Side: Green Canyon Jeep and Boat Tour with Lunch

Introduction: An Adventure Through Nature, Culture, and Fun

If you’re looking to escape the buzz of city life and dive into Turkey’s scenic landscapes, the Green Canyon Jeep and Boat Tour with Lunch offers a well-rounded day of exploration, culture, and excitement. For around $20 per person and lasting about 8 hours, this tour takes you from your hotel in Side to the breathtaking Green Lake and Green Canyon, with stops at charming villages, a waterfall, and a dam — all accompanied by a lively, knowledgeable guide. It’s perfect for those who want more than just sightseeing; it’s a full-day adventure with a mix of off-road fun, cultural insights, and relaxing boat time.

What we really appreciate about this experience are the stunning vistas of Green Canyon and Oymapnar Dam, as well as the chance to interact with local culture in the villages of Sartlar and Iklar. Plus, the lunch at Green Lake is a simple but tasty meal that adds value to the trip. The only thing to keep in mind is that the tour involves a fair amount of off-road driving and outdoor activity, so it’s less suited for those with mobility issues or pregnant women.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers, families with older kids, and anyone eager to see some of Turkey’s most scenic spots with a friendly, professional guide. If you love stunning landscapes, authentic local culture, and don’t mind getting a little dusty, this trip should definitely be on your list.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Incredible Scenery: Expect sweeping views of Green Canyon, Green Lake, and Oymapnar Dam, perfect for photography and nature lovers.
• Authentic Experience: Visits to local villages provide insight into traditional Turkish life.
• Fun and Active: Off-road jeep rides with water splashes, swimming opportunities, and boat sailing make the day lively.
• Great Value: For just around $20, you get transportation, guides, boat tour, lunch, and multiple stops.
• Tour Guides: Highly praised guides like Johnny Cash and others make the trip engaging and informative.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for older children and those who enjoy outdoor adventures, but not recommended for very young kids or pregnant women.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Pickup and Starting Point

The adventure begins with early morning pickups from seven different locations around Side, making it easy to fit into your schedule. The jeep convoy whizzes you out of the city into the Taurus Mountains, where the scenery quickly shifts from urban to lush and rugged. The open-top jeeps promise an exhilarating ride, especially in the warm, sunny weather — a perfect way to start the day with some adrenaline and fresh air.

Exploring the Villages of Sartlar and Iklar

One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to Sartlar and Iklar, where guides share insights into local traditions and lifestyles. From reviews, we learn that guides like Johnny and Miki are both knowledgeable and warm, making these stops more than just photo ops — they’re authentic windows into Turkish rural life. You’ll see how villagers live, and if you’re lucky, enjoy some local snacks offered during the stop.

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The Breathtaking Green Canyon and Oymapnar Dam

Next, the convoy takes you to Green Canyon, passing by Oymapnar Dam, which offers some of the most spectacular views of the day. We loved the way the guides pointed out the geological features and shared fun facts, making the scenery more meaningful. The photo stop here is a must for snapping pictures of the canyon’s steep cliffs and turquoise waters.

Waterfall Relaxation and Boat Ride at Green Lake

A short drive brings you to Manavgat Waterfall, where you can relax and unwind watching the water cascade down. It’s a peaceful spot to forget your worries, and many reviews mention how refreshing it is to stand near flowing water.

Afterward, you’ll transfer to a boat at Green Lake, where the 1-hour boat tour offers a peaceful contrast to the off-road excitement. Many travelers, including those with kids, praise the chill atmosphere, the chance to swim, and the beautiful scenery lining the lake. The boat trip is a favorite for many, with some reviews highlighting how relaxing and scenic it is, especially if you like to splash around or just soak in the views.

Lunch at Gölba Restaurant & Hotel

The included lunch at Green Lake’s Gölba Restaurant generally consists of straightforward Turkish fare — enough to satisfy after a morning of adventure. Multiple reviews praise the delicious food and the friendly service, emphasizing that it’s simple but satisfying. For many, it’s a good value addition to the overall experience.

