Side: Cabrio Bus and Boat Day Trip at the Green Lake

Travelers looking to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of Turkey often find themselves drawn to the scenic corners of Antalya Province. Among the many options, the Cabrio Bus and Boat Day Trip at Green Lake offers a compelling blend of panoramic views, cultural insights, and leisurely activities—all for just $25 per person.

This tour is especially appealing because it combines off-the-beaten-path scenery, a relaxing boat cruise, and visits to local landmarks like a mosque and waterfall, making it a well-rounded day out. What really makes this trip stand out is the way it packs so much into a manageable day—without feeling rushed.

One possible consideration is the bus design: reviews mention the Cabrio style with plastic roll-up windows, which might not appeal to everyone, especially in cooler or rainy weather. Still, for the price, most find it a worthwhile adventure. This experience suits travelers eager to see natural beauty, enjoy cultural spots, and experience a taste of Turkish countryside without breaking the bank.

Good To Know

• Price and Value: At $25, this full-day trip offers a lot of diverse activities, making it excellent value.
• Scenic Drive: The off-road bus ride through the Taurus Mountains provides breathtaking views and a sense of adventure.
• Cultural Experiences: Visits to a mosque and the waterfall add authentic cultural touches that deepen your understanding of the region.
• Relaxing Activities: The boat cruise on Green Lake is a highlight, offering a peaceful 1-hour escape on the water.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: Multiple stops, including Roman ruins and a dam, ensure a varied and engaging day.
• Guide Quality: Tour guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and multilingual translation skills.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup and Transit

The tour kicks off early around 08:30 AM with hotel pickup, which is particularly convenient. The small-group style with a shared transportation means you’ll be comfortably collected from your Side hotel, and the journey to the Taurus Mountains begins smoothly. This early start allows for a full day of exploring without feeling rushed, and most travelers report punctual pickups, making planning easier.

The Scenic Drive Through Taurus Mountains

Once on board the specially-designed cabrio bus, your adventure truly begins. The bus’s open-sided design with plastic roll-up windows offers unobstructed views—ideal for photography and soaking in the scenery. As you wind through the mountains, expect to pass rows of orange gardens and lush landscapes.

Your guide, often praised for their helpfulness and multilingual skills (English, German, Russian), shares stories about the area’s history and geography. One reviewer, Glynis, highlighted how the trip included visits to Roman ruins and aqueducts, emphasizing the area’s historical layers. The drive offers excellent photo opportunities, especially when the bus pauses at scenic points.

Green Lake and Oymapnar: Nature’s Tranquil Heart

Arriving at Green Lake, known locally as Oymapnar, you’re greeted by the calm waters and lush surroundings. This spot is perfect for a laid-back experience and offers a chance to reconnect with nature. The highlight here is the boat cruise, included in the tour, which lasts about an hour. Reviewers consistently praise the boat ride, describing it as “relaxing” and “refreshing,” with some even noting the opportunity for a swim if they choose.

The boat trip offers a unique perspective of the lake and its natural beauty, with travelers mentioning how the serenity of the water contrasts beautifully with the mountainous backdrop. A leisurely lunch follows at a nearby restaurant, where fresh Turkish dishes like chicken breasts, pasta, and rice are served—most agree that the meal hits the spot after a morning of exploration.

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Cultural and Historic Stops

Post-lunch, the tour continues with visits to culturally significant sites. A quick stop at a village mosque allows travelers to appreciate Turkish religious architecture and perhaps catch a glimpse of local daily life. One reviewer pointed out that their guide provided insightful explanations, deepening the cultural experience.

The final stop before returning to Side is at Manavgat Waterfall, a stunning cascade along the river. The waterfall is a favorite for photos, and the reviews mention how exhilarating it is to see the water tumbling down in person. Entry to the waterfall costs around 100 TL, but many find it worth the visit for the spectacular views and photo opportunities.

Return Journey and Additional Stops

On the way back, the bus makes several brief stops, such as at the Orangery and a river-side cafe, giving ample chances for photos and relaxation. The trip concludes with a brief visit to the Central Mosque in Manavgat, allowing travelers to appreciate the religious and architectural significance of the site.

The journey ends with hotel drop-off around 5 PM, leaving most travelers feeling satisfied with a day filled with diverse sights and experiences. Reviewers like Sangeeta noted that despite the bus’s design, the guide’s translation skills and the itinerary’s variety made it a worthwhile experience.

Transport and Group Size

The tour is conducted on a cabrio-style bus with an open roof, offering excellent views but possibly less protection from weather—important to consider if rain or cold is forecast. The group size is typically manageable, allowing for interaction and personalized attention from guides.

Timing and Pacing

The schedule is well-paced, with enough time at each stop to explore, take photos, or simply relax. The 8:30 AM pickup and 5 PM return make it a full day without feeling overly tight. However, reviews suggest that arriving prepared—eating breakfast beforehand and dressing warmly—ensures maximum comfort.

Cost and Value

At $25 per person, this tour provides substantial value, especially considering the inclusion of the boat cruise and lunch. Compared to similar excursions, which can be more expensive and crowded, this tour’s intimate feel and authentic stops make it stand out. Guests repeatedly mention the good balance of activities, and many feel it’s well worth the price.

What the Reviews Say

Feedback from past travelers highlights several recurring themes. Many appreciated the knowledgeable guides who could translate into multiple languages, making the experience accessible and informative. Sangeeta praised the guide’s ability to translate in French, German, and English, which enriched the visit.

The scenic drives and stops consistently receive high marks for their stunning views and photo opportunities. Glynis mentioned the Roman ruins, aqueducts, and the dam as highlights, while others loved the waterfall and lake cruise.

Some travelers, like Keith, noted the bus’s condition—”it had seen better days”—but still enjoyed the overall experience, emphasizing the trip’s value for money and the variety of sights covered.

The boat trip is frequently highlighted as a relaxing and scenic feature, giving travelers a peaceful break amid their busy day of sightseeing.

Tips Based on Reviews

• Make sure to eat breakfast before the tour—you’ll likely find lunch around 2 PM, and skipping breakfast might leave you hungry.
• Dress warmly, especially if visiting in winter—some reviews mention wrapping up against the cold.
• Bring essentials like sunglasses, water, and a camera—especially since there are many photo-worthy stops.
• Be prepared for the bus’s design if weather isn’t ideal; plastic roll-up windows may not be ideal in rain or wind.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Green Lake day trip offers a well-rounded experience for travelers wanting a taste of Turkey’s natural beauty, culture, and history—all at an affordable price. The combination of scenic drives, cultural visits, and relaxing boat cruises makes it an ideal choice for those seeking variety without feeling overwhelmed.

It’s best suited for travelers of all ages who enjoy outdoor scenery, cultural insights, and a relaxed pace. Families, couples, or solo explorers will find plenty to love, especially if they appreciate good value and engaging guides.

While weather and bus design are factors to consider, the overall feedback suggests this tour is a memorable way to explore the less touristy side of Antalya. The abundance of photo stops, authentic experiences, and knowledgeable guides ensures you’ll come away with lasting impressions—and hopefully some great pictures too.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Side and nearby areas, making it very convenient for travelers.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, giving you a full day of exploring without feeling rushed.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a Turkish-style lunch is part of the package, typically served around 2 PM at a local restaurant.

What should I bring on the trip?
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, water, weather-appropriate clothing, a hat, and a camera for capturing the scenery.

Are there any additional costs?
Entry to Manavgat Waterfall costs around 100 TL, and drinks or photos are not included in the tour price.

Is it suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes, the itinerary is manageable for all ages, and reviews mention it’s a relaxing day with plenty of interesting stops for everyone.

This tour offers an excellent chance to see some of Turkey’s natural and cultural highlights in a single day. With stunning mountain views, a peaceful lake cruise, and authentic cultural visits, it’s a well-priced, memorable escape from the usual tourist spots.

You can check if your dates are available here: