Side: Cabrio Bus and Boat Day Trip at the Green Lake

Thinking about a day out that combines nature, culture, and a touch of adventure? This Cabrio Bus and Boat Day Trip at Green Lake near Side offers exactly that. With a mix of scenic drives, boat rides, and cultural visits, it’s a well-rounded way to see some of Turkey’s lesser-known but stunning sights without breaking the bank.

What really appeals to us about this trip are the breathtaking mountain views and the relaxed boat cruise that gives you a different perspective on the landscape. Plus, the included lunch and guided stops make it feel like excellent value for around $25 per person.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Cabrio bus has plastic roll-up windows, which might not be everyone’s favorite if you’re expecting fully enclosed comfort. It’s more open-air, which can be wonderful on a warm day but less so if the weather turns cold or rainy.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a combination of nature, sightseeing, and cultural stops but aren’t expecting luxury transport or a packed shopping schedule. It’s especially good for those who want a full-day experience that’s flexible and reasonably priced.

Key Points

• Scenic mountain views and a relaxing boat cruise are highlights.
• The guided tour offers insights into the region’s culture and history.
• The price includes lunch, transport, and a boat trip, making it good value.
• It’s suitable for most age groups, offering a manageable day.
• The plastic roll-up windows on the bus can be an inconvenience for some.
• The itinerary includes multiple stops, giving a varied day out.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of the Experience

This tour is designed to give you a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s natural beauty and cultural sites in around 9 hours. Starting with a hotel pickup around 08:30 AM, you’ll be whisked away in a cabrio bus — a fun, open-sided vehicle that offers a great vantage point for photography and sightseeing. It’s worth noting that some reviews mention the bus feels a bit worn, but most agree the driver was capable and safe.

The Drive Through the Taurus Mountains

The first major feature of this trip is the scenic drive through the Taurus Mountains. As you wind your way through this rugged landscape, you’ll pass orange gardens and lush greenery. The views are lovely, especially if the weather is clear, and you’ll get plenty of chances to snap photos from the specialized bus windows.

One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the bus was designed, giving us panoramic views. It’s not about luxury, but it’s fun and convenient.” The mountain road is a highlight, offering a sense of adventure and a chance to see the countryside in motion.

Stops at Key Sites

The tour is packed with multiple stops, so you’ll see a variety of sights without feeling rushed.

• Manavgat River: A guided 30-minute boat cruise here lets you enjoy the calm waters and lush scenery from the water. The views from the boat are relaxing, and it’s a nice break from the bus ride.

• Green Lake (Oymapinar): This is the main highlight — a tranquil, picturesque lake where you’ll stop for about 30 minutes. The setting is peaceful, perfect for photos or just soaking in the serenity.

• Off-road adventure at Green Lake: You’ll get a quick off-road experience in this area, which adds a bit of variety and fun to the day.

• Green Canyon: A scenic drive through another stunning part of the landscape, often praised for its beauty and tranquility.

• Mosque Visit: A quick stop at a village mosque gives you a peek into local religious traditions and architecture, enriching the cultural experience.

• Manavgat Waterfall: The trip wraps up with a visit to this impressive waterfall along the Manavgat River. It’s a perfect spot for photos and enjoying nature’s power before heading back.

Lunch and Cultural Stops

Lunch is included and typically served around 2 PM at a local restaurant near Green Lake. The menu usually features chicken breasts, pasta, rice, salad, and bread — a hearty, straightforward meal. Drinks aren’t included, but they’re inexpensive.

The reviews suggest the lunch is quite good for the price point, though some wished it was served earlier — especially those who skipped breakfast. The timing can vary, but overall, it’s a satisfying break.

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Return Journey

After lunch, the tour continues with a return to Side in the cabrio bus, passing by additional sights and making toilet stops along the way. The final stop is at the Central Mosque in Manavgat, where you can appreciate Turkish religious architecture before heading back to your hotel around 5 PM.

