From Alanya: Green Canyon Boat Trip with Lunch and Drinks

Taking a boat trip to Green Canyon from Alanya offers an excellent escape into Turkey’s natural beauty. This 9-hour excursion promises a relaxing cruise through emerald-green waters, surrounded by the towering Taurus Mountains, with plenty of opportunities to swim, take photos, and enjoy a hearty local lunch. It’s one of those experiences that caters well to those wanting a mix of scenic views, light adventure, and comfort.

What we particularly love about this trip is the combination of a laid-back cruise with stunning vistas and the chance to cool off in pristine waters — all at a reasonable price considering the full-day experience. Plus, the guide’s helpfulness and friendly attitude shine through in reviews, making it feel both professional and personal.

However, a key consideration is that this tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, and drinks apart from the included lunch are not provided. If you’re comfortable with a full day on the water, enjoy nature, and want a mix of sightseeing and swimming, this trip fits the bill perfectly.

This experience suits travelers looking for a straightforward, scenic day out from Alanya, especially those who appreciate good value for money, lovely scenery, and a relaxed pace.

Key Points

• Breathtaking Scenery: Cruise along the 14-kilometer-long Green Canyon, with views of Taurus Mountains and lush surroundings.
• Swimming Opportunities: Multiple stops for swimming in clear, emerald waters, with enough time to cool off and enjoy the scenery.
• All-Inclusive Lunch: A generous open buffet featuring local dishes, served at a restaurant overlooking the lake.
• Expert Guidance: Friendly local guides who are knowledgeable and attentive, enhancing the experience.
• Convenient Transport: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, eliminating transportation worries.
• Limited Mobility Access: Not suitable for guests with mobility impairments due to the nature of the boat and stops.

The Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Green Canyon Day

The day kicks off with a hotel pickup — a hassle-free start since many travelers appreciated being taken directly from their accommodations. Once aboard the bus, the journey to Green Canyon takes around an hour or so, depending on your pickup point. The comfortable coach makes the ride relaxing, giving you a chance to settle in while enjoying scenic views of the Turkish countryside.

Arriving at the departure point, you’ll board a boat that will serve as your vessel for the day. This boat cruise covers approximately 17 kilometers, including the Grand Canyon and Little Canyon sections, known for their dramatic limestone formations and crystal-clear waters. Multiple reviews highlight the boat as comfortable, with some mentioning a lively playlist that adds to the fun atmosphere.

Cruising and Swimming:

The main thrill comes from cruising along the waterway, with several stops for swimming. Reviewers like Adesha mentioned, “The water was too cold for me to jump in, but many others took a dip,” which emphasizes the refreshing nature of these swims. You’ll find changing facilities at some stops, allowing you to switch into your swimwear comfortably — but be prepared to improvise at some points, especially if the facilities are limited.

Throughout the cruise, guides like Yusuf stand out for their helpfulness — quick to answer questions and make sure everyone is comfortable. The chance to snap photos during stops and enjoy the lush verdant scenery is a major highlight.

Lunchtime with a View:

After a good round of swimming and sightseeing, the boat docks at a local restaurant with panoramic views of the lake. Here, a generous open buffet lunch awaits. Reviewers repeatedly praise the quality and variety of food, describing it as “lovely” and “delicious,” with some mentioning the lunch as a standout part of the day. The meal is a great opportunity to refuel before continuing the cruise or exploring the surroundings further.

Further Exploration and Final Swim:

Post-lunch, the boat continues exploring the canyon, providing spectacular mountain views and woodland scenery. Another swimming stop allows guests to take in more of the refreshing waters. As the day winds down, the boat heads back toward the starting point, with many appreciating the peaceful, picture-perfect vistas along the way.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This trip’s real strength lies in its combination of natural beauty, ease of access, and value. The knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, sharing insights into the canyon’s geology and local wildlife — including the rare brown fish owl, which adds an element of wildlife spotting for keen eyes.

The scenic cruise itself is well-paced, allowing enough time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the tranquility of the lake. The swimming stops are appreciated by guests, who often comment on the cleanliness and clarity of the waters, making swimming genuinely enjoyable.

The lunch is another highlight. Reviewers like Katie praise the “lovely” meal that offers more than enough food, making it good value considering the overall cost of the trip. It’s a nice break from the water activities, giving travelers a chance to chat and enjoy the stunning setting.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration & Timing: The trip lasts around 9 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability. It’s good to check your hotel or booking platform for precise schedules.
• What to Bring: Pack your swimwear, towel, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses for sun protection. The boat has some changing facilities, but improvisation might be needed at the second swim stop.
• Accessibility: This tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility issues, mainly due to boat and swimming stop logistics.
• Price & Value: While the exact cost isn’t specified here, reviews emphasize that this trip offers excellent value, especially considering the included hotel transfer, boat cruise, guide, and buffet lunch.
• Drinks: Soft drinks are not included, so you might want to bring your own bottled water or purchase drinks at the restaurant.

Authentic Experiences and Guest Insights

From detailed reviews, it’s clear that guests value well-informed guides and the beautiful scenery. Rebecca loved the playlist onboard, adding a fun vibe to the cruise, while Linda appreciated the staff’s attentiveness, especially with guests with disabilities.

Many travelers, like Yuliia, highlighted how clean the waters are — “swimming there is a pleasure” — and how the facilities (like changing areas) make a difference. The swift communication from staff, exemplified by Yusuf, helped smooth out any uncertainties, making the trip feel well-organized.

One reviewer pointed out that the trip was “great for the money,” highlighting the blend of scenic views, good food, and swimming opportunities. The overall sentiment is that this trip balances relaxation with adventure, making it suitable for most casual travelers.

The Sum Up

This boat trip from Alanya to Green Canyon is a fantastic way to learn about Turkey’s stunning natural landscape without overexerting yourself. It offers a relaxing yet engaging day out, with plenty of opportunities to swim in clear waters, enjoy spectacular mountain vistas, and savor a tasty buffet lunch. The included hotel transfers and knowledgeable guides make it straightforward and stress-free.

It’s especially perfect for travelers who appreciate scenic beauty, good value, and a laid-back pace. If you’re looking to escape the beaches and explore a different side of the region — one marked by dramatic limestone formations and lush greenery — this trip is well worth considering.

Keep in mind that it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or those who dislike boat rides. But for most, this day promises memorable views, refreshing swims, and a taste of local hospitality.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?
The entire excursion lasts approximately 9 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from most hotels in Alanya, making it a convenient option.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sun protection like a hat or sunglasses. It’s also wise to carry water since drinks aren’t included.

Can I get on the boat if I have mobility issues?
No, this tour isn’t suitable for guests with mobility impairments due to the boat and stop logistics.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included apart from the provided lunch. You can bring your own bottled water if you wish.

What is the quality of the food?
Reviewers consistently describe the buffet lunch as delicious and plentiful, making it a highlight of the day.

Is there enough time for swimming?
Absolutely. Multiple stops give ample opportunity for swimming and relaxing in the lake’s clear waters.

This Green Canyon boat trip from Alanya offers a scenic, relaxing, and tasty day out — ideal for those who want to explore Turkey’s natural beauty without fuss or hassle.