Dolphin Island (Side): Secret Route Guided by Dolphins

The answer for those who are bored with the endless beaches of Side and ask "Is there a place not accessible by land, special only for sailors?": Dolphin Island (Yunus Adası).

As Limancepte.com, we always tell our guests renting boats via Side yacht charter and Manavgat departures about this route: "If you are lucky, dolphins will guide you before your captain."

Beyond being an island, this is a natural studio where fresh water and salt water fight, and dolphins dance. Here is what you need to know about this special stop of Side, accessible only by sea:

1. Why "Dolphin Island"? Are There Really Dolphins?

This is actually not a large piece of land, but a rocky islet off Manavgat and Side, near Karaburun. The name source is the intense dolphin population around it rather than the shape of the island.
Is There a Dolphin Guarantee? There is no guarantee in nature, but this is on the migration and feeding route of dolphin pods in the Mediterranean. Especially in the early morning or towards sunset, your chance of seeing dolphins racing with the boat's bow wave is 80% higher than other spots in Side.

2. Swimming Experience in Two Different Waters

The biggest event of the Dolphin Island route is the "Manavgat Strait" stop just before arriving at the island.
Ice and Fire: This is where the Manavgat River (ice-cold fresh water) pours into the Mediterranean (warm salt water). Your boat docks at the beach; you have fresh water on one side and salt water on the other. This hot-cold transition creates a shock effect and is a natural therapy accelerating blood circulation.

3. Only by Sea: No Land Access

Dolphin Island is a point in the open sea with no land connection.

• Transportation: Accessible by boats departing from Side Ancient Harbor or piers along the Manavgat River.
• Private Boat Difference: Daily large "Pirate Ships" stop here often. If you rent a private motor yacht or small gulet, your captain anchors you at the clearest point of the island at a time when there is no crowd.

4. Sea and Underwater

Side's shores are generally sandy, but Dolphin Island offshore is deeper and clearer. Due to its rocky structure, fish diversity is abundant. It is the best (and perhaps the only) coral/rocky-looking spot in Side for snorkeling.

Dolphin Island FAQ

• Can we go on the island and walk?
  No. It is not an island with settlements or beaches. It is more of a rocky formation. The boat anchors near the island, you swim. You cannot go ashore.
• Is there an entrance fee?
  The island is a natural area, there is no entrance fee. You only pay for the boat rental.
• Does it depart from Manavgat River?
  Most tours start from the Manavgat River, follow the stream to the sea, and steer to Dolphin Island. You get both a river and sea tour.
• Will children definitely see dolphins?
  No 100% guarantee. However, captains inform each other about the location of dolphins by radio, which greatly increases your chances.