Side isn’t just about beaches and ruins; it’s a lively hub of activity and natural beauty, perfect for those who want more than just a day on the sand. Whether you crave thrill-seeking adventures or cultural explorations, Side offers a variety of tours that cater to diverse interests. We particularly enjoy tours like the Side/Antalya: Jeep, Buggy, Rafting & Zipline Tour with lunch for their adrenaline rush, and the City of Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour w/ Lunch & Drinks for a relaxing day on turquoise waters. These experiences show how Side combines outdoor fun with natural scenery, making it an ideal destination for adventure lovers and leisure seekers alike.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best tours in Side includes a mix of adventure activities, like rafting, buggy safaris, and ziplining, as well as cultural visits, such as cave explorations and city tours. For those looking for water-based fun, the Dolphin Island Boat Tour and Green Lake Boat Tour are perfect picks. For adrenaline junkies, the Side Combo Tour 3 in 1 Adventure offers three activities in one day. Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate the Altinbesik Cave & Ormana Tour and the Sapadere Canyon, Cave Visit & Alanya Tour, which combine natural wonders with local history.
1. Side/Antalya: Jeep, Buggy, Rafting & Zipline Tour with lunch
At number 1, this adventure-packed tour combines rafting, ziplining, buggy safaris, and a riverside lunch — perfect if you want a full day of outdoor fun. With over 25 years of rafting experience guiding in Köprülü Canyon, the tour guarantees safety and expertise. It’s rated 4.8/5 from nearly 980 reviews, reflecting its popularity. You’ll raft 14 km with professional guides who speak 7+ languages, then zipline over the canyon, swim, and enjoy a hearty riverside meal.
What sets this tour apart is its diversity of activities packed into one day, along with top-notch safety gear and friendly guides. It’s ideal for active travelers looking for adrenaline and natural scenery. The itinerary includes multiple rafting sections, ziplining, and a scenic lunch, making it an excellent value at just $14 per person for around 4.5 to 8 hours of fun.
Bottom Line: Great for adventure lovers who want a safe, well-organized outing filled with thrills, scenic views, and a delicious meal.
2. City of Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour w/ Lunch & Drinks
Number 2 on our list offers a more relaxed, water-based experience rated 4.3/5 from 570 reviews. This sailboat tour takes you to Dolphin Island, where you can swim in clear waters, enjoy a foam party, and dance onboard. The trip lasts about 9 hours, making it perfect for a full-day escape from busy sightseeing.
The highlight is the lively party atmosphere combined with swimming in the turquoise waters of the Turkish Riviera. The tour includes lunch and drinks, with plenty of time to relax and soak up the sun. It’s especially suitable for travelers wanting a fun, social experience on the water, with the added bonus of a scenic ride.
Best suited for: Those wanting to combine leisure with a lively, social setting. The cost is $15 per person, a reasonable price for a day on the sea.
Bottom Line: Perfect for groups or couples seeking a lively, all-day boat party with swimming, dancing, and great views.
3. City of Side: Altinbesik Cave & Ormana Tour w/ Boat & Lunch
Rated 4.6/5 from 213 reviews, this full-day tour dives into natural wonders and traditional villages. Starting with a visit to Turkey’s largest cave, Altinbesik, you’ll see an underground lake and natural bridges — a top natural attraction. The tour includes a boat ride on the subterranean lake, giving a unique perspective of the cave’s massive underground lake, which is the third largest in Europe.
You’ll also explore the mountain village of Ormana, full of authentic button houses and scenic mountain views. The tour provides lunch in Ormana, adding a taste of local cuisine. The guide shares insights about the cave’s geology and the village’s lifestyle, making it a well-rounded cultural and natural experience.
Best suited for: Travelers interested in nature and local culture, especially those eager to see impressive caves and traditional villages. The tour costs around $42 per person.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want an impactful natural and cultural experience in a full-day format.
4. Side Off-Road Quad / Buggy Safari Tour With Hotel Transfer
Rated 4.5/5 from 220 reviews, this 3-hour adventure is perfect for those wanting a high-energy, off-the-beaten-path experience. It includes powerful buggies through scenic pine forests, with stops for photos and natural relaxation. The tour’s highlight is its off-road driving over dusty, muddy, and rocky trails, giving a real sense of wilderness.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple. The guides are experienced, ensuring safety while maintaining a fun, lively atmosphere. It’s a shorter, more manageable option for those with limited time or looking for a fast-paced adventure.
