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

Travelers looking for a blend of stunning landscapes, cultural insights, and fun activities will find the Green Lake Boat Tour in Antalya a compelling option. While we haven’t personally journeyed with this exact experience, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it offers a balanced mix of leisure and discovery. From serene boat rides to impressive engineering marvels, this tour packs in quite a bit for a six-hour adventure.

What we love about this experience is its scenic boat ride that offers breathtaking views, the chance to swim in Green Lake, and the opportunity to explore the Oymapinar Dam—a true feat of engineering. Plus, there’s an optional visit to the Manavgat Waterfall that adds a splash of nature’s beauty. The only potential drawback? The tour’s schedule and sequence might shift depending on weather and operational conditions, so flexibility is key.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor activities, history, and cultural stops. If you’re after an authentic, well-rounded day out in Antalya that combines scenic views with engaging stops, this is a solid choice.

Good To Know

• Scenic boat ride on Green Lake offers stunning canyon views and photo opportunities.
• Swimming in Green Lake provides a refreshing break amid beautiful surroundings.
• Visiting Oymapinar Dam reveals a powerful demonstration of engineering in a natural setting.
• Optional visit to Manavgat Waterfall adds extra nature and photo moments.
• The tour includes lunch and hotel transfers for convenience.
• Due to weather or operational changes, the sequence and transportation might vary.

You can check if your dates are available here:

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

Starting the Adventure: From Hotel to Green Lake

The tour typically begins with hotel pickup from designated areas around Side, including Gündodu, Ilica, Evrenseki, TitreYengol, Sorgun, and Kızılagac. A comfortable transfer will take you to the Green Lake Canyon, a journey that already promises scenic views en route. Keep in mind that the exact pickup time can vary, so check your schedule beforehand.

Once on the bus, the guide—who speaks English, Russian, and Turkish—sets the tone with friendly, informative commentary. Reviewers mention that the guide is helpful and knowledgeable, though during quieter moments, they might communicate via an audio system if groups are large.

Exploring the Cultural Stops

Before heading to the lakeside, the tour includes visits to a historic mosque and the ancient city of Seleucia. The mosque’s intricate designs are worth noting, offering a glimpse into regional architecture. The ancient city ruins of Seleucia add a historical touch, even if only for a quick exploration. These stops enhance the experience by blending nature with culture.

Green Lake: The Heart of the Tour

The main draw is the scenic boat ride on Green Lake, which lasts about an hour. The boat cruises through the Green Lake Canyon, revealing towering cliffs and lush greenery. Reviewers frequently mention how stunning the views are, with some describing the landscape as “breathtaking” and “serene.” Be sure to bring your camera, as this is a perfect setting for photos.

The boat itself is comfortable, and the atmosphere tends to be relaxed, with opportunities to interact with fellow travelers. The boat ride also offers swimming opportunities, which many visitors find refreshing after taking in the views. You might get to swim in clear waters, surrounded by nature’s quiet beauty, as one reviewer noted, “a good activity and well-organized.”

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Lunch and Refreshments

After the boat trip, a delicious lunch is served, giving you a chance to relax and refuel. While the menu details aren’t specified, most tours provide local or Turkish-style dishes, often including grilled meats, salads, and bread. This part of the day is a good time to chat with fellow travelers and soak in the peaceful surroundings.

Exploring Oymapinar Dam

Post-lunch, the tour continues to the Oymapinar Dam, a feat of engineering that offers insights into hydroelectric power. Visitors often find the dam impressive, with its massive structure set against natural scenery. It’s a chance to learn about local infrastructure and see a different kind of landscape—more industrial but equally captivating.

Optional Visit to Manavgat Waterfall

For those with time and interest, an optional stop at Manavgat Waterfall is offered. Entry is paid separately, so if you’re keen on nature photography or just want to enjoy the sound of rushing water, this is worth considering. One review mentions it as “beautiful,” adding a peaceful touch to the day.

Orange Grove Visit and Final Moments

The tour wraps up with a visit to an orange grove, where you can learn about local fruit cultivation and enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. It’s a light-hearted way to end the day, especially if you love fresh fruit and want a taste of local produce.

Practical Details: What to Know Before You Go

Duration and Flexibility: The full tour lasts around six hours, but times may vary based on weather and operational considerations. Be prepared for a flexible schedule, especially for the optional stops.

What to Bring: Pack comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and suitable clothing for the day’s activities. The boat ride and swimming mean you’ll want to be ready for water-based fun.

Cost and Value: The tour includes hotel transfers, guide, lunch, and insurance. While the price isn’t specified, the combination of multiple activities and transportation suggests it offers good value for a packed day out.

Additional Charges: Entry to Manavgat Waterfall is extra, payable directly to the guide. Drinks and personal expenses are not included, so bring some cash or cards for extras.

Language and Guides: The guides are fluent in English, Russian, and Turkish. Note that if there aren’t enough participants, the German-speaking guide and greeter may be unavailable.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One traveler summed up their experience as “a good activity, well-organized,” even mentioning a minor mishap like losing their glasses, which highlights the importance of keeping personal belongings secure. Another appreciated the day as “delicious,” emphasizing the enjoyable, relaxed vibe of the tour.

What We Think

The tour’s highlight is undeniably the stunning scenery—the boat ride through Green Lake’s canyon is frequently described as “breathtaking.” The combination of natural beauty, cultural stops, and engineering marvels offers an experience that’s both relaxing and educational.

While it’s largely a leisure activity, the inclusion of stops like the dam and cultural sites means it’s not just about sightseeing but about appreciating the region’s diversity.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers who want an active, scenic day out. If you love outdoor adventures with some cultural and historical context, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. It’s also a good choice for those who appreciate authentic landscapes and want a well-rounded look at Antalya’s natural and man-made wonders.

Conversely, if you prefer ultra-luxury experiences or are looking for a more intensive cultural deep dive, this tour might feel a bit casual. It’s also not ideal for wheelchair users due to the nature of the activities and terrain.

Final Thoughts

The Green Lake Boat Tour, combined with a visit to Oymapinar Dam and the optional waterfall stop, offers a balanced package of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and relaxation. It’s a flexible, enjoyable way to explore some of Antalya’s most captivating sights.

For travelers craving stunning views, refreshing swims, and a taste of local engineering marvels, this tour delivers value and memorable moments. The mix of guided stops and free time allows for a personalized experience, making it suitable for diverse groups.

If you’re in Side or nearby looking for a day that combines nature, culture, and fun, this trip deserves serious consideration.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from several areas around Side, making it easy and convenient to start your day.

How long does the boat ride last?
The boat trip on Green Lake lasts approximately one hour, providing plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and swim if desired.

Can I swim in Green Lake?
Yes, swimming opportunities are available during the boat ride and at designated spots, which many travelers find incredibly refreshing.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and weather-appropriate clothes are recommended to enjoy the full experience.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a local-style lunch is provided as part of the tour, giving you energy for the rest of the day.

Can I visit Manavgat Waterfall?
Yes, the waterfall is an optional stop that you can choose to visit for an additional fee paid to the guide.

How flexible is the schedule?
The itinerary may shift depending on weather and operational conditions, so some stops or the order of activities might change.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the guide may only travel in one vehicle with a limited group size.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Russian, and Turkish. If there aren’t enough participants, the German-speaking guide and greeter might not be available.

What’s the overall value of this experience?
Considering the included transfers, guide, lunch, and multiple attractions, it offers good value for a comprehensive day out in Antalya.

This Green Lake adventure combines natural beauty, cultural interest, and a touch of engineering marvel, perfect for those wanting a memorable, diverse day in Turkey’s stunning landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here: