Try Turkey’s first tourist hovercraft for a 90‑minute ride that alternates between land and shallow water. Fast, family‑friendly, and offered with hotel pickup from Side and Manavgat.
Try Turkey’s first tourist hovercraft for a 90‑minute ride that alternates between land and shallow water. Fast, family‑friendly, and offered with hotel pickup from Side and Manavgat.
The hovercraft lifts up with a soft, mechanical sigh and then skims—first over reeds and mudflats, then across a glassy stretch of shallow water. Wind and spray press at your face; the shoreline blurs into groves of tamarisk and citrus. This is not a ferry or a speedboat: the hovercraft rides on a cushion of air, switching between land and water in a single, thrilling pulse.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Payless · Manavgat, Antalya
The hovercraft lifts up with a soft, mechanical sigh and then skims—first over reeds and mudflats, then across a glassy stretch of shallow water. Wind and spray press at your face; the shoreline blurs into groves of tamarisk and citrus. This is not a ferry or a speedboat: the hovercraft rides on a cushion of air, switching between land and water in a single, thrilling pulse.
The Manavgat area has long been a corridor where river, plain and Mediterranean meet. Geologically, the river has cut a shallow delta and scattered sandbars that make the shallow waters ideal for an amphibious craft. Culturally, the stretch between Side and Manavgat carries traces of Lycian and Roman trade routes, and modern local life—fishing boats, citrus groves, roadside cafés—still orbits the river’s edge.
Expect bursts of acceleration followed by quieter stretches for sightseeing; pilots provide safety briefings and basic gear before departure. The ride lasts about 90 minutes including transfers, with hotel pickup available from Side and Manavgat. It’s family-friendly (recommended ages 6+), but travelers with spine, heart, or pregnancy concerns should refrain.
Practical guidance: wear secure shoes and a windproof layer, bring sun protection and motion-sickness remedies if you’re prone, and arrive with ID for pickup. Morning and late-afternoon slots are best for softer light and calmer water; mid-day can be windy. Operators emphasize safety and offer insurance and instruction—listen to the crew and follow their directions.
This is an accessible, novel way to experience coastal Turkey: fast, sensory, and rooted in the local landscape rather than a scenic cruise.
moderate.
1.5 hours (90 minutes).
Moderate fitness: able to step on/off a craft, stand for portions of the ride, and follow safety instructions.
The operator recommends riders be at least 6 years old; children should be supervised and follow crew instructions.
Yes—hotel pickup and drop‑off from Side and Manavgat are included; you’ll select a pickup point when booking.
People with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with serious heart conditions should not take this activity; mild-to-moderate fitness is required.
The operator may cancel for bad weather; cancel at least 24 hours for a full refund per the booking policy.
The Manavgat river corridor supported ancient trade and agriculture; nearby Side was a prosperous Roman port, and traces of that maritime past remain in local place names and ruins.
Operators run short, low‑impact trips in shallow waters; keep to guidance about wildlife distances and avoid littering to protect riparian habitats.
Payless operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The hovercraft lifts up with a soft, mechanical sigh and then skims—first over reeds and mudflats, then across a glassy stretch of shallow water. Wind and spray press at your face; the shoreline blurs into groves of tamarisk and citrus. This is not a ferry or a speedboat: the hovercraft rides on a cushion of air, switching between land and water in a single, thrilling pulse.
The hovercraft lifts up with a soft, mechanical sigh and then skims—first over reeds and mudflats, then across a glassy stretch of shallow water. Wind and spray press at your face; the shoreline blurs into groves of tamarisk and citrus. This is not a ferry or a speedboat: the hovercraft rides on a cushion of air, switching between land and water in a single, thrilling pulse.
The Manavgat area has long been a corridor where river, plain and Mediterranean meet. Geologically, the river has cut a shallow delta and scattered sandbars that make the shallow waters ideal for an amphibious craft. Culturally, the stretch between Side and Manavgat carries traces of Lycian and Roman trade routes, and modern local life—fishing boats, citrus groves, roadside cafés—still orbits the river’s edge.
Expect bursts of acceleration followed by quieter stretches for sightseeing; pilots provide safety briefings and basic gear before departure. The ride lasts about 90 minutes including transfers, with hotel pickup available from Side and Manavgat. It’s family-friendly (recommended ages 6+), but travelers with spine, heart, or pregnancy concerns should refrain.
Practical guidance: wear secure shoes and a windproof layer, bring sun protection and motion-sickness remedies if you’re prone, and arrive with ID for pickup. Morning and late-afternoon slots are best for softer light and calmer water; mid-day can be windy. Operators emphasize safety and offer insurance and instruction—listen to the crew and follow their directions.
This is an accessible, novel way to experience coastal Turkey: fast, sensory, and rooted in the local landscape rather than a scenic cruise.