Best suited for: Active travelers seeking off-road fun and scenic nature without a full-day commitment. Cost is $34 per person.
Bottom Line: A great choice for adrenaline fans wanting an easy, exciting way to explore Side’s countryside.
5. Alanya City: Cable Car & Sapadere Canyon Tour w/Lunch
Rated 5.0/5 from 46 reviews, this relaxing full-day tour takes you from Side to the Taurus Mountains, where you can walk through the Sapadere Canyon and explore Guceler Cave. The tour includes lunch and a one-hour stop in Alanya.
Highlights include walking along wooden pathways in the canyon, swimming beneath waterfalls, and enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. You’ll visit Alanya Castle, with panoramic views, and the Damlataş Cave. The tour’s small-group format makes it intimate and personal.
Best suited for: Nature lovers and those wanting a combination of mountain scenery and cultural sights. The tour is free, but check for details on included costs.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a peaceful, scenic day with some light activity and cultural sights.
6. Antalya/Side: Quad, Buggy, Rafting & Zipline Tour with Lunch
Rated 4.5/5 from 125 reviews, this 10-hour tour combines rafting, off-road driving, ziplining, and a delicious buffet lunch. Starting from Side, the tour features water activities and mountain adventures suitable for all ages.
Guests rave about the wild ride on the off-road trails and the rafting experience, with guides making sure everyone’s safe. The zipline adds an extra element of excitement. The tour is well-organized, and the transfer service makes logistics straightforward.
Best suited for: Active families or groups wanting a full day of diverse outdoor activities. Price is just $14 per person.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, value-packed adventure for thrill-seekers who want variety.
7. Alanya: Full-Day Cable Car & Boat Tour to Cleopatra Beach
Rated 4.5/5 from 95 reviews, this full-day tour combines mountain views, beach time, and maritime sights. Starting with a cable car ride to Alanya Castle, you’ll get sweeping views of the city and sea.
Later, a boat trip takes you to Cleopatra Beach for swimming and relaxation. The visit to the Damlataş Cave completes the experience. The tour includes lunch at a local restaurant, making it great for those who want a mix of scenic views and beach time.
Best suited for: Travelers who want a leisurely day with sightseeing and beach relaxation. The tour runs about 7-8 hours.
Bottom Line: Perfect for sunbathers and sightseeing enthusiasts alike.
8. City of Side: Antalya City Tour w/Boat Trip, Old Town & Waterfall
Rated 4.5/5 from 86 reviews, this 8-hour tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Antalya. Highlights include Kaleiçi’s historic streets, a cable car ride at Tünektepe, and Kursunlu Waterfalls.
You’ll visit the Old Town, explore the city’s landmarks, and enjoy a boat trip along the coast. The waterfalls provide great photo opportunities, and the guide offers insightful commentary throughout.
Best suited for: History and culture buffs who want a full day of sightseeing combined with scenic nature. Cost is approximately $29.03 per person.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a detailed introduction to Antalya’s highlights.
9. Jeep Safari Tour
Rated 4.5/5 from 61 reviews, this 8-hour jeep safari delivers a classic countryside experience. You’ll visit Oymapinar Dam, Green Canyon, and Manavgat Waterfall, with stops for photos and swimming.
The tour includes lunch and hotel transfers, making logistics simple. The adrenaline-fueled drive over dusty trails makes it popular among outdoor lovers. The boat trip to Green Lake is a highlight, providing a peaceful break in the action.
Best suited for: Those wanting a full-day outdoor adventure with a mixture of driving, sightseeing, and swimming. Cost is about $32.56 per person.
Bottom Line: A balanced mix of scenic drives, cultural sights, and water fun.
10. Side Combo Tour 3 in 1 Adventure Rafting Buggy And Zipline
Rated 5.0/5 from 14 reviews, this full-day adventure offers rafting, buggy riding, and ziplining. It’s perfect for those who want to maximize adrenaline in one day. The tour is $40 per person and lasts about 10 hours.
Participants rave about the variety, with beginners’ buggies, thrilling ziplines, and exciting rafting. Guides like Musab are praised for making the experience safe and memorable. It’s a high-energy, fun-packed option that appeals to family groups or adventurous couples.
Bottom Line: An all-in-one adrenaline fix with excellent reviews and a great value for a full day of excitement.
11. Side Altinbesik Cave And Ormana Village Tour With Boat Tour
Rated 4.5/5 from 55 reviews, this 6-7 hour tour explores underground lakes and mountain villages. It starts with a visit to the Altınbeşik Cave, featuring Europe’s third-largest underground lake, where you’ll take a boat ride inside the cave.
You’ll also visit the charming Ormana Village, full of local culture and scenic views. The guide explains the geology and culture, making it both educational and scenic. The tour includes lunch at a local restaurant.
Best suited for: Curious travelers keen on natural wonders and traditional village life. Cost is around $45.
Bottom Line: Great for those who love natural caves and culture.
12. Side: Sapadere Canyon, Cave Visit & Alanya Tour with Lunch
Rated 4.4/5 from 57 reviews, this 9-hour trip combines nature hikes and cultural sights. You’ll walk along the wooden pathways of Sapadere Canyon, enjoying views of waterfalls and lush scenery. The tour includes a visit to Güceler Cave and Alanya’s Red Tower and harbor.
The tour provides lunch and a scenic drive along the coast. It’s perfect for travelers who want a mix of outdoor activity, nature, and local history.
Best suited for: Active travelers interested in hiking, caves, and coastal scenery. Cost is around $41 per person.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventure-minded visitors who enjoy walking and exploring in a natural setting.
13. From Side/Alanya: Alanya City Tour w/Lunch, Boat & Cable Car
Rated 4.4/5 from 51 reviews, this 10-hour tour offers a comprehensive look at Alanya. You’ll visit Alanya Castle, take a boat cruise, and ride the cable car for breathtaking panoramic views. The tour also includes bargaining at the local bazaar and a lunch by the water.
The combination of maritime sights, mountain vistas, and shopping makes this a versatile day. The hotel pickup simplifies logistics.
Best suited for: Those wanting a full day of sightseeing with a mix of history, shopping, and scenic views. Duration is about 10 hours.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want a balanced day of culture, views, and relaxation.
14. Side: Green Lake Boat Tour, Swimming, and Oymapinar Dam
Rated 4.2/5 from 87 reviews, this 6-hour tour features a scenic boat ride on Green Lake, where swimming is optional. You’ll also visit the impressive Oymapinar Dam and, if time allows, stop at Manavgat Waterfall.
It’s a straightforward, relaxed day suited for those who want to enjoy water, nature, and engineering marvels in a half-day trip. The tour provides a good mix of scenic views and leisure.
Best suited for: Visitors seeking easy outdoor relaxation without a lot of walking. Prices vary, but it’s an accessible choice.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a light, scenic day with options to swim and explore.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Side
When selecting a tour, think about your interests and energy levels. For an adrenaline-filled day, the Side/Antalya: Jeep, Buggy, Rafting & Zipline offers a full package of outdoor thrills. If you prefer relaxing waterside days, the Dolphin Island Boat Tour or the Green Lake Boat Tour provide peaceful escapes with swimming opportunities.
For natural wonders and cultural insights, the Altinbesik Cave & Ormana Tour and Sapadere Canyon Tour are excellent choices. Budget and time are also key; shorter tours like the buggy safari are perfect for a quick thrill, while full-day excursions pack in more diverse experiences.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours, to secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment. Check for seasonal variations and whether tours include transport, meals, or entrance fees, to pick the best fit for your trip.
Final Thoughts
Side offers an impressive variety of tours that cater to both adventurers and leisure seekers. For an adrenaline rush, the Side/Antalya Jeep, Buggy, Rafting & Zipline is hard to beat. If relaxing on a boat and swimming in turquoise waters appeals more, options like the Dolphin Island Boat Tour or Green Lake Boat Tour are excellent.
Cultural and natural exploration fans should consider the Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Village or the Sapadere Canyon. No matter your taste, Side’s diverse lineup of tours guarantees a memorable experience, so plan ahead, book early, and enjoy your trip!