What Travelers Say About This Tour

Reviews from those who’ve taken the trip paint a generally positive picture. Sangeeta noted, “We had a great day despite the rain,” emphasizing the knowledgeable guide and the value for money. She pointed out that the bus’s design with plastic windows wasn’t a big problem, and the guide’s multilingual translation made all the stops interesting.

Glynis highlighted the density of stops: “The trip fit a lot of stops into the day, including Roman ruins, aqueducts, and a dam,” creating a sense of a full, varied experience. She also appreciated the lunch and boat ride with a swimming stop, noting that it was suitable for all ages, even visitors in their seventies.

Kenneth found it to be “one of the best trips we ever had,” appreciating the extra stops and no shopping pressure, which can sometimes be a downside on other tours.

Sumbul described her experience as memorable, especially mentioning the Waterfall and Green Canyon, and praised the guide’s politeness and informativeness. The friendly guides seem to be a consistent highlight, making the journey more engaging.

Transportation and Logistics

The cabrio bus used for this tour is designed for panoramic viewing, which is a big plus for photography and enjoying the scenery. However, some reviews mention that the bus feels a bit worn, and the plastic roll-up windows can be less effective if the weather isn’t warm or dry.

The duration is about 9 hours, with a pick-up around 8:30 AM and return around 5 PM. The group size isn’t specified exactly, but most reviews suggest a comfortable, manageable number of travelers. The price of $25 includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and the boat trip, making it good value considering the variety of sights covered.

Practical Tips

• Eat breakfast before the trip, as lunch is later in the day.
• Bring sunglasses, camera, water, weather-appropriate clothing, sun hat, and swimwear if you plan to swim at the waterfall.
• Remember, drinks and photos are not included, so bring cash if you want souvenirs or beverages.
• If traveling in colder months, wrap up warmly — some parts of the trip are open-air.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This day trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy scenic drives and cultural insights without spending a fortune. It’s perfect if you’re okay with a full schedule that packs in many stops and don’t mind the open-air bus experience. Family groups and older travelers find it manageable, and the inclusive lunch adds convenience.

If you’re someone who appreciates good guides, beautiful landscapes, and a relaxed pace, this trip will likely tick many boxes. However, if you’re expecting a luxurious ride or want to avoid open-sided buses, you might find the experience a bit rustic.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
Pickup is usually around 8:30 AM, but check with your provider for exact times based on your hotel location.

How long is the whole tour?
The full-day outing lasts approximately 9 hours, ending with hotel drop-off around 5 PM.

Is the bus comfortable?
The cabrio bus offers great views, but some travelers mention it feels a bit worn. The plastic windows are roll-up sheets, which can be less effective in bad weather.

What’s included in the tour?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided tour, lunch, and the boat trip are included. Drinks, photos, and entrance to the waterfall are not.

Can I swim at Green Lake?
The boat cruise includes a peaceful stop by the lake; swimming isn’t specifically advertised, but some reviews mention a swimming stop at the waterway.

Is this suitable for all ages?
Most reviews say yes. It’s manageable for seniors and enjoyable for children, especially with plenty of stops and scenic views.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, camera, water, weather-appropriate clothing, sun hat, and swimwear if desired. Remember, pets aren’t allowed.

Is there any shopping?
No, the trip focuses on sightseeing and cultural stops, not shopping.

Final Thoughts

This Side: Cabrio Bus and Boat Day Trip at Green Lake offers a solid mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and relaxed enjoyment. It’s well-suited for travelers who want to see a variety of sights without feeling rushed or overspending. The guided explanations and beautiful scenery ensure you’ll come away with plenty of memorable moments.

While it’s not the most plush experience, its value for money and diversity of stops make it a worthwhile choice for those looking to explore beyond the typical tourist spots. The trip is particularly appealing if you enjoy mountain views, lakes, and waterfalls, and don’t mind a more open-air transport style.

Overall, if you’re after a full, varied day in nature with cultural stops at a reasonable price, this tour is definitely worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: