Green Canyon Cruise and Cabrio Bus Guided Tour

If you’re planning a day trip from Side and want a well-rounded taste of Turkey’s stunning natural sights, this Green Canyon and Cabrio Bus Tour offers a compelling mix of scenic landscapes, cultural stops, and fun activities—all at a surprisingly accessible price of around $17.79 per person. With features like hotel pickup, lunch, and a boat cruise around the glittering Green Lake, it promises a full-day adventure that caters to families, nature lovers, and history buffs alike.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances informative guided stops with lively entertainment, creating an engaging atmosphere for travelers of all ages. The inclusion of a professional, friendly guide ensures you’ll learn about the sights while still having plenty of opportunities for fun, like the water fight reviews rave about.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that entrance fees are not included—so you’ll want some cash for optional extras like waterfalls or the adventure park. But overall, this tour suits those who want a value-packed day with diverse experiences, scenic views, and family-friendly activities.

Key Points

• Excellent value for money with hotel pickup, lunch, and a boat cruise included.
• Ideal for families and travelers looking for a mix of nature, culture, and fun.
• Guides like Olga and Mustafa are highly praised for their engaging, informative style.
• The boat cruise around Green Lake offers stunning views and relaxing dips.
• Stops include waterfalls, a dam, and ancient ruins, providing a well-rounded cultural and natural experience.
• Some reviewers mention dusty roads and optional fees, so come prepared and budget accordingly.

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This full-day tour from Side combines a scenic drive, cultural stops, and a boat cruise—all designed to give you a comprehensive taste of Turkey’s beautiful Taurus region. It’s carefully crafted to appeal to those wanting to see the scenery but also enjoy some hands-on, interactive moments, like the water fight that one reviewer described as “something amazing.”

The tour costs roughly $17.79 per person and is bookable on average 13 days in advance, making it fairly accessible for most travelers. With a maximum group size of 27, it maintains an intimate atmosphere, perfect for asking questions and connecting with your guides.

Starting Early for a Full Day

The day kicks off at 8:30 am with hotel pickups, which are a real plus if you’re staying in Side or nearby. From the start, the experience is smooth, with professional guides like Olga and Mustafa leading the way, ensuring that everyone stays informed and entertained.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Adventure-Park Manavgat Oymapinar

The first stop is at Adventure-Park Manavgat Oymapinar for about an hour. Here, you have the chance to stretch your legs and enjoy some light excitement. The admission is included, so you don’t need to worry about extra costs. Reviewers loved this part, with one saying, “It was so fun and a great way to see a little bit of the country.” Expect some opportunities for picture-taking and a quick taste of Turkey’s outdoor adventure scene.

Stop 2: Oymapinar and Manavgat Dam

Next, you’ll visit Oymapinar Dam for another hour. The dam, an impressive feat of engineering, offers striking views and photo opportunities. The reviews highlight the beauty of the scenery, with one traveler mentioning “beautiful waterfalls and swimming in the Green Canyon,” which hints at the natural beauty around this area. The photo-worthy dam and nearby waterfalls make this stop a favorite among those who love landscapes and outdoor photography.

Stop 3: Seleukeia Ancient City

Afterward, the tour takes you to Seleukeia (Lybre) Ancient City for an hour of exploring ruins. Entry is free, making it a budget-friendly addition. One reviewer found this stop particularly valuable, noting it’s “a good combination of culture, history, and beautiful nature.” It’s a chance to step back in time and appreciate Turkey’s historic sites while enjoying the scenic surroundings.

The Highlight: Green Canyon

The main event is the 2.5-hour boat cruise around Green Lake (or Green Canyon), which is what many travelers rave about. This part of the tour offers spectacular vistas, with lush greenery and reflective waters. Expect to see beautiful waterfalls and possibly take a refreshing swim or dip in the lake’s cool waters. Several reviews mentioned the gorgeous scenery and the fun of the boat trip, with one traveler describing it as “a beautiful view in the maintains with the green lake.”

Many found the cruise relaxing and photogenic, perfect for unwinding and soaking up nature’s beauty. The boat trip also includes a stop for lunch, which reviewers say was delicious, providing a well-deserved break after a morning of sightseeing.

What the Tour Includes and What to Consider

Included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off—a convenient way to start and end your day without worrying about transportation.
• Lunch—a good-quality meal that helps keep energy levels high for the afternoon.
• Professional guide—noted for being engaging and knowledgeable.
• Boat trip—the highlight, offering scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Not Included:

• Drinks and additional entrance fees—such as for waterfalls or other optional activities. You might find it worth carrying some cash if you want to buy drinks or participate in extra experiences.

Transportation and Group Size:

The tour uses a specially designed Cabrio Bus, which allows for open-air views and a fun, breezy ride through the Taurus Mountains. The group is limited to 27 travelers, which helps maintain a cozy vibe and allows guides to give more personalized attention.

Reviews and Authentic Insights

Reviewers consistently praise the guides, especially Olga and Mustafa, for their engaging explanations and friendly manner. One said, “Our guide Olga was amazing and very informative,” while another appreciated Mustafa’s friendly driving and fun activities like the water fight.

Several travelers mention the landscapes—from waterfalls and dams to the lush green lake—as truly breathtaking. One said, “The scenery was beautiful,” and another highlighted the dusty roads, advising to take a bandana, which is a good practical tip.

The value for money is a recurring theme, with many reviews praising the tour for its balance of cultural sightseeing, scenic beauty, and fun activities at a low price point. The inclusion of lunch is viewed as a bonus, making this a full-day outing without breaking the bank.

However, some reviewers mentioned that entrance fees are not included, so budget accordingly if you plan to explore further or purchase souvenirs.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring cash for optional entrance fees or souvenirs at stops like waterfalls or the ancient city.
• Wear comfortable shoes—there’s a mix of walking and sightseeing, and the dusty roads could be a little messy.
• Pack a water bottle and a bandana or hat, especially during hot days, as some roads and stops are dusty.
• Prepare for a full day—the tour lasts approximately 8 hours, so comfortable clothing and readiness for a long but rewarding day are key.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a value-packed day of diverse activities, from scenic boat rides to cultural and historical sites. It’s great for families because of its variety and the fun atmosphere, including the water fight that kids and adults alike enjoyed.

History buffs will appreciate the ancient site visits, while nature lovers will be captivated by the lakes, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes. If you’re after an easy, all-in-one day trip that combines sightseeing with a bit of adventure, this tour checks all the boxes.

The Sum Up

The Green Canyon Cruise and Cabrio Bus Guided Tour from Side offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty, cultural highlights, and lighthearted fun—all at an unbeatable price. The carefully curated stops and lively guides make it suitable for a variety of travelers, especially those wanting a well-rounded, engaging day without a hefty cost.

Clear highlights include the stunning Green Lake boat cruise, the historic ruins at Seleukeia, and the scenic drive through Taurus Mountains. The included lunch and hotel pickup add to the convenience, while the small group size keeps things personal and lively.

Whether you’re traveling with family, a group of friends, or solo, this tour provides plenty of photo opportunities, memorable moments, and the chance to see some of Turkey’s most beautiful sights. Just remember to come prepared for a full day, bring some cash for optional extras, and embrace the fun and adventure that this trip offers.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, a professional guide, and the boat trip around Green Lake. Entrance fees for waterfalls and the ancient city are not included, so bring some cash if you want to participate in those.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am with hotel pickups, and includes multiple stops, a boat cruise, and lunch.

Is this tour suitable for children and families?
Yes, the tour is highly recommended for families. Reviewers mention that kids and teens enjoyed the water fight and scenic stops, making it a fun and engaging day for all ages.

What should I bring?
It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, bring a hat and water bottle, and carry some cash for optional entrance fees or souvenirs. A bandana may be helpful to protect against dust during the drive.

Are there any physical fitness considerations?
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level since there’s walking involved at stops like the ancient city and some uneven terrain.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

This full-day adventure captures the essence of Turkey’s natural charm and cultural history, wrapped in a lively, affordable package. Whether you’re into scenic drives, historical sites, or boat rides, it’s a trip that’s hard to beat for value and variety.