Green Canyon Boat Trip With Lunch and Drinks From Side , Manavgat

Green Canyon Boat Trip With Lunch and Drinks From Side, Manavgat

If you’re exploring the Turkish coast around Side, the Green Canyon boat trip offers a fascinating mix of natural beauty, relaxing cruising, and authentic local flavors. This full-day adventure takes you to one of Turkey’s unique dam lakes in the Taurus mountains, with plenty of opportunities to unwind, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. From the moment you’re picked up, the journey promises a smooth, well-organized experience, ideal for travelers who want a day away from the crowds but still crave some comfort and fun.

One of the things we love about this tour is how it balances spectacular views with genuine local touches — think delicious Turkish cuisine in a scenic setting, the chance to fish or swim, and a friendly guide who knows the area well. A potential consideration is that the trip lasts around 7 to 9 hours, so it’s a full day out, which might be tiring for those with limited time or low stamina.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy nature, leisurely cruises, and authentic experiences. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a calm day on the water, some scenic photo opportunities, and a taste of local hospitality without breaking the bank. If you love exploring off-the-beaten-path landscapes with a touch of comfort, this could be your ideal outing.

Key Points

• Stunning Natural Scenery: Cruise on the green lake in the Taurus Mountains, with breathtaking views.
• All-Inclusive Value: The tour includes round-trip transportation, guiding, lunch, and soft drinks.
• Flexible Activities: Swimmers can enjoy stops for swimming, fishing, or relaxing by the lake.
• Well-Organized Experience: From hotel pickup to boat boarding, the trip runs smoothly, with friendly guides.
• Affordable Price: At just $13.88 per person, it offers great value for a full day of nature and leisure.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Lunch in a restaurant with spectacular views features local delicacies and a peaceful setting.

What to Expect from the Green Canyon Boat Trip

This tour is a wonderful way to experience Turkey’s lesser-known natural marvel, the Green Canyon (Oymapnar Dam), which is the only dam lake in Turkey offering boat trips. We’ll walk through the details of what makes each part of this trip special, based on actual reviews and the itinerary.

The Pickup and Journey to Green Canyon

Most travelers start their day early, with hotel pickups around 8:00 am. The transfer is included, and the experience begins with a scenic drive into the Taurus mountains. Many reviews mention how the drive itself is interesting, with some describing the scenery as “impressive” and “beautiful,” setting the tone for what’s ahead. The group size is limited to 100 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and well-managed.

Green Canyon: The Main Attraction

Once you arrive at the Green Canyon, the boat awaits. This isn’t your typical touristy cruise — it’s a tranquil voyage through a dam reservoir surrounded by steep canyon walls and lush greenery. As you glide along, you’ll enjoy panoramic views that many describe as “stunningly beautiful,” with the chance to snap photos of the canyon’s dramatic cliffs and the calm water.

According to reviews, the boat, often named Kanion 6, provides an inviting, relaxed atmosphere, with some travelers mentioning how the experience is “incredible” from start to finish. The cruise lasts about 6 hours, during which you can enjoy the serenity and perhaps spot some local wildlife.

Activities on the Lake

The trip isn’t just about cruising; it’s designed for interaction and leisure. There are swimming stops where you can jump into the cool, clear waters of the dam lake — perfect for cooling off and capturing some memorable photos. Reviewers noted how the water was “very inviting,” and some even tried fishing during the breaks. One reviewer fondly mentioned their young child’s enjoyment of fishing, highlighting how family-friendly this experience is.

The boat crew is attentive and organized, with some mentioning how the lunch is served in a beautiful restaurant overlooking the lake, making the meal a highlight. The food is described as “tasty,” with some reviewers appreciating the local delicacies and the peaceful setting. Soft drinks are included, so you stay refreshed throughout the day.

Lunch and Refreshments

The included lunch takes place at a scenic restaurant near the lake, with many emphasizing its idyllic setting and excellent views. The meal is a buffet, well-organized, and plentiful enough for most appetites. Many reviewers particularly enjoyed the taste and quality of the food, often describing it as “delicious” and “well-prepared.”

The Second Dam Stop: Manavgat Dam

After the lake cruise, the tour continues to the Manavgat Dam, located around 18 km from the town. This dam, built in 1984 to support the Seydiehir Aluminum Factory, offers additional photo opportunities and a chance to see another impressive piece of local infrastructure. The stop here lasts about 3 hours, giving you time to appreciate the engineering marvel and the surrounding scenery.

Return and Reflection

As the day winds down, the coach takes you back to your hotel. Reviewers often mention feeling slightly fatigued but fulfilled, having enjoyed a day filled with beautiful landscapes, relaxing boat rides, and good food. The overall organization and friendly guides make the experience smooth, and many express a desire to return or recommend it to friends.

Practical Details and Why They Matter

The tour is priced at just $13.88 per person, which, considering the inclusion of transportation, guiding, lunch, and drinks, offers solid value. It’s a budget-friendly way to access a mix of nature and cultural experiences without extra hidden costs.

The pickup service is convenient, saving you the hassle of navigating public transport or arranging your own transfers. The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, making the experience more informative and enjoyable.

Timing is flexible — the tour starts early at 8:00 am, giving you a full day to explore. Since the total duration is about 7 to 9 hours, it’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive day out without feeling rushed.

The trip is suitable for most travelers, including families with children, thanks to the relaxed pace and safe swimming/fishing opportunities. Just keep in mind that the day can be physically demanding if you’re not used to long hours outdoors.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This boat trip is ideal for nature lovers and those wanting a peaceful, scenic escape from busy beaches or city streets. If you’re interested in authentic Turkish landscapes, delicious local food, and a relaxed cruise, this experience ticks those boxes. It’s a good pick for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a day of gentle adventure and beautiful vistas.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking high-energy activities or those with mobility issues, as it involves a fair amount of sitting, walking, and some physical activity like swimming and fishing.

Final Thoughts

In essence, the Green Canyon boat trip from Side offers a value-packed day full of stunning scenery, friendly service, and authentic local flavors. The combination of peaceful cruising, scenic stops for swimming and fishing, and a memorable lunch in a lakeside restaurant makes it a well-rounded excursion. The positive reviews consistently highlight the guides’ professionalism, the breathtaking views, and the delicious food, reinforcing its reputation as a worthwhile outing.

If you’re after a tranquil, scenic experience that showcases Turkey’s natural beauty without a hefty price tag, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s best suited for those who enjoy relaxing days outdoors, appreciate good organization, and want to see some impressive landscapes in the comfort of a group.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes round-trip transportation, guiding service, the boat cruise on Green Canyon, a delicious lunch, and soft drinks.

How long does the trip last?
The total duration is approximately 7 to 9 hours, providing plenty of time to enjoy each stop and the scenery.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a fishing rod if you want to try catching fish during the breaks. Comfortable shoes for walking and a camera are also recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention children enjoying the boat ride and fishing opportunities, making it family-friendly.

Are there opportunities to swim and fish?
Absolutely, there are stops for swimming in the lake, and fishing is available, with some guests catching fish during the stops.

Will I have free time at Green Canyon?
The main cruise lasts about 6 hours, with some breaks for swimming, fishing, and enjoying the scenery.

What is the lunch like?
The lunch is served at a lakeside restaurant, featuring local delicacies in a beautiful setting. It’s often described as tasty and well-organized.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

Is this tour good value for money?
Yes, given the inclusions and the length of the trip, many travelers find it very reasonably priced and worth the experience.

In summary, if you’re looking for a relaxed day immersed in Turkey’s natural beauty, with excellent food and friendly guides, the Green Canyon boat trip is a fantastic choice. It offers authentic scenery, comfortable logistics, and enough activities to keep everyone engaged, making it a memorable addition to your Side holiday.