Quick answer
An honest guide to our fishing trip from Side: what a relaxed sea-fishing morning is really like, who it suits, and what to pack. Includes a fishing-day-versus-standard-sea-trip comparison, calm-water alternatives near Manavgat, and how to book online and pay on the day.
A fishing trip from Side is a relaxed morning at sea rather than a hard day's work. Our boat leaves the harbour early, drops anchor over quiet ground, and hands you a rod with all the tackle and bait supplied. You settle in, chat with the captain, and see what the Mediterranean brings. It suits families, beginners and anyone who wants a slower day on the water. Browse all our boat trips to compare.
What a relaxed fishing day actually looks like
We run these boats out of the Side area, and the fishing day is built around calm rather than competition. Guests are picked up from their hotel in the morning; the exact time is confirmed the day before and varies from hotel to hotel. From the harbour we head out, our captain finds a spot he likes, and the boat settles at anchor. From there it is unhurried: line in the water, sun on your back, and the coastline in view. Some stretches are busy with bites, others are quiet, and both are part of the day.
This is not a race to fill a bucket. It is a morning to slow down, learn a little, and enjoy being out on the sea without a fixed itinerary of stops. If you want a full day of sightseeing instead, that is a different kind of trip entirely.
Who it suits
Fishing days work best for people who like the idea of the sea more than a packed schedule. In our experience they suit:
- Complete beginners who have never held a rod. The captain sets up the tackle and shows you how to bait, drop the line and reel in.
- Families with children who enjoy a hands-on, patient activity rather than a busy tour.
- Couples and small groups wanting a quieter morning away from the crowds.
- Keen anglers who simply want a boat, a good spot and a calm sea.
If your group would rather swim, snorkel and see several bays, a standard sea trip is the better fit. We are happy to point you either way.
What we supply, and what to bring
The tackle side is handled for you. Rods, lines and fresh bait come aboard with the captain, so you do not need any equipment of your own. You are welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer it, but nothing is required. For the honest specifics of what is included on the day, check the live Side fishing tour page, as inclusions can be updated.
A sensible packing list
- A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. There is little shade at anchor.
- A light layer for the early start on the water.
- Your own snacks and cold drinks if you like. Refreshments are also sold on board.
- A camera or phone for your best catches and the coastline.
- Flat, non-slip shoes for moving around the deck.
Fishing day versus a standard sea trip
These are two different days out. A fishing trip is about staying in one good spot and slowing down; a standard sea trip is about moving between bays for swimming and views. Here is how they compare.
| Fishing day | Standard sea trip | |
|---|---|---|
| Main activity | Sea fishing at anchor | Cruising, swimming and swim stops |
| Pace | Slow and settled in one area | Moving between several bays |
| Best for | Calm mornings, beginners, families, keen anglers | Swimmers, groups wanting variety and scenery |
| Equipment | Rods, line and bait supplied on board | No gear needed; bring swimwear |
| Crowds | Quieter, small numbers | Livelier, more social |
| Example | Fishing trip from Side | Side pirate boat tour from EUR23 |
Not sure which day suits your group? Send us a quick message and we will steer you toward the right boat.
Fishing from other departure points
Side is not the only place we run a fishing day. If you are staying further along the coast, there is a relaxed Alanya fishing tour with the same easy-going idea: a small boat, gear supplied, and a quiet morning on the Mediterranean. You can also see everything leaving from your resort on the Alanya tours hub, and there are matching hubs for Side and Belek.
Prefer flat, calm water? Consider the river and reservoir days
Some guests ask us about a gentle "river cruise" near Manavgat. To be straight with you, we do not sell a separate scenic river-cruise product. What we do run are two calm-water days worth knowing about. The Manavgat market and boat day from Side combines a Manavgat river boat with the town's bazaar, from around EUR21. The Green Canyon boat tour cruises the Oymapinar reservoir on the Manavgat river, a still freshwater lake, from around EUR28.
These are the honest answer to "the calmest water near Side," and they pair well with a fishing morning if you want a mix over a few days. Guests from Belek and Alanya can join the market-and-boat day too, via the Belek Manavgat boat tour.
A word on catches and species
We keep this part honest. Fishing depends on the sea, the season and the day, so we do not promise a particular catch or a set list of species. Some mornings are busy, some are gentle, and the captain works hard to find good ground either way. What we can promise is a relaxed day, the right tackle, and someone beside you who knows these waters. For the fullest, most current detail on the day, the tour page is always the place to check.
How to book and pay
Booking is simple. Reserve your place online, and pay on the tour day rather than upfront. Once you are booked, we arrange your hotel transfer; pickup is in the morning, with the exact time confirmed the day before, as it varies from hotel to hotel. If you are weighing up options, our whole range of boat trips is a good place to start, and you can always ask us for a recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any fishing experience?
None at all. Beginners are very welcome, and the captain supplies the rods, line and bait and shows you how to bait the hook, drop the line and reel in. First-timers are looked after throughout.
Are catches guaranteed?
We do not guarantee catches. Fishing changes with the season, the weather and the day, so some mornings are busier than others. The captain chooses the ground carefully, but the sea has the final say. The relaxed day out is the constant.
Is the fishing trip suitable for children?
Yes, it is a patient, hands-on activity that many families enjoy. Bring sun protection, snacks and cold drinks for younger guests, and keep an eye on children when they are moving around the deck.
What should I bring?
A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a light layer for the early start, flat non-slip shoes, and a camera. You can bring your own snacks and cold drinks, and refreshments are also sold on board. Tackle is supplied, so you do not need to bring any.
How do transfers and payment work?
Your hotel transfer is arranged for you. Guests are picked up from their hotel in the morning; the exact time is confirmed the day before and varies from hotel to hotel. You book online and pay on the tour day.
Ready for a calm day on the water?
If a slow, easy morning at sea sounds like your kind of day, we would love to have you aboard. Reserve the Side fishing trip online and pay on the day, or explore the full line-up of boat trips to find the one that fits your group best.