Side is a fantastic base for exploring Turkey’s varied landscapes and rich history, and it’s also a place where adventure and relaxation go hand in hand. Whether you’re into high-octane activities like rafting, ziplining, and quad biking, or prefer cultural trips to ancient sites and scenic boat cruises, Side offers it all. We particularly like the Jeep, Buggy, Rafting & Zipline Tour, which combines thrilling outdoor activities with a riverside lunch—perfect for those craving a full day of fun in nature.
If you’re seeking a more relaxed pace, a Dolphins Island Cruise offers dolphin watching and swimming in turquoise waters, ideal for families or water lovers. For a taste of local culture, a trip to Ormana Village & Altinbesik Cave reveals Turkey’s rural charm and underground wonders. Whatever your style, Side’s variety of tours guarantees memorable experiences for every traveler.
1. Side/Antalya: Jeep, Buggy, Rafting & Zipline Tour with lunch
At number 1, this adventure-packed day combines multiple outdoor activities, making it a hit for thrill-seekers. With over 25 years of rafting expertise guiding guests through Köprüü Canyon, the tour is both safe and exhilarating. You’ll raft 14 km, swim, zipline, and enjoy a riverside lunch—all within a 4.5 to 8-hour timeframe and for just $14 per person. The guides speak over 7 languages, ensuring everyone feels comfortable, while pro gear and safety briefings keep the experience smooth.
One reason this tour stands out is the variety—many guests love the mix of rafting, ziplining, and swimming. The highlight is the 50+ expert guides who make the adventure accessible and fun. A reviewer mentioned, “Water fights and bumpy roads made it unforgettable,” which sums up the playful, energetic vibe. Best suited for active travelers wanting a full day of outdoor fun with excellent value. The only potential downside is the physicality involved, so be prepared for some splashes and bumps.
Bottom line: Perfect for adventure lovers who want a comprehensive experience in nature, with top-notch guides and a hearty riverside lunch.
2. Side: Jeep Safari Adventure with Lunch at Green Lake
Number 2 on our list is the Jeep Safari Adventure with Lunch at Green Lake. This full-day trip explores the Taurus Mountains, combining off-road driving with visits to local villages and scenic stops. The tour begins with a pickup from Side or other nearby locations, then takes you through stunning landscapes, including Oymapinar Dam and Green Canyon.
The real charm here is experiencing village life and the traditional Turkish lunch in the mountains. The tour’s reviews highlight the friendly atmosphere and smooth logistics, with families particularly loving the experience. Johnny Cash as a guide kept everyone entertained, and children enjoyed the gentle exploration of local customs. It’s a great choice for those who want a mix of scenery, culture, and delicious food on an easy, well-organized day trip.
Bottom line: Ideal for families and travelers who prefer a relaxed yet scenic adventure with cultural insights and a mountain lunch.
3. Jeep Safari Adventure around Green Canyon
This Jeep Safari around Green Canyon is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive day in nature, with 7 hours of off-road exploration. Starting from Side, it visits Roman Aqueducts near Seleukia, the Green Lake, and Manavgat Waterfall, with a traditional Turkish Gözleme lunch included.
What makes this tour stand out is its rich combination of historical and natural attractions. Visitors rave about the well-organized itinerary and friendly guides, with reviews emphasizing the fun and safe off-roading. The stops at Green Canyon and Oymapinar Dam provide stunning photo ops. It’s especially popular with families and travelers who appreciate diversity—there’s history, scenery, and culture all in one day.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, family-friendly tour with fantastic views and cultural insights, perfect for a full-day escape.
4. Antalya Super Combo W/Rafting, Jeep Safari, Quad Biking & Zipline
Number 4 is the Super Combo, offering four exciting activities packed into 10 hours. From white-water rafting to ziplining and quad biking, this tour is designed for adrenaline junkies. It departs from Side or Lara Beach hotels, includes a hearty lunch, and provides photos and videos afterward.
Guests love its value for money—for only $50, you get a full day of diverse adventures. The guides are professional, ensuring safety while keeping the energy high. A reviewer noted, “Rafting scenery was stunning, and quad biking was muddy fun,” highlighting the variety of activities. The tour is best suited for active travelers looking for a comprehensive outdoor experience in one day.
Bottom line: For thrill lovers wanting multiple adventures with good organization and included photos, this is hard to beat.
5. Side: Dolphins Island Cruise with Swimming Stops and Lunch
For a relaxing day on the water, the Dolphins Island Cruise offers dolphin spotting, swimming, and a delicious onboard lunch. This 7-hour trip departs from the Manavgat River and sails along the Mediterranean, with chances to see turtles and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Many reviews praise the smooth organization and the chance to relax, swim, and enjoy the sea breeze. The foam party and wildlife sightings make it a lively yet laid-back outing. It’s best for families and water lovers who want a leisurely day with plenty of swimming opportunities and scenic views.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who prefer a gentle, scenic cruise with opportunities to swim and spot marine life.
6. City of Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour w/ Lunch & Drinks
Number 6 combines a full-day sailboat experience with swimming, a foam party, and a hearty lunch. The Dolphin Island Boat Tour is perfect if you want to combine water fun with socializing.
