We supply all the fishing gear.

Ready to cast off? Book your fishing boat excursion directly with the local Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. You'll get instant confirmation, friendly local know-how and our best-price guarantee — no agency, no commission, just the sea and the catch waiting for you.