From city of Side : Excursion to Green Canyon

From Side: Excursion to Green Canyon — An Authentic Day in Nature’s Quiet Corner

Traveling from the historic town of Side, a tour to Green Canyon offers a refreshing contrast to archaeological ruins and bustling streets. For around $35 per person, you’ll spend 8 hours exploring one of Turkey’s most tranquil natural wonders. The trip includes a 2-hour boat ride through the canyon, with opportunities for swimming and fishing, capped off with a well-chosen lunch at a picturesque restaurant. A hotel pick-up and drop-off make it a hassle-free way to experience the area’s natural beauty without the need for complicated planning.

What we particularly like about this tour is how smoothly everything runs. The guided organization ensures you won’t have to worry about logistics, and the knowledgeable guides—speaking English, German, and Russian—bring local insights that add depth to the experience. Two highlights stand out: first, the serenity of the boat trip, which allows you to truly relax and take in the beautiful surroundings, and second, the authentic feel of the lunch, offering a chance to enjoy local cuisine amid a lovely setting.

A potential consideration is the duration—eight hours might be a long day for some, especially if you prefer more active or shorter excursions. Also, if you’re not keen on water activities like swimming or fishing, some parts of the trip may feel less engaging. However, overall, this tour appeals most to travelers who enjoy nature, relaxing scenery, and authentic experiences rather than adrenaline-pumping adventures.

This tour is an excellent fit for those looking to escape the crowds and appreciate Turkey’s natural landscape at a leisurely pace. Families, couples, or solo travelers who value authentic local environments and appreciate well-organized excursions will find this trip particularly rewarding.

Key Points

Comfort and convenience with hotel pick-up and drop-off included.
Serene boat experience with options to swim and fish in Green Canyon.
Authentic lunch with scenic views, enhancing the overall value.
Knowledgeable guides providing insights in multiple languages.
Affordable price for a full day of nature and relaxation.
Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

If you’re staying in Side and craving a peaceful retreat into nature, this tour offers a solid, no-fuss way to enjoy the spectacular Green Canyon. What makes it stand out among other excursions is the combination of easy logistics, value for money, and the chance to truly unwind in Turkey’s lush landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Day Unfolds

The adventure kicks off early with hotel pick-up, taking away the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads or waiting for public transport. The bus, equipped with air conditioning and a professional guide, ensures comfort and informative narration during the transfer. The guide’s multilingual skills—English, German, and Russian—are especially helpful in making sure everyone understands the highlights of the trip.

Once at the canyon, the main event is the boat trip. Lasting about two hours, it’s the perfect length to soak in the surroundings without fatigue. The boat glides smoothly through the calm waters, offering spectacular views of the cliffs and lush greenery. It’s a rare chance to see this part of Turkey from the water, where you can appreciate the vivid green that gives the canyon its name.

For broader city exploration in Manavgat, we've covered these other tours

The Water Activities: Swimming and Fishing

What travelers often highlight is the opportunity to swim in the cool waters—a refreshing break on a warm day. As Jan notes in a review, “The Green Canyon looks great, and the lunch was good,” but the swimming is a big part of the appeal. If fishing is your thing, you’ll also find a chance to try your luck in this peaceful setting—an activity that adds a touch of authenticity and fun.

Lunch: A Local Delight

After the boat trip, the tour takes you to a scenic restaurant where a delectable lunch awaits. The meal is described as delicious, offering a taste of local Turkish cuisine with views to match. This pause is a lovely way to relax and reflect on the morning’s experiences while enjoying good food in a beautiful setting.

Returning and Reflecting

The day concludes with a comfortable bus ride back to your hotel, leaving you with a sense of calm and fulfillment. You’ll have plenty of time to process the sights and sounds, or plan your next adventure in the region.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authenticity and Guides

What truly elevates this tour is the local guides’ knowledge and genuine friendliness. They’re appreciated for their professionalism and ability to answer questions—making the experience richer and more engaging. As Peter succinctly puts it, “Everything was fine,” which underlines how smoothly this trip runs.

While you're exploring Manavgat, here are other experiences we've looked into

The Price and What You Get

At $35, this tour offers excellent value. It includes all transportation, the boat trip, lunch, and insurance, so you won’t face hidden costs. You’re paying for a full 8-hour day of scenic beauty, relaxing water activities, and authentic cuisine—hard to beat in this price range.

This experience is perfect for nature lovers and those wanting a calm escape from the busy tourist spots. If you enjoy water-based activities like swimming or fishing, you’ll find this especially rewarding. It’s also suitable for families and couples seeking an authentic, well-organized day trip that emphasizes relaxation and scenic beauty.

However, if your idea of a perfect day involves more adventure or shorter excursions, you might want to explore other options or consider how this long, laid-back pace fits your travel style.

This Excursion to Green Canyon offers travelers a meaningful way to experience Turkey’s natural side without fuss or complication. It’s a well-organized, affordable, and authentic way to enjoy the calming waters, lush landscapes, and local hospitality of the region.

The knowledgeable guides and inclusion of meals and transportation make it a straightforward choice for those who want to relax and enjoy scenic beauty. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate slow-paced, scenic experiences and value good organization.

In short, if you’re in Side and looking for a peaceful day immersed in nature, this tour is a reliable, enjoyable choice that won’t disappoint.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, including pick-up, the boat trip, lunch, and return transfer.

What is included in the price?
You’ll get hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned bus, a guided boat trip in Green Canyon, lunch, travel insurance, and soft drinks.

Are there water activities involved?
Yes, you can swim in the canyon waters and try fishing if you wish. These activities are optional but popular.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides speak English, German, and Russian, ensuring clear communication for diverse groups.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, a delicious lunch at a scenic restaurant is part of the tour.

What if I don’t want to swim or fish?
You are free to sit back and enjoy the scenery; there’s no obligation to participate in water activities.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the relaxed pace and scenic boat ride make it suitable for families with children.

How do I find my guide or bus?
The guide will meet you at the hotel front entrance at the designated pick-up time.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a hat, and a camera. Comfortable shoes and a towel are also recommended.

This Green Canyon trip from Side offers a peaceful, scenic escape with the comfort of good organization and friendly guides. It’s a lovely way to appreciate Turkey’s natural charm in a relaxed setting—ideal for travelers seeking gentle adventure and authentic moments.