Green Canyon Boat Trip, Soft Drinks and Lunch Include from Side

Exploring the Green Canyon Boat Trip from Side: A Detailed Review

If you’re visiting Side and craving a peaceful escape into nature, the Green Canyon Boat Trip offers a delightful way to experience Turkey’s scenic Taurus Mountains and pristine waters. This tour, offered by Arbek Travel, promises a day filled with breathtaking views, soothing boat rides, and relaxing swimming breaks, all for around $40.14 per person. It’s a well-rated experience, perfect for travelers wanting to disconnect from busy tourist spots and indulge in authentic, serene landscapes.

What really makes this trip stand out is the combination of spectacular scenery and the chance to see local wildlife like the rare Brown Fish Owl. Plus, with lunch included, along with unlimited soft drinks, it offers excellent value for a full-day adventure. However, one thing to consider is that the tour’s duration demands a good taste for long boat rides and multiple stops, which might be tiring for some.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate natural beauty, enjoy gentle boat excursions, and want a hassle-free day with all logistics handled. If you’re looking for peaceful scenery, a bit of wildlife spotting, and a relaxed pace, this trip checks all those boxes.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery with lush green waters and rocky mountains surrounding the canyon
• Full-day experience with boat trips, swimming breaks, and a lakeside lunch
• Family-friendly and suitable for all age groups seeking peace and nature
• Included amenities like hotel transfers and unlimited soft drinks enhance comfort
• Wildlife viewing opportunities, including the chance to see the Brown Fish Owl
• Good value for a comprehensive scenic tour, with flexible cancellation options

What Makes the Green Canyon Boat Trip Special?

This tour offers a chance to escape the hustle of Side and dive into the tranquility of the Taurus Mountains. The highlight is undoubtedly the boat journey across the 9-mile Green Canyon, where the scenery is so lush and vivid that it’s hard not to be captivated. The boat is comfortable and suitable for groups, making the trip both scenic and social.

The trip is designed to appeal to a broad audience—families, couples, solo travelers—who want to relax and enjoy nature. The unlimited soft drinks and included lunch at a lakeside restaurant ensure that you stay refreshed without worrying about additional costs. Plus, the boat stops periodically for swimming, giving you a chance to cool off in the clear waters, which visitors say is both relaxing and refreshing.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point and Pickup

The adventure kicks off at 8:30 am with a pickup from your hotel—most likely via a minibus—that takes you from various hotels in Side to the main departure point. The transfer is smooth, and the crowd size is capped at 100 travelers, making it a relatively intimate experience. You’ll be transferred onto a larger bus that drives to the Green Canyon area, setting the scene for a full day immersed in nature.

Green Canyon and the Fresh Water Lake

Once at the lake in the Taurus Mountains, the real magic begins. The boat departs from the quay and heads toward the Great Canyon and the lake’s natural water sources. This part of the tour, which lasts around four hours including the boat ride and stops, is what travelers tend to remember most. The scenery is described as “spectacular,” with reviewers noting the striking contrast between the rocky mountains and the vibrant, green waters.

One reviewer, AnaMaria_S, shared how “the journey on the boat was extremely beautiful and scenic, with incredibly green waters and rocky mountains.” This vivid description underscores how mesmerizing the landscape is—perfect for photography and simply soaking in the natural beauty.

Wildlife Spotting: The Brown Fish Owl

An unusual highlight of this tour is the chance to see the Brown Fish Owl. Though sightings depend on luck and timing, experiencing the possibility of spotting such a rare bird adds an extra layer of authenticity and excitement. The owl, native to the region, is a symbol of the area’s rich biodiversity.

Swimming Breaks

Throughout the day, there are designated swimming breaks at the lake, which travelers say are both enjoyable and necessary to break up the boat ride. You can jump into the cool waters, relax along the shore, or just take in the peaceful surroundings. These stops are often highlighted as the most refreshing parts of the trip, especially on hot days.

Lunch by the Dam Lake

Around midday, the group heads to a restaurant located by the dam lake, offering a buffet-style lunch. While the menu specifics aren’t detailed, the reviews suggest the food is satisfying and adds substantial value to the trip. The lakeside setting provides a lovely backdrop, making the meal feel like a true escape into nature.

Little Canyon Visit

After lunch, there’s a visit to a smaller canyon, providing a different perspective on the region’s natural formations. Reviewers describe this part as a peaceful spot to enjoy the scenery away from the busier main canyon.

Practical Considerations

Transportation and Duration

The pickup and transfer process is straightforward, with most travelers being picked up from their hotels and transported comfortably. The entire experience lasts approximately 7.5 hours, which means you should be prepared for a full day. The boat trip itself is around four hours, with additional time allocated for transfers and stops.

Group Size and Personal Experience

With a maximum of 100 travelers, the tour maintains a decent size to foster a social atmosphere but still allows for some personal space. The group setting is complemented by the professional guidance, although specific guides’ names aren’t mentioned.

Cost and Value

At $40.14 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the included transfers, boat trip, lunch, and unlimited soft drinks. It’s a cost-effective way to explore a stunning natural site without the hassle of organizing transportation or meals.

Additional Tips

• Bring sun protection and a hat, especially if you plan to swim or spend extended time outdoors.
• Remember to bring your camera—this scenery is incredibly photogenic.
• If wildlife spotting is a priority, arrive early and be attentive.
• Confirm your pickup time and location in advance to avoid missing the tour.

Authentic Traveler Insights

From the sole review, AnaMaria_S noted how “incredible the views” made the trip unforgettable. She also appreciated the smooth transfer process and the scenic boat ride, emphasizing the beautiful green waters and rocky mountains as highlights. Such first-hand insights help paint a realistic picture of what to expect.

Another point to consider is the flexibility of cancellation, which is free up to 24 hours before the tour, providing peace of mind if your plans change.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Green Canyon Boat Trip is ideal for those who want to escape the busy tourist areas and spend a day immersed in peaceful, scenic nature. It suits travelers who appreciate relaxed activities like boat rides and swimming, and who enjoy viewing wildlife in a natural setting. The included lunch and soft drinks make it an effortless experience, perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a calming day out.

If you’re after breathtaking scenery, good value, and a well-organized trip, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s particularly appealing for nature lovers or anyone interested in seeing one of Turkey’s most spectacular waterscapes without the need for complicated planning.

FAQ

• What is the starting time for this tour? The pickup begins at 8:30 am, so be ready at your hotel by then.
• Does the tour include hotel transfers? Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it easy to relax and enjoy the day.
• How long does the boat trip last? The boat trip, including stops, is approximately four hours.
• Are soft drinks unlimited? Yes, unlimited soft drinks are available throughout the trip.
• Is lunch included? Yes, a lakeside restaurant provides a buffet-style lunch as part of the package.
• Can I cancel this tour? Yes, cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours in advance.
• Is this experience suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, making it a family-friendly outing.
• What should I bring? Sun protection, swimwear, and a camera are recommended to make the most of the day.

This Green Canyon Boat Trip from Side offers a relaxing, scenic, and value-packed way to enjoy Turkey’s natural beauty—in a calm setting far from the busy tourist spots. Whether you’re after wildlife sightings, stunning vistas, or just a peaceful day on the water, this tour provides a memorable experience that’s easy to fit into any Turkish itinerary.