Most boat days from Side are social events. These two are not, though the reasons people choose them could hardly be more different.
Short answer
Relax is about doing nothing: a reserved sunbed, an open-buffet lunch, drinks included, no music. Fishing is about doing one thing: an early start, a maximum of twelve guests, the tackle supplied, and you are back by the early afternoon. Neither has a foam party.
How the two compare
Relax
Fishing
The point of the day
Rest, floating, sunbathing
Learning or enjoying fishing
Group feel
No crowding, by concept
Twelve guests at most
Food
Fresh open-buffet lunch
Simit and hot tea; bring anything else
Drinks
Soft and alcoholic, included
Cold drinks to buy on board
Swimming
Relaxed stops, sea permitting
None listed
Length
About 7 hours including transfers
About 6 hours door to door
Return
Later in the day
Between 12:30 and 13:00
Who ends up happiest on Relax
Couples and solo travellers are the guests this tour was designed for. If your favourite part of any holiday is the hour when nothing is required of you, a sunbed that is yours from boarding to return removes the only source of stress a boat day has. You cruise down to the river mouth, then on to waters near Dolphin Island and the Caretta bays, though the swims depend on the day's sea.
It is not a family bargain. Children pay the adult fare here, so look at the prices page before bringing them, and consider whether a day of quiet is what they actually want.
Who ends up happiest fishing
Nobody needs experience. The captain baits, shows you how to reel in, and handles what comes up. Beginners get as much help as they need, and if you own a favourite rod you may bring it. Past guests have pulled in red mullet, sea bass and sea bream, but those are possibilities and not a menu: the sea decides.
The early pickup is the price of the trip's best feature: your afternoon is your own. If you cannot face a morning start on holiday, this is the wrong boat.
Telling them apart in a sentence
If you want to be looked after, choose Relax.
If you want to be occupied, choose Fishing.
If your partner wants one and you want the other, Fishing gives you the afternoon together.
If neither appeals but the crowds worry you, read where the foam party happens and pick a boat knowing when it comes.
A note on the other river days
The Manavgat and bazaar tour's stretch on the river is described as calm, which can suit someone who dislikes open water, but the same boat also goes out to sea and has a foam party, so it is not a quiet day overall.
Questions
Before you ask us
Is there music on the Relax tour?+
No. Its concept is no music and no party.
Do I need to know how to fish?+
No. The captain helps beginners from the first cast.
Can I bring food on the Fishing trip?+
Yes, food and cold drinks from your own bag are fine on this trip.
The catalogue
Nine boat tours from Side
Same pickup, same way of paying, nine different days. Not sure? Start with which boat tour to choose.
The harbour classic
Side Boat Tour
A full day along the Side coast: live music, repeated swims and snorkelling, a meal on deck and foam to finish.
