From Side & Alanya: Green Canyon Boat Tour Lunch, SoftDrink

Exploring Green Canyon: A Full-Day Boat Tour from Side & Alanya

If you’re looking for a calm and scenic escape from the busy beaches of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, this Green Canyon boat tour might just be your perfect day out. While I haven’t personally taken this trip, reviews and detailed descriptions give a clear picture of what to expect: an immersive experience into one of Turkey’s lesser-known natural gems, complete with swimming, stunning views, and a hearty lakeside lunch.

What makes this tour appealing are its beautiful mountain scenery, the crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, and its value for money — all for around $40 per person. It’s a full-day activity that combines nature, relaxation, and a touch of local culture. However, it’s worth noting that the tour involves a fair amount of sitting and boat cruising, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy gentle outdoor adventures. If you’re after a highly energetic or adventure-heavy day, this might feel a bit tame.

This experience suits travelers who love nature, appreciate scenic beauty, and want a relaxed, stress-free day. It’s particularly well-suited for couples, families, or solo explorers looking for a peaceful way to see the Taurus Mountains and enjoy a lakeside meal without breaking the bank.

Good To Know

• Stunning Scenery: Breathtaking views of the Taurus Mountains and emerald waters.
• Swim & Relax: Multiple swimming stops in crystal-clear lakes.
• Cultural Touch: Authentic lakeside Turkish lunch included.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off from Side, Alanya, and Antalya.
• Value for Money: Includes soft drinks, lunch, and guided commentary.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for all ages, with plenty of opportunities to unwind.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off with pickups from one of three locations — Side, Alanya, or Antalya — making it accessible no matter which part of the coast you’re staying on. The transfer takes around 1.5 hours, giving you a comfortable start and a chance to relax before the day’s adventure begins.

Once you arrive at the Green Canyon area, you’ll have around four hours of sightseeing, swimming, and exploring. The main highlight is the boat cruise itself, which glides through the canyon’s emerald waters. As you cruise, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the Taurus Mountains rising majestically on either side. The boat stops multiple times for swimming in the crystal-clear lakes, which are surrounded by cliffs and lush pine trees. These stops aren’t just photo opportunities — they’re perfect for cooling off and truly soaking in the natural beauty.

A feature that travelers seem to appreciate is the guided tour aspect, which provides context about the area’s geology and history, adding depth to the experience. Plus, there’s time to take photos, relax on the boat, and even try fishing if you’re feeling lucky. One reviewer mentioned how fun it was to try fishing for the first time, adding a personal touch to the day.

After the cruise, everyone is treated to a lakeside Turkish lunch, complete with local favorites and free soft drinks. The inclusion of drinks, tea, or coffee helps keep everyone refreshed while enjoying the scenic backdrop. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that offers a taste of local hospitality.

The return journey involves another 1.5-hour bus ride back to your hotel, with drop-offs at the original pickup points. This organized schedule ensures you’re back in your hotel by late afternoon, leaving plenty of time to relax or explore further.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Start with Hotel Pickup: Expect to be picked up from your hotel’s main security gate. The tour providers are clear about timing, but keep in mind that traffic can delay pickups by 5-10 minutes. Being ready on time ensures you won’t miss out or cause delays.

Travel to Green Canyon: The scenic drive into the Taurus Mountains sets the tone for the day. Expect comfortable transportation, with a guide providing insights about the region along the way.

Green Canyon & Boat Cruise: The boat ride is the core of the experience. Expect a leisurely cruise with plenty of opportunities for photos, swimming, and relaxing onboard. The boat provides soft drinks, and you can purchase additional beverages if desired. The guides are knowledgeable, offering commentary in multiple languages including English, German, and Russian.

Swimming & Relaxation Time: The swim stops let you cool off in pristine waters. Reviewers mention that the lakes are incredibly clear, with an emerald hue, and the surrounding cliffs make for stunning scenery.

Lakeside Lunch: The included lunch is served at a lakeside restaurant, featuring local dishes. One guest noted the meal was delicious, and the soft drinks were appreciated, especially after swimming.

Return Journey: The bus takes you back to your hotel after a full day of scenic beauty and relaxation. Expect a smooth ride with a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights.

Value and Practical Considerations

At around $40, this tour offers a lot of value. It bundles transportation, the boat cruise, swimming stops, a lakeside meal, and soft drinks — all the essentials for a memorable day. The inclusion of a live guide in multiple languages means you gain not just views but also insights into the area’s natural features.

One review highlights how well-organized the trip was, with no delays or waiting around, which can sometimes mar such excursions. The group sizes are generally manageable, making it easy to ask questions and enjoy a more personalized experience.

The main consideration is the duration — a full 7-hour day — so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy relaxing outdoor activities without intense physical exertion. Also, the tour isn’t wheelchair friendly, so those with mobility issues should consider this.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring a towel, swimsuit, and sun protection — the swimming stops are the highlight, and the sun can be strong.
• Wear comfortable clothes and non-slip shoes for the boat and walking.
• Don’t forget your camera — the scenery is truly picture-perfect.
• For extra comfort, consider bringing a hat or sunglasses.
• You might want to purchase additional drinks or snacks on board, as only soft drinks are included.
• Expect to be ready at your hotel’s main security gate at the scheduled time; the pickup window can vary slightly due to traffic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including transportation, boat cruise, swimming, and lunch.

What regions are pickups available from?
Pickup is included from Side, Alanya, and Antalya regions.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a lakeside Turkish lunch with soft drinks is part of the package.

Can I swim during the tour?
Absolutely. The boat makes multiple stops at crystal-clear lakes for swimming and relaxation.

Are drinks other than soft drinks included?
Only soft drinks, tea, or coffee are included. Additional beverages, including alcohol, can be purchased on the boat.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, it’s family-friendly and suitable for all ages, as long as participants are comfortable with the boat cruise and swimming.

Final Thoughts

This Green Canyon boat tour offers a peaceful and scenic way to appreciate Turkey’s natural beauty without the need for strenuous activity or complex arrangements. Its inclusion of transportation, guided commentary, swimming stops, and a lakeside meal make it a well-rounded day trip. The reviews praise the stunning views and well-organized nature of the trip, reinforcing its reputation as a worthwhile choice for those seeking a relaxed day in nature.

If you’re after a gentle, visually stunning experience that combines nature, culture, and excellent value, this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s especially perfect for travelers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy Turkey’s serene mountain lakes in a comfortable setting.

In summary, this tour is best for those who prioritize scenic beauty and relaxation over adrenaline. Its affordability, inclusion of meals and drinks, and convenient hotel pickup make it a smart option for a memorable day out in Antalya Province. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, the experience promises plenty of photo opportunities, peaceful moments, and a taste of local hospitality—all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Taurus Mountains.

You can check if your dates are available here: