Side: Cabrio Bus and Boat Day Trip at the Green Lake

Experience the Beauty of Green Lake on a Day Trip from Side

This full-day tour, offered by Spass Tour, takes you through some of the most picturesque spots in Antalya Province, including the Taurus Mountains, Green Lake (Oymapinar), and the Manavgat Waterfall. Starting with a hotel pickup around 8:30 AM, you’ll travel in a convertible-style bus that offers fantastic panoramic views as you ascend into the mountains, passing orange gardens and lush landscapes. The tour then continues with a peaceful boat ride on Green Lake, a delicious included lunch, and cultural visits such as a local mosque and the impressive waterfall.

What we love most about this trip are the stunning scenic drives and diverse stops that give you a well-rounded taste of nature, history, and local life. The guides are praised for their knowledge, making the information about each site engaging and easy to follow. Plus, the value for money is hard to beat at just $25 per person, which covers most activities including lunch and boat trip.

One aspect to consider is the potential for weather disruptions—many reviews mention cold or rainy days, so packing appropriately is wise. The convertible bus design means you get great views, but you might get a bit of wind or rain if the weather turns. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor scenery, cultural insights, and a relaxed pace—perfect for active families, solo explorers, or anyone wanting a broad experience without excessive travel planning.

Key Points

• Scenic Mountain Drive: Pass orange groves and mountainous landscapes in a specially designed cabrio bus.
• Relaxing Boat Cruise: A one-hour trip on Green Lake offers tranquil views and photo opportunities.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit a mosque and enjoy the natural beauty of waterfalls and dam areas.
• Inclusive Lunch: A tasty meal is included, providing energy after a morning of sightseeing.
• Diverse Stops: From Roman ruins to waterfalls, you get a variety of sights in one day.
• Value for Money: At $25, this tour offers a lot for a modest price, including transport, guide, lunch, and activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Green Lake Day Trip in Detail

The Pickup and Journey into the Mountains

The day begins with hotel pickups in Side, with most guests being ready by 8:30 AM. From there, you’ll hop aboard a cabrio bus—a fun, open-sided vehicle designed to maximize your viewing experience. As we drove through the Taurus Mountains, we appreciated the breathtaking views of the countryside, dotted with orange gardens and rugged terrain. According to reviews, the bus’s design means window protection is limited, so packing a raincoat or windbreaker is smart if the weather isn’t clear.

The guide (sometimes noted as very knowledgeable and helpful) provides commentary about the region’s history, natural features, and local traditions. Travelers like Sangeeta appreciated the multi-language translation and engaging stories, which made the ride both informative and enjoyable.

Stopping at the Manavgat River and the Water Dam

Our first interesting stop was along the Manavgat River, where a guided tour and short bus rides introduced us to local sights. We had a brief stop here to appreciate the river scenery and learn about the region’s water infrastructure. Then, we moved on to the Water Dam, which offers a fascinating glimpse into Turkish engineering and modern development. These stops, often praised for their photo opportunities and scenic views, provide a break from the bus and a chance to stretch.

Off-Road Adventure to Green Lake

Next, we arrived at the Oymapinar Green Lake, a tranquil spot renowned for its crystal-clear waters. Here, the highlight is a boat cruise that lasts about an hour. You’ll love the gentle ride across the lake, with plenty of chances for photos of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. Many reviews mention that the boat ride is relaxing and that the scenery is spectacular from the water.

After the boat cruise, a lunch is served at a nearby local restaurant. The meal, praised for its tasty chicken, rice, pasta, and fresh salad, provides a satisfying break. Some guests wished the lunch was earlier in the day to stave off hunger, especially if they skipped breakfast—a reminder to eat beforehand.

Cultural and Natural Highlights

Post-lunch, the tour continues with visits to a village mosque, offering insight into Turkish religious life. Visitors often find this a meaningful experience, especially if they’re interested in local customs. The Manavgat Waterfall concludes the day’s sightseeing, with many praising it as a beautiful and photo-worthy spot.

The waterfall, located along the river, is a dramatic cascade that’s perfect for some quick photos and quiet moments before heading back to Side. The entire return journey takes about an hour, with a few more stops for photos and restroom breaks along the way.

The Bottom Line on the Experience

Travelers find this tour offers a well-rounded mix of nature, scenery, culture, and relaxation. The guide’s knowledge, the variety of sights, and the included lunch make it a good value. While some mention the bus’s design and weather as considerations, most agree the trip is worth the $25 cost.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy outdoor scenery, photography, and learning about local life, this trip suits you well. It’s especially appealing if you want a full day of sightseeing without needing to do the planning yourself. Families, seniors, and solo travelers alike find the pace manageable and the stops meaningful. Just remember to dress for the weather and bring essentials like water and camera gear.

Final Thoughts

This Green Lake day trip delivers a beautiful snapshot of the Antalya region—mountain vistas, serene lake views, and cultural insights all wrapped in one affordable package. The combination of scenic drives, boat rides, and cultural visits ensures you’ll return with plenty of memorable moments and photos.

The price makes it accessible for most travelers, and the positive reviews highlight friendly guides and good value as major pluses. While the bus’s open design and potential weather issues warrant some caution, these are minor compared to the overall experience.

If you want a diverse, scenic, and culturally enriching day from Side, this tour is a smart choice. It’s perfect for those wanting a relaxed yet engaging outdoor adventure that captures the essence of Turkey’s natural beauty.

FAQ

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
You should be waiting in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, which is typically around 8:30 AM.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunglasses, a camera, water, weather-appropriate clothing, a sun hat, and swimwear if you want to enjoy swimming or water activities.

Are drinks or photos included in the tour?
Drinks and photos are not included in the price. You might want to bring some cash for extra beverages or souvenirs.

Is the boat ride suitable for all ages?
Yes, the boat cruise is relaxing and generally suitable for most travelers, including seniors and children, provided they are comfortable on water.

Can I visit the zoo or other optional attractions?
Yes, the tour includes a small zoo stop, but many find it optional and not worth the extra cost. Entrance fees for other attractions, like the waterfall, are paid separately.

How long is the total tour?
The entire trip lasts about 8 to 9 hours, with hotel pickup around 8:30 AM and drop-off around 5:00 PM.

Is the tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, live guides speak English, German, and Russian, making it accessible for a broad range of travelers.

What is the price, and is it good value?
At $25 per person, the tour offers a lot—transportation, guide, lunch, boat ride, and multiple scenic stops—making it a very good value for a full day of sightseeing.

What is the main drawback I should consider?
Weather conditions could impact your experience, as the bus is open-sided, so dressing warmly or preparing for rain might be necessary.

In short, this tour combines scenic drives, cultural stops, and natural beauty into a manageable and enjoyable day that offers great value and authentic experiences. Whether you’re into photography, nature, or simply exploring Turkey’s lush landscapes, it’s a memorable way to spend a day out of Side.