Alanya: Sapadere Canyon, Dim Cave & Dim River Picnic

Discover Alanya’s Natural Gems on a Day Tour

If you’re craving a day immersed in Turkey’s stunning natural scenery, this Alanya: Sapadere Canyon, Dim Cave & Dim River Picnic tour offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s outdoor beauty. Priced at $33 per person and lasting around 7 hours, it’s a budget-friendly way to see some of the area’s most unforgettable sights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

The tour hits three major highlights: Sapadere Canyon, Dim Cave, and the Dimcayi River, giving you a well-balanced mix of exhilarating walking, geological wonder, and relaxing riverside fun. The experience is guided, so you don’t have to worry about navigation or logistics—just enjoy the scenery and the company.

What we love most? First, the moderate walk through Sapadere Canyon, with its 695-meter wooden pathway suspended between towering mountains—perfect for photo opportunities and cooling off in the mountain waters. Second, the included lunch at Dimcayi Valley is not just convenient but also offers a chance to enjoy authentic Turkish fare in a peaceful riverside setting.

One consideration? The optional entry to Dim Cave costs extra and isn’t guaranteed—if you’re particularly keen on caves, you’ll want to confirm that the extra fee is included or bring some extra cash.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate nature, scenic views, and outdoor activities but prefer a relaxed, guided experience. It’s especially good for those eager to explore without the stress of planning, and who enjoy a mix of walking, sightseeing, and floating in natural pools.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Natural beauty of Sapadere Canyon, with waterfalls and suspension bridges
• Geological interest in Dim Cave formations
• Relaxing riverside lunch at Dimcayi Valley with included food and drinks
• Comfortable transportation from your hotel with pickup options
• Optional cave visit with an extra fee
• Timing flexibility with multiple pickup points and a 7-hour duration

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Comfortable Transportation and Pickup

We start our day with a convenient hotel pickup from multiple locations around Alanya such as Dinek, Konakli, Avsallar, and others. The transportation is in a comfortable vehicle—probably an air-conditioned bus or van—that takes us directly to the attractions. The total transfer time is around 1.5 hours, giving us a relaxed start and a chance to settle in. Keep in mind, the driver will wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time, so being punctual helps keep your day smooth.

First Stop: Banana Plantations and Sapadere Canyon

Our first encounter with nature is at banana plantations, which give us a glimpse of local agriculture. It’s a great chance to ask questions or simply enjoy the lush scenery. Then, we head to Sapadere Canyon—the highlight for many. You’re given 70 minutes to explore this natural gorge, which boasts a wooden pathway stretching 695 meters between towering cliffs.

Walking along this walkway, you’ll see cascading waterfalls on both sides, creating a cool, refreshing atmosphere. The canyon’s crystalline waters are sourced from the Taurus Mountains, and if you’re feeling brave, you can take a dip in the icy pool at the bottom—an invigorating experience that many travelers seem to love. One review sums it up: “We loved the way the waterfalls created a constant cooling breeze, and the water was so clear.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Optional Cave Visit: Dim Cave

The next stop is Dim Cave, often described as a geological marvel. Entry to the cave costs an extra 200 TL, and the tour offers around 45 minutes to explore its formations. Notably, one reviewer mentioned that they visited a different cave than expected, which wasn’t part of the plan, and had to pay extra—so be sure to clarify if the cave visit is included or if you’ll need to pay separately.

Outside the cave, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Alanya from an elevated vantage point—great for photos and taking in the landscape. If you’re a geology enthusiast or just love caves, this part of the tour adds a layer of intrigue and natural wonder.

Lunch at Dimcayi Valley

After the cave, it’s time for a relaxing riverside lunch at Dimcayi Valley. The meal, included in the tour price, features food and drinks—with the option to indulge in traditional Turkish gözleme (a kind of pancake) if you wish, though it’s an optional extra. The setting is peaceful, with natural pools and water slides where you can cool off and unwind. One visitor called this part “good value for money”, appreciating the laid-back atmosphere and delicious food.

Final Stop: Dim River and Relaxing Fun

The tour concludes at the Dim River, where visitors can splash in the pools, float on the river, or just relax with a drink. It’s an ideal way to wind down after a busy morning of walking and exploring. Many travelers enjoy this laid-back ending, with one remarking that “staff are friendly and entertaining”, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Returning to Your Hotel

After a full day immersed in nature, the group is transported back to your original pickup points. Expect to be back in Alanya around sunset, with plenty of memories and photos to show for it.

What You Need to Know Before Booking

• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and water. The canyon walk and river dip require suitable footwear and sun protection.
• Not Allowed: Smoking is prohibited during the tour.
• Special Considerations: Pregnant women and those with back or heart issues should assess their ability to participate, especially the canyon walking and cave exploration.
• Extra Costs: Entrance fee to Dim Cave (200 TL) is not included, so budget accordingly.
• Reservation & Cancellation: Book now with the ‘reserve & pay later’ option, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Authentic Experience and Practical Tips

This tour provides a great balance of adventure and relaxation. The scenic walks through Sapadere Canyon give you plenty of photo opportunities, with waterfalls and mountain views that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a natural postcard. The inclusion of a riverside lunch is a real bonus, offering a break from more hurried tours and a chance to savor some Turkish flavors in a tranquil setting.

The optional cave visit adds an element of curiosity, but it’s important to remember it costs extra and isn’t guaranteed to be the same cave everyone else visits—as some reviews point out. Still, even without the cave, the stops are engaging and provide a true taste of Turkey’s rugged natural beauty.

Travelers seem to appreciate the good value for money and the friendly, accommodating staff. One reviewer pointed out that the staff are “friendly and entertaining,” making the experience more enjoyable, especially for families or groups of friends.

However, some travelers have been caught off guard by extra costs or the cave location, so a quick confirmation of what’s included can help avoid surprises. Also, the icy water in the canyon is refreshing but might be a shock if you’re sensitive to cold—bring a towel to dry off and warm clothes for afterward if needed.

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour is perfect for those who want a full day of natural scenery without complicated logistics. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, like walking, swimming, and exploring caves. If you’re traveling with family, this offers a mix of adventure and relaxation suitable for different ages.

It’s also ideal if you’re on a budget but still want to experience Turkey’s dramatic landscapes firsthand. The included lunch, transportation, and entrance fees contribute to good value, and the guided nature means you won’t miss out on interesting details.

But if you’re particularly keen on caves or require a highly customized experience, you might want to consider other options or just be prepared for the extra charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pickup service included in the price?
Yes, transportation from your hotel is included, with multiple pickup points available. Just be ready in front of the main entrance at the scheduled time.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans shift.

How long do we spend at each stop?
You’ll have about 70 minutes at Sapadere Canyon, 45 minutes for the cave if you choose to visit, and around 1.5 hours for lunch and relaxing at Dimcayi Valley.

Is the cave visit worth it?
That depends on your interests. If geological formations fascinate you, the Dim Cave is a highlight—but remember, it costs extra, and not everyone has the same experience.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable shoes suitable for walking, a hat, sunscreen, and swimwear if you want to take a dip in the canyon or river pools.

Can I buy food at the canyon or cave?
Gözleme and other snacks are available as optional extras, but the included lunch at Dimcayi Valley is a good opportunity for a sit-down meal.

Are there water slides at the river?
Yes, at Dimcayi Valley, you can enjoy water slides—adding a fun element to the riverside stop.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes, but those with mobility issues or health concerns should consider the canyon walk or cave exploration. The tour is guided and flexible, but check your own limits first.

What’s the best way to capture the scenery?
Bring a camera or smartphone. The canyon, waterfall, and mountain views are perfect for photos—you’ll want to remember these moments.

Final Thoughts

This Alanya natural adventure offers a compelling mix of stunning landscapes, geological marvels, and relaxing riverside fun—all for a modest price. The combination of Sapadere Canyon’s waterfalls, the Dim Cave’s formations, and the tranquil Dim River makes for a day packed with visual splendor and outdoor activity.

If you’re the type of traveler who loves to see nature up close without the hassle of logistics, this tour is a smart choice. The inclusion of a traditional Turkish lunch adds a tasty, authentic touch, and the overall value is hard to beat for the price.

While there are some extra costs—such as cave entrance fees—the guided nature of the tour, flexible pickup points, and well-chosen stops make this a practical, enjoyable way to discover some of Turkey’s most scenic spots. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy moderate walking, scenic photo ops, and outdoor refreshment.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a well-organized, affordable outdoor escape that captures the essence of Alanya’s natural beauty, this tour is worth considering. It provides a great balance of adventure, relaxation, and authentic experience—ideal for travelers who want a memorable day in Turkey’s stunning landscape.

Remember: Pack your essentials, confirm what’s included, and enjoy a day full of scenic surprises and natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: