Side/Manavgat: Green Canyon, Manavgat Falls, and Zoo Tour

Thinking about a day filled with nature, scenic views, and a bit of local culture when visiting Side? We’ve looked into this popular 7 to 7.5-hour tour that takes you from Side to some of the area’s highlights. Whether you’re traveling with family, a group of friends, or just seeking a well-rounded excursion, this trip offers a solid mix of fresh air, wildlife, and historic sights.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines the serenity of a boat cruise on Green Canyon with the lively atmosphere of the Manavgat Waterfalls and a quick visit to a cozy zoo. Plus, the open buffet lunch right by the canyon makes it all feel relaxed and fuss-free. On the flip side, some might find the day a bit busy or the zoo visit somewhat rushed, especially if they prefer less structured trips. This is best suited for those who want a true taste of the area’s natural beauty and cultural spots in one go.

If you’re keen on a day that balances scenic exploration with a touch of animal encounters and local history, this tour might be just right. It offers good value for money and a chance to tick off multiple sights without the hassle of organizing transport or guides yourself.

Key Points

• Full-day itinerary that covers multiple highlights in one trip.
• Boat cruise on Green Canyon with swimming opportunities.
• Visit to Manavgat Waterfalls for impressive natural scenery.
• Guided tour that provides insights into local history and culture.
• Includes a small zoo visit, great for animal lovers and kids.
• Open buffet lunch by the canyon for a stress-free meal.
• Pickup from Side hotels with a brief orange grove stop to set the scene.
• Suitable for most travelers, with some walking involved at sites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Breakdown

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup and Orange Gardens

Your adventure begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel in Side. The organizers do a decent job of coordinating pickups across 19 different locations, which means most travelers can start their day without much fuss. Before heading out, you’ll enjoy a quick 20-minute stop at the fragrant orange gardens—a perfect photo op and a chance to breathe in the fresh citrus-scented air. It’s a small but pleasant way to ease into the day.

Zoo Visit: Animal Encounters and Fun

Next, the tour moves on to a small zoo. It’s not large, but it packs in a variety of animals, from lions to monkeys. If you’re traveling with kids, this stop tends to be quite popular. Several reviewers mention the enthusiasm of guides and the opportunity to see lion cubs and hold monkeys as a highlight. One reviewer said, “the zoo was very small but had a wide variety of animals, and getting to hold lion cubs and monkeys was the best part.”

However, some note that the zoo is quite limited in size, which means the visit is quick. For animal lovers, especially those keen on close encounters, it’s a fun addition, but don’t expect a safari-sized experience. Also, entry into lion cub enclosures costs extra, which might be something to keep in mind if you’re interested in photos or holding animals.

Green Canyon: Scenic Boat Ride and Swimming

The Green Canyon is undeniably the star of the trip. It’s a striking, emerald-green waterway that’s a real feast for the eyes. The tour includes a free boat cruise that lasts about 1.5 hours, giving you a chance to relax while taking in the stunning scenery.

During the cruise, you’ll get to see panoramic views, and there’s an opportunity to swim and snorkel in the cool lake water, which many reviewers appreciated. “The boat trip was fab,” said one traveler, emphasizing how refreshing and peaceful the experience was. The boat is open and lively, with music often playing—some prefer relaxing tunes, though some would like a quieter, chill-out playlist instead.

After the cruise, there’s a lunch break with an open buffet set up right by the lake. It’s a laid-back meal, with enough variety to satisfy most tastes. The setting amid nature makes it a memorable part of the day.

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Manavgat Waterfalls: Natural Spectacle

Following lunch, you’ll head to the Manavgat Waterfalls. This spot is a favorite among visitors because of how powerful and picturesque it looks. The water rushes over rocks, creating a natural show that’s perfect for photos. Travelers often spend around an hour here, enjoying the scenery and taking pictures.

One review describes it as “lovely,” noting the impressive natural currents and the opportunity to see how the river water meets the sea. It’s a quick stop, but the natural beauty really leaves an impression.

Cultural Stop: Külliye Mosque

The tour also includes a visit to the Külliye Mosque. This site offers a glimpse into local religious architecture and history. While not overly elaborate, the mosque’s atmosphere and texture are what make it interesting. Visitors can enjoy a brief guided tour and appreciate the historical significance of the structure.

Wrap-Up and Return

By around 5 pm, the tour concludes with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel. Most travelers feel the day is well-paced, with enough time at each stop to enjoy it without feeling rushed—though some mention the zoo and orange grove stops could be more streamlined.

How the Tour Works and What to Expect

Transportation and Group Size

Transport is via minibuses, which are considered safe and suitable for families—though some reviews mention that the group size can be quite large, especially with a predominantly German-speaking crowd. Guides deliver information in multiple languages, including English, but some travelers noted that explanations were limited unless they prompted the guide.

Duration and Timing

The entire day runs from approximately 8 am to 5 pm, with flexible pickup times due to traffic. This makes it a full but manageable day out, especially if you’re keen to see multiple sights without extra planning.

Cost and Value

While the price isn’t specified here, reviews suggest that many find the trip offers good value, especially considering the included lunch, boat cruise, and multiple stops. The experience is designed to give you a broad overview of the area’s natural and cultural highlights.

Suitability for Travelers

This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive day out that captures the essence of the region’s natural beauty and some cultural flavor. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy light physical activity (short walks at sites), and families with kids will likely enjoy the zoo and the boat cruise. However, if you prefer a leisurely, less packed day, this might feel a little rushed at times.

The Honest Pros and Cons

What We Love

• The scenic boat cruise on Green Canyon offers peaceful moments and great photo opportunities.
• The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the trip more enjoyable and informative.
• The variety of sights—from waterfalls to wildlife—means you get a well-rounded experience.
• The lunch setting by the lake is relaxing, with good food and beautiful surroundings.

What to Keep in Mind

• The zoo is small, and some may find it underwhelming if they’re animal aficionados.
• The brief explanations in some languages might leave language-sensitive travelers wanting more detail.
• The day can be busy, especially with a lot of short stops, so if you prefer slow-paced sightseeing, this might not be perfect.
• The group size can be large, which may affect the overall intimacy of the experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a balanced mix of nature, culture, and wildlife, this trip suits you. It’s especially good for families, first-time visitors, or anyone who wants a hassle-free way to see multiple highlights in one day. The experience is lively, scenic, and offers enough variety to keep everyone engaged.

However, if you’re after a deep dive into history or prefer less structured, more relaxed days, you might want to consider other options or customize your own itinerary.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup from Side, with multiple pickup points available across the region.

How long is the boat trip on Green Canyon?
The boat cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and swim if you like.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes, a towel, and beachwear are recommended for the outdoor stops and swimming activities.

Can I swim in the Green Canyon?
Yes, swimming is a part of the boat cruise experience, and the cool waters are generally well-received after the boat ride.

What is the zoo like?
It’s a small zoo with a variety of animals, including lions, monkeys, and more. It tends to be a quick visit, but a highlight for animal lovers.

Are the guides informative?
Guides are experienced and friendly, delivering information in multiple languages. Some reviews note explanations can be limited unless asked.

How is the food?
The open buffet lunch by the lake is generally appreciated for its convenience and setting. It’s a good value given the scenic location.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s generally suitable, especially for kids who enjoy animals and outdoor activities. Babies up to 2 years old can join but will need to be carried on your lap.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded day that showcases some of the most beautiful and interesting spots near Side. It balances scenic boat rides, natural waterfalls, wildlife encounters, and cultural sights into a manageable itinerary. The guides are often praised, and the overall value seems to appeal to a broad range of travelers.

If you’re after a fun, active, and diverse day out that includes everything from relaxing cruises to cultural visits, this trip is worth considering. Just keep in mind that it’s a full day—and some stops are brief—so if you prefer a slower pace, plan accordingly.

Overall, for nature lovers and curious explorers, this tour delivers a memorable experience with good value and a friendly guide to lead the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: