City of Side: Green Lake Boat and Cabrio Bus Tour

If you’re planning a visit to the Antalya region and want to see some of its highlights without the hassle of organizing everything yourself, the Green Lake Boat and Cabrio Bus Tour could be just what you need. This guided day trip offers a balanced mix of history, natural beauty, and local charm—all wrapped into a well-organized package. We’ve looked into it, and while we haven’t personally taken the tour, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of what to expect.

What stands out for us are the chance to explore multiple attractions in one day—from ancient ruins to stunning green scenery—and the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip on Green Lake, which seems to be a real highlight for many travelers. On the flip side, some might find the guided commentary a bit uneven, especially if English isn’t your first language. Still, if you’re after an active, sightseeing-packed day that offers good value, this tour is worth considering.

It’s not necessarily a tour for everyone—those looking for a super flexible or off-the-beaten-path experience might prefer to DIY it. But if you’re after an easy, informative day with a bit of everything, this trip could suit you. Now, let’s break down what makes this tour tick.

Key Points

• All-in-one sightseeing: Covers major spots like Side’s ancient city, Green Lake, and Manavgat Waterfall.
• Affordable price point: At $25 per person, it offers decent value for a full day of exploring.
• Comfortable transportation: On a cabrio bus with Wi-Fi, making the journey smoother and more enjoyable.
• Engaging boat trip: An hour on Green Lake, with options to swim—great for those who love water activities.
• Guided experience: Hosted by a professional guide, though some reviews note language gaps.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for most travelers, though not ideal for those with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You’re Likely to See and Do

When you book this tour, you’re in for a well-paced day that hits some of Side’s key attractions, blending history, nature, and local flavor. The day kicks off with a hotel pickup—so no stress about logistics—and the bus takes you to your first stop: the Kulliye Mosque. Here, your guide will share some background on the history of Islam in the region, giving a dose of cultural context early on.

Next, you’ll get a chance to try Turkish gozleme during a short break. This traditional pastry is a tasty way to indulge in local flavors without much fuss. It’s one of those little moments that makes guided tours more personable.

Following that, the bus heads toward the Seleukia Ancient Roman City. As you stroll through these ruins, your guide will fill you in on the setting’s history, helping you appreciate the significance of what remains. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s understanding the layers of history that have shaped the area.

The journey continues to Oymapnar Dam, where the views of both Green Canyon and Green Lake are spectacular. Many reviews mention that this spot offers some of the most memorable scenery, with lush landscapes and calming waters.

The Green Lake Boat Experience

One of the tour’s real draws is the hour-long boat trip on Green Lake. This isn’t just a quick cruise; many travelers enjoy swimming during this part of the trip, so don’t forget your swimwear and towel. The boat trip provides a relaxing break from the bus rides, giving you a chance to take in the scenery from the water. Think of it as a refreshing pause amid a busy day of sightseeing.

The boat ride is often described as a fun and refreshing experience. Some reviews mention that the boat trip adds a significant value to the overall day, making the experience more than just land-based sightseeing.

Lunch and Waterfalls

After the boat trip, you’ll settle in for a delicious lunch at Green Lake. The time allotted (about 1-2 hours) gives you a chance to relax, enjoy some local cuisine, and soak in the peaceful surroundings. The lunch is included in the tour price, which adds to its value.

Later, you’ll visit the Manavgat Waterfall for about 30 minutes. Here, there’s an option to enter and see the waterfall up close. It’s a popular spot for photos and a moment of tranquility before the final stops.

Orange Garden and Return

The last stop is an orange garden where you can taste fresh orange and pomegranate juice—another small but delightful touch, emphasizing local produce and flavors.

The tour wraps up with a comfortable bus ride back to your hotel, arriving around 5:00 PM. Having all these stops in one day offers a comprehensive taste of what the Side area has to offer.

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The Pros and Cons: What Travelers Are Saying

From reviews, many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery. One reviewer said, “We liked everything, the driver had amazing driving skills,” highlighting the smooth transportation. Others point out the value for money — many found the $25 fee quite reasonable for a full day of activities.

Several reviews mention that the guide makes the experience enjoyable, with phrases like “Thomas made the whole day easy and fun.” That personal touch seems to matter when you’re spending a whole day with a group.

However, some reviews point out small drawbacks. One reviewer noted that some information wasn’t always translated properly into English, which could detract from the experience if language barriers exist. Also, a few mention that the prices at some stops were a bit high, particularly for drinks and snacks, so if you’re on a tight budget, bringing some extras might be wise.

An interesting insight from a traveler was that the trip was well-organized, but they felt the tour could benefit from a guide who speaks more fluent English. If language is important to you, this is worth considering.

What’s Included and What You Might Need to Budget For

The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Side, which is very convenient. Transportation is by a modern bus with Wi-Fi, making the trip more comfortable and connected. Your guide is professional and speaks German and English, helping you navigate each stop.

Included are the visit to Green Canyon, a 1-hour boat tour at Green Lake, and lunch. It’s a good package for the price, considering most of the major highlights are covered.

What’s not included are all drinks, Turkish snacks, and the waterfall entrance fee. If you want to enjoy additional refreshments or buy souvenirs, plan some extra cash.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a full, well-organized day of sightseeing without the hassle of planning each stop. It’s suitable for those who enjoy a mix of history, nature, and light activity. If you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate a relaxed pace and interesting sights, you’ll likely find the tour enjoyable.

People with mobility impairments should note that it’s not designed for those with mobility issues, as some stops involve walking and uneven terrain.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after an affordable way to see some of the best sights around Side, this tour offers a lot for its price. The boat trip on Green Lake alone seems to be a favorite part for many, providing a refreshing break in an active day. Plus, the variety of stops—from ancient ruins to waterfalls—means you’ll walk away with a wider appreciation of the region.

The guides receive praise for their knowledge and friendly attitude, making it easier to enjoy the day. While some minor language hiccups and pricing at stops are worth noting, they don’t overshadow the overall positive experience.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a structured, engaging day with a bit of everything—history, scenery, water fun, and local flavor—without the stress of doing it solo. With flexible cancellation options, it’s also a low-risk way to try out this part of Turkey.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is included from all hotels in Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, Gundogdu, Sorgun, and Titreyengol areas.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, with the start time depending on availability—check before booking.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, and towel are recommended for this trip.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour mentions wheelchair accessibility.

Are drinks included?
No, all drinks are extra. The tour provides water on the bus, but additional beverages are at your own expense.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, a traditional Turkish lunch is part of the package.

Are children welcome?
While not explicitly stated, the tour seems family-friendly, but consider the walking involved and age-appropriate activities.

Will I get enough time at each stop?
Yes, each stop is allocated a set amount of time, allowing you to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

What language is the guide speaking?
Guides operate in German and English.

In all, this tour offers a practical way to experience some of Side’s most popular sights in a single day. It balances history, scenery, and local flavor, making it a solid choice for those wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: