Antalya: Green Canyon Full-Day Boat Tour with Lunch

If you’re looking for a way to escape the busy streets of Antalya and reconnect with nature, the Green Canyon full-day boat tour is a solid choice. While I haven’t personally been on this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what to expect and why it’s worth considering.

What draws many travelers to this experience are the stunning lake and forest views, the chance to swim and relax on deck, and the delicious lunch by the water. Plus, the journey includes a visit to the Oymapinar Dam, adding a bit of local interest. That said, a couple of caveats exist—such as some stops that feel more commercial than scenic, and the long transfer times from certain hotel areas. Still, this tour seems best suited for those craving a full day of natural beauty, gentle adventure, and a taste of local scenery.

Good To Know

• Spectacular Scenery: Expect breathtaking views of Green Canyon’s lake and surrounding forests.
• Relaxing Experience: Enjoy swimming breaks and sunbathing on the boat deck.
• Good Value: At $51, this tour offers a comprehensive day out with lunch included.
• Authentic Touches: The lunch and wildlife sightings add genuine local flavor.
• Some Commercial Stops: Be aware of optional shopping stops that may not appeal to everyone.
• Ideal for Nature Lovers: Perfect for those seeking scenic tranquility rather than high-adventure activities.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What Is the Green Canyon Full-Day Boat Tour?

This full-day excursion from Antalya promises a relaxing yet scenic trip on the waters of Green Canyon, one of Turkey’s most beautiful natural spots. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a boat cruise, a waterside lunch, swimming breaks, and opportunities to spot local wildlife—making it a well-rounded experience.

The journey begins with a comfortable transfer from your hotel in Antalya to the Oymapinar Dam, Turkey’s fifth-largest reservoir. After a brief group stop here, you’ll continue to the canyon itself, where the real magic happens. The boat cruise offers panoramic views of the towering cliffs and lush forests that surround the lake, providing plenty of photo opportunities and moments of awe.

The tour lasts about 7 hours, with flexible starting times depending on your hotel location and availability. The boat itself is described as a soft drink-only vessel, emphasizing a laid-back, family-friendly vibe. Guides and audio commentary are available in English and Russian, ensuring clear explanations of the sights along the way.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start with Hotel Pickup and Transfer
Most guests are picked up from their hotels in Antalya, with travel times ranging from about 1 to 2 hours depending on location. For example, guests staying in the Konyaaltı area can expect a roughly 2-hour transfer, while those in Belek may only need about an hour. Arriving on time is important, and the tour provides clear instructions about meeting points if you’re staying in the Kaleiçi historic district.

Visit Oymapinar Dam
After a scenic drive, there’s a quick stop at Oymapinar Dam, where you can admire the engineering marvel and take photos of the reservoir. It’s a brief stop, but adds some local context to the day.

Green Canyon Boat Cruise
The highlight is the scenic boat trip through the canyon. As you cruise, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and dense forests, perfect for nature lovers. Many reviews mention how spectacular the scenery is, with some travelers noting the wind in their hair and the serenity of the surroundings.

Swimming and Relaxation
Several stops are made for swimming in the lake, giving you the chance to cool off from the Turkish sun and enjoy some water fun. The boat provides ample space on deck for sunbathing and relaxing, and reviews highlight the cheerful, friendly crew making the trip enjoyable.

Lunch at a Waterside Restaurant
After a few hours on the water, the group stops at a local restaurant by the lake for lunch. The menu includes chicken, köfte, and fish, with a variety of side dishes from a buffet. Reviewers have praised the quality of the food, mentioning it as good and more than enough for a satisfying meal. It’s a chance to rest, refuel, and take in the peaceful scenery.

Additional Stops and Free Time
After lunch, there’s usually some free time to explore or relax further, with optional visits to nearby shops or local markets. One review mentions a shopping stop that some found less appealing due to overpriced fake brands, so if shopping isn’t your thing, you can simply enjoy the scenic views or continue relaxing.

Return Journey
The tour concludes with the transfer back to your hotel, often with some brief stops along the way—mainly at tourist shops that sell clothing or souvenirs. The return trip can be around 1-2 hours, depending on your hotel’s location.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour fee of $51 per person covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat cruise, lunch at the restaurant, swimming breaks, soft drinks, and local wildlife observation. It’s a good value considering all you get—especially the scenic boat ride and the relaxing atmosphere.

However, it’s important to note that personal expenses such as souvenirs, photos, and videos are not included. Alcoholic drinks are not available on the boat, which keeps the experience family-friendly and relaxed. You’ll want to bring your own camera, sun protection, swimwear, and a hat.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

People who’ve taken this tour often highlight its breathtaking scenery and good value for money. One reviewer, Martin, called the trip “breathtaking” and praised the good quality of the lunch. He also appreciated the cheerful staff and lack of pushy salespeople, which can sometimes mar similar tours.

Aurimas, on the other hand, pointed out a drawback—the stop at a shopping place that was overpriced and took up an hour of valuable scenic time. This highlights that some parts of the tour may feel less authentic or more commercial, depending on your preferences.

The swimming breaks are a major plus, with many travelers enjoying the chance to cool off in the lake. The scenic views and tranquil atmosphere are consistently praised, making it clear that this tour offers a genuine escape into nature.

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Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Bring sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses—these are essentials for comfort and safety.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes: Expect some walking at stops and a boat with limited shade.
• Swimwear and towel: Make sure you bring these if you want to take advantage of swimming breaks.
• Capture the moments: The views are perfect for photos, so keep your camera or phone handy.
• Arrive prepared for the transfer: Depending on your hotel’s location, transfer times can range from an hour to two hours. Plan accordingly.
• Note the no-alcohol policy: For those expecting drinks on the boat, this isn’t available.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for nature enthusiasts who enjoy scenic landscapes and water-based activities. It’s perfect if you’re seeking a relaxing day rather than high-energy adventure, especially with the included lunch and swimming breaks. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find value here, provided they’re comfortable with a longer transfer time from certain hotel areas.

If you’re a photographer, the stunning vistas and wildlife observation points will likely satisfy your creative urge. However, those looking for a tour with shopping or cultural stops might find this trip less engaging due to the commercial stops along the way.

Final Thoughts

The Green Canyon full-day boat tour offers a balanced mix of stunning natural beauty, relaxed cruising, and a satisfying meal. It’s a solid value at just over $50, especially for those wanting to escape the crowds and find peace on the water. The scenery, swimming, and friendly guides make it a memorable day out in Antalya’s countryside.

While some may find the shopping stops less appealing, most will appreciate the chance to unwind, soak up the views, and enjoy a genuine taste of Turkish nature. If you’re after a day of tranquility, good food, and scenic photography, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with timings depending on your hotel’s location.

How long does the transfer take?
Transfer times vary; from Konyaaltı, expect around 2 hours, while from Belek, roughly 1 hour.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, including transfers, the boat cruise, and free time.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch at a waterside restaurant is part of the package, with options like chicken, köfte, and fish.

Can I swim during the trip?
Absolutely; swimming breaks are scheduled, and you should bring swimwear and a towel.

Is alcohol available on the boat?
No, only soft drinks are provided; alcohol isn’t available during the cruise.

This Green Canyon boat tour combines natural beauty, relaxation, and good value into one memorable day, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape into Turkey’s lush landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here: