Side-Alanya: 5-Hour BoatTour inGreen Canyon with Lunch SoftDrinks

Experience the Green Canyon: A Balanced Look at This 5-Hour Boat Tour from Side

Taking a boat trip through Turkey’s Green Canyon promises a relaxing escape into nature’s quiet beauty, with lush greenery, clear waters, and a peaceful mountain backdrop. This particular tour, offered by Coyav Travel, combines a scenic cruise with opportunities to swim, fish, and enjoy a hearty lunch—all for around $41.54 per person. With a solid 4-star rating based on 19 reviews, it’s clear many find it a worthwhile way to spend half a day exploring Turkey’s impressive natural scenery.

What we love about this experience is its seamless combination of comfort and authenticity. The local guides are praised for their knowledge, making the journey not just visually stunning but also educational. Plus, the unlimited soft drinks and included lunch help keep you refreshed without breaking the bank. However, a notable consideration is the initial transfer, which some travelers found challenging due to rough roads and safety concerns. This tour suits travelers who prioritize scenic beauty, some outdoor activity, and a relaxed pace over a luxury experience.

Key Points

• Beautiful natural setting with clear waters and lush greenery.
• Convenient pickup from selected hotels makes the start hassle-free.
• Knowledgeable local guides enhance the experience with insights.
• Unlimited soft drinks ensure you stay refreshed throughout.
• The lunch is included but may not impress everyone.
• Mixed reviews on transfer quality highlight the importance of patience.

Introduction to the Green Canyon Boat Tour

This 5-hour boat outing is a popular choice for visitors staying in Side, aiming to see a unique part of Turkey’s natural landscape without committing to a full-day adventure. The tour offers a peaceful cruise through the Green Canyon, a stunning gorge carved by the Oymapinar Dam, recognized for its vibrant green waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. It’s an experience that appeals to those looking for a mix of relaxation, scenic views, and some light activity like swimming and fishing.

A standout feature is the local guide on board, who provides insights into the area’s geology, flora, and history. This adds a layer of understanding and appreciation that many travelers find enriching. The tour’s inclusive nature—covering transport, lunch, drinks, and activities—makes it a convenient choice for travelers who prefer a hassle-free day out.

However, as with any outdoor excursion, there are some considerations. The transfer from Side to the boat is noted by at least one reviewer as a rough and potentially nerve-wracking ride, especially if you’re sensitive to bumpy roads or safety barriers. While the boat itself is regarded as comfortable, the initial journey might influence your overall impression.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy nature, are comfortable with some outdoor mobility, and want an affordable way to explore Turkey’s scenic waters without extensive planning.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Manavgat Dam

The first stop at the Oymapinar Dam allows you to appreciate the engineering marvel that created the Green Canyon. The boat cruise begins here, offering a chance to get your bearings and enjoy the surrounding scenery. The views of the dam and its turquoise waters are striking, and it’s an ideal spot for photography.

This stop includes two swimming breaks, giving you time to dip into the crisp water, which reviewers describe as crystal-clear and surrounded by nature. One guest mentioned that the swimming was “fantastic,” emphasizing how relaxing it can be to float in such pristine waters.

Fishermen in the group can try their luck, thanks to the availability of fishing opportunities during the cruise. The boat’s friendly crew and guides make sure everyone is comfortable, and the lunch set near the dam is generally described as satisfying, if not gourmet—most travelers seem to appreciate the effort, though some mention it being somewhat unimpressive.

Stop 2: Manavgat

The second stop offers more chances to swim and take in the striking scenery. Reviewers highlight the beautiful landscape and the abundance of time for swimming as a major plus. One remarked, “plenty of time to swim, which was fantastic,” suggesting the pace of the tour is relaxed enough for travelers to truly enjoy the natural surroundings.

Throughout this part of the cruise, the local guide continues sharing insights about the area and answering questions. Many travelers noted the guides’ knowledge and friendliness as a high point of the experience.

Additional Highlights: Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

An important part of the tour is the lunch, served at a restaurant in the mountains by the water. Feedback indicates that it’s a pleasant meal, suitable for a day out in nature, but not necessarily a culinary highlight. Some guests recommend bringing snacks if you’re looking for something more substantial or specific.

The unlimited soft drinks on board are appreciated, helping travelers stay refreshed while soaking up the sun and mountain views. The boat’s crew is generally friendly, attentive, and ready to ensure everyone’s comfort.

What the Reviews Say: Authentic Perspectives

While the stunning scenery is universally praised, opinions about the transfer and facilities are more mixed. One reviewer, Wayne, described the transfer as “terrifying,” citing unsafe roads and slippery steps to the boat. This highlights the importance of being prepared for a potentially bumpy ride and rough terrain when boarding.

On the flip side, others like Tine_B appreciated the “beautiful scenery” and the ample swimming opportunities. She did note, however, that the lunch was not memorable and joked that bringing snacks might enhance the experience.

Fred_P emphasized the friendly care on board and called the trip “wonderful,” praising the exquisite lunch and the peaceful nature reserve. This indicates that if you’re comfortable with the transfer, the cruise itself often exceeds expectations.

Chantal_N found the process smoothly organized from pickup to drop-off, praising the pictorial beauty of the location and the two swimming stops. Conversely, Malene_B pointed out that the area can be crowded, and facilities like toilets are “not satisfactory,” especially for those with accessibility needs.

Transportation and Group Size

The transfer from Side to the boat is included in the price, but experiences may vary. The trip is limited to 100 travelers, which is a manageable size for a group, helping to keep the atmosphere friendly and engaging. Note that the transfer might involve a rough ride on unmade roads, so be prepared for a bumpy start.

Once on board, the boat is described as comfortable, with enough space for everyone to relax, swim, or fish. The guided commentary by a local guide enhances the experience, making it more than just a scenic cruise but an educational outing as well.

Pricing and Value

At $41.54 per person, this tour is quite competitive considering what’s included: boat trip, lunch, soft drinks, transfer, and a guide. The added convenience of free transfer and the chance to swim multiple times makes it a solid value for travelers looking for a cost-effective way to explore one of Turkey’s natural wonders.

While the lunch may not be gourmet, it’s sufficient for a day spent outdoors, and the unlimited soft drinks are a bonus, especially in the warm weather. The overall experience offers a good balance between affordability and memorable scenery.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Green Canyon boat tour appeals most to travelers who enjoy relaxed outdoor activities, are ready for some light water-based fun, and appreciate scenic beauty. It’s ideal if you’re seeking a value-packed half-day escape with convenient logistics and knowledgeable guides.

However, if you’re sensitive to bumpy roads or require very comfortable transfers, you might want to prepare for the initial ride. The swimming and fishing are definite highlights, making this a great choice for those who like to interact with nature at their own pace.

Overall, it’s a balanced experience that offers a pleasant, scenic, and educational outing in Turkey’s lush Green Canyon—perfect for those who want a taste of natural beauty without overextending their day.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, free transfer from selected hotels to the boat is included, though the transfer may involve a rough ride on unmade roads.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs approximately 5 to 6 hours, with a full 5-hour boat cruise.

What activities are available during the tour?
You can swim in clear waters, fish if you like, and relax on the boat. There are two swimming breaks planned during the cruise.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, a lunch is part of the package, served at a mountain-side restaurant near the water. It’s generally described as satisfactory but not gourmet.

Are unlimited soft drinks offered?
Absolutely, the onboard soft drinks are unlimited, helping you stay refreshed in the warm weather.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 100 travelers, maintaining a comfortable size for a group experience.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the rough roads for those sensitive to bumpy rides or with mobility concerns.

In summary, this boat tour offers a practical, scenic, and affordable way to explore Turkey’s Green Canyon. With friendly guides, plentiful swimming, and a relaxed pace, it’s well-suited to those seeking a nature-filled half-day adventure in a beautiful setting. Just keep in mind the initial transfer might be bumpy, but once on the water, the views and activities make it a rewarding outing.