From Alanya Green Canyon Day Trip with Boat Ride and Lunch

If you’re visiting Alanya and looking for a day packed with natural beauty, some impressive engineering marvels, and a relaxing boat ride, this tour might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally taken it, based on the details and reviews, it looks like a solid option for those who want a well-rounded day out without breaking the bank. It’s a tour that offers a blend of sightseeing, gentle adventure, and good food — all within a manageable 7.5 hours.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see one of Turkey’s largest dams, the Oymapinar Dam, and enjoy a scenic boat cruise in Green Canyon, along with a relaxing lakeside lunch. Plus, the fact that it includes hotel pickup and drop-off is a big plus, saving you the hassle of figuring out transportation. On the downside, the day’s pace is quite full, so if you prefer a more leisurely or flexible schedule, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour seems particularly suited to travelers who enjoy natural landscapes, easy-going excursions, and want to cover a few highlights in one day. If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-organized trip that balances sightseeing with some downtime, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Day Out: Combines visits to Manavgat Dam, lakeside lunch, and a boat cruise in Green Canyon.
• All-Inclusive Feel: Hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, and soft drinks included, so no need to worry about extra costs.
• Scenic and Educational: Offers the opportunity to see impressive engineering feats and stunning nature, with knowledgeable guides.
• Good Value for Money: At around $40, it’s an affordable way to experience multiple sites and activities.
• Group Size: Max of 25 travelers, making it intimate enough for a more personal experience.
• Timing: Starts early at 8:00 am, making it a full but manageable day.

The Experience in Detail

Starting the Day: Pickup and Drive

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup, which is convenient for travelers staying in Alanya. The drive to Green Canyon takes about an hour and a half, during which your guide will likely share insights about the region. Passing through Manavgat’s city center adds a bit of local flavor to the journey. It’s nice to have that sense of transition from the busy town to the tranquil nature awaiting you.

Stop 1: Visiting Manavgat Dam

The first major stop is the Oymapinar Dam, one of Turkey’s largest and among Europe’s biggest. Standing at 185 meters tall, it’s truly a sight to behold, especially if you’re a fan of impressive engineering. The guide will explain its significance, and you’ll get a chance to see an ancient Roman bridge nearby, adding a touch of history to the visit.

The dam’s surroundings are beautiful, and it’s a good photo opportunity. Reviews mention that guides are knowledgeable, which makes a difference in understanding why such structures matter. This stop is about an hour long, giving you enough time to take photos and absorb the scenery without feeling rushed.

Lunch by the Lake

Next, you’ll take a break at a lakeside restaurant for lunch. The buffet includes cold appetizers, salads, and fruits, offering a light, refreshing meal. For the main course, you can choose between Grilled Chicken, Grilled Meatballs, or Grilled Fish. The restaurant seems cozy and scenic, perfect for relaxing after the morning’s sightseeing.

The open buffet style means you can sample a variety of foods, and the inclusion of soft drinks is a nice touch, ensuring you stay refreshed. The reviews suggest that the lunch is straightforward but satisfying — nothing fancy, but enough to keep you going for the boat cruise afterward. If you’re a picky eater or have specific dietary needs, it’s worth noting that the main courses are limited to these options, which might be less flexible for some.

The Highlight: Green Canyon Boat Ride

The star of this tour is the 14 km boat cruise through Green Canyon. This part usually lasts about two hours, and it’s where you’ll get to soak in the lush scenery and take some memorable photos. The boat is described as comfortable, and stops along the way allow for swimming or just relaxing in the emerald waters.

If you enjoy being out on the water, this is a relaxing, scenic ride that offers plenty of photo opportunities. Several reviews note the guide’s insights and the gorgeous views, which seem to be the main draw for many travelers. Swimming stops are optional, so if you prefer just to enjoy the scenery without getting in the water, that’s perfectly fine.

Returning to Alanya

After the boat trip and some free time to explore or swim, the group heads back to Alanya, arriving roughly 1.5 hours later. The return journey allows for some reflection on the day and probably some photos of the landscape passing by.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour is priced at about $40.82 per person, which seems reasonable considering it includes transportation, a guide, lunch, and the boat trip. The group size max of 25 ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd, but you’ll still get to meet others sharing your trip.

Timing-wise, the tour starts early at 8:00 am, giving you a full day of activity but also allowing plenty of time to relax afterward. The moderate physical demand comes mostly from walking around at the dam and possibly swimming during the boat stops—if you’re comfortable with water activities, this is a plus.

The tour provider, Professional Travel Solutions, offers flexible cancellation policies, so if your plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That’s a nice safety net for planning.

What Travelers Say

While this specific tour doesn’t have reviews yet, the descriptions point to a well-organized experience. The highlights mentioned by the provider — knowledgeable guides and stunning views — suggest a focus on quality and authenticity.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want to see a mix of Turkish engineering and natural beauty without too much fuss. It suits those who appreciate a structured day, including a bit of history, scenic boat rides, and good local food. It’s especially good for first-timers wanting a reliable, all-in-one experience.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking intense adventure or a flexible schedule. If you’re not comfortable with group tours or have specific dietary restrictions outside the offered options, you might want to consider other arrangements.

Final Thoughts

This Green Canyon day trip from Alanya offers a balanced glimpse into Turkey’s scenic and engineering marvels, wrapped up in a well-organized, value-for-money package. The combination of dam views, lakeside lunch, and a relaxing boat cruise makes it a great way to spend a day outside the city, especially if you enjoy being on the water and seeing lush landscapes.

You’ll appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the manageable group size, which keeps the experience personal yet social. While it’s not a tour packed with high-energy activities, it offers enough variety and beautiful scenery to keep most travelers engaged.

If your idea of a good day involves soaking in nature, learning a bit about local infrastructure, and enjoying a leisurely boat ride, this trip could be just right. It’s uncomplicated, affordable, and packed with photo-worthy moments — perfect for a laid-back, scenic outing in southern Turkey.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Alanya, making it very convenient.

How long is the drive to Green Canyon?
The drive takes about an hour and a half, giving you a comfortable journey with scenic views.

What is included in the lunch?
The lunch features cold appetizers, salads, and fruits from an open buffet, and a main course of your choice: grilled chicken, meatballs, or fish.

Is there free time at Green Canyon?
Yes, the boat cruise lasts around two hours, with stops for swimming if you like, giving you some free time to relax or enjoy the water.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for warm weather, plus swimwear if you plan to swim. Don’t forget sun protection like hats and sunscreen.

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

Is this tour suitable for children?
While no specific age restrictions are mentioned, the moderate physical activity and swimming stops suggest it’s suitable for most travelers comfortable with water and walking. Always check with the provider if you’re traveling with very young children.

If you’re after a straightforward, scenic day with a dash of adventure and good value, this Green Canyon trip from Alanya might just be what you’re looking for.