Side: Green Canyon Boat Tour With Open Buffet Lunch & Drinks

If you’re heading to Antalya and looking to escape the buzz of the city for a day, the Green Canyon Boat Tour offers a chance to soak in some of Turkey’s most beautiful natural sights. Priced at around $37 per person, this 7.5-hour adventure combines scenic boat rides, lush green valleys, and a relaxing atmosphere that’s perfect for families, friends, or solo travelers craving a peaceful day on the water.

What draws us most to this experience is the way it balances spectacular scenery with genuine relaxation — a boat trip through towering canyons, swimming in cool waters, and tasting a delicious buffet lunch. The only thing to consider? The tour is quite long, so it’s best suited for those with a decent amount of energy and a love for nature. If you enjoy outdoor activities and want a taste of authentic Turkish landscapes, this tour should definitely be on your list.

Who is this tour ideal for?

This experience suits nature lovers, families, and anyone wanting a break from busy sightseeing days. It’s also a great choice if you’re interested in a mix of gentle adventure, scenic views, and local cuisine. Keep in mind, it’s not ideal if you prefer quick tours or are sensitive to long hours on a boat.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscape: You’ll travel through a 15-kilometer-long canyon with lush greenery and towering cliffs.
• Relaxing Experience: The boat ride offers a peaceful escape from city noise, with opportunities to swim and fish.
• Authentic Meal: The buffet lunch features a choice of meatballs, chicken, or fish, complemented by fresh salads and beverages.
• Family Friendly: The tour is suitable for children and groups seeking a laid-back day on the water.
• Guided Tour: An English and German-speaking guide ensures you don’t miss the highlights.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make the day smooth and hassle-free.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You Can Expect

Starting Point at Oymapinar Dam

The journey begins with hotel pickups from areas like Side, Colakli, Evrenseki, Kumkoy, Sorgun, Titreyengol, Kizilagac, and Kizilot. This door-to-door service is invaluable, saving you the hassle of arranging transport and allowing you to relax from the start. Expect the tour to kick off with a direct transfer to the pier, where your boat awaits.

4-Hour Scenic Boat Ride

Once aboard, you’ll cruise along the spectacular waters of Green Canyon, a stretch that measures approximately 15 km long. The boat trip lasts around four hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the views of towering canyons, lush greenery, and the peaceful lake. Many reviewers mention that the boat journey itself is a highlight, with some describing it as “very beautiful,” and one reviewer noting they’d happily do it again.

The boat is generally quiet and comfortable, perfect for relaxing, soaking in the scenery, or snapping photos of the dramatic cliffs and clear waters. If you enjoy birdwatching, you might find yourself listening to the sounds of various bird species amid the natural silence.

Swimming and Fishing Breaks

The tour also includes time for cooling off in the lake’s cold, crisp waters. Swimmers can enjoy jumping into the lake, while those who prefer a more laid-back approach can simply relax on the boat or by the shore. For fishing enthusiasts, there’s a window for casting lines and trying to catch some local fish, which adds an authentic touch to the day.

Lunch at Lake Side

After the boat ride, everyone gathers for a buffet lunch that offers a lovely break from the water activity. The lunch features rice, salad, and a choice of meatballs, chicken, or fish — all inclusive in the tour price. Reviewers consistently praise the food for its quality and taste, especially mentioning the fresh salads and well-prepared proteins. Beverages, including tea, coffee, mineral water, and non-alcoholic drinks, are available to quench your thirst.

Return Journey and Relaxation

Post-lunch, you can enjoy a bit more fishing, or simply relax and take in the serene landscape before heading back. The two-hour ride back to the starting point also provides opportunities to unwind, enjoy the sunset, and reflect on the day. Along the way, some stops for dips or scenic pauses help break up the return trip.

Final Drop-Off and Memories

Your day concludes with hotel drop-off, leaving you free to continue your holiday at leisure. Many travelers leave feeling they’ve experienced something uniquely authentic—far from crowded tourist spots—thanks to the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

The Value of the Experience

For $37, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the included hotel transfers, lunch, guide, and boat ride. You’re paying for a well-rounded experience that combines scenic beauty, leisure, and authentic Turkish cuisine. It’s worth noting that photos are not included, but the scenery alone makes this worth capturing with your own camera.

The tour’s flexibility with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind, and the option to reserve now and pay later means you can plan without immediate commitment—a practical feature for busy travelers.

What Reviewers Say

A GetYourGuide traveler summarized it well, saying, “The boat trip through the mountains was very beautiful and we will definitely do it again sometime.” Such genuine appreciation indicates that this experience resonates with visitors seeking natural beauty and tranquility.

One reviewer appreciated the quiet boat ride away from city noise, highlighting how it’s perfect for families or couples wanting a peaceful day. They also particularly enjoyed the delicious food and scenic views, emphasizing how the buffet lunch is a highlight.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and sports shoes to stay comfortable during the day.
• Since the tour is quite long, dress casually and comfortably — the boat’s temperature can vary with the weather.
• Remember, there’s no seat for infants, so plan accordingly if traveling with very young children.
• Check availability ahead of time, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you get a spot on this popular tour.

The Sum Up

The Green Canyon Boat Tour in Side offers a wonderful chance to experience Turkey’s stunning natural landscapes in a relaxing, family-friendly setting. With its peaceful boat ride, opportunities for swimming and fishing, and a tasty buffet lunch, it strikes a delicate balance between adventure and leisure. It’s especially suited for nature lovers and those wanting a break from more hectic sightseeing days, providing a taste of authentic Turkish scenery in a comfortable package.

While it’s a longer tour, many find the tranquility of the canyon, the beauty of the surroundings, and the delicious food well worth the time investment. If you’re after an authentic, scenic experience that combines natural beauty with laid-back fun, this tour deserves a spot on your Antalya itinerary.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 7.5 hours, including pickup, the boat ride, lunch, and return transfer.

What areas are pickup available from?
Pickup is available from Gundogdu, Colakli, Evrenseki, Kumkoy, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengol, Kizilagac, and Kizilot.

Is there a guide on the tour?
Yes, an English and German-speaking guide accompanies the trip, providing insights throughout the day.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, travel insurance, a buffet lunch, and the boat trip itself.

Are drinks included in the lunch?
Yes, the buffet lunch comes with beverages such as tea, coffee, mineral water, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s family-friendly, note that there’s no seat for infants, so consider the age of your children.

Do I need to bring my own photos?
Photos are not included, so bring your camera or phone to capture the scenery.

What should I wear?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and sports shoes for comfort.

Will I have free time?
Yes, there’s time to swim, fish, and relax after the boat ride, making for a leisurely day.

This Green Canyon tour offers an authentic slice of Turkey’s natural beauty, combined with comfort and convenience. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking tranquility, scenic views, and good food without overcomplicating the day.