From City of Side: Antalya Aquarium Tour, Ticket & Transfer

Discover the Best of Antalya with a Day Tour from Side

This Antalya Aquarium Tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, marine wonder, and historic sights—all for $73 per person. The tour lasts around 6 hours and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it a convenient way to explore some of Antalya’s top attractions in one day. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a well-rounded experience that combines nature, marine life, and cultural sights, with the reassurance of guided commentary and easy logistics.

The tour begins early in the morning with pickup from Side, followed by a scenic drive that features a waterfall stop before heading to Antalya’s famous aquarium. With a flexible schedule, plenty of information from knowledgeable guides, and stops at key locations, this tour emphasizes comfort and discovery. However, it does involve a packed itinerary, so those who prefer a very relaxed pace might want to plan extra time for individual exploration.

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Key Points

• Includes hotel transfers from and to Side, simplifying transportation.
• Visits Antalya’s largest aquarium with over 64 tanks and 10,000 sea creatures.
• Stops at Kalpuzkaldran Waterfall, the world’s biggest tunnel aquarium, and the Antalya Castle for sightseeing.
• Flexible free time at the castle to explore historic sites like Hadrian’s Gate and Roman walls.
• Tour duration is 6 hours, with a mix of guided explanations and independent exploration.
• Recommended for families, culture enthusiasts, and marine life lovers seeking convenience and insight.

Starting from Side with Smooth Transfers

The tour departs from Side hotels between 08:00 and 09:20, with transport arranged by the provider. A guide accompanies the group, offering commentary throughout the journey, sharing insights into Antalya’s geography, history, and culture. The pickup process is straightforward, with guests asked to wait 10 minutes before scheduled pickup time at their hotel entrance.

The drive usually takes about 1 hour, during which the guide explains the day’s plan. The journey itself provides a scenic preview of Antalya’s landscape, setting the scene for the stops ahead.

Visiting Kalpuzkaldran Waterfall: Nature’s Majesty

The first stop is at Kalpuzkaldran Waterfall, the largest in Antalya. Formed where the Döden Stream emerges from the Taurus Mountains, this 38-meter-high waterfall offers stunning views and perfect photo opportunities. Visitors have 30 minutes here to marvel at the natural beauty, capture photos, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

The guide provides background information about its formation and significance, emphasizing the waterfall’s role in Antalya’s agriculture and landscape. This stop is especially appreciated for its natural scenery and the chance to see local flora and fauna in a peaceful setting.

Exploring the World’s Largest Tunnel Aquarium

After leaving the waterfall, the tour heads to the Antalya Aquarium, the world’s largest tunnel aquarium measuring 131 meters long. Opened in 2012, it houses 64 tanks with a total volume of 6,800 cubic meters of water, featuring over 10,000 sea creatures from around the globe.

The thematic aquariums showcase marine life from the Mediterranean, Indian, Atlantic, Pacific, and other oceans. Unique features include wrecks of warplanes, ships, and submarines, adding to the immersive experience. Visitors descend to the 3rd floor with their tickets and have about 45 minutes to 1 hour to explore the tanks, learn about marine ecosystems, and enjoy the visual displays.

The aquariums are designed with impressive scenic decorations and realistic habitats, making it a highlight for both children and adults. The guide ensures smooth entry, and the free time allows for personal exploration and photography.

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Visiting the Antalya Wax Museum: Portraits and Fun

Following the aquarium, the tour includes a visit to the Wax Museum on the 4th floor with the same ticket. Here, nearly 100 wax statues of famous figures from music, film, politics, and science are on display, created with real body measurements. Visitors can see lifelike representations of world-renowned celebrities and historical figures.

With about 30 to 45 minutes allocated, the Wax Museum provides a light-hearted contrast to the marine exhibits, offering great photo opportunities and a chance to get closer to iconic personalities. The detailed sculptures make it an entertaining stop for all ages, especially those interested in pop culture and history.

Free Time at Antalya Castle and Old Town

The afternoon includes a 15-minute transfer to Antalya Castle. Once there, a generous 2-hour free period begins, allowing visitors to explore on their own. The historic site features Roman city walls, Hadrian’s Gate, Hidirlik Tower, and Byzantine churches, along with Seljuk artifacts, Ottoman houses, and mosques.

The streets can be maze-like, so it’s wise to stay close to the meeting point. Visitors can choose to visit the castle, shop in the local stores, or dine at nearby restaurants such as Timanda Baik. The harbor views and historic architecture provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to enjoy the local atmosphere.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

This tour is designed for comfort and convenience, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included. The total duration is about 6 hours, and live guides communicate in English, German, or Russian. The group size typically allows for a relaxed pace, and the ticketing process is straightforward, with guides purchasing tickets and distributing them at the start.

Guests should be prepared for a packed schedule, as the itinerary covers a lot of ground. The tour does not include lunch, drinks, or photos/videos, but free time at the castle offers an opportunity to eat or shop at own expense.

Honest Insights from Reviews

The tour earns a solid 4.3 out of 5 from 96 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and the well-organized itinerary. Reviewers highlight the stunning scenery at the waterfall and appreciation for the marine exhibits at the aquarium, which are beautiful and well-maintained.

Many reviewers emphasize the value for money, especially noting the guides’ attentiveness and the smooth logistics. Some mention that the aquarium and wax museum visits are a bit time-constrained, but overall, the experience is enjoyed as a well-balanced day. A few suggest allowing more free time at the castle for independent exploration.

The Sum Up: A Full-Day Tour for Culture, Nature, and Marine Life

This Antalya Aquarium Tour from Side offers a comprehensive slice of Antalya’s highlights in one convenient package. It combines natural beauty at Kalpuzkaldran Waterfall, world-class marine exhibits, and historic sites at the castle, all with the ease of hotel transportation.

The guided explanation enriches each stop, making it ideal for travelers wanting insights along with sightseeing. The value for money and well-organized schedule make it a reliable choice, especially for families and those seeking a diverse experience in a single day.

While the schedule can be busy and the free time somewhat limited, the tour’s main attractions and comfort-focused approach make it a solid option for visitors to Side wanting to explore Antalya’s key sights without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pick-up included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from Side hotels.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 6 hours, including all stops and transfers.

Are tickets for the aquarium and wax museum included?
Yes, tickets are purchased and provided by the guide at the entrance, included in the tour price.

Can I explore the old town independently?
Yes, after the castle stop, you have about 2 hours free to explore on your own.

What languages are available for guides?
Guides speak English, German, and Russian.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, but there are opportunities to dine during free time at the castle or nearby areas.

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