Antalya: Green Canyon Boat Trip w/Lunch near Green Lake

If you’re planning a trip to Antalya and looking for a way to reconnect with nature, the Green Canyon boat trip offers a relaxed yet visually stunning experience. This tour promises a full day of cruising along emerald waters, scenic mountain vistas, and opportunities to swim in sparkling lakes—all topped off with a hearty lunch. While it’s popular among travelers for its beautiful scenery and friendly guides, it’s worth examining the details to see if it fits your style and expectations.

We love the way this trip combines a scenic boat cruise with active moments like swimming and sightseeing. The views of the Taurus Mountains from the water are breathtaking, and spotting the rare brown fish owl adds an extra touch of exclusivity. Plus, the included lunch, served at a lakeside restaurant, is frequently praised for its quality and views. The knowledgeable guides, especially those like Memet, make all the difference with their detailed explanations and helpful gestures. One possible consideration is the presence of smokers on the boat—something that might bother non-smokers who prefer a quieter experience. This tour suits nature lovers, families, and anyone wanting a peaceful day immersed in Turkey’s beautiful landscapes, without the hassle of strenuous activity.

Good To Know

• Stunning Scenery: The views of the Taurus Mountains and lush landscapes are truly unforgettable.
• Authentic Experience: Swimming in the clear green waters and enjoying a lakeside lunch offers a genuine connection with nature.
• Excellent Guides: Guides like Memet receive high praise for their English skills, detailed commentary, and helpfulness.
• Good Value: The full-day experience includes transportation, boat trip, lunch, and transportation back to your hotel, making it a convenient package.
• Authentic Encounters: Keep an eye out for rare brown fish owls and enjoy the chance to spot local wildlife.
• Considerations: The boat can accommodate many travelers, and smoking might be unavoidable, which could affect some travelers’ comfort.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Starting with hotel pickup from popular areas like Konyaalt, Muratpasa, Lara, and Belek, the day kicks off early, typically lasting around 9.5 hours. You’ll be transported by bus through scenic routes to the Green Canyon, where the adventure truly begins.

The Journey to Green Canyon

Our experience indicates that the drive to the canyon is quite enjoyable, especially with a guide like Memet, who speaks fluent English and provides detailed insights about the region. According to reviews, Memet stayed with the group throughout the trip, even going the extra mile by bringing lunch to a group member on crutches. This level of attentiveness enhances the experience significantly.

The Boat Cruise: Grand and Little Canyons

Once at the canyon, the boat tour covers about 14 kilometers of the Grand Canyon and includes a 3-kilometer Little Canyon segment. The boat itself is described as not overly crowded, allowing for a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, which many reviewers appreciated. The cruise offers spectacular views of the green waters, framed by towering cliffs and lush greenery.

Wildlife and Nature Watching

One of the highlights of this trip is the chance to spot the rare brown fish owl, a unique addition for bird enthusiasts. The guides are knowledgeable and often point out interesting sights along the way, making the journey informative as well as scenic. Nikolett, in her detailed review, highlighted that the trip was well-organized with competent guides, although she noted the downside of smoking on the boat—something worth considering if you prefer a smoke-free environment.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Swimming Breaks and Water Activities

Along the route, there are designated stops for swimming in the clear green waters. You’ll love the chance to cool off in the pristine lake, with many reviewers describing the water as “sparkling” and “refreshing.” It’s a highlight that adds a fun and active element to the journey.

Lunch with a View

After some time swimming and relaxing, the boat docks at a lakeside restaurant for a well-deserved lunch break. The open buffet lunch offers a variety of local dishes, and guest reviews frequently praise both the quality of the food and the beautiful view from the restaurant terrace. Deborah’s feedback reveals that the service was excellent, and the staff went out of their way to accommodate a group member on crutches, exemplifying the warm hospitality.

Exploring the Surroundings

Post-lunch, the cruise continues across the canyon, offering more chances to admire the mountain range and woodlands. A second swimming stop allows for more water fun before the journey back to your hotel.

Return and Reflection

The day wraps up with the bus ride back, often featuring lively conversations about the day’s best moments. The entire experience feels well-managed, with many reviewers noting the punctuality and professionalism of the guides and drivers.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The Green Canyon trip isn’t just about beautiful scenery; it’s about the intimacy of seeing nature from the water, combined with the comfort of a guided experience. The boat trip’s length and stops allow travelers to soak in the landscape without feeling rushed, making it perfect for those wanting a peaceful escape from the beach or city.

The inclusion of lunch with views is particularly valued; many find it to be a satisfying highlight of the day, both for its quality and its setting. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge contribute to a feeling of personalized attention, especially for travelers who appreciate detailed descriptions of the local environment.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• What to bring: Sunglasses and swimwear are recommended for comfort and convenience during water stops.
• Timing: The trip lasts 9.5 hours, so plan your day accordingly, especially if you have other activities later.
• Price & Value: Considering the transportation, boat cruise, lunch, and guide service, many see this as good value for a full day of entertainment and sightseeing.
• Group size: The boat generally isn’t overcrowded, providing a more relaxed atmosphere, but it can still get busy during peak seasons.
• Accessibility: For travelers with mobility issues, be aware that some stops, like the restaurant, may involve steps—an important consideration for some guests.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This trip is ideal for nature enthusiasts who want to see the stunning landscape of Antalya’s Taurus Mountains from a different perspective. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a relaxed day with opportunities to swim and enjoy a tasty meal. If you’re someone who values knowledgeable guides and authentic local experiences, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

However, those sensitive to smoke or preferring a quieter environment might want to consider the possibility of smoking on the boat, which could be a minor downside for some.

FAQs: Your Green Canyon Questions Answered

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is included from popular areas like Konyaalt, Muratpasa, Lara, and Belek, making it convenient to start the day.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9.5 hours, including transportation, the boat cruise, lunch, and return.

What should I bring?
Pack sunglasses and swimwear to enjoy the water stops comfortably. It’s a full-day tour, so comfortable clothing is recommended.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, so you might want to bring bottled water or purchase beverages during the stops.

Is the boat overcrowded?
According to reviews, the boat isn’t overly crowded, allowing for a relaxed experience; however, it can be busy during peak seasons.

Is it suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
Children can enjoy the trip, especially the swimming parts, but be aware that some stops, like the restaurant, involve steps. The guide’s assistance can be helpful here.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your schedule.

What wildlife might I see?
The trip offers the chance to spot the rare brown fish owl and observe local flora and fauna along the waterway.

Final Thoughts

The Green Canyon boat trip from Antalya offers a peaceful, scenic escape into nature paired with the comfort of guided commentary and a delicious lakeside meal. It’s especially suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with active water fun, all within a well-organized package. The views are mesmerizing, the guides are attentive, and the overall experience provides genuine value.

While not the right fit for guests seeking a quieter, smoke-free environment, it remains a fantastic choice for most travelers eager to explore Turkey’s impressive natural landscapes in comfort. Whether you’re an avid photographer, wildlife lover, or simply after a relaxing day on the water, this tour is bound to leave you with memories of stunning vistas and friendly hospitality.

You can check if your dates are available here: