Side Birdwatching Tour: Discover Turkey's Unique Birds

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Join the Side Birdwatching Tour to explore Turkey's incredible bird diversity. From sunrise to sunset, observe unique species across stunning landscapes from sea level to 1800m.

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About this activity

  • Departure Location: Side
  • Event days:
  • Total activity & tour duration (with transfers): 12 Hours
  • Guiding & Support: English
  • Booking confirmation: Instant confirmation
  • Printed or mobile voucher: Both is accepted.
  • Easy Online Booking: Fast, Easy & SSL Secure Booking
  • Cancellation policy: Flexible
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Tour ID: 32

Highlights | Overview

  • Best Birdwatching Spots in Turkey – Explore Sultan Marshes and Göksu Delta.
  • Endemic Birds of Turkey – Spot unique species like Krüper's Nuthatch.
  • Best Seasons for Birdwatching – Plan for migration and rare sightings.
  • Birdwatching Tours in Turkey – Join expert-guided tours.
  • Bird Migration in Turkey – Witness routes at Bosphorus and Lake Manyas.

Full Description

Bird Watching Tour in Side, Akseki, and Surrounding Areas
Discover the incredible bird diversity of Turkey with a bird watching tour in the Side and Akseki regions. From vibrant bee-eaters to majestic imperial eagles, Turkey’s unique position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. With over 502 documented bird species, including 436 frequently sighted ones, Turkey offers birdwatchers a chance to explore a variety unmatched by most European countries.

Why Choose Turkey for Birdwatching?
Turkey lies on one of the world’s most significant bird migration routes, with millions of birds crossing the Bosphorus, Dardanelles, and other key migration points each year. The Antalya region is especially rewarding during the migration seasons:

  • Spring Migration: March to June
  • Autumn Migration: Late August to October

Birdwatching Highlights in Turkey:

  • Witness flamingos at Lake Tuz and soaring storks in Cappadocia.
  • Explore key migration points like Artvin, Hatay, and the Bosphorus.
  • Spot rare and endemic species in Side, Akseki, and Antalya.

Join Expert-Led Birdwatching Tours
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner, our guided tours offer the perfect opportunity to explore Turkey’s top birdwatching areas. With knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit prime locations and learn about local species and their habitats. Book your bird watching near me experience today and immerse yourself in the beauty of Turkey’s avian life.

Turkey isn’t just a destination for birdwatching; it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature.

Price 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)
  • Birdwatching equipments
  • Food - Drinks

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.

Pick up Point

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

Details to know

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

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Have a question?

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

10 Overall Rating

(4.9)

Total: (10 Review)

10 Review Summary

Service:

(5.0)

Organization:

(4.9)

Price:

(5.0)

Security:

(4.7)

14.05.2024

Peep Lassmann

(5.0)

This birdwatching tour was at exceptionally high lehel.

18.09.2023

Ole Werner Larsen

(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

25.05.2023

Eduardo Joel

(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.

11.04.2023

Simon Molenaar

(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

23.12.2022

Sandra Truran

(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.

06.11.2022

Daniel Fröhle

(5.0)

Es war eine super Tour. Mit vielen neuen Arten. Unser Guide war super nett und hat alles Spaß gemacht

03.11.2022

Rick Kleyn

(5.0)

An excellent days birding.

27.10.2022

David and Gill Hepburn

(4.8)

David and Gill

Mehmet certainly new his birds and more importantly where to find them. Very interesting locations , brilliant scenery and a long list of birds with 5 lifers. Next time to see the Brown Fish Owls,hopefully.

24.10.2022

Wiene van de Bunte

(5.0)

Bird watching tour from Alanya

First of all, it was great that transport from and to Alanya could be arranged. We're happy that we were able to discuss target species and plan the day accordingly. The guide knows about special occurrences year round (in our case, local dunes where Cream-coloured Courser could be seen during our stay). This way, some unexpected birds can be added to the list. The guide takes the time to find your target species (unfortunately, the birds still need to show up. But we tried our best!) Also, you will get to places which you probably won't go to by yourself. Thanks again for the great day and helping us find some very nice species!

04.10.2022

alec empson

(5.0)

everything went on schedule.birdwatching was difficult in places but thats not unusual.key bird Finchs Wheatear located.Pity about the crimson winged finch. excellent day out.THANKYOU.

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