Antalya: Green Canyon Boat Tour & Nature Escape

Planning to explore Antalya’s stunning natural sights? The Green Canyon Boat Tour offers a mix of calming waters, picturesque views, and a taste of local scenery. Whether you’re into nature, a peaceful boat ride, or just want a different perspective of Turkey’s landscape, this tour might be just what you’re looking for.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines both a scenic drive and a relaxed boat trip, giving you plenty of chances to soak in the views. Plus, the lakeside lunch is a nice touch, offering a break from more crowded tourist spots. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews point out the food quality can be hit-or-miss, and language issues might crop up for some travelers.

If you’re after a calm, nature-focused day out—especially if you enjoy being on the water—this could be a good pick. Just keep your expectations in check regarding the food and the language fluency of guides, especially if you’re a German speaker. It’s a tour that suits those looking for relaxation and scenic beauty, rather than high-adrenaline activities.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: Expect stunning views of the Green Canyon and Oymapnar Dam.
• Relaxing boat trip: Enjoy a peaceful cruise on calm waters with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Lakeside lunch: A scenic spot with a decent meal, though reviews suggest the food quality varies.
• Activities at the lake: Options like fishing and canoeing are available, or you can just unwind.
• Engineering insight: Learn about the Oymapnar Dam, Turkey’s fifth largest.
• Comfortable transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy to relax without logistics worries.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Green Canyon Tour

What’s Included and How It’s Structured

This tour is designed to give you a full day of relaxation and natural beauty, typically lasting around 9 hours. You’ll be picked up from your Antalya hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a real plus after a hot day wandering around the city. The ride to Oymapnar Dam takes about 1.5 hours, giving you time to enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Once you arrive, the highlight is the boat trip across the calm waters of Green Canyon. You’ll glide past lush greenery, plantation fields, and dense forests, all while soaking up the serene atmosphere. The boat ride is leisurely—perfect for taking photos, relaxing, and just enjoying the tranquility of the area.

The Scenic Viewpoint and Dam

Before or after the boat ride, you’ll stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the lake and the dam. This is a fantastic chance to appreciate the engineering marvel of the Oymapnar Dam, which is Turkey’s fifth largest. The views here are often praised for their beauty, with many travelers noting how peaceful and expansive the landscape feels.

Lunch and Lakeside Activities

After the boat cruise, it’s time for lunch at a lakeside restaurant. The setting is picturesque, with the water and greenery providing a calming backdrop. The menu generally includes a variety of salads and local dishes, but reviews indicate that the quality can be inconsistent—some find the food decent, others less impressed. Still, many appreciate the opportunity to eat with a view, which makes up for any shortcomings.

Post-lunch, you have options. You can engage in lakeside activities like fishing or canoeing, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. If you’re traveling with kids or just want a slow-paced day, this part of the tour offers plenty of space to unwind.

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The Return and Drop-off

As the day winds down, you’ll head back to Antalya. The return trip is also about 1.5 hours, providing a chance to reflect on the day or share stories with fellow travelers. Your hotel drop-off is included, making the trip more convenient and stress-free.

What the Reviews Say

Opinions are a mixed bag. On the positive side, travelers consistently praise the stunning scenery and the calmness of the boat trip. One traveler mentioned, “Really beautiful scenery. The lake was also windy from time to time, so the heat didn’t bother me,” which highlights how the natural environment can be quite refreshing.

The lakeside lunch, however, gets a bit of a mixed verdict. While some find the food edible and appreciate the variety of salads, others describe it as “terrible” or “cold pasta with no salt or sauce.” This suggests that if food quality is a priority, you might want to manage expectations or consider bringing your own snacks.

Language can also be a sticking point. One reviewer pointed out that although the tour was advertised as German-speaking, only English was spoken, which caused some disappointment. The guides are multilingual, but you may want to clarify this when booking if language is important to you.

Group Size and Tour Atmosphere

Most tours tend to have a manageable group size, which helps keep the experience intimate and relaxed. However, the experience can vary depending on the day and the guide. The tour includes live guides speaking English, German, Russian, and Turkish, so there’s a good chance you’ll find someone who can communicate effectively.

Practical Details to Consider

Timing and Duration

The entire experience lasts about 9 hours, with pickup times varying depending on your hotel location. It’s a full day affair, so it’s best suited for travelers who want to dedicate a chunk of their day to exploring this natural site. Be prepared for approximately 1.5 hours of travel each way, which is quite manageable if you enjoy scenic drives.

What to Bring

Be sure to pack essentials like sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and sunscreen. The area is outdoors and sunny, so sun protection is key. If you plan on participating in lakeside activities, bring appropriate gear, although some equipment might be provided.

Not Allowed and Rain Policy

Pets are not permitted, and the tour runs rain or shine. So, check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. If rain is forecasted, bring appropriate rain gear to stay comfortable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy nature, peaceful waters, and scenic views. If you’re looking for a relaxing day to escape the city hustle, the Green Canyon trip offers a gentle, enjoyable itinerary. It’s also a good choice for travelers wanting some insight into Turkey’s engineering feats with the dam.

However, if you’re a foodie expecting gourmet meals or seeking lively activities, this tour might fall short. The experience leans more towards calmness and natural beauty than adventure or culinary excellence. Also, keep in mind the language limitations if you don’t speak English or Turkish.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the package, making logistics one less thing to worry about.

How long is the boat trip?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, the entire tour lasts about 9 hours, so the boat trip is likely a generous segment within that.

What should I bring?
Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, camera, and sunscreen to stay comfortable during the outdoor parts and water activities.

Are there options for lakeside activities?
Yes, you can engage in fishing and canoeing or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

What’s the food like?
The lakeside lunch offers a variety of salads and local dishes. Opinions vary, with some describing the food as average or inconsistent.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-oriented, the calm waters and scenic environment can be enjoyed by travelers of all ages. Just consider the activities and pace.

Does the tour run rain or shine?
Yes, it operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The Green Canyon Boat Tour offers a well-rounded escape into Turkey’s lush landscapes and tranquil waters. It’s a solid choice if you’re after a peaceful, scenic day that combines gentle boat rides, stunning viewpoints, and lakeside dining. The experience’s charm lies in its simplicity and natural beauty, making it perfect for travelers who want to unwind and enjoy nature without the hustle.

While the food and language aspects might have some hiccups, the overall value comes from the calm waters, beautiful scenery, and the chance to learn about the dam’s engineering marvel. It’s especially good for those who appreciate leisurely days, quiet views, and a break from more crowded tourist spots.

If this sounds like your kind of day out, it’s worth considering. Just remember to bring your sun protection, lower your expectations about the meal, and enjoy the peaceful ride through one of Antalya’s most beautiful spots.

You can check availability for your dates here: