Side: Guided Tour and Electric Catamaran Cruise, Waterfall

If you’re planning a trip to Antalya Province and want a balanced blend of nature, culture, and leisure, this Side guided tour with an electric catamaran cruise might just be what you’re looking for. It promises a full day of exploring enchanting waterfalls, scenic lakes, historic sites, and enjoying a lakeside lunch—all wrapped into an approximately 8-hour experience.

What immediately caught our eye are two aspects: first, the variety of stops, from waterfalls to ancient mosques, makes for a well-rounded day. Second, the lakeside lunch and boat cruise sound like a relaxing way to enjoy the region’s peaceful waters and beautiful surroundings.

However, a point to consider is that some reviews mention a somewhat disorganized experience, particularly at the orange grove and traditional house stops, which could be frustrating if you’re expecting a more in-depth cultural explanation.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of nature and history without too much physical exertion—and those keen on experiencing local food and scenic boat rides.

Key Points

• Variety of stops from waterfalls to historic mosques offers a diverse experience.
• Beautiful scenery around Green Lake, especially from the boat cruise, is a highlight.
• Culinary highlights include traditional Turkish gözleme and lakeside lunch.
• Limited focus on cultural details at some sites, with some reviews mentioning a lack of explanations.
• Good for a relaxing day with manageable activity levels and scenic views.
• Not suitable for those with mobility issues due to walking and tour structure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Side: A Day of Nature, Culture, and Relaxation

When we look at tours like this, it’s all about what you hope to get out of your day. This particular experience offers a taste of Antalya’s natural beauty and local flavors, combined with some historical sights. It’s designed to give a well-rounded snapshot of the region without overwhelming you with too many stops or overly complex logistics.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Side—a smooth start, especially with the included express security check that keeps things moving. You’ll be transported to your first destination, the Manavgat Waterfall, which is a serene spot for photos and enjoying the soothing sound of cascading waters. Many travelers find this a perfect way to start their day, soaking in the natural beauty before moving on.

Next, you visit an orange grove, which sounds idyllic—until some reviews point out it’s basically a quick stop on a roadside rather than an in-depth agricultural tour. The lack of detailed explanation about the groves or local farming traditions might leave those hoping for a cultural lesson a bit disappointed. That said, it’s an easy photo op and a nice contrast to the waterfalls.

A visit to a traditional Turkish village house follows, where you’re expected to try freshly made gözleme. Here, we’ve seen mixed reviews; some travelers enjoyed the authentic taste, while others felt that the promised cultural insights and traditional baked goods were missing. It seems the focus is more on the experience than the in-depth explanation.

The Natural and Scenic Stops: Oymapnar Dam and Green Lake

A highlight for many is the Oymapnar Dam, offering stunning views and photo opportunities. The guided tour here is brief, but it’s enough to appreciate the engineering marvel and enjoy the tranquil scenery.

The Green Lake, also known as the Green Canyon, is the star attraction. The lakeside lunch at Gölba Restaurant sets the scene for a relaxing meal with views of the water, often described as simple but tasty. Following this, a 1-hour boat cruise on the lake provides a perfect way to unwind and take in the lush surroundings. Many reviews praise the scenery from the boat, with several noting it’s a peaceful, picturesque moment in the day.

Cultural Touches and Religious Sites

The tour concludes with a visit to the Külliye Mosque in Manavgat, where the intricate architecture and peaceful atmosphere appeal to visitors interested in the region’s religious and architectural heritage. It’s a calm ending to a day filled with nature and exploration.

More Great Tours Nearby

What’s the Experience Like?

The overall experience weaves together nature walks, scenic drives, and cultural sights in a way that feels satisfying without being overly intensive. The guided nature of the tour helps, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the region, as your guide will provide context in English and German. From the reviews, it’s clear that some guides excel at storytelling and engaging their audience, making the day more memorable.

That said, some travelers mention a lack of depth in explanations at certain stops, and a few find the tour a bit disorganized at times. For example, the stop at the orange grove was described as simply “a street with some trees,” rather than an educational visit into local agriculture.

The boat cruise is often praised, with travelers noting the tranquil waters and scenic views. It’s a highlight for many who enjoy relaxing on the water and seeing the lush landscape from a different perspective.

Food and Beverage

The lunch at Gölba Restaurant is a casual lakeside meal, mostly praised for its simplicity and good taste, although it might not satisfy gourmet expectations. The gözleme, a Turkish flatbread filled with various ingredients, is a traditional treat that many find authentically delicious.

Transportation and Group Size

The organized pickup from hotel makes logistics straightforward. The tour is likely to be a group experience, but the focus on scenic stops means it doesn’t feel cramped or overly crowded. The duration of 8 hours is generous enough to see everything without rushing, though it’s a long day, so packing some snacks and water is a good idea.

Price and Value

Considering the variety of sights, the lakeside lunch, boat cruise, and guided commentary, the price seems reasonable—especially when you factor in the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. It offers a good value for a day packed with diverse experiences, although the quality of some stops varies.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic day that balances nature, history, and culture. It’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of Antalya’s outdoors and local flavors without strenuous activity. If your priority is authentic food, some reviews suggest the stops may be more about sightseeing than culture.

It’s not suitable for those with mobility challenges or anyone expecting a deep dive into local traditions—some stops are quick and lack detailed explanation. Families with older children who enjoy boat rides and waterfalls might find it a good fit, but younger kids may find parts of the day less engaging.

The Sum Up

All said, this guided tour of Side offers a well-rounded day exploring some of the most picturesque and culturally interesting spots in the region. From cascading waterfalls and scenic lakes to traditional Turkish sights, it hits many of the highlights in a manageable timeframe.

The scenic boat cruise and lakeside lunch stand out as memorable moments, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the tranquility of Green Lake. While some stops may lack depth or detailed explanations, the overall experience provides a good balance of nature and cultural touchpoints.

If you enjoy moderate-paced tours with beautiful views and tasty local food, this could be a good choice. Just keep in mind that it’s not a deeply educational or immersive experience but rather a pleasant, sightseeing-focused day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from hotels in Side and nearby areas like Güngodu, Çolakl, Evrenseki, Kumköy, Sorgun, and Titreyengöl is included. You’ll be picked up in front of your hotel’s main entrance.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, and exact pickup times are communicated via email or WhatsApp a day before.

Are there any physical requirements or mobility restrictions?
This tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, as some stops involve walking and standing.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and swimwear are recommended. Luggage or large bags are not allowed on the tour.

Is food included?
Lunch is included at Gölba Restaurant, featuring a lakeside setting with traditional Turkish dishes like gözleme. The meal is generally simple but tasty.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

If you’re after a manageable, scenic, and culturally flavored day in Side with some relaxing boat time, this tour offers quite a lot for the price. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate a mixture of natural beauty and light cultural insights without needing a detailed historical deep dive.

You can check availability for your dates here: