Why This Tour Is Worth Choosing

• 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

What to Expect

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 in the Price

Pickup Information

Meeting Point

Important Information 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!

Tour Program & Schedule

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.

Prices & Availability

02 January 2026 / 22 December 2026 - Price