It’s well-suited for families or groups who enjoy dancing on the boat and soaking up the sun. The reviews mention the friendly crew and the beautiful turquoise waters, making it a relaxing yet lively outing. This tour isn’t about high adrenalin but offers good value for a fun, social day on the water.
Bottom line: Great for groups and families seeking a lively cruise with swimming and entertainment.
Number 7 is a charming horse riding experience that combines forest trails and beach rides. No experience is necessary, and the trip lasts about 1.5 hours, including round-trip transport from Side or Manavgat.
The highlight is the scenic trail through pine forests, followed by a relaxing ride on the beach. Reviewers mention the well-trained horses and friendly guides who make beginners feel comfortable. It’s suitable for all ages and those wanting a peaceful outdoor activity in a beautiful setting.
Bottom line: Perfect for families and animal lovers looking for a gentle, scenic ride with local guides.
8. From City of Side: Visit to Ormana Village & Altinbesik Cave
Number 8 offers a cultural and underground adventure with Ormana Village and Altinbesik Cave. The tour explores traditional houses and the country’s largest underground lake, including a boat ride under the cave’s ceiling.
Reviewers praise the authentic village experience and the impressive cave, with Abraham, the guide, making it informative and friendly. It’s a great choice for travelers interested in rural life and natural wonders, with the added bonus of a local lunch.
Bottom line: Ideal for culture and nature enthusiasts wanting an accessible underground cave experience with a touch of tradition.
9. From City of Side: Perge, Aspendos & Kuruşunlu Waterfall Trip
Number 9 is a full-day sightseeing tour that takes you through ancient ruins and scenic waterfalls—highlighting Aspendos Amphitheater and Perge. It also includes a refreshing stop at Kurşunlu Waterfall.
The tour is praised for its well-organized itinerary and knowledgeable guide Murat. Visitors enjoy the combination of archaeological exploration and natural beauty, making it suitable for history buffs and nature lovers alike. The inclusion of a traditional lunch adds to the value.
Bottom line: A balanced and informative trip, ideal for history and nature fans wanting a full-day culture.
10. Alanya & Side: Whitewater Rafting in Koprulu Canyon
Number 10 is an exciting whitewater rafting trip in Koprulu Canyon, covering 14 km of rapids. The tour offers spectacular views and the chance to develop rafting skills.
This tour is best for adventure travelers who want a half-day or full-day excursion with adrenaline and scenic river scenery. The reviews highlight the thrilling nature of the waters and the stunning canyon views. It’s suitable for those seeking outdoor challenge in a safe setting.
Bottom line: For water sports enthusiasts and active travelers, this provides a memorable rush with beautiful scenery.
11. Side Off-Road Quad / Buggy Safari Tour With Hotel Transfer
Number 11 is the Quad/Buggy Safari, a 3-hour ride through pine forests, rocky trails, and dusty paths. With expert guides and included hotel pickup, it’s a straightforward way to add some speed and dust to your day.
Perfect for thrill-seekers, it appeals especially to those who enjoy off-road driving in scenic terrain. Reviewers mention the powerful buggies and the fun stop for photos. It’s a quick, energetic trip suitable for most fitness levels.
Bottom line: An easy choice for off-road adventure fans wanting a fun, quick escape into nature.
12. 3 in 1 Whitewater Rafting, Buggy/Quad Ride and Zipline with Lunch
This 3-in-1 tour offers a full-day of outdoor fun. It combines white-water rafting over 14 km, off-road buggy or quad biking, and a zipline experience, with all activities scheduled smoothly and a delicious lunch included.
It’s perfect for travelers who want variety and don’t mind a busy day. The reviews highlight the diverse activities and the helpful guides who keep the fun going. It’s best suited for active, outdoor-loving groups or families looking for an all-in-one adventure.
Bottom line: For those who want maximum variety in one tour, this is a fantastic value and a day packed with thrill and scenery.
13. Alanya City, Cable Car & Sapadere Canyon Tour w/ Lunch
Finally, the Alanya & Sapadere Canyon tour combines a city visit, a cable car ride, and exploring caves and waterfalls. It’s a calm, scenic excursion perfect for relaxing day-trippers.
With an average rating of 5.0, it’s praised for the beautiful waterfalls, caves, and the peaceful canyon walk. The included lunch and small-group atmosphere make it a leisurely, culturally rich alternative to adrenaline days.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who prefer scenic beauty and cultural sights over high-energy activities.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting your perfect experience in Side, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. For high-energy adventures like rafting or quad biking, tours like the rafting & zipline combo are excellent, but do check if you’re comfortable with physical activity. Families with kids might prefer the more relaxed Dolphins Island Cruise or Horse Riding.
Budget-conscious travelers will find good value in tours like the Jeep Safari or Rafting, which offer full-day adventures at affordable prices. Book early, especially in peak season, to secure your spot on popular tours.
Final Thoughts
Side offers a wide array of tours that cover everything from adrenaline-pumping activities to peaceful scenic trips. For families, the Horse Riding or Dolphins Cruise are ideal options. For active travelers craving a full day of outdoor fun, the Super Combo or 3-in-1 Adventure are hard to beat. And if you’re after a more relaxed experience, the Alanya & Sapadere Canyon promises scenic beauty without the fuss.
No matter what you choose, booking ahead is wise to guarantee your place in these popular outings. With such a variety, you’re sure to find a memorable way to experience Side’s landscapes, history, and culture.