Green Canyon Boat Tour from Alanya (Included lunch)

Exploring Green Canyon from Alanya: A Complete, Authentic Experience

Taking a boat trip through Turkey’s Green Canyon from Alanya offers a chance to see some of the most stunning natural scenery along the Mediterranean coast. This full-day tour, costing around $46.44 per person, is designed to give travelers a relaxing yet engaging escape into nature, with a highlight being the chance to cruise across the famous Green Lake and see impressive sites like Oymanpinar Dam. The tour boasts a balanced mix of scenic views, cultural insights, and leisure, making it suitable for families, nature lovers, or anyone looking for a peaceful day out.

What we really like about this experience is how well-organized it is, from comfortable transportation to expert guides who ensure you get the most out of your day. Plus, the included lunch buffet with drinks adds great value, allowing you to relax without worrying about extra costs during your day on the water. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the boat ride can sometimes involve older vessels with some rust, and swimming areas may have hazards like rusty nails — so a cautious approach is advisable if you plan to swim.

This tour is ideal for anyone seeking a scenic, hassle-free day surrounded by nature, with enough flexibility for swimming and sightseeing. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on your own, you’ll enjoy the tranquil beauty of Green Canyon and the informative insights from your guides.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: Expect sweeping vistas of lush woodlands and dramatic mountains.
• Inclusive Experience: The tour covers transportation, a cruise, lunch, and guides, offering good value.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, with swimming options and breaks to relax.
• Potential Hazards: Be cautious around the swimming platform where rusty nails have been noted.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable local guides enrich the experience with interesting facts.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, ideal for flexible travel plans.

What to Expect on the Green Canyon Boat Tour from Alanya

Starting the Day: Convenient Pickup & Comfortable Transport

The tour begins early at 8:00 am, with pickup services offered from Alanya. The transportation is in air-conditioned, non-smoking buses, making the journey comfortable even during warmer months. The group size is typically capped at 45 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable. We appreciate how most travelers can participate, including families, thanks to the straightforward timing and accessible start point.

First Stop: Green Canyon’s Scenic Beauty

Once at the canyon, you’ll hop onto a comfortable boat for a cruise across Green Lake. This part of the tour is perfect for relaxing and soaking in the natural beauty. Tour guides, like one reviewer mentioned, are generally informative and friendly, sharing insights about the region’s history and geology. Expect to see lush woodlands, dramatic mountain backdrops, and the shimmering green waters of the canyon.

The boat ride itself lasts for a good chunk of the day, giving you plenty of time to unwind, take photos, and enjoy the view. Kayaking or swimming from a designated platform is possible, though one review noted the swimming area can be hazardous with rusty nails, so caution is advised.

Oymapinar Dam: An Impressive Sight

Next, you’ll visit the Oymapinar Dam, one of Turkey’s largest. The dam’s impressive structure and the surrounding scenery are often praised in reviews, with travelers noting it’s a great spot for photos. It’s a brief stop, but enough for some quick sightseeing and to learn a bit about the dam’s importance in the region’s infrastructure.

Lunch: A Tasty Buffet with Drinks

One of the standout features of this tour is the included buffet lunch. Tour participants consistently mention the quality of the food—well-prepared, delicious, and plentiful. The buffet typically features a range of Turkish dishes, and drinks are included, which adds to the overall value. This is a relaxed way to refuel and enjoy a meal while taking in the views from the boat or a scenic picnic area.

Free Time and Swimming Breaks

During the cruise, you’ll have opportunities for swimming, with breaks scheduled for those eager to cool off or explore the waters more closely. However, some reviews highlight potential hazards, like rusty nails in the swimming area, so use your judgment and consider wearing water shoes for protection.

Return and Reflection

After a full day of sightseeing and relaxing, you’ll head back to Alanya in the late afternoon. Many find the trip to be a well-balanced combination of nature, comfort, and culture, leaving you with plenty of memorable moments.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

One traveler, Andrea, appreciated the “really nice and relaxing” boat tour, though she mentioned a guide who left her on the wrong boat, which highlights the importance of paying attention to instructions. Others, like Marcus, pointed out the bus ride could be crowded and long—about five hours—so packing light and wearing comfortable clothing is advisable.

Another reviewer, Mark, described the day as a “gezellige dag weg” (a cozy day out), despite a bus breakdown en route. The boat, however, waited patiently, which shows the tour operators’ commitment to customer experience.

A Danish traveler, Michael, called it a “fantastic” trip with “lækker mad” (delicious food) and views that “blindede en fra først færd” (amazed from the start), emphasizing the overall quality of the scenery and meals.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At just over $46, this tour offers solid value when considering the inclusions: transportation, a scenic boat cruise, expert guides, and a buffet lunch. Compared to booking these components separately, the package is quite reasonable, especially given the scenic stops and the relaxed pace. The experience is particularly good for those wanting to combine sightseeing with a leisurely day on the water, without the hassle of planning every detail.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This Green Canyon trip is best suited for travelers looking for a relaxing, scenic day with minimal hassle. It’s great for families, groups, or solo travelers who appreciate nature and easygoing tours. If you’re a fan of picture-perfect landscapes, delicious Turkish food, and a gentle cruise, you’ll find this tour a worthwhile addition to your Alanya itinerary.

However, if you’re sensitive to older boats or prefer swimming in pristine, hazard-free waters, you might want to consider other options or come prepared. Also, those with mobility challenges should verify pickup and onboard facilities, though the overall tour is quite accessible.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning in the late afternoon.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes comfortable, air-conditioned, non-smoking buses for pickup and drop-off.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation, the Green Canyon cruise, a professional English-speaking guide, and a buffet lunch with drinks.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, swimming is possible from a platform on the lake, with scheduled breaks for swimming.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included apart from those provided with the buffet lunch.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and with breaks for swimming and sightseeing, it’s family-friendly. However, supervision around the swimming platform is advised.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps water shoes if you are concerned about the swimming platform’s hazards.

Is there any cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Less notice means no refund.

Is the boat ride safe?
While generally safe, some reviews noted older boats with rust, so exercise caution, especially around the swimming areas.

What’s the best time to book?
Booking around 16 days in advance is typical, but availability can vary. Early booking ensures your spot, especially in peak season.

To sum it up, the Green Canyon Boat Tour from Alanya offers a relaxing, scenic day out that balances natural beauty with cultural sights and delicious food. It’s particularly suited for those wanting a peaceful escape with plenty of opportunities to take photos, enjoy good meals, and learn about the region’s impressive landscapes. While some minor hazards and long bus rides may be considerations, the overall value and authentic experience make this a worthwhile choice for many travelers eager to explore Turkey’s stunning nature.