Side Birdwatching Tour: Discover Turkey's Unique Birds

Side • Turkey
4.9 (15 Reviews)

Overview

Explore Turkey’s incredible bird diversity in Side and Akseki, where coastal wetlands meet mountain forests. Join expert-led tours during peak migration seasons to see flamingos, raptors, and endemic species.

Select Tour Date & Participants

Prices may vary periodically

Select Ticket Type Select the number of participants for each ticket type

Observer 2p

18 >

+ Observer

13 >
Add-ons / Extras Optional add-ons for your booking
From Belek / Antalya
€ 120.0 Max: 1
+ Fish owls
€ 70.0 Max: 1
From Alanya
€ 110.0 Max: 1
Select a date Choose your preferred tour date

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About this activity

Everything you need to know at a glance

Duration 12 Hours
Language English
Departure Location Side

When & Where

Event days
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Departure Location
Side

Features & benefits

Booking Confirmation: — Immediate Approval.
Voucher Type: — Both Printed and Mobile Accepted.
Online Booking: — Quick, Easy, and Secure.
Cancellation policy: — Flexible
Experience: — No experience required
Tour ID: 32

Highlights

  • Key Birdwatching Areas — Side and Akseki
  • Rich Birdlife — diverse habitats
  • Major Migration Route — Europe–Asia
  • Best Seasons — spring and autumn
  • Raptors and Local Species — eagles and owls
  • Expert-Guided Tours — local knowledge

Full Description

Bird Watching Tour in Side, Akseki, and Surrounding Areas

Discover Turkey’s remarkable bird diversity on a bird watching tour across Side, Akseki, and nearby regions — where coastal wetlands, mountain forests, and major migration corridors intersect. Positioned between Europe and Asia, Turkey hosts more than 502 recorded bird species — with 436 regularly observed — offering a variety that surpasses most European destinations.

Why Turkey Is One of the Best Birdwatching Destinations

Turkey sits on one of the world’s most important bird migration routes — millions of birds cross the Bosphorus, the Dardanelles, and southern Anatolia every year. The Antalya region — including Side and Akseki — is especially rewarding due to its diverse habitats and seasonal movement.

Peak Bird Migration Seasons

Spring migration — March to June
Autumn migration — late August to October

These periods bring together resident and migratory species — making each birdwatching experience unique.

Birdwatching Highlights Across Turkey

From coastal lagoons to high mountain ecosystems — Turkey offers a wide range of birding environments.

Notable Species and Key Locations

Flamingos at Lake Tuz — vast salt flats with impressive flocks
Soaring storks and raptors in Cappadocia — iconic migration scenery
Major bottlenecks such as Artvin, Hatay, and the Bosphorus — intense migration activity
Rare and endemic species in Side, Akseki, and the Antalya hinterland — local biodiversity at its best

Bird Watching in Side and Akseki

Side’s wetlands attract waders, herons, and colorful bee-eaters — while Akseki’s mountainous forests are known for raptors, owls, and woodland species. This contrast allows birdwatchers to experience multiple ecosystems within a short distance — a rare advantage in birding destinations.

Typical Sightings

Bee-eaters and rollers — vivid colors and active flight
Imperial eagles and short-toed snake eagles — powerful raptors
Owls and forest birds in high-altitude pine zones — quiet and rewarding observations

Expert-Led Bird Watching Tours

Our guided birdwatching tours are designed for beginners and experienced birders alike — combining education, observation, and exploration. Local expert guides lead you to prime locations — explain species behavior — and assist with visual and acoustic identification.

What You Can Expect

Season-based location planning — optimized sightings
Small group structure — focused observation
Insight into habitats, migration patterns, and conservation — deeper understanding

Whether you are searching for a bird watching near me experience during your stay or planning a dedicated nature-focused journey — these tours offer an immersive encounter with Turkey’s avian richness.

Discover Brown Fish Owls Near Manavgat

Explore Europe’s rarest owl with expert guides. Learn more and book at: https://vigotours.com/side-turkey/brown-fish-owls-at-oymapinar-lake-near-manavgat

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior birdwatching experience?

No — tours are suitable for both beginners and experienced birders — guidance is adapted to the group level.

What is the best time of year for birdwatching in Turkey?

Spring — March to June — and autumn — late August to October — are the most productive seasons due to migration.

Which areas are covered during the tour?

Tours focus on Side, Akseki, and surrounding habitats — locations are selected according to seasonal bird activity.

What species can I expect to see?

Sightings vary by season — but may include bee-eaters, raptors, storks, owls, and regional endemic species.

Is birdwatching suitable for nature photography?

Yes — the diversity of species and landscapes makes the region ideal for bird and wildlife photography.

Turkey is not just a birdwatching destination — it is a living migration crossroads where nature is constantly in motion.

What's included

  • Pick up from hotels - drop off at hotels (in and around Side only)
  • Birdwatching guidance
  • Transport service
  • Price is per person (minimum 2 people required)

What's not included

  • Birdwatching equipments
  • Food - Drinks

Meeting Point

Pick-up and drop-off are provided at the main security entrance of the hotels.

Pick Up Place

Pick-up and drop-off are available from all hotels in the Side region, covering areas within 15 km west and east of Side. For locations beyond this range, an extra transfer can be arranged, or participants can come to Side on their own.

Departure zone

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Side

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Know Before You Go

Full-Day Birdwatching Tour from Side, Turkey

Join a full-day birdwatching adventure in the stunning landscapes of Side, Turkey, perfect for bird enthusiasts of all levels. This tour requires a minimum of 2 participants, but solo birdwatchers are welcome to join by covering the cost for two.

Special Evening Experience:
Enhance your birdwatching journey with an exclusive opportunity to observe the elusive Fish Owls under lantern light at 21:00 on the same day (available at an additional fee).

Book your birdwatching tour today and explore the fascinating avian diversity of Side and its surroundings!

Additional information

Birdwatching Tour from Side, Turkey

Experience the diverse avian life of Turkey on this specially designed birdwatching tour starting from Side. The tour begins at sunrise, taking advantage of the first light of day when many bird species are most active. Depending on the target species of interest, the journey continues throughout the day and wraps up at sunset, offering a full day of exploration and discovery.

Observation points vary widely in altitude, starting at sea level and ascending to heights of 1800 meters, providing a range of habitats, from coastal zones to mountainous landscapes. This diversity ensures an opportunity to observe a broad spectrum of bird species in their natural environments.

Whether you're spotting coastal seabirds or high-altitude raptors, this tour offers a unique and immersive birdwatching experience for enthusiasts of all levels.

How Do We Conduct Our Bird Watching Tour?

If there are specific target species and it is a general bird watching tour, we start by scanning coastal areas according to the season. This process typically takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on the season and circumstances. Afterward, we head toward the mountains.

Our first stop focuses on species found at an altitude of 1200 meters. From there, we ascend to 1500, 1800, and up to 1900 meters, depending on the situation. If an evening observation of the Fish Owl is planned, we wait until darkness falls at a suitable spot in the mountains.

We then proceed on a different route, approximately 25 kilometers away, to search for the Fish Owl using torchlight. On the way back, if time permits, we also try to observe Scops Owls and Tawny Owls.

Period & Price

02 January 2026 – 22 December 2026

Price

Side
Observer 2p 18 > € 125.0
+ Observer 13 > € 50.0

Add-ons / Extras

  • From Belek / Antalya € 120.0
  • + Fish owls € 70.0
  • From Alanya € 110.0

Customer Reviews 15

Reviews from our guests

15 Overall Rating

(4.9)

Total: 15 Reviews

Rating Breakdown

5
15
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Detailed Ratings

Service
(5.0)
Organization
(4.9)
Price
(5.0)
Security
(4.8)
A
(5.0)
Supertour for superbirds
Many thanks to Mehmet for the super tour! When I sent the wishlist of birds I wanted to see, I hoped for 5-7 new birds. But Mehmet found them ALL! All 18 species of passerines I wanted to see. I have 18 lifers!! Thank you very much!!
J
(5.0)
Great Birding Day
We had a great birding day on the way to Akseki and in the mountains behind. We found all of our target species with good views. Our guide was very flexible to our needs and knows the best places for all species. Communication for the preparation of the tour details in advance per WhatsApp was fast and clear. And the realization fits exactly to the planing. A must if you stay in the Antalya area.
K
(5.0)
Very interesting
D
(5.0)
Birding Taurus Mountains
We had a fantastic day with Vigo Tours, Mehmet taking very good care of us, showing spectacular landscapes and many good birds! Highligts were Krüper's Nuthatch, Rock Nuthatch, White-backed Woodpecker, Snowfinch, Red-fronted Serin, Finsch's Wheatear, and - of course - Brown Fish-Owl! :) Taking the arrangement, e.g. 4-wheel-drive and full day (and night, if necesssary) birding commitment, the price is reasonable and fair. Using Vigo Tours for birding the Taurus Mountains (and the coast below, and even other parts of Turkey, I beleive) should be highly recommended!
BM
• Leicester , United Kingdom
(5.0)
Fantastic Birding Tour with an Expert Guide
Hi Just a quick review of our bird tour on Wednesday.  Overall it was a great tour with great birds, difficult to fault it. Mehmet was an excellent guide with good knowledge.  He picked up the birds quickly and identification was spot on. A good selection of birds were seen, obviously some were not seen. Perhaps we were a week early but this could happen anytime. There are always some you miss but these were outweighed by what we saw. Downside was that we called an end to the tour before we saw the Fish Owl though Mehmet gave it a good try. It was a very long day for us starting at 6.00 so by midnight we were worn out!  Perhaps we should have kept the owl tour for another night to spead it out but because of us staying in Antalya it would have cost more due to travelling.  That was our decision, Mehmet was keen to carry on.  So a great day with a great guide and would recommend Vigo Tours and Mehmet in particular to others. Maybe we will return.  Cheers  Brian 
Reply from Vigo Tours: Thank you very much for your review!
Dear Brian, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled that you enjoyed the tour and Mehmet’s guiding. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again for another birding adventure! Best regards, Vigo Tours
P
(5.0)
This birdwatching tour was at exceptionally high lehel.
O
(5.0)
Det var en fin tur på alle måter mye fantastisk natur og fugl. Er det noen fugler fra turen jeg lurer på kan jeg sende bilde? Ole Werner larsen
E
(4.8)
One day bird photography
I was with my family close to Side now in May and I took one day to photograph the birds in the region with Vigo Tours. It was amazing… Mehmet could show me most of the birds in my interest list always looking for the best chance for me photographing them. I can only recommend the Birdwatching (or photography) guide from Vigo Tours.
S
(4.5)
Great day, super nature and birding.
Only one request, no intensive phone calls while driving (in the late evening through the mountains).
Reply from Vigo Tours: Thank you very much for your review!
Thank you very much for your review! We are glad that you enjoyed the bird watching tour with us. Phone calls made by the guide at midnight were made with the Regional Director of Forestry and Nature Conservation due to a moderate problem experienced. The guide said he explained it to you. Best regards, Vigo Tours
S
(5.0)
We understand that the time of year reduces the number of rarer species to be found. With that in mind we still had a very enjoyable trip and our guide Mehmet went out of his way to ensure our day was varied between shore and mountains.

Questions Recently Asked 17

Frequently asked questions about this tour

Thank you for your message.

We can organize a 1- or 2-day private guided birdwatching tour based on your travel schedule.

Since you will be arriving in Belek on 18 December and departing on 20 December, the tour can be arranged on 18 or 19 December, depending on your preference.

The itinerary may include different birding areas in the region and will be planned according to seasonal bird activity and your available time.

The total cost depends on the number of tour days (1 or 2 days) and the final program. Once you confirm your preferred duration, we will be happy to provide a detailed itinerary and exact price.

Please let us know whether you prefer a 1-day or 2-day tour, and confirm your hotel in Belek.

Kind regards,

Vigo Tours

Customer Support Team

Dear Jolene,

Thank you for reaching out to us.

I wanted to clarify that we are located in Side, which is 65 km away from Antalya airport.
Which holiday resort will you be staying at in Antalya?

I also wanted to mention that we do not offer a half-day bird watching tour.
Our bird watching tours are private and require a minimum of 2 people.

It is possible to see the Hoopee in the nature of Antalya at the end of September.

Best regards,

Vigo Tours

Hello, thank you for contacting us. Our guide Mehmet is available on Friday, 28th and Saturday, 29th. Unfortunately, this time of year there are no interesting birds at the shores, and it is very hot, so we suggest skipping that part. Instead, we can start with the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Krüper's Nuthatch at the mountain (approximately 1000 meters), and continue upwards to see the Olive-tree Warbler, White-throated Robin, Crimson-winged Finch, Finch's Wheatear, and Red-fronted Serin (around 1800 meters). Please let us know if you are targeting any specific bird species in addition to the ones mentioned above. Your hotel is okay for pick up and drop off. Kind regards, Vigo Tours.

Hello, thank you for reaching out to us regarding the bird watching tour. We would be happy to organize this tour for you on the dates you have specified. The tour is divided into half a day on the coast and half a day in the mountainous areas. Bird observation on the coast does not require much off-road walking and can even be done from the vehicle. However, in the mountainous areas, the rough mountain road (approximately 20 km round trip) may cause discomfort for pregnant individuals due to shaking and bouncing of the vehicle. The tour departs from Side at sunrise in the morning, so you would need to stay in a hotel in Side. However, we can offer an additional transfer service from Antalya at a cost of 110€ per vehicle for pick-up and drop-off. Please note that the tour requires a minimum of 2 people. Best regards, Vigo Tours.

Hei, Tusen takk for at du kontaktet oss angående fugletittingstur. Våre fugletittingsturer er laget privat. Vi kan organisere en heldags fugletittingstur for deg under ferien i Alanya. Og hvis du ønsker det, kan vi også gjøre observasjon av brun fisk Ugle på slutten av dagen, med lys om natten. Vår guide er tilgjengelig under feriedatoer. Du kan bestille online ved å besøke nettsiden vår for fugletitting. Henting og avlevering fra Alanya er mulig, men mot en ekstra kostnad. Med vennlig hilsen Vigo Tours
Hello, thank you very much for contacting us about the bird watching tour from Side. Sueno Hotel in Side is available for pickup and drop-off and is included in this price, but for Sueno Hotel in Belek, pickup and drop-off is extra. Full-day bird watching tour and fish owl in Oymapinar lake can both be done on the same day, but in 2021 we did all our fish owl tours not in Oymapinar lake, but to 1 pair of fish owls on a stream near Akseki. This is because 2 pairs of fish owls in Oymapinar Lake became fully nocturnal during the pandemic and are no longer visible in the morning. In addition, there are no boats suitable for night boat tours on the lake. Also Night boat tours are prohibited on the lake. However, you can consider making a reservation after the new year. We are constantly following the 2 pairs of fish owls in the lake and if they start to appear in the morning like before, we can consider a boat trip on the lake. Best regards, Vigo Tours
Hello, Thank you very much for contacting us about the bird watching tour from Side. On Thursday, September 29, bird watching guide is available. Please make an online reservation on our website. Pick up time from Arcanus Resort Hotel is 06:30. Early booking is important. Best regards, Vigo Tours
Hi, Thank you for contacting us. During the summer We do birdwatching tours only in the mountain parts near Akseki town. The best times of the year are March and April in coastal areas, the mountain parts from May 15th. and coastal areas again during Autumn migration. Best regards, Vigo Tours
Hello, Thank you very much for contacting us about a bird watching tour from Side in October. Many bird species (such as olive tree warbler and white throated Robin) have finished their migration in October, but we still organize bird watching tours for resident birds if there is a demand for a tour. We start from the coastal areas and go up to 1800 meters. Although the migration period is not as productive as before and after breeding, it is possible to observe many bird species in October. If you write down your target bird species, we will get back to you immediately. Best Regards, Vigo Tours
Hello, Thank you very much for contacting us about bird watching tour. We would be very happy to provide you with bird watching tour services. Our bird watching guide, who has a busy schedule, will probably be available on August 11. Please let us know if this date is suitable for you. Best regards, Vigo Tours
Hello, thank you very much for contacting us about bird watching tour in Alanya. Unfortunately, the shore parts in July are not suitable for bird watching, as the coastal areas are very hot. It is necessary to go to high mountain areas for birdwatching in July. Best regards, Vigo Tours
Hello, Thank you very much for contacting us. We may have bird watching services not only in Side but also in other parts of Turkey depending on your target birds. Please write us your target bird species. Best regards, Vigo Tours
Hello, thank you very much for contacting us for bird watching in Antalya. Our bird watching guide is available on 7, 8 and 9 July. Best regards, Vigo Tours
Hello, Thank you for contacting us. Your target birds are quite possible in the beginning of June. White-throated robin and Olive-Tree warbler are little difficult but still possible. All your target birds and more ones can be watched in a full day trip. Brown fish owls is done by night at the same day near Akseki. If you plan for more days bird watching thrn we can do +2 days trip for caspian snow cock and some others in Demirkazık. Kind regards, Vigo Tours
Hello, My name is Mehmet Özcan, the birdwatching guide of Vigo tours. Thank you for contacting us. With my suv car I do the following birdwatching tours with Vigo Tours's operating license: 1- Boat trip on the lake for fish owls (private tour) * Very early in the morning (5:30 - 08:30) *** 2- Full day tour: shore bird watching + Akseki mountains, and night, fish owl watching tour with a lantern on the mountain. return to hotel 23:30 - may be earlier return if fish owls found early. (06:00 - 23:30) *** 3- At night, only fish owl on the mountain (19:30 - 23:30). may be earlier return if fish owls found early *** Red fronted Serin and Crimson winged finch are possible near Akseki. Please write me for prices, and also write me all your target birds with their full names. For your information that I am available at your holiday dates for the time being ** Best regards, *** Mehmet Özcan Kilic, Birdwatching guide
Hello, Thank you for contacting us. We can gladly do the bird watching tour for you, and March 21 or 22 is possible. Pick up & drop off is available from Belek for 50€ extra. In March 1 spot for horned lark and crimson winged finch will be still under snow. But Crimson winged finch: we can still try at a spot where snowy parts starts on the way to the higher parts. So, please book online at our website. Kind regards, Vigo Tours
Hello, Thank you for contacting us. The 2 important spots at the mountain are under snow now. Only coastal sides are available now. The migration starts from end of this month. Please write us your target birds. We can still try of course, and try to watch brown fish owls in the mountain by the night. Honestly this month not many to watch but maybe some surprise rare species at the shore sides. Kind regards, Vigo Tours

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