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

Exploring the Green Canyon Boat Tour: A Practical Look for Travelers

If you’re considering a day trip around Antalya and want to experience a blend of nature, relaxation, and good food, the Green Canyon Boat Tour is worth a look. This tour offers a gentle 7.5-hour escape from the busy city, taking you through turquoise waters and lush green valleys, with the promise of a delicious open buffet lunch. From what we’ve seen, it’s a solid choice for those who love scenic views and a laid-back vibe.

What’s especially appealing is the chance to cruise along a canyon roughly 15 kilometers long, surrounded by nature’s tranquility. Plus, the inclusion of fishing and swimming makes it a lively, hands-on experience—more than just sightseeing. The tour has a high rating of 4.8, which indicates many travelers find it worthwhile. Still, like any activity, it’s not perfect, and some aspects might be worth considering before booking.

One thing to keep in mind is that the experience is pretty laid-back—if you’re expecting high-adventure thrills or a fast-paced trip, this may feel too mellow. Also, the tour doesn’t include alcohol, which might be a downside for some, but if you’re after a family-friendly, peaceful day out, it fits well. Overall, it’s a good fit for travelers wanting to connect with nature without too much hassle, especially if you appreciate good food and gentle activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Who will love this tour?

If you enjoy scenic boat rides, peaceful natural settings, and a tasty meal in the middle of your day, this tour could be right up your alley. It’s particularly suited for those who want a relaxed outing, maybe with friends or family, and are happy to spend time floating in calm waters and soaking in the views.

Key Points

• Scenic beauty and tranquility are the highlights of Green Canyon, ideal for relaxation.
• The boat tour spans around 4 hours, providing ample time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.
• Food is a major plus, with a generous open buffet including meat, chicken, or fish options.
• Fishing and swimming are included activities, adding interactive elements to the trip.
• The tour is family-friendly, but note there’s no specific mention of accommodations for infants.
• Cost efficiency: At $37 per person, it offers good value considering the boat trip, lunch, and transportation.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins with a hotel pickup from areas around Side, including Gundogdu, Colakli, Evrenseki, and others. The entire experience lasts about 7.5 hours, which means you’ll spend a good chunk of your day immersed in this natural escape. The actual boat trip itself takes around 4 hours, during which you’ll cruise through the Green Canyon—about 15 km of stunning scenery.

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What to Expect During the Boat Tour

Once aboard, you’ll feel the calm and serenity of being on the water, surrounded by lush greenery and towering canyon walls. We loved the way the boat offers a quiet vantage point for soaking in the landscape. The boat is usually not crowded, making it easy to relax and enjoy the peaceful environment. As you glide through the canyon, you’ll notice the sounds of birds and the gentle breeze—perfect for unwinding.

Swimming and Fishing

After about four hours of cruising, the boat stops at designated spots for swimming in the cold, clear waters. The water’s temperature is refreshing, especially on warm days, and you’ll probably want to take advantage of the opportunity to cool off. Fishing is also available, offering a fun, interactive activity—perhaps not something you’d do every day, but a nice addition to the overall experience. One traveler mentioned, “The boat trip through the mountains was very beautiful and we will definitely do it again sometime,” highlighting the overall enjoyment.

Lunch and Beverages

Next comes the highlight for many: a hearty open buffet lunch. The menu features rice, salad, and a choice of meatballs, chicken, or fish. The food is widely appreciated for being delicious and plentiful, providing a satisfying break from the water activities. Beverages range from tea and coffee to mineral water and non-alcoholic options—no alcohol is included, which keeps the vibe family-friendly and relaxed.

Return Journey and Additional Breaks

Post-lunch, you’ll have the chance to do some fishing again or simply enjoy the scenery before heading back to the bus for the journey home. Along the way, there are opportunities to stop at refreshing spots along the lakeside to relax and take in the views one last time.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, saving you the trouble of navigating or arranging transport. The group sizes tend to be manageable, and the tour is guided in English and German, making it accessible for most travelers.

Cost and Value

At $37 per person, this tour offers good value considering the boat trip itself, the buffet lunch, transportation, and fishing activities. It’s a hassle-free way to experience the Green Canyon area without additional expenses piling up. Based on reviews, many find that the beauty of the scenery and the quality of the food make this a worthwhile expenditure.

The Real Traveler Perspective

One traveler summed it up by saying, “The boat trip through the mountains was very beautiful and we will definitely do it again sometime,” which echoes the general sentiment. Others appreciated the peaceful environment away from noisy tourist spots, highlighting the calming nature of the cruise and the lush surroundings.

However, some mentioned that if you’re expecting a fast-paced adventure or more elaborate entertainment, this tour might seem a bit subdued. Plus, since alcohol isn’t included, those hoping for a party vibe might be disappointed. For most, though, the focus on scenery, swimming, and good food makes up for it.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Bring sun protection—sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen are essentials for comfort.
• Pack swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.
• Wear comfortable sports shoes for boarding and moving around.
• Remember, there are no specific provisions for infants, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with very young children.
• Check the availability and starting times beforehand, as these can vary.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

All in all, the Green Canyon Boat Tour offers a tranquil, scenic day out that’s especially suited for travelers who want to unwind and enjoy nature’s calm. The stunning views, combined with a tasty buffet lunch and interactive activities like fishing and swimming, make it a well-rounded experience. The cost is reasonable, and the included transportation makes it easy to enjoy without stress.

This trip is best for those who appreciate peaceful water landscapes, good food, and a laid-back atmosphere. If you’re after a memorable, low-pressure outing with beautiful scenery and some fun in the water, you’ll likely find this tour hits the spot. Just keep expectations aligned with the relaxed pace, and you’ll walk away with some lovely memories of Green Canyon.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it a convenient way to start and end your day.

How long does the boat trip last?
The boat ride itself is roughly 4 hours, within the 7.5-hour total experience, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy.

What food is included?
A buffet lunch with rice, salad, and a choice of meatballs, chicken, or fish is provided. Beverages include tea, coffee, mineral water, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Can I swim during the tour?
Absolutely. There are designated spots for swimming in the cold, clear waters of Green Canyon.

Are there options for fishing?
Yes, fishing is part of the activities, giving you a chance to try your luck in the lake.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While it’s suitable for most travelers, note that there’s no specific mention of facilities for infants, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, swimwear, towel, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a hat—anything needed for a relaxing day by the water.

If you’re looking for a peaceful day surrounded by nature, enjoying good food and calm waters, the Green Canyon Boat Tour ticks many boxes. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable outing that offers authentic scenery and a chance to unwind, especially if you prefer quiet, scenic experiences over high-adventure excursions.

You can check availability for your dates here: