Side is a fantastic place to enjoy memorable lunch experiences, thanks to its mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and local flavor. Whether you’re craving a lakeside meal after an off-road safari or a scenic boat trip with fresh seafood, Side offers options that go beyond just eating. We’re especially fond of the City of Side: Jeep Safari & Green Lake Boat Trip with Lunch, which combines a thrilling off-road adventure with a lakeside meal and a swim in Green Lake. It captures the essence of what makes Side special: a perfect mix of active exploration and relaxed dining amid nature.
For travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty and local flavor, these tours showcase the area’s diverse scenery—from waterfalls to mountains and lakes. Our list includes everything from adrenaline-pumping safaris to tranquil boat cruises, helping you find the right fit for your preferences and schedule. Read on to discover which lunch experience in Side suits your style.
1. City of Side: Jeep Safari & Green Lake Boat Trip with Lunch
At number 1, this full-day tour offers an exhilarating off-road jeep safari exploring Green Canyon and Green Lake. The journey is led by professional drivers who turn the terrain into a dust-filled joyride. You’ll stop for photos at Green Canyon, then take a boat cruise across Green Lake, where swimming and water fights add to the fun. The highlight is a delicious lunch at Green Lake Restaurant, featuring options for everyone, with the added bonus of jumping into the lake for a swim.
Guests rave about the lively atmosphere—one reviewer called the driver “brilliant” and shared that the safari was “wet and wild.” This trip appeals to active travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation. The value is excellent—around $18 per person for a full day of fun, including multiple stops, swimming, and a hearty lunch. The only caution is that you’ll get dusty and muddy, so leave your best clothes at home.
Bottom Line: Perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike, this tour combines off-road adventure with scenic water activities and tasty food. It’s a full-day experience that’s hard to beat.
2. Side: Green Canyon Jeep and Boat Tour with Lunch
At number 2, this tour offers a slightly longer, more relaxed 8-hour exploration of Green Canyon and surrounding areas. The itinerary includes insider tips about Side and Manavgat, along with stops at Oymapınar Dam and Green Lake. You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at Green Lake and see the breathtaking Green Canyon from both land and water.
What sets this trip apart is the combination of natural beauty and cultural insights, with visits to popular spots like Manavgat Waterfalls. Reviewers praise the organization and friendly guides—”wonderful people” and “amazing time” are common sentiments. For $20, you get a day packed with scenic views, local snacks, and plenty of photo opportunities. The tour suits those who want a well-rounded day exploring natural landmarks without missing out on good food.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a mix of sightseeing, local cuisine, and relaxed boat cruising, all while learning about the area.
3. Side/Antalya: Jeep, Buggy, Rafting & Zipline Tour with lunch
At number 3, this action-packed adventure takes you through Köprüçay Canyon, with rafting, ziplining, and off-road buggy rides. The tour covers over 25 years of rafting expertise, and guides speak multiple languages, ensuring safety and fun. After rafting in the river, you’ll enjoy a riverside lunch in the mountains—perfect for adrenaline junkies who want more than just a scenic ride.
Guests love the variety—”wet and wild” describes the water fights and bumpy roads. For about $14, you get a full day of activities, including swimming, ziplining, and off-road driving, making it great value. The only drawback is that the activities require a reasonable level of fitness and willingness to get muddy.
Bottom Line: Best suited for energetic travelers seeking multiple thrill activities and a memorable day in nature.
4. Side: Green Canyon and Waterfalls Jeep Safari with Lunch
Number 4 on our list, this tour blends adventure with scenic beauty, taking you through Green Lake, including a stop at Manavgat Waterfall. The off-road jeep driving is led by professional drivers, and the route includes a visit to the waterfall and a stop at a lakeside restaurant for a hearty lunch.
Reviewers highlight the “breathtaking views” and “friendly guides.” The trip lasts about 7 hours, with a price of $26, offering great value for a full day out. It’s perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with some active fun and don’t mind getting dusty.
Bottom Line: Excellent for nature lovers who want to see waterfalls, mountains, and lakes in one trip with a tasty meal included.
5. Side: Jeep Safari Adventure with Lunch at Green Lake
At number 5, this tour takes you into the Taurus Mountains, visiting the village of Işıklar and experiencing village life firsthand. You’ll enjoy the off-road journey and stop at Manavgat Waterfall for a quick visit. The highlight is a mountain lunch with local flavors, providing a genuine taste of rural Turkey.
Rated highly for its scenic routes and authentic experience, the trip is about 7 hours long. It’s ideal for those interested in rural landscapes and traditional culture, with reviews praising the “scenic jeep tour” and “friendly guides.” The main consideration is that this tour is more about culture than adrenaline.
Bottom Line: Perfect for curious travelers wanting a mix of mountain scenery and village life, with a delicious mountain lunch.
6. Green Canyon Jeep and Boat Tour with Lunch
Number 6 offers a full-day tour to Green Lake featuring a combination of jeep safaris and a boat cruise, with lunch included. The trip covers Green Canyon, Manavgat Waterfalls, and a lakeside restaurant, with the added bonus of kayaking and fishing available at Green Canyon itself.
Guests rate it a perfect 5 stars for its well-organized itinerary and friendly staff. The tour is suitable for families, couples, or anyone wanting a comprehensive day of natural beauty and relaxed water activities. At around $29, it offers excellent value considering the scope of sights.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a balance of adventure, scenic cruises, and leisure activities.
7. Side Jeep Safari Tour Around Taurus Mountains with Lunch
Number 7 features a 7-hour full-day safari exploring Side’s countryside and the Taurus Mountains. The trip includes sightseeing at Manavgat Waterfalls, Roman-era monuments, and small villages. The highlight is a lunch at a local mountain restaurant.
Rated a perfect 5, this tour is best suited for travelers interested in history, nature, and rural life. The off-road driving and visits to ancient sites make it an engaging experience. Some reviews mention the fun of visiting waterfalls and scenic spots, though it’s more relaxed than high-adrenaline trips.
Bottom Line: Suitable for history buffs and nature lovers seeking a well-rounded local experience with good food.
8. Side: Dolphins Island Cruise with Swimming Stops and Lunch
Number 8 offers a 7-hour boat trip along the Mediterranean, with chances to spot dolphins and sea turtles. The cruise includes swimming stops, a foam party, and a tasty lunch on board. It’s family-friendly and designed for a lively day at sea.
Reviews mention the fun atmosphere, with the foam party being a highlight. At around $0 (likely a typo, but estimated at a reasonable price), it’s a good choice for those who love being on the water and want some playful relaxation. The trip offers a balance of wildlife viewing, swimming, and entertainment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families and anyone wanting a fun, energetic day at sea with plenty of swimming and wildlife sightings.
9. City of Side: Dolphin Island Boat Tour w/ Lunch & Drinks
Number 9 provides a 9-hour day on a sailboat, with a foam party and swimming in the turquoise waters. This tour features a delicious lunch, and the chance to see dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat. It’s perfect for those who enjoy water-based adventures and socializing.
While reviews note the friendly staff and good food, the highlight remains the dolphin and turtle sightings. It’s a longer day, making it ideal for travelers who want a mix of relaxation, fun, and wildlife watching.
Bottom Line: Recommended for water lovers and families who want a lively day on the boat with plenty of swimming and wildlife.
10. From City of Side: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Day Trip w/ Lunch
Number 10 is a full-day heritage and natural wonder tour visiting Pamukkale’s thermal pools and Hierapolis ruins. The trip includes breakfast, lunch, and visits to ancient thermal baths, with the option to swim in the famous calcium-rich pools.
Rated 4.6, this tour is best for history and nature enthusiasts willing to spend a longer day traveling. The hot springs and ruins provide a unique experience, though some reviews note that the pools can be crowded and the site not as colorful as photos suggest.
Bottom Line: Great for history buffs and those seeking a relaxing soak in thermal waters amid ancient ruins.
11. City of Side: Altinbesik Cave & Ormana Tour w/ Boat & Lunch
Number 11 combines a mountain village visit and Turkey’s largest cave, with a boat ride on a subterranean lake and traditional lunch. The Altinbesik Cave is a highlight for explorers, and the village tour adds cultural flavor.
Rated 4.6, this trip is suited for curious travelers interested in caves, local villages, and underground lakes. The boat ride in the cave is a unique experience, and the lunch offers a taste of authentic local cuisine.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting an adventure into caves and rural life with a scenic boat ride.
12. City of Side: Green Canyon Boat Trip & Bus Safari with Lunch
Number 12 offers an extensive 8-hour tour combining bus safaris and catamaran cruises. The itinerary covers Green Canyon, Manavgat waterfalls, and local villages, with lunch included. The highlight is the canyon cruise itself.
Rated 4.4, this trip suits travelers looking for a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural and cultural sites with comfort. The reviews mention the well-organized schedule and friendly staff, making it a good choice for families and solo travelers alike.
Bottom Line: A balanced day that captures the area’s landscapes and villages with reliable logistics.
How to Choose Your Lunch Experience in Side
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests, budget, and the kind of day you want. If adventure and active fun appeal, tours like the Jeep Safari & Green Lake or the Rafting & Zipline offer adrenaline-fueled days. For those interested in scenic cruises and wildlife, Dolphins Island tours and boat trips to Green Canyon provide relaxing options with plenty of water-based fun.
Travelers seeking a cultural or natural experience will enjoy trips to Pamukkale, Altinbesik Cave, or mountain village tours. Budget-conscious visitors will find good value in the shorter safaris with included meals, while those wanting a full-day adventure may prefer longer trips with multiple stops.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred date and avoid disappointment. Consider your fitness level, whether you prefer active or relaxed days, and the type of scenery that excites you most.
In summary, Side offers a wide range of lunch experiences, from scenic boat trips to rugged safaris and cultural excursions. If you’re after a thrilling adventure with a hearty meal, the Jeep Safari & Green Lake is hard to beat. For a relaxing day on the water, the Green Canyon boat trip with unlimited drinks offers excellent value. And for history and natural wonder lovers, the Pamukkale & Hierapolis trip provides a unique mix of thermal pools and ancient ruins.
No matter your preference, planning ahead and choosing the right tour will ensure a delicious, fun-filled day in Side.