City of Side: Green Canyon Tour w/ Boat, Lunch & Fishing

Exploring the Green Canyon from Side: A Balanced Look at a Nature-Filled Day

Planning a day around Turkey’s stunning natural landscapes? The Green Canyon Tour with Boat, Lunch, and Fishing offers a straightforward way to soak in some of the area’s most beautiful scenery, all within a manageable half-day trip. For those who love being near water, enjoy scenic boat rides, swimming, and even a bit of fishing—it’s a solid pick if you’re after an active, nature-centric outing.

One thing we quite like about this tour is its affordable price point—around $40 per person for a full 6.5-hour experience—making it accessible. Plus, the scenic drive to Oymapinar Dam and the boat trip itself are often praised for their picturesque views. That said, a possible downside is the mixed reviews about organization and communication, with some travelers experiencing hiccups at pickup or during the booking process.

This experience tends to suit travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, scenic landscapes, and a relaxed vibe. If you’re looking for a nature-focused day with opportunities to swim and fish, and don’t mind some unpredictability, this could be a good fit. Just keep in mind that it’s more about enjoying the water and views than hitting any deep cultural or historical highlights.

This experience made our article of Manavgat’s 15 Best Boat Tours & Cruises.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $40, it’s a budget-friendly way to experience Green Canyon.
• Beautiful Scenery: The boat tour offers plenty of chances for great photos and enjoying nature.
• Varied Activities: Swim, fish, and relax on the boat—all good options on a warm day.
• Organizational Variability: Some reviews mention issues with pickup or communication, so flexibility helps.
• Suitable for Water Lovers: The trip centers around water activities—ideal if you like swimming and fishing.
• Moderate Duration: About 6.5 hours, making it a full but not overwhelming day trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the $40 price, your package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, a 4-hour boat trip, lunch, soft drinks, and the fishing experience. That’s a fairly thorough set of inclusions, especially considering the duration and activities involved.

Not included are photos and videos—if capturing memories is a priority, you’ll need to bring your own device—and personal expenses. It’s worth thinking about extra snacks or souvenirs, but with lunch and drinks included, your basic needs are covered.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Scenic Drive

Your day kicks off with hotel pickup, which is convenient but, according to some reviews like Volker’s, can sometimes be a source of frustration if the pickup doesn’t happen as scheduled. The drive takes you to Oymapinar Dam, a spot that offers some great photo opportunities and sets the tone for the scenic day ahead. The journey itself highlights the lush landscapes of Antalya Province, so keep your camera handy.

Arrival at Green Canyon and Boat Tour

Once at Green Canyon, you’ll jump on a boat for about 4 hours. The boat trip is usually the highlight—many travelers mention the stunning natural beauty of the lake and the canyon walls, which are often described as mesmerizing. The boat is a great way to see the canyon from a different perspective, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

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Swimming and Water Activities

After some time on the boat, you’ll have the chance to swim in the turquoise waters. The water is described as refreshing and inviting, especially if you’re visiting during warmer months. Think of it as the perfect cooling-off break—just remember to bring your towel and change of clothes.

Lunch at a Lakeside Restaurant

Post-swim, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at a nearby lakeside restaurant. The menu includes meatballs, chicken, or fish, accompanied by rice and salad. Many travelers find the food satisfying and well-prepared—just keep in mind that the meal is simple, not gourmet. Beverages include tea, coffee, mineral water, and soft drinks, helping you stay refreshed for the rest of the day.

Fishing and Relaxing

The trip also offers a fishing opportunity on the lake, which adds an extra layer of fun for those interested in trying their luck. Whether or not you catch anything, it’s a peaceful way to unwind before heading back to the bus.

Return Journey

The final part is a two-hour boat ride back to the starting point, with a possible chance to dive into the water again if you want to cool down before returning. The relaxed pace makes it an easy way to soak in the scenery one last time before being dropped off at your hotel.

Real Traveler Insights

While many appreciate the views and the boat experience, some mention logistical frustrations. For instance, Volker’s review notes that they were waiting at the pickup point with no one showing up, and communication was difficult, especially for non-German speakers. This highlights the importance of confirming pickup times and being flexible.

On the positive side, travelers like those who enjoyed the boat trip through the canyon found it “a great experience” and appreciated the lunch as a delicious addition to the tour. The guides’ knowledge and the beautiful landscape often come up as highlights, making the trip worthwhile for water lovers and those wanting a relaxing nature day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love being on the water, enjoy swimming, and want to see the canyon’s natural beauty without a lot of cultural or historical aspects, this tour is a good choice. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate straightforward, active outings and are comfortable with some logistical flexibility.

However, if you’re expecting a perfectly organized trip or a more in-depth cultural experience, this might not hit all your marks. Be prepared for some variability in the experience—it’s part of the charm but also something to consider.

Final Thoughts

This Green Canyon tour offers a balanced day of water-based activities and scenic views at a reasonable price. The boat ride is undoubtedly the star, with many travelers praising the stunning vistas and refreshing swim stops. The included lunch and fishing add relaxed touches that round out the experience.

That said, the organization can be inconsistent, so staying flexible and confirming arrangements beforehand will make your day smoother. It’s best suited for those who want a casual, nature-filled adventure and don’t mind some unpredictability.

For a straightforward, water-centered trip that doesn’t require deep cultural excursions, this tour delivers a good slice of Turkey’s natural beauty, especially if you’re after a way to unwind by the water in a scenic setting.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?
The tour includes fishing, but specifics about gear aren’t detailed, so it’s probably best to bring your own if you have some, or check with the provider.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the description doesn’t specify age restrictions, the activities like swimming and boat trips tend to be family-friendly, but always consider the age and comfort level of children.

What should I wear?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. A towel is recommended for swimming, and comfortable footwear is helpful for walking around.

Are beverages included?
Yes, soft drinks are included with lunch, along with tea and coffee. Additional drinks or personal expenses are not covered.

What if the weather isn’t great?
Since the tour is outdoors and water-based, bad weather could impact your experience. It’s worth checking the forecast and confirming the cancellation policy, which is flexible up to 24 hours in advance.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat ride lasts approximately 4 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, swim, and fish.

Overall, if you’re looking for a relaxed day on the water with some scenic beauty thrown in, this Green Canyon tour can be a relaxing way to spend part of your time in Antalya. Just keep expectations in check regarding organization, and you’ll likely enjoy the natural charm this trip offers.

You can check availability for your dates here: