City of Side: Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Tour with Boat Ride

Imagine leaving behind the busy beaches and bustling streets of Side for a day in the tranquil Taurus Mountains. This full-day tour, costing around $48 per person, offers a chance to see some of Turkey’s most stunning natural sights, taste traditional cuisine, and experience local village life. It’s a well-rounded trip that balances adventure, culture, and relaxation.

What we love most about this experience is the opportunity to visit Altinbesik Cave, Turkey’s largest underground lake, and explore Ormana Village, where you can dine in a charming backyard setting and even peek into a 300-year-old mosque. We also appreciate how this tour combines nature with authentic local life, providing a genuine taste of the countryside, away from the usual tourist crowds.

One potential consideration is the physical requirement—while the tour isn’t overly strenuous, some walking and boat riding are involved. Also, drinks are not included, so if you’re a beverage connoisseur, plan to bring extra cash for drinks. This tour tends to suit travelers who enjoy nature, culture, and small-group experiences, especially those looking for a well-organized day with knowledgeable guides.

If you’re curious about discovering Turkey’s natural beauty and local traditions in one go, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments for all ages. Now, let’s explore what makes this trip truly special in more detail.

• Natural Wonder: Visit Turkey’s largest underground lake inside Altinbesik Cave, a must-see for nature lovers.
• Cultural Experience: Meet with locals, visit a 300-year-old mosque, and see traditional architecture.
• Authentic Cuisine: Enjoy a hearty Turkish lunch, with options like grilled chicken, fish, or Turkish pizza.
• Scenic Drive: Travel through the Taurus Mountains, enjoying beautiful views and photo stops.
• Boat Ride: Experience a 30-minute inflatable boat trip inside the cave, adding a sense of adventure.
• Local Village Life: End the day in Ormana, exploring traditional houses and friendly hospitality.

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup and Scenic Drive

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup in the morning, making it easy to get started without extra hassle. The comfortable bus ride through the Taurus Mountains is one of the highlights—if you love landscapes, you’ll be pleased with the sweeping views and photo opportunities along the way. As some reviewers mentioned, guides like Eric keep things lively and informative, adding a layer of friendliness to the journey.

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Visiting Altinbesik Cave: Turkey’s Largest Underground Lake

The main event is exploring Altinbesik Cave, located within Altinbesik National Park. This cavern isn’t just a hole in the ground; it’s a natural marvel with natural bridges, stalactites, stalagmites, and an enormous underground lake—the largest in Turkey and the third in Europe. Inside, the constant temperature of around 16°C makes it comfortable year-round.

The boat ride inside the cave is a memorable feature. Inflatable boats, with a capacity of about ten people, glide across the lake, giving you an up-close experience of this spectacular underground world. Several reviews note how well-organized and fun this part is, with one saying, “you are taken along for a boat ride,” making it a highlight even for those who might be slightly hesitant about caves.

Cultural Highlights in Ormana Village

Post-cave exploration, the tour continues with a lunch break at a local restaurant in Ormana Village. Here, the menu offers traditional Turkish dishes like stewed fish, grilled chicken, or Turkish pizza—all served in a picturesque backyard setting. The informal, welcoming atmosphere adds to the authenticity of the experience.

After lunch, you can visit a 300-year-old mosque and a traditional house, providing insight into local architecture and religious life. Reviewers appreciated the chance to see how people have lived in the region for centuries, and some mentioned the warm hospitality of the villagers as a standout feature.

Wrapping Up: Sarhaclar Village and Return to Side

The final stop is Sarchaclar, a quaint village where you can stroll, take photos, and soak in rural Turkish life before heading back. The return journey is relaxed, with the option to reflect on the day’s highlights or enjoy the scenic views once more.

Practical Details and What to Bring

The tour includes lunch, hotel pickup, entrance fees for Altinbesik National Park, and the boat tour—a package that delivers excellent value. However, drinks are not included, so bringing water or beverages is advisable.

Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended for walking and exploring, while a camera will help capture the stunning scenery. The tour lasts about 7 hours with flexible start times, so plan your day accordingly.

What sets this tour apart is its blend of natural beauty with cultural authenticity. Several guests praised guides like Eric for their knowledgeable explanations and friendly demeanor, making the experience both educational and entertaining. It’s clear that the guides prioritize genuine engagement over just ticking boxes, which greatly enhances the trip.

The boat ride inside the cave is another thoughtful feature. Inflatable boats are a fun way to get closer to the cave’s features without disturbing the environment—an experience that gets high marks from visitors. The visit to Ormana Village and the traditional house gives you a glimpse into everyday rural life, which many travelers find more rewarding than superficial tourist stops.

From the gorgeous mountain views to the warm hospitality of the locals, the tour consistently impresses with its authentic charm. We loved the way the itinerary balances adventure, culture, and leisure, all at an accessible price point.

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Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers, culture seekers, and small-group travelers. It suits those who appreciate guided tours with knowledgeable guides and enjoy a mix of outdoor activity and culture. Since it involves some walking and boat rides, it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or pregnant women, but for most, it offers a memorable day out.

The City of Side: Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Tour offers a rich blend of natural wonder and local life in the scenic Taurus Mountains. For around $48, you’ll get a well-organized day that includes spectacular cave exploration, traditional Turkish hospitality, and stunning mountain views.

The highlights—the underground lake, the boat ride, and the village visits—make it a well-rounded experience for anyone craving authentic encounters away from crowds. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or part of a smaller group, this trip promises engaging guides, beautiful scenery, and a taste of rural Turkey.

If you’re after a day filled with adventure and culture, and you enjoy learning about local traditions, this tour ticks many boxes. It offers good value, memorable sights, and friendly hospitality—making it a worthwhile addition to your Side or Antalya itinerary.

• How early should I be ready for pickup? You should wait at the main security gate of your hotel about 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.
• Are drinks included in the tour? No, drinks are not included, so bring your own water or purchase beverages separately.
• Is this tour suitable for children? While the tour is generally family-friendly, the boat ride and walking involved might require some supervision for younger children.
• How long does the cave visit last? The boat trip inside Altinbesik Cave lasts about 30 minutes, but the entire cave exploration may feel shorter depending on your pace.
• Can I cancel this tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Is the tour available in other languages? The tour is offered in English, but guides like Eric also provide explanations in German and possibly other languages.
• What should I wear? Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking and outdoor activities are advised.
• Are food and drinks available at the village? Lunch is included in the tour, but additional drinks are not, so plan accordingly.
• Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues? No, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments due to walking and boat riding involved.

This tour offers a fantastic way to see a different side of Turkey—one filled with natural splendor and genuine local charm. We think it’s a worthwhile addition for anyone wanting more than just the standard tourist experience.