City of Side: Green Canyon Boat Trip & Bus Safari with Lunch

Exploring the Green Canyon & Lake from Side: A Practical Guide to One of the Region’s Most Enjoyable Day Trips

If you’re planning a day out in the Antalya Province and want to experience a mix of stunning scenery, local culture, and relaxed cruising, the Green Canyon Boat Trip & Bus Safari with Lunch might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t done this exact tour myself, it seems tailored for travelers craving a well-rounded adventure that doesn’t skimp on scenic views or local flavor.

What draws many in is the chance to cruise across Green Lake on a catamaran, a highlight praised for its peaceful waters and beautiful surroundings. Plus, the drive through the Taurus Mountains in a cabrio bus offers panoramic views that aren’t just pretty but also provide insight into the area’s landscape and history. And let’s not forget, a local lunch near the lake adds a tasty touch to the day.

One thing to be mindful of is that it’s a fairly full schedule, with plenty of moving parts and stops. Some reviewers mention feeling a bit rushed or wishing they had more time at certain spots, like the zoo visit or scenic stops. But overall, this trip is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of activity, nature, and a little cultural insight—all in one day.

If you’re after a value-packed, scenic, and varied excursion that covers the highlights around Side and the Taurus Mountains, this tour seems to deliver just that. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, a group of friends, or even a small family, it offers enough variety to keep everyone engaged.

Key Points

• Scenic mountain drives through the Taurus range with panoramic views
• Relaxing boat cruise across Green Lake, perfect for nature lovers
• Local lunch provides authentic regional flavors
• Cultural insights with visits to villages and mosques
• Flexible pickup/drop-off from multiple locations around Side
• Affordable price point (~$20) for a full-day experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Green Canyon & Lake Tour

This tour is designed to give you a comprehensive taste of what the southern Turkish landscape has to offer, all in one day. Starting with your hotel pickup around 09:00, you’ll hop onto a specially-designed cabrio bus—think open-top, panoramic windows—that takes you through fragrant orange gardens and into the Taurus Mountains. The drive itself is a highlight, blending scenic beauty with the chance to hear stories about the area’s geography and culture from your guide.

The Mountain Drive: More Than Just a Ride

Driving through the Taurus Mountains is a highlight that many reviewers appreciate. The bus provides stunning views of rolling hills, villages, and orange groves, giving you a real sense of the countryside. The open-top style means you’re not just looking at the scenery but feeling part of it. Expect to pass traditional villages and perhaps learn about local life and traditions along the way.

A notable feature is the guided tour of a small village, including a mosque visit. This adds a depth of understanding of local customs and religious practices, something many travelers find enriching, especially if they’re interested in authentic cultural exchanges.

Green Lake and Catamaran Cruise

Once at the lake, you’ll board a catamaran for a one-hour cruise across the calm waters. From the deck, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding nature—think lush greenery, crystal-clear water, and possibly some wildlife. It’s a peaceful part of the day, offering a chance to relax and take photos. One reviewer called it “really good,” appreciating the balance of activity and downtime.

Lunch: A Tasty Break

After the cruise, a lunch at a local restaurant near the lake is included. This is a great chance to taste regional dishes and support local businesses. The reviews note that the meal is hearty and authentic, adding to the overall value of the tour.

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Exploring Local Villages & Waterfalls

Post-lunch, the bus takes you through more scenic routes, with stops in local villages. One reviewer mentioned a “guided tour and walk,” which helps you soak in the rural vibe and perhaps learn a bit more about Turkish life outside the tourist spots.

Before heading back, there’s a visit to the Manavgat River, where a beautiful waterfall awaits. While some found this a “nice stop,” others felt it was a brief visit but still worth seeing.

Optional Zoo Visit & Final Moments

For an extra fee, there’s an optional visit to a small zoo, though some reviews pointed out concerns about animal conditions, suggesting this may not appeal to all travelers. The final stretch of the journey is a leisurely drive back to Side, with plenty of stops for photos and quick sightseeing.

Your return hotel drop-off is scheduled around 18:00, wrapping up a full, action-packed day.

What’s Good About This Tour?

Value for money is a clear standout. For just around $20, you get a well-organized day that covers scenic drives, a boat cruise, a local meal, and cultural insights. The reviews highlight that many felt they received “excellent value” and appreciated the variety of activities packed into a single day.

Guided tours and knowledgeable guides make a difference. Multiple reviews praise the guides’ attentiveness and depth of knowledge, helping to turn a sightseeing trip into more of a learning experience. One reviewer noted, “the guide was very good and knew a lot,” enhancing the overall enjoyment.

The scenery is genuinely impressive. The combination of mountain views, lake waters, and the Green Canyon itself provides ample opportunities for stunning photos and peaceful moments. The boat cruise, in particular, gets high marks for its relaxing vibe and natural beauty.

Considerations and Downsides

While most feedback is positive, some travelers mention feeling rushed at certain stops—especially the zoo or waterfall. If you like more time to explore or take photos, you might find the schedule a little tight. It’s worth keeping this in mind if you prefer unhurried trips.

A few reviews also expressed concern about the zoo visit, citing animal welfare issues. If this kind of attraction isn’t your thing or if you’re sensitive to animal conditions, you may want to skip that part or inquire about alternatives.

Lastly, transportation on the bus can sometimes be a bit rough, especially if you’re sensitive to longer bus rides. The trip involves quite a lot of driving, but the frequent stops help break up the journey.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a balanced day of scenery, culture, and gentle adventure. It’s suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities like boat cruises and mountain drives, and who don’t mind a busy schedule.

It’s also a good option for those wanting value for money without sacrificing scenic beauty or cultural insights. While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the relaxed pace and variety mean it could work for older children or teens who enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities.

If you’re interested in a photo-rich day with natural landscapes, this trip offers plenty of opportunities. However, if you prefer more unstructured time at each stop or have specific interests like wildlife or detailed history, you might find it a little limited.

FAQs About the Green Canyon & Lake Tour

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, from pickup around 09:00 until drop-off around 18:00. Timing can vary slightly depending on your hotel location and traffic.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak both English and German, making it accessible for a range of travelers.

Is food included?
Yes, a lunch at a local restaurant near the lake is included in the price. Drinks and photos/videos are optional and not included.

Are the stops brief or leisurely?
Most stops are designed to be manageable; some reviewers mention feeling a little rushed, but generally, there’s a good balance of sightseeing and downtime.

Can I visit the zoo?
Yes, there’s an optional zoo visit for an extra fee. However, some reviews suggest animal welfare might be a concern, so consider your preferences.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Many reviews mention helpful staff, and one review specifically highlights assistance for wheelchair users, indicating some level of accessibility.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities and possibly sun protection is recommended. Flip flops are okay but may be less comfortable on rougher terrain.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, giving you flexibility.

Final Thoughts

The City of Side: Green Canyon Boat Trip & Bus Safari with Lunch offers a well-rounded day of natural beauty, cultural insights, and local flavors—all at an affordable price. With knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery, it’s a great way to see some of the best highlights around Side without the hassle of planning numerous separate excursions.

This tour shines particularly for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, boat cruises, and the chance to learn about local traditions in a relaxed setting. It’s not excessively long or complicated, making it suitable for most visitors looking for a dependable and enjoyable day trip.

While some may find the schedule a bit busy or prefer more unstructured time, the overall value and diversity of experiences make this a memorable outing. If you’re after a mix of natural beauty and cultural glimpses, this trip is likely to meet your expectations.

Summary: For around $20, this tour packs in mountain vistas, a peaceful boat cruise, local cuisine, and cultural stops, making it a solid choice for those looking to explore beyond the beach and discover the scenic side of Turkey’s Antalya region.

You can check availability for your dates here: