Antalya, Side, Alanya: Green Canyon Day Trip with Boat Tour

Planning a day out in Turkey’s stunning Antalya Province and considering a trip to Green Canyon? This tour, offered by Alanya Best Trips, promises a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and good food—all for a reasonable price of around $32 per person. With a typical duration of 5 to 7.5 hours, it’s designed to give you a taste of Turkey’s lush landscapes and tranquil waters, combined with a boat cruise, a lakeside lunch, and some refreshing swims.

What really makes this excursion interesting is the chance to see towering cliffs, emerald forests, and crystal-clear waters in one seamless experience. It’s suitable for travelers who thrive on outdoor activities, scenic views, and a relaxed pace. However, some reviews hint at logistical hiccups or weather considerations, so a bit of prep is recommended. Overall, it’s a solid pick for those wanting a well-rounded day immersed in nature without breaking the bank.

Three things we love about this tour:

• The stunning scenery of Green Canyon’s cliffs and waters that look almost unreal.
• The boat cruise experience that offers both relaxation and adventure.
• The delicious lakeside lunch with local flavors—especially the grilled fish or chicken.

One thing to keep in mind: The boat rides are open area, so weather can influence comfort, especially in winter months. If you’re sensitive to cold, packing an extra layer is wise.

This trip is best suited for nature lovers, families, and those wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation, especially if you appreciate scenic landscapes and a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine.

Good To Know

• Scenic boat cruise: Offers breathtaking views of cliffs, greenery, and crystal waters.
• Cultural & culinary experience: Enjoy a lakeside lunch featuring grilled fish or chicken.
• Swim stops: Opportunities to cool off in pristine waters or even try fishing.
• Transport & organization: Punctual pick-up and comfortable bus transfers make logistics smoother.
• Guides & language options: Guides speak several languages, but availability varies.
• Weather considerations: Open boats mean weather can affect comfort, especially in winter.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Pickup & Transfer

The adventure begins with a hotel pickup (if selected), or you can meet at a designated point in Side. The transfer is via a spacious, air-conditioned bus, which helps keep the journey comfortable and enjoyable, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group. Reviews praise the punctuality of transfers, with some noting the driver’s friendliness and efficiency, making the start of the trip stress-free.

Arrival at Oymapnar Dam and Boarding the Boat

Your first stop is the Oymapnar Dam Harbor, the gateway to the Green Canyon. Here, you’ll board a modern catamaran designed specifically for this tour. The boats are open area, which means you’ll get unobstructed views of the scenery, but it also means weather plays a role—be prepared for potential chilly or rainy conditions in winter months.

The Cruise & Swimming

Once underway, the cruise lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, where you’ll drift past towering rocky slopes, lush forests, and shimmering waters. Reviewers comment on the calmness of the reservoir and the beautiful, unspoiled landscape. The boat crew, often praised for their friendliness, will serve soft drinks, and you’ll get plenty of opportunities to swim at idyllic spots, with safety gear provided.

A standout detail from reviewer Ida is the life jackets prepared for swimming, making it easy for everyone—including children or non-swimmers—to join in. Multiple travelers mention catching fish or simply enjoying the tranquility of the water.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Lunch by the Lake

After the cruise, you’ll stop at a lakeside restaurant for a delicious meal. The menu typically features grilled fish or chicken, complemented by salads, macaroni or rice, and appetizers. Guests report the food is tasty, with some noting the ambiance is especially peaceful. A few reviews point out that food can sometimes be a little greasy or cold due to weather or timing, but hot drinks like tea or coffee help improve the experience.

Additional Stops & Activities

Some tours include optional shopping stops or bazaars, but these aren’t mandatory, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery without pressure. The guide may provide brief commentary, although some reviews note language barriers—guides are generally multilingual but might not always speak fluent German or Polish, depending on the day.

Return & Drop-off

After a full day of nature, swimming, and delicious food, you’ll head back to your original pickup point or meet location. Most travelers find the return journey smooth and punctual, with some reviews praising the friendly guides and drivers who ensure everyone is comfortably returned.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Natural Beauty

The main draw is undoubtedly the spectacular scenery. From the boat, you’ll see imposing cliffs and lush greenery, creating an almost cinematic backdrop. Reviewers like Elbieta appreciate the photography opportunities, especially with the calm, clear waters providing perfect reflections.

The Boat Experience

The boat cruise is designed for relaxation, but with enough activity to keep it interesting. Many reviewers mention the friendly crew members and effort to ensure everyone has a good time. The opportunity to swim in the cool waters is a high point, often described as refreshing and enjoyable, particularly on hot days.

The Food & Local Flavors

The lakeside restaurant serves a simple but flavorful meal, making it a highlight for food lovers. The grilled fish or chicken is often praised, and the salads and appetizers add to the authentic experience. Reviewers mention that, while the food can sometimes be a little greasy or cold due to weather or timing, hot beverages help make up for it.

Value for Money

At $32, this tour offers a lot—scenic views, boat rides, swimming, and a meal. Several reviews highlight that the entire experience is well-organized, making it good value, especially considering the included transportation, guide, and activities.

Guide & Service

Most reviews commend the guides for their helpfulness and knowledge, although language barriers sometimes occur. The driver’s punctuality and friendly attitude are often praised, contributing to a smooth day.

Potential Drawbacks & Considerations

While the tour is generally appreciated, some reviews point out a few practical issues. The boats are open area, which means weather can influence comfort, especially in colder months. It’s advisable to bring warm clothes or rain gear if visiting outside summer.

Some travelers experienced disorganized arrival or chaos during the pick-up—though most found the transfers punctual and efficient. Plus, food quality might vary, and some people might find the long stops or waiting times a bit frustrating, especially if their schedule is tight.

Lastly, language barriers can be an obstacle if you’re expecting a German-speaking guide, as it’s not always available on certain days. Bringing a basic knowledge of English or Russian can help bridge the gap.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Enjoy This Trip?

This tour offers a beautiful mix of scenery, adventure, and relaxation at an accessible price point. It’s perfect for nature enthusiasts, families with children (thanks to safety gear and swimming opportunities), or anyone wanting a breathtaking day in Turkey’s outdoor spaces. If you’re keen on photography or simply unwinding in nature’s tranquility, this trip will satisfy.

However, if you’re weather-sensitive, or prefer guided tours with fluent language support, you might want to prepare accordingly or consider alternative options. For those who love authentic landscapes with a touch of adventure, the Green Canyon day trip hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the option, your hotel in Antalya, Belek, Alanya, or Side will be picked up. Otherwise, you can meet at a designated point.

How long is the boat cruise?
The boat trip lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours on calm waters, providing plenty of scenic and swimming opportunities.

What should I bring?
Bring change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear to enjoy swimming comfortably.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, German, Russian, Turkish, and Polish, but availability varies, and German guides might not be available on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Is food included?
Yes, a lakeside lunch with grilled fish or chicken, salads, and appetizers is included, though some reviews note that the food might sometimes be greasy or cold.

Can I swim during the tour?
Absolutely. There are designated swim stops, and life jackets are provided for safety, making it suitable for children and non-swimmers.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can enjoy the water and scenery, but always check if they are comfortable with boat trips and swimming.

Will weather affect the trip?
Since boats are open area, bad weather can impact comfort, especially in winter. It’s wise to check the forecast before booking.

Are there shopping stops?
Some tours include shopping or bazaar visits, but they are optional and not the main focus.

What’s the overall value?
Considering the included transportation, guide, meal, and activities, most travelers find it good value for money, especially given the stunning scenery.

In summary, the Green Canyon day trip from Antalya, Side, or Alanya offers a balanced blend of natural beauty, cultural flavor, and outdoor fun at an affordable price. It’s ideal for travelers who want to escape the city, enjoy scenic views, and take a refreshing swim—all with a touch of Turkish charm. Just remember to pack appropriately for the weather, and you’re set for a memorable day in Turkey’s stunning landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here: