Top 8 nature & wildlife things to do in Side

1. Aquarium and Fun Park tour in Side with hotel pickup

Six hours of private transport — explore the aquarium, Wild Park, Wax Museum, Snow World, plus a 4D ride, all-inclusive entry fees and hotel pickup.

“I want to extend my gratitude to the VIP transport driver for their punctuality and professionalism; the communication was excellent throughout. I would definitely book this service again.”— Malgorzata_Z

2. Perge, Aspendos and Kursunlu Waterfall tour from Side

Full-day guided tour from Side — explore ancient ruins at Perge and Aspendos, then relax at Kursunlu Waterfall.

“This tour is perfect for those with a moderate curiosity about ancient history, providing a great opportunity to dip your toes in. For true history enthusiasts, each location warrants as much time as possible. Fatima, our guide, is exceptional; she not only provides information but also shares her passion for Turkey and inspires you to delve deeper.”— 837katyah

3. Horse Riding in Manavgat Side Forest and Beach

This one-hour horseback riding activity in Manavgat, Turkey is much more than an activity. It is an unforgettable adventure that combines the excitement of horseback riding with the unique beauty of Turkey's natural landscapes. Whether you want to explore the dense forests or enjoy the sweeping views of the beach, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

4. Jeep safari and boat tour in Green Canyon

Full-day Jeep safari through the Taurus Mountains with a scenic boat tour on Green Canyon.

“This was an excellent experience—adventurous and enjoyable. The staff were highly motivated and very friendly. I highly recommend it to everyone.”— AlyT121

5. Jeep safari and boat trip at Green Canyon in Side

A full-day adventure by Jeep, including a boat trip on Green Lake, swimming, and a visit to Manavgat Waterfall with local food tasting.

“We had an amazing experience on the Jeep safari in the Taurus Mountains. From the well-organized hotel pick-up in Side to the professional and friendly team focused on our safety, we felt completely comfortable throughout the day. The drive was breathtaking, with a perfect blend of off-road excitement, stunning scenic routes, and relaxing photo stops in quaint villages. The area around the Green Gorge and Green Lake was particularly beautiful, with its clear emerald water and fresh mountain air. A highlight was the boat trip on the lake, which was wonderful. Although no one chose to swim due to the chilly water, it didn't detract from our enjoyment. The lunch by the water was delightful, served in a serene setting that left everyone satisfied. The guides did an excellent job in both German and English, taking great care of us and showing their dedication. The tour also offers exceptional value, providing a lot for the price. Overall, this tour stands out from other jeep safaris due to the fantastic route and exceptional service, making it an unforgettable experience. We highly recommend it to those looking for small adventures, stunning nature, and memorable moments. We would eagerly do this again.”— F2620EKronaldk

6. Pamukkale and Hierapolis day tour from Side

Full-day, small-group tour by van — Pamukkale's hot springs, ancient ruins of Hierapolis, and lunch included.

“My experience with this tour operator was extremely frustrating. I booked a tour for April 27th with a scheduled pick-up at 4 am on April 28th. Unbeknownst to me, they sent a message via TripAdvisor later that day changing the pick-up to 3:15 am. Since it was my birthday and I was out celebrating, I didn’t see this message. On the 28th, a driver arrived at 3 am. The front desk at my villa notified us about the early pick-up, and we rushed to meet the driver but arrived at 3:25 am, only to find that we had already been left behind. We reached out to the tour operator, but they refused to send the driver back or issue a refund. TripAdvisor also denied my refund request, referencing the operator's message. The whole situation felt unjust, as they must have known I wasn’t aware of the change. This left us bewildered and disappointed. I strongly recommend looking for other tour operators, as this experience was severely marred by their poor communication and lack of accountability. I would rate this experience just one star, which still feels too generous.”— ninaballen

7. Quad and buggy safari in Side

Two hours of off-road driving through rugged terrain, pine forests, and wet tracks — guided adventure in Side's natural landscapes.

“We wanted to avoid the hassle of dealing with vendors in the village for a buggy safari in Turkey, so I sought an alternative online and found Besem Travel & Bookfromlocals. After reaching out via WhatsApp, I quickly received a clear and fair offer. The price was acceptable to us and ultimately a great deal compared to what other tourists had spent. Everything was organized perfectly: we were picked up at our hotel on time, and the whole excursion proceeded smoothly and professionally. The return service was also well managed. Overall, this was a stress-free experience from beginning to end, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a well-organized tour without complications. Exceptionally arranged.”— jihoekstra

8. Lion Safari and Green Canyon boat tour with lunch in Manavgat

Full-day tour featuring a lion safari, water fights, Green Canyon boat ride, and Turkish lunch among scenic views.

“The lion zoo portion of the tour is horrifying and should be condemned. The adult lions appear extremely underfed, while the baby lions seem drugged due to their extreme lethargy. The enclosures consist of cold concrete and large stones, leaving many animals unable to walk properly. I urge everyone to avoid this zoo so that it may eventually shut down. I'm even working on a petition for its closure.”— carolinecB7958HO