From Belek: Green Canyon Boat Trip with Lunch and Drinks

Introduction

Taking a day trip to explore the Green Canyon from Belek offers a chance to enjoy Turkey’s breathtaking natural scenery, especially for lovers of water and outdoor adventures. This tour combines a scenic boat ride, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and a traditional Turkish lunch—all packed into a roughly 9-hour experience.

What we really appreciate about this trip is the chance to see such a well-preserved natural wonder without the hassle of planning or navigating yourself. The boat tour itself promises stunning views, relaxed swimming stops, and the opportunity to try fishing, making it perfect for those wanting a mix of relaxation and gentle adventure.

One potential consideration is the size of the tour group; with around 120 people sharing the boat, it can feel a bit crowded during swimming and lunch stops, especially if you prefer quieter, more intimate experiences. Still, if you’re after the classic Green Canyon experience with a good balance of sightseeing and leisure, this trip from Belek offers solid value. It suits travelers who want a full-day outdoor escape with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of local cuisine.

Key Points

• Stunning natural scenery and clear waters perfect for swimming and relaxing.
• Full-day experience with hotel pickup, guided boat tour, and a traditional Turkish lunch.
• Group size can be large, which might make some moments feel crowded, especially during swimming and eating.
• Reliable guides and organized stops add value, though the pace may feel a bit rushed for some.
• Cost-effective at $60 per person, offering a good mix of activities and scenic views.
• Limited inclusions—no photos or drinks at the restaurant are included, so plan accordingly.

Detailed Review of the Green Canyon Boat Trip

How the Day Starts: Pickup and First Stops

The day begins with hotel pickup in Belek, with a pickup point directly in front of your hotel’s security gate—convenient and straightforward. From there, you’ll be driven to the Oymapinar Dam, which makes for an excellent photo opportunity. Standing at the dam, you’ll get a sense of the impressive engineering feat and marvel at the sprawling landscape beyond. It’s a quick, scenic stop that sets the tone for the day ahead.

The journey from Belek to Green Canyon takes about 1.5 hours, and some reviewers mention the bus ride as a bit tiring, especially if the coach has older seats. Felix’s review captures this, noting that the long transfer and the shared nature of the boat can feel like mass tourism. Still, it’s a common aspect of organized day trips, and the views along the way are often picturesque.

Arriving at Green Canyon: The Boat Adventure Begins

Once at the Green Canyon area, you’ll board a sizable boat, with around 120 fellow travelers. This large group can feel bustling, but it also means a lively atmosphere. A tour guide on the boat will explain the route and highlight the key sights, making sure you don’t miss the best views.

The boat ride itself is the highlight. You’ll glide through calm waters, passing dramatic cliffs and lush greenery, which create a stunning backdrop for photos. The boat tour lasts around 2 hours, during which you’ll have the chance to relax, enjoy the scenery, and listen to informative commentary from the guide.

Swimming, Fishing, and Relaxing

One of the most appreciated aspects is the opportunity to swim in the lake’s clear waters. The stops last approximately 45 minutes, giving enough time to jump into the water, relax on the boat, or try your luck at fishing. Reviewers mention that the areas become quite crowded, with multiple boats sharing the same swimming zones, which can limit space and tranquility.

The experience of swimming here is quite memorable. The water is clean and inviting, perfect for cooling off after the sun heats up the day. If fishing is your thing, you’ll have the chance to cast a line, though it’s more about the fun than catching a big one.

Lunch Break: Traditional Turkish Cuisine

After the morning’s activities, the tour continues to a nearby restaurant for a traditional Turkish lunch. The meal is usually an open buffet with local dishes, providing a hearty and flavorful experience. Reviewers highlight the delicious food, which adds a cultural touch to the day.

It’s worth noting that drinks and ice cream at the restaurant are not included, and photos are not provided, so you might want to bring your camera or buy souvenirs if you want keepsakes of your meal.

The Return Trip: More Swimming and Scenic Views

Post-lunch, the boat continues its journey back towards the starting point. Along the way, there’s another swimming stop, giving you another chance to unwind in the cool waters. The return trip lasts about two hours, with a scenic drive back through Turkey’s countryside and the possibility of stopping at a shopping outlet—a typical feature in such tours, where you can browse local crafts or souvenirs.

Final Drop-off and Overall Experience

Upon arrival back in Belek, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, usually exhausted but happy from a full day of nature, sun, and gentle adventure. The overall experience provides a good balance between sightseeing and leisure, although some travelers have noted the large groups and long waiting times can detract from the intimacy of the experience.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviews provide valuable insight into what you can expect. Many appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the breathtaking scenery, with comments about the delicious traditional lunch and the comfort of the boat ride. However, concerns about crowds are common.

One traveler mentioned that around 300 to 400 people share the bathing areas and buffet, which can make swimming and eating feel a bit hectic. Others felt the long bus ride and the mass tourism vibe detracted slightly from the experience, though most still found it worthwhile because of the scenery and overall value.

Pros:

• Friendly, informative guides enhance the experience
• The scenery of Green Canyon is genuinely stunning
• The lunch is hearty and traditional
• Swimming in the lake is refreshing and fun

Cons:

• Large group size can feel crowded
• Long transfer time might be tiring
• No drinks or photos included at the restaurant
• Some found the wait times for boarding and swimming to be lengthy

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes to make the most of the swimming stops.
• A small extra fee might be worthwhile for taking photos, as none are included.
• Since drinks are not supplied at the restaurant, consider bringing a water bottle or buying a beverage there.
• If you prefer a quieter experience, try to go early in the season or request smaller group options if available.
• Be aware that the walking distance from boat to restaurant is about 100 meters, so pack comfortable shoes.
• Pets and alcohol are not allowed onboard or at the restaurant, so plan accordingly.

The Sum Up

This Green Canyon boat trip from Belek offers a balanced mix of stunning scenery, cultural cuisine, and relaxing water activities. It’s particularly suited for travelers eager to see one of Turkey’s most beautiful natural sites without the hassle of organizing transport themselves. The lively atmosphere and large group size may not suit those seeking intimate or quiet experiences, but families, groups, and solo travelers looking for a fun day out will find plenty to enjoy.

The combination of kayak-like boat rides, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and a hearty local meal makes this tour a fine choice for anyone wanting to escape the beaches and explore Turkey’s lush inland beauty. While it’s not without its flaws—like crowds and long waits—the value and scenic rewards generally outweigh these minor inconveniences.

If you’re after a full day filled with natural beauty, engaging guides, and a taste of Turkish hospitality, this trip to Green Canyon is well worth considering.

FAQ

How long is the journey from Belek to Green Canyon?
The drive takes about 1.5 hours each way, so be prepared for a roughly 3-hour total transfer time including stops.

Is there a guide during the boat trip?
Yes, a tour guide is onboard to provide commentary and highlight the main sights along the route.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring swimwear, a towel, change of clothes, and possibly a camera. Remember that drinks and ice cream at the restaurant are not included.

Are there any age restrictions or considerations?
The tour is suitable for most ages; however, keep in mind the walking distance from the boat to the restaurant is about 100 meters.

Is the boat crowded?
Yes, the boat can hold around 120 people, and during swimming and lunch stops, the areas can become quite busy.

Can I buy drinks or souvenirs during the tour?
Drinks are included on the boat but not at the restaurant, and souvenirs might be available at the shopping stop.

What time does the tour usually start?
Starting times vary—check availability when booking—some tours begin early morning around 8 am.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Whether you’re after stunning views, a relaxing day on the water, or a taste of Turkish hospitality, this Green Canyon trip from Belek offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that’s perfect for outdoor lovers and curious explorers alike.