City of Side: Green Canyon Boat Trip & Bus Safari with Lunch

Exploring the Green Canyon & Lake from Side: A Full-Day Adventure of Nature, Culture, and Stunning Views

If you’re headed to the Antalya region and want a day that balances natural beauty with cultural insight, the Green Canyon Boat Trip & Bus Safari with Lunch offers a compelling option. This tour packs in a lot—driving through the Taurus Mountains, cruising across the tranquil Green Lake, and exploring local villages—all in just one day.

What we really like about this experience is its combination of diverse activities, especially the panoramic cabrio bus ride through the mountains and the relaxing boat cruise on Green Lake. It offers an authentic glimpse into rural Turkey away from the busy seaside resorts. However, the journey involves quite a bit of bus travel, which might be tiring for some travelers craving more leisure and less transit. This trip is ideal for those who enjoy scenic drives, cultural stops, and nature photography, and who are happy to spend a full day exploring rather than relaxing solely on the beach.

Key Points

• Scenic and Educational: The tour offers stunning mountain views and insights into local villages and traditions.
• Value for Money: At around $20, you get a comprehensive experience including transport, a boat trip, and lunch.
• Active Day: Expect a mix of driving, walking, and boat cruising, suitable for adventurous travelers.
• Authentic Food: A tasty, traditional Turkish lunch is included, giving a taste of local cuisine.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides enhance the journey with interesting stories and facts.
• Accessibility & Flexibility: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics simple, and free cancellation offers peace of mind.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting with a Comfortable Pickup:
Most travelers are picked up from designated spots in Side or nearby areas around 09:00. From there, you’ll hop onto a specially designed cabrio bus—a bright orange, open-sided vehicle that’s perfect for taking in the scenic mountain views and fragrant orange orchards lining the route. The open bus design means you’ll feel more connected to the stunning landscapes as you ascend into the Taurus Mountains.

Driving Through the Taurus Mountains:
The journey through these mountains is part of the charm. The driver and guides often share insights about the region’s geology, culture, and history—adding context to the striking scenery. This part of the tour is not just transportation but an experience in itself, especially if you love panoramic views and nature photography.

Stopping at Traditional Villages:
One of the standout moments, according to reviews, is the visit to a small local village, where you’ll get a guided walk and a chance to see Turkish rural life firsthand. You might even visit a mosque, which provides insight into the local religious traditions. The relaxing pace allows for a gentle exploration, and some guests have appreciated the opportunity to snap photos and learn about local customs.

The Green Lake & Oymapinar Dam:
The highlight for many is the stop at Green Lake, a peaceful spot with crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush scenery. Here, you’ll board a catamaran for a 1-hour cruise. Visitors describe the boat trip as relaxing, offering a different perspective of the untouched nature. The water is calm, and the views—particularly the surrounding hills and forests—are beautiful enough to warrant several photos.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant:
A traditional Turkish lunch is included, served at a nearby restaurant. Reviewers have enjoyed the authentic flavors, noting that portions are generous and the setting is pleasant. It’s a good chance to unwind and chat about the morning’s adventures.

Green Canyon & Manavgat River:
Post-lunch, the tour continues with a scenic drive over the picturesque Green Canyon, created by the Oymapinar Dam. While some might find the drive a bit long, the views of the dam and the surrounding landscape are impressive. A stop at Manavgat River features a waterfall and some photo opportunities, rounding out the day’s natural sights.

Optional Zoo Visit & Cultural Stops:
For an extra fee, there’s the possibility to visit a small zoo, though some reviewers express concern about the animals’ conditions—something to consider if animal welfare is important to you. The tour also includes a stop at a village mosque, offering cultural insight.

Return and Drop-off:
The day wraps up with a leisurely drive back to Side, with drop-offs at the original meeting points around 18:00. The overall pacing seems well-received, with many feeling the day was full without feeling rushed.

Authentic Experiences That Make This Tour Stand Out

What makes this tour memorable are the guides—most reviewers mention guides like Halil and others who are knowledgeable and friendly, adding depth to the experience. Their insights about local traditions, landscape features, and history are especially valued. Rosina, one reviewer, appreciated how helpful the staff was, particularly in assisting her with mobility issues, which indicates the team’s attentiveness.

The stunning landscape is another highlight. The contrast between the rugged mountains, lush greenery, and tranquil waters creates countless photo opportunities. Travelers often comment on how the views exceeded expectations, especially during the mountain drive and the boat cruise.

The value for money seems justified when you consider all included activities—transport, boat trip, lunch—and the chance to explore areas that many travelers don’t get to see independently. For just $20, this is a full day packed with varied sights and experiences.

Practical Considerations and Tips

While the tour is generally well-received, a few points are worth noting. The bus journey involves several hours of travel—so if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer a more relaxed pace, bring snacks or motion sickness tablets. The route is quite scenic, but some travelers report feeling the journey is a bit long, especially if you’re eager to stay at each stop longer.

The zoo visit is optional and for an extra fee, but some reviews recommend skipping this part due to concerns about animal welfare. If this concerns you, it’s worth asking the guide on the day or declining the zoo visit.

The included lunch is a great feature, but if you have dietary restrictions, it’s advisable to confirm with the tour provider beforehand, as the meal options are traditional Turkish fare.

Timing-wise, the tour departs around 09:00 and returns by 18:00, giving you a full day of exploration. Early booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons, as spots can fill quickly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and a bit of activity. It’s well-suited for those who don’t mind spending a good part of the day on a bus and enjoy scenic drives and outdoor exploration. Nature lovers will appreciate the boat cruise and mountain vistas, while culture enthusiasts can enjoy visiting local villages and learning about Turkish traditions.

Families with children might find the day’s pace suitable, especially since the stops are varied and engaging. Conversely, travelers seeking a purely relaxing day on the beach might find this tour’s busy schedule a bit too full.

Final Thoughts

The Green Canyon Boat Trip & Bus Safari with Lunch offers an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Turkey’s inland regions without straying too far from Side. The combination of scenic drives, tranquil lake cruise, authentic meals, and educational stops make it a well-rounded day out. The knowledgeable guides and stunning vistas elevate the experience, making it worth the modest price tag.

While the length of travel and bus time might not appeal to everyone, those seeking a comprehensive, value-packed adventure will find this tour rewarding. It’s especially suitable for curious travelers eager to see a different side of Turkey beyond the beaches—the mountains, the villages, and the water await.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including pick-up, travel time, activities, and drop-off.

What is included in the price?
Price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the cabrio bus safari, boat cruise on Green Lake, and a traditional Turkish lunch.

Are there any additional costs?
Drinks during lunch are not included, and optional photo/video services might be extra. Also, visiting the zoo costs a small additional fee if you choose to do so.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, and consider bringing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera.

Is this tour suitable for disabled travelers?
Yes, at least one reviewer mentioned staff being very helpful with mobility issues, indicating accessibility support.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is there enough time at each stop?
The tour is paced to cover all highlights, but some reviewers felt certain stops, like the zoo, could be rushed or skipped for more leisure.

How crowded is the tour?
Group sizes are not specified, but reviews suggest it’s a popular tour, so expect a group setting.

What language is the guide speaking?
Guides speak English and German, catering to a diverse group of travelers.

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of nature, culture, and scenic beauty—ideal for those wanting to explore Turkey’s diverse landscapes in a single day. Whether you’re snapping photos along the mountain route, relaxing on the boat, or learning about local traditions, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.