Green Canyon: 5 Hours Boat Trip with Lunch and Soft Drinks

Exploring Green Canyon: A Balanced Look at the 5-Hour Boat Trip with Lunch and Soft Drinks

If you’re curious about experiencing the natural beauty of Turkey’s famous Green Canyon without spending an entire day or breaking the bank, this 5-hour boat trip might catch your eye. Priced at around $30 per person, it promises a scenic cruise, swimming, fishing, and a delicious lunch—an attractive package for travelers seeking a relaxed yet memorable outing. The tour is designed for those who want hassle-free access, thanks to hotel pick-up options and a well-organized itinerary.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is its focus on authentic enjoyment—cruising across turquoise waters, taking in lush views, and enjoying local guides who know their stuff. Still, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention the trip running longer than advertised and certain amenities like toilets not quite meeting expectations. This tour suits those wanting a straightforward, budget-friendly adventure, especially if they value scenic boat rides and a chance to cool off in pristine waters.

Key Points

• Convenient transportation from most hotels in the area makes this trip accessible.
• Stunning views of Green Canyon and Green Lake provide excellent photo opportunities.
• Activities like swimming and fishing are included, offering authentic ways to enjoy the surroundings.
• A knowledgeable local guide enhances the experience with helpful insights into the area.
• Lunch options are simple yet satisfying, with choices of meatballs, chicken, or fish.
• Some reviews highlight that the trip may run longer than expected and that certain facilities could be better maintained.

The Green Canyon Experience: An In-Depth Review

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers a clear, straightforward package: a 5-hour boat trip across Green Canyon, lunch, a tour guide, swimming, fishing, and non-alcoholic soft drinks onboard. Transportation is included if you opt for hotel pickup, which is a huge plus for those staying in Side or nearby. Keep in mind, photos and additional drinks or ice-cream at the restaurant aren’t included, so if capturing memories or indulging further is your thing, you might want to bring extra cash.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Green Canyon is where the adventure begins. The pickup takes you from your hotel—say, in Side—and whisks you to the Oymapnar Dam for a quick photo stop, giving you a glimpse of the dam’s impressive structure before heading to the main event. Once at Green Canyon, the boat departs on a scenic 5-hour cruise that showcases the canyon’s lush, winding landscape. The views here are what make this trip worthwhile—crystal-clear waters contrasted with green cliffs, creating picture-perfect scenery.

Swimming and fishing follow the boat ride. Expect to jump into the turquoise waters, which many reviews rave about—some even mention how the opportunity to swim in such clear, inviting water is a highlight. The chance to fish adds a touch of traditional leisure, though the reviews suggest that most people find the main attraction is the scenery and swimming.

Lunch at Green Lake caps off the trip. The restaurant offers a modest but tasty meal—meatballs, chicken, or fish with rice and salad—plus soft drinks, tea, and coffee to keep you refreshed. Several reviews express satisfaction with the quality of lunch, describing it as “brilliant” and a nice complement after a busy morning.

Post-lunch, the boat heads back for about two more hours, stopping at Green Lake for another swim before concluding the trip back at the starting point. Some reviews point out that the return journey might stretch longer than the advertised 5 hours, with some travelers mentioning a total duration of up to 8-9 hours, including waiting times and extra stops.

What Travelers Love About This Tour

The guides stand out as some of the tour’s biggest assets. According to reviews, guides are knowledgeable and friendly, helping to enhance the experience with insights into the area. Many appreciate the smooth, air-conditioned transportation, which makes the journey comfortable, especially during warmer months.

The scenic beauty of Green Canyon and Green Lake regularly earns praise. Reviewers describe the boat cruise as “absolutely beautiful” and mention how the cruising allows them to admire the natural landscape from a unique vantage point. The opportunity to swim in pristine waters is a recurring highlight, with some travelers stating it’s “an amazing location” for quick dips.

Fishing adds a traditional touch, even if it’s more leisurely than productive for some. It offers a chance to relax and connect with the environment in an authentic way.

The Caveats and Considerations

While many travelers enjoy the trip, some reviews highlight areas for improvement. A few mention the trip running longer than the initial 5-6 hours, with some experiences extending to 8-9 hours. This might be inconvenient if you’re on a tight schedule or expecting a shorter day.

Facilities such as toilets onboard or at the stops might not meet all travelers’ expectations—some reviews note the toilets lacked water, which can be uncomfortable. As for the lunch, while generally praised, it is basic, and additional drinks or ice-cream at the restaurant are at your own expense.

It’s also worth noting that photo opportunities are not included, so if capturing your trip is essential, consider bringing your camera or smartphone along.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip suits budget-conscious travelers looking for an affordable way to enjoy Turkey’s scenic waterways. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a relaxed day with swimming, scenic views, and some light activity. Travelers who value authentic local guides and don’t mind a longer day will find it particularly appealing.

However, if you’re seeking a luxurious or ultra-comfortable experience, or need facilities like top-tier toilets, this might not be the best fit. Be prepared for some variability in trip duration and facilities, and plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For just $30, this tour offers a fair blend of scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and leisurely activities. The inclusion of hotel pickup, lunch, and soft drinks adds convenience and value. The stunning views of Green Canyon and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters are genuine highlights.

But it’s crucial to go in with realistic expectations: some travelers report longer days, basic amenities, and a straightforward, no-frills experience. If you’re interested in a scenic, relaxing boat trip that’s easy to book and offers memorable views, this tour hits the mark.

Overall, it’s best suited for those who prioritize natural scenery and local guides over luxury amenities. It’s a decent choice for a fun, affordable day out—especially if you’re staying nearby and want to make the most of Turkey’s beautiful waterways without overcomplicating things.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, transportation is included if you select that option, making it easy to start your day without hassle.

How long is the boat trip?
The main boat cruise lasts about 5 hours, but some reviews mention the entire day extending up to 8-9 hours.

What’s the meal like?
Lunch is served at a nearby restaurant and includes a choice of meatballs, chicken, or fish with rice and salad. Drinks, tea, and coffee are also provided.

Can I swim during the trip?
Yes, swimming in the turquoise waters of Green Canyon and Green Lake is a key part of the experience and highly recommended.

Is fishing included?
Yes, you can try fishing, although the activity is more about relaxation than catching fish.

What about facilities?
Some reviewers mention toilets lacked water, so it might be worth preparing for basic amenities.

Will I get good photos?
Photos are not included in the tour, so bring your camera or phone to capture the scenery.

Are drinks other than soft drinks included?
No, additional drinks or ice-cream at the restaurant are at your own expense.

Who is this tour best suited for?
Budget travelers, families, or anyone looking for a relaxed day with scenic views and light activities.

What’s the overall value?
Considering the price and inclusions, it provides a solid value for an authentic and scenic experience, especially if you enjoy water-based activities.

To sum it up, this Green Canyon boat trip delivers a well-rounded, affordable taste of Turkey’s stunning natural landscape. Its ease of booking, scenic highlights, and relaxed pace make it ideal for those wanting a straightforward escape into nature—provided you’re comfortable with some minor inconveniences and a longer-than-expected day.