Green Canyon Boat Tour with Lunch From Antalya

If you’re considering a day trip to Turkey’s famed Green Canyon, this boat tour from Antalya might catch your eye. It’s a popular way to experience the emerald waters and rugged scenery without the hassle of organizing your own transport or boat. Though it’s not the most adrenaline-packed activity out there, it offers a chance to chill, take in some beautiful landscapes, and enjoy a tasty meal on the water.

What we genuinely like about this tour is its comfort and convenience—the pickup, the well-organized itinerary, and the included lunch make it straightforward and stress-free. We also appreciate how many reviews highlight the stunning scenery and informative guides as major pluses, which makes the experience more meaningful. On the flip side, a few travelers mention that the boat ride can be a tad slow or that the lunch could be improved, so keep those in mind if you’re looking for a high-energy day.

This tour works best for those who want an easy, family-friendly outing or simply prefer to sit back and enjoy the views without strenuous activity. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t worry—there are swimming breaks from a platform on the lake, but you won’t be pressured to swim if you’re not comfortable.

Key Points

• Relaxing cruise with stunning scenery of Green Canyon and turquoise waters.
• Comfortable transportation with air conditioning and a professional guide.
• Includes a buffet lunch and drinks (excluding alcohol), making it good value.
• Stops at key sites like the Oymapinar Dam and park, offering varied scenery.
• Suitable for most travelers, with manageable group sizes and flexible timing.
• Some reviews mention the drive being long and the boat ride slightly boring for non-swimmers but overall positive.

This tour is a full-day affair, roughly 8 hours from start to finish. It begins early, with pick-up around 7:30 am, which means you’ll want to get a good night’s sleep and maybe grab some breakfast beforehand. The transportation is via air-conditioned, non-smoking buses, and the group is limited to about 15 travelers, which keeps things intimate and manageable.

The Journey to Green Canyon

The trip kicks off with a scenic drive from Antalya to Kemer, with a stop or two for breaks—one of the reviews notes the drive can take a couple of hours but is kept comfortable. The guide is generally helpful, sharing some insights along the way. However, a few comments mention that the guide may not speak fluent English or Russian, which could affect the storytelling for some travelers. Still, everyone agrees that the views during the drive are pleasant, and the driver does a good job.

The Green Canyon Experience

Once you arrive, you’ll board a boat that takes you on a relaxing cruise through the canyon. The water is as clear as you’d hope, with many reviewers describing it as “Caribbean-colored” and “shimmering turquoise.” The boat ride itself lasts about three hours, passing rugged cliffs, lush forests, and the famed dam—the only one open to boat traffic in Turkey.

Highlights include passing through impressive cliffs and getting up close to the lush greenery that surrounds the lake. If you’re into photography, this is a prime opportunity to capture some exceptional shots of nature’s artistry. Several reviews mention the calming nature of the cruise, making it perfect for those looking to unwind.

The Dam and Other Stops

You’ll also stop at the Oymapinar Dam, Turkey’s fourth-largest, which is a sight in itself. While one reviewer suggests that more information about the dam could be shared, most appreciate the chance to see it up close. You’ll also visit Oymapinar Park, a nice spot to stretch and enjoy the scenery.

Swimming and Breaks

Swimming is offered from a platform on the lake, with breaks for a dip during the cruise. For many, this is a highlight—they describe the water as inviting and the experience refreshing. However, a reviewer pointed out that they couldn’t change clothes afterward, which could be inconvenient if you’re planning to continue sightseeing after the tour.

If swimming isn’t your thing, don’t worry. The stops are relaxed, and you can simply enjoy the views from the boat or relax on deck. It’s worth noting that some reviews mention the boat ride can feel a bit boring if you’re not into nature or just want a fast-paced adventure.

The Lunch and Refreshments

One of the tour’s defining features is the buffet lunch served aboard the boat. The reviews are mixed but tend to lean positive, with many mentioning the food was better than expected—an assortment of salads and hot options in a nice setting. Drinks are unlimited, but alcohol is not included, so if you want beer or wine, you’ll need to buy it separately.

People often say that the lunch provides good value for the price, especially considering the scenic backdrop. Just be aware that the water and soft drinks are included, but not alcoholic beverages. Some reviews mention that the lunch could be more diverse or fresher, but overall, it’s a satisfying way to refuel during the trip.

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with most of it spent traveling, cruising, and enjoying the stops. The group size maxes out at 15, which means a more personalized experience. Punctuality is generally good, and reviews describe the guide as helpful and informative, with some offering historical context about the dam and canyon.

Looking at the reviews and the offering, this tour provides good value, especially for those who enjoy relaxed outings with scenic views. The combination of a comfortable coach, a scenic boat cruise, a buffet lunch, and swimming breaks makes for a well-rounded day. Most travelers say it’s a peaceful and photogenic experience, perfect for nature lovers or those wanting a break from city sightseeing.

While some mention that the drive can be lengthy and the boat ride slightly uneventful if you’re expecting excitement, the overall consensus is positive. The tour’s family-friendly nature, with manageable group sizes and gentle activity, makes it suitable for a wide range of travelers. If you’re after a peaceful, scenic day with memorable sights, this could be a good pick.

However, if you’re looking for a tour with more active components or want a guided narrative in fluent English, you might find it a bit lacking. Also, the food and drinks are decent but not gourmet, so keep your expectations in check.

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate scenic views and a laid-back pace, rather than adrenaline or high-energy activities. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo but prefer an easy day out. If you’re on a budget and want a good blend of sightseeing, relaxation, and a tasty meal, this offers solid value.

Those with limited mobility or young children might find the long drive and boat trip manageable, but swimming breaks should be evaluated based on personal comfort. It’s also a good option if you want to see Green Canyon without the hassle of organizing transportation or boat rentals yourself.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins around 7:30 am, so plan to be ready for early pickup.

Is food included in the tour?
Yes, a buffet lunch with drinks (excluding alcohol) is included on the boat.

Can I swim during the trip?
Swimming is allowed from a platform on the lake, and breaks for swimming are available during the cruise.

What’s the group size?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, keeping the experience intimate and personal.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is generally family-friendly and suitable for most ages, but swimming might be a consideration for young children.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts about 8 hours from start to finish, including transport, stops, and the cruise.

Is there a guide?
Yes, a professional English-speaking guide accompanies the tour, providing information and assistance.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts, receiving a full refund.

The Green Canyon Boat Tour from Antalya offers a calm, scenic experience that’s perfect for travelers wanting to relax and take in Turkey’s natural beauty. With its comfortable transport, friendly guides, and a buffet lunch, it’s a good way to spend a full day without feeling rushed. The highlights—crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, and impressive dam views—are sure to leave an impression.

While it might not be the best choice if you’re seeking high adventure or a guided storytelling experience in fluent English, it genuinely delivers on tranquility and visual appeal. It suits those who want a straightforward, enjoyable boat trip with opportunities to swim and snap photos in a beautiful setting.

If you’re after a day of peaceful exploration, good food, and memorable scenery, this tour is likely to meet your expectations. Just keep in mind the drive length and the fact that the boat ride is more laid-back than adrenaline-pumping. Overall, a pleasant way to see one of Turkey’s most captivating natural sights.