Side: Green Lake Boat Tour, Swimming, and Oymapinar Dam

Exploring the Green Lake and Oymapinar Dam: A Detailed Look at This Full-Day Tour

If you’re visiting the Antalya region and looking for a mix of nature, history, and a touch of adventure, the Green Lake Boat Tour with Swimming and Oymapinar Dam might just catch your eye. Based on numerous reviews and tour descriptions, this experience offers a well-rounded day that combines scenic views, cultural stops, and a splash of fun.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances a peaceful boat ride with opportunities for swimming in Green Lake—perfect for those who want to connect with nature. Plus, the visit to the engineering marvel of Oymapinar Dam adds an educational twist that makes the day more meaningful. That said, a potential drawback is that the tour isn’t suitable for everyone; if you’re not a fan of long group outings or have mobility concerns, this might not be your best pick.

This tour tends to suit travelers who appreciate scenic landscapes, enjoy a bit of history, and want a relaxed yet engaging day out. It’s especially good if you’re staying in Side and want an activity that combines several highlights in one trip. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what this experience involves and what you can expect.

Key Points

• Beautiful Scenery: The boat ride on Green Lake offers stunning views of the canyon and surrounding nature.
• Diverse Stops: From ancient sites to impressive dams, each stop offers a different glimpse into local history and engineering.
• Flexible Experience: The tour includes optional visits, such as Manavgat Waterfall, letting you customize your day.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for travelers comfortable with group activities and outdoor exploration.
• Comfort and Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics easier, and the guide is available in multiple languages.
• Value for Money: The tour combines transportation, guide, lunch, and activities, making it a practical day out.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Green Lake Boat Tour Experience

The Beginning: Hotel Pickup and Initial Stops

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup from various areas around Side, including Gündoğdu, Ilica, Evrenseki, and more. This makes it convenient, especially if you’re staying a bit outside the main tourist hub. Once onboard, you’ll be greeted by a guide fluent in English, Russian, or Turkish—adding a personal touch to your day.

The first part of your journey includes a visit to a historic mosque, where you’ll get a chance to admire intricate designs and learn a bit about local architecture. Following that, a stop at the Lyrbe Agora, an ancient site where history enthusiasts can imagine what life was like centuries ago. These stops set a thoughtful tone for the day, blending culture with nature.

Green Lake and the Scenic Boat Ride

For many, the highlight of this tour is the boat ride on Green Lake. We love how this part combines natural beauty with a leisurely pace. The boat glides through the canyon, revealing views that are both dramatic and calming. The boat ride lasts about an hour, providing plenty of time to relax, take photos, and soak in the scenery.

The boat trip isn’t just about the views—you’ll also have opportunities to swim in Green Lake. Tourists have mentioned that the water is refreshing and inviting, making it a perfect break from sightseeing. Remember to bring your swimwear and towel—something we recommend since most travelers enjoy taking a dip.

Lunch and the Dam Visit

After the boat ride, it’s time for a well-deserved lunch. Typically, the meal is included in the tour price, offering a taste of local flavors. The lunch tends to be arranged in a scenic setting, so you’ll be eating with a view.

Post-lunch, you’ll visit the Oymapinar Dam, a true engineering feat. The dam’s size and construction are impressive, and the tour allows you to explore and understand its significance. For those interested in how human ingenuity can harness nature, this stop offers both visual impact and educational value.

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Optional Stop at Manavgat Waterfall

Later in the day, there’s an optional stop at the Manavgat Waterfall. This is a popular attraction, and many travelers enjoy the chance to see the rushing waters up close. Keep in mind that entry isn’t included in the base price, so you’ll need to pay extra if you decide to visit. The waterfall adds a different kind of natural beauty and is worth considering if you have the time and interest.

Final Touch: Orange Grove and Departure

The tour concludes with a visit to an orange grove, where you can learn about local fruit production and sample freshly squeezed orange juice. It’s a nice, refreshing way to end the day before heading back to your hotel.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This experience is designed to be a balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and light activity. The full six-hour duration allows enough time for each stop without feeling rushed. The schedule can vary slightly depending on weather and operational conditions, but generally, you’ll follow a sequence similar to what’s outlined.

The group size tends to be comfortable, and the tour guide provides informative commentary in your chosen language. Expect a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that encourages questions and interaction.

Transportation and Comfort

The vehicles used for pickup and transfers meet Turkish Standards (TSE), ensuring safety and reliability. Since the guide travels in a single vehicle, there might be some water-throwing between travelers during transfers—something to keep in mind if you’re a bit sensitive to surprises.

Price and Value

Considering that the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, a boat trip, lunch, and insurance, it offers good value. The additional costs are primarily for optional extras like the waterfall entry, which you can choose to skip. The price reflects a full day’s worth of activities, making it a practical choice for travelers who prefer a curated experience rather than DIY planning.

Caveats and Considerations

While the tour offers many highlights, some travelers have noted minor inconveniences. For example, if the group is small enough, the German-speaking host might be absent, leaving only English, Russian, or Turkish options. Also, if you’re not comfortable with group tours or long outdoor walks, it might feel a bit hectic.

The water fights and playful interactions among travelers are part of the fun but might not appeal to everyone. And because the tour involves outdoor activities, comfortable shoes and clothing are a must.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

One reviewer mentioned, “Was een goeie activiteit, goed geregeld. Alleen ben ik mijn bril kwijtgeraakt weet niet of gestolen of zoek geraakt,” highlighting that the organization is generally smooth but also reminding travelers to keep an eye on their belongings.

Another said, “Heerlijke dag,” which translates to “a lovely day,” emphasizing that many find this tour enjoyable and relaxing.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who appreciates scenic boat rides and natural beauty, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially appealing if you want a full-day itinerary with a mix of history, culture, and outdoor fun. The inclusion of swimming and a visit to the dam offers both relaxation and an educational element, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy varied activities.

However, if you prefer more personalized or less structured experiences, or if you have mobility issues, you might find the group size and schedule a bit limiting.

This tour is best suited for travelers staying in Side or nearby, who are comfortable with outdoor activities, enjoy learning about local infrastructure, and want a memorable scenic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, lunch, insurance, and a boat trip on Green Lake. The transportation is designed to meet safety standards, and multiple languages are available for guides.

Is the Manavgat Waterfall visit included?
No, the waterfall entry is an optional extra that needs to be paid directly to the guide if you decide to visit.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes, swimwear, a towel, and any personal items like sunblock or sunglasses.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride lasts about one hour, offering plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, swimming in Green Lake is available and highly recommended if you want to cool off. Just make sure to bring your swim gear.

What are the tour times?
Start times vary; check availability when booking. The tour duration is approximately 6 hours, including transfers and stops.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the outdoor nature and swimming opportunities make it suitable for older children comfortable with group activities.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in case your plans change.

Are there any language restrictions?
Guides are available in English, Russian, and Turkish. If there are not enough clients, the German-speaking guide may not be available.

In summary, this Green Lake, swimming, and Oymapinar Dam tour offers a hearty mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and light adventure. It’s a great way to step outside the usual beach scene and experience some of the area’s most scenic and interesting sites. If you enjoy a relaxed pace, stunning views, and some fun in the water, it’s worth considering for your trip to Side.

You can check availability for your dates here: