Green Canyon Boat Trip from Side

When you hear about a full-day excursion through Turkey’s famous Green Canyon, it’s easy to imagine something touristy and crowded. But this trip, priced at $55 per person, offers a genuinely memorable experience, focusing on natural beauty, relaxing boat rides, and authentic moments away from the hustle of tourist hotspots. Starting at 8:30 am, it covers visits to the Oymapinar Dam, a 14 km boat cruise through Green Canyon, and plenty of time for swimming, photo opportunities, and enjoying local cuisine.

Two things we particularly like about this trip are the friendly, well-coordinated guides who make the experience smooth and informative, and the stunning vistas that make every photo pop. The boat ride itself is leisurely, giving you ample time to soak in the scenery and relax in the tranquil waters. A minor consideration? The tour is quite full with up to 100 participants, so if you prefer intimate experiences, you might find it a bit bustling. Still, this trip is ideal for travelers who want a blend of natural beauty and comfort, especially those eager to combine sightseeing with a refreshing swim.

This experience suits travelers of all ages who enjoy being in nature, taking photographs, and swimming in pristine waters. It’s particularly popular among those wanting to escape the crowded beaches and explore Turkey’s lush landscapes in a practical, enjoyable way. Whether you’re visiting Side for a few days or are here for a longer stay, this trip offers a well-rounded taste of local scenery and hospitality.

Key Points

• Scenic Boat Ride: A 14 km cruise through Green Canyon provides stunning views and photo opportunities.
• Comfortable Transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics hassle-free.
• Authentic Nature Experience: Swimming in the lake amid breathtaking surroundings is a highlight.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Local guides add insight and ease to the trip.
• Includes Lunch & Soft Drinks: Tasty, plentiful, and well-coordinated for a satisfying day.
• Flexible Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Side and Hotel Pickup

The tour kicks off early at 8:30 am, with comfortable vehicles ready to whisk you away from your hotel. This pickup service is a real time-saver, especially when you’re trying to make the most of your day. It also ensures you’re relaxed from the get-go, rather than navigating your own way to the meeting point.

Stop 1: Oymapinar Dam

Your first stop is at the Oymapinar Dam, a quick 2-hour visit that’s perfect for snapping photos and getting your bearings. It’s a brief break but a worthwhile one. The dam’s impressive structure and the surrounding landscape make for great pictures and a chance to stretch your legs before the boat cruise. This stop is free of charge, making it an excellent value addition to the day.

Stop 2: The Green Canyon and Boat Cruise

The heart of this tour is a 2-hour boat cruise that stretches across 14 km of Green Canyon’s waters. The boat is comfortable and designed for relaxation, with plenty of space to sit back and admire the surreal scenery. As you glide through the canyon, you’ll enjoy dramatic cliffs, lush greenery, and the calm waters that lend the canyon its name.

The boat ride is especially suited for photography lovers — the views are incredible, and the calm waters make for superb reflections. This part of the day is perfect for relaxing or capturing memories of the landscape.

Swimming & Lake Activities

After the cruise, you’ll experience a short swimming break in the lake’s turquoise waters. The water is clear and inviting, making it the highlight for many travelers. One reviewer mentioned, “Beautiful place, lovely to swim there,” emphasizing how refreshing and peaceful this moment can be. The lake’s natural beauty adds to the feeling of being immersed in nature.

For those craving more activity, the lakeside restaurant offers fishing equipment and canoes, allowing you to extend your time enjoying the water or try some simple fishing. This flexibility is a nice touch, especially if you want to turn your swim into a mini adventure.

Lunch and Free Time

Following the swimming, a delicious lunch is served, with a menu that’s described as tasty, varied, and plentiful. The food quality is a high point, according to reviews, and it’s included in the tour fee — good value for a day that combines sightseeing with leisure. After lunch, you’re free to soak up more of the natural scenery or relax by the water.

Return to Side

The boat departs after the free time, returning to the pier in Side after roughly two hours. Then, your comfortable vehicle is waiting to take you back to your hotel. The entire experience wraps up with plenty of time to relax in the evening or explore more of the local area.

What We Loved About This Experience

The scenery: Green Canyon’s dramatic cliffs and lush greenery are a feast for the eyes. The boat ride offers a relaxed way to enjoy the views without feeling rushed or crowded. It’s a genuine escape into nature that’s accessible and comfortable.

The guides and staff: From the reviews, guides like Maud_L praised the friendly, competent staff, who make the experience smooth from pickup to drop-off. Their local knowledge adds context to the sights and makes the trip more engaging.

The swimming break: Swimming in the lake surrounded by towering canyon walls was a clear highlight. The water’s clarity and the peaceful setting make it one of those “Instagram-worthy” moments, but it’s also deeply relaxing.

Value for Money: At $55 per person, with included lunch, soft drinks, and transport, this tour offers a lot. The convenience of hotel pickup and the opportunity to see the Oymapinar Dam and Green Canyon in one day makes it a smart choice for travelers seeking value.

Considerations for Travelers

While the trip is well-organized and highly praised, keep in mind that up to 100 travelers might mean a busier atmosphere, especially during peak seasons. If you prefer intimate group settings, you might find this less ideal. Also, the tour’s duration — about 8 hours — means it’s a full day, so it’s best suited for those who want to maximize sightseeing and casual water fun.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone eager to escape the urban scene for a day. It suits families, couples, and solo travelers alike, especially those comfortable with a full schedule and a bit of boat time. If you enjoy scenic landscapes, water activities, and well-organized tours, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tour’s starting time?
The tour begins at 8:30 am, with pickup from your hotel, making it easy to plan your day.

How long does the entire trip last?
The trip lasts approximately 8 hours, including transportation, stops, and free time.

Is the boat trip suitable for children?
While the data doesn’t specify age restrictions, the relaxing nature and swimming opportunities suggest it should be suitable for most family members, but check with the provider for specific age policies.

What does the included lunch consist of?
The lunch is described as tasty, varied, and plentiful, designed to satisfy after a morning of sightseeing and water activities.

Are soft drinks included?
Yes, soft drinks are provided as part of the tour, keeping you refreshed throughout the day.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility for your travel plans.

What should I bring for the swimming break?
We recommend bringing swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen. You can also use the lakeside equipment for fishing or canoeing if you wish.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
While swimming is optional, the boat cruise and scenic views are accessible to all. Non-swimmers can enjoy the boat ride and scenery without participating in water activities.

Final Thoughts

The Green Canyon Boat Trip from Side offers a wonderful chance to see one of Turkey’s most scenic natural sites in comfort and style. With stunning vistas, friendly guides, and plenty of opportunities for swimming and photography, it caters well to travelers looking for a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s a great way to spend a day outside the busy town, immersed in nature’s calm and beauty.

For those who value authentic landscapes and a well-coordinated, enjoyable day, this tour hits all the right notes. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, you’ll come away with memorable impressions of Turkey’s lush countryside — and perhaps a few great photos, too.