Additional Stops and Returning

The afternoon continues with visits to Deirmenli Köyü and Bucakeyhler, where you’ll snap more photos and get a taste of rural Turkish life. The guide’s commentary, often praised for being engaging and informative, makes these stops more than just quick photo ops.

The tour concludes with drop-offs at your hotel, usually around eighth locations, giving you flexibility and convenience.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation & Group Size: The use of open-top jeeps makes for a lively, interactive experience that feels more like an adventure than a tourist bus. The groups tend to be small enough for a personal touch but large enough to create a lively atmosphere, with many reviews mentioning friendly guides like Johnny Cash and Felix.

Timing & Duration: Starting times vary, but the full tour lasts around 8 hours, so prepare for an early start and a full day. The itinerary is well-paced, with roughly 30-minute stops at villages and scenic viewpoints, an hour-long canyon pass, and a 1-hour boat trip.

Cost & Value: Priced at $20, this tour offers quite a lot — transportation, guides, boat trip, lunch, and several scenic stops. Travelers consistently mention it’s excellent value for money, especially considering the well-organized nature and the high quality of guides.

What to Bring: Pack swimwear and a towel for the lake and boat, and consider bringing a hat or bandana to protect from dirt and dust during the jeep ride. A little extra cash might be handy for water or additional snacks at stops.

Suitability: Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or those with mobility issues, as the jeep rides can be bumpy. It’s best for adventurous, active travelers who enjoy outdoor scenery and interaction with local culture.

Authenticity and Travel Value

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of natural beauty, cultural insight, and fun. The guides’ enthusiasm and local knowledge elevate the experience from a mere sightseeing trip to a memorable day out. Many travelers note that guides like Johnny Cash go out of their way to make the day engaging, sharing stories and funny moments that stick with you.

The scenery itself — from the deep green canyon walls to the quiet lakes — offers plenty of photo opportunities and moments of reflection. Plus, the off-road jeep ride adds a sense of adventure that many other tours lack, making the trip especially appealing for those craving a bit of excitement.

The lunch and small stops provide a taste of local flavors and traditional village life, offering a more authentic experience than just visiting tourist spots.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This jeep and boat adventure is best suited for active travelers, families with older kids, and anyone who enjoys outdoor scenery and cultural insights. It’s a smart choice if you want an affordable, well-organized day that combines stunning landscapes with local flavor and fun activities.

While it involves some bumpy rides and outdoor exposure, the overall experience is praised for being friendly, lively, and value-packed. If your idea of travel involves exploring natural wonders with a touch of local culture, this trip will hit the mark. Just remember to dress appropriately, bring your camera and a sense of humor, and be ready for a day filled with beautiful views, stories, and plenty of water splashing.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for children over 7 years old, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities. However, it’s not recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues, given the bumpy jeep rides and outdoor stops.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, including pickups, sightseeing stops, lunch, and drop-offs. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel for swimming in Green Lake, a hat or bandana to protect from dust, and some cash for extra drinks or snacks. Comfortable shoes suitable for walking and uneven terrain are also recommended.

Is lunch included?
Yes, you get a simple but tasty lunch at Green Lake, typically enjoyed at the Gölba Restaurant & Hotel. Many reviews highlight the deliciousness and good value of the meal.

Are there any extra costs?
Waterfall entrance fees are not included and cost about 1 (unspecified currency). Drinks at lunch are not included, so bring your own if desired.

What’s the main highlight of the tour?
Most travelers rave about the stunning views of Green Canyon and Green Lake, as well as the friendly guides and authentic village visits. The off-road jeep ride is also a big hit for adrenaline lovers.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility to fit your plans. Just check availability beforehand.

To sum it up, this Green Canyon Jeep and Boat Tour offers an engaging mix of natural beauty, cultural experience, and outdoor fun, all at a very reasonable price. It’s perfect for travelers looking to see some of Turkey’s best scenery while enjoying a lively, well-organized day out. Whether you’re snapping photos at the canyon, relaxing on a boat, or sampling local snacks, you’ll leave with plenty of memories and a taste of authentic Turkish hospitality.

You can check availability for your dates here: