Green Canyon Full-Day All Inclusive Boat Trip

If you’re in Alanya and craving a day away from the busy beaches and bustling streets, a Green Canyon boat trip might be just what you need. This full-day adventure offers a chance to explore the striking cliffs and lush landscapes of the Taurus Mountains, set around a vast dam lake. It’s a beautifully scenic outing, perfect for those who enjoy being on the water, and who appreciate a touch of local flavor with a lakeside lunch. With a small-group size of up to 15 people, you’re more likely to enjoy personalized service and a relaxed atmosphere.

What I really like about this trip is its balance of scenic cruising and active swimming stops. The boat cruise through the canyon offers stunning views of towering cliffs and green hills, which many reviews highlight as a major highlight. Plus, the lakeside lunch with grilled chicken, rice, and pasta means you won’t go hungry after a day of splashing around and enjoying the scenery. Another plus is the hassle-free pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Alanya, removing the stress of organizing transport yourself.

A possible consideration for travelers is that the stops at the lake can feel a little rushed, according to some reviews. If you’re eager to spend an extended time swimming and relaxing in the water, you might find the allocated breaks a bit short. Also, some reviews mention the guide speaking mainly in German, which could be a minor hiccup if you prefer multilingual commentary.

This tour strikes a good balance between natural beauty, comfort, and value. It’s especially suited for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day with some swimming, good food, and friendly company.

Key points / Takeaways

• Stunning scenery: The canyon’s towering cliffs and lush surroundings are a highlight, as multiple reviews note the breathtaking views.
• Small-group experience: With a maximum of 15 people, you get a more intimate, personalized trip compared to larger tours.
• Inclusive amenities: The trip includes hotel pickup, lunch, soft drinks, and insurance, making it a hassle-free day out.
• Limited swimming time: While stops for swimming are included, some reviewers felt they were too short, especially if you love spending time in the water.
• Guides and crew: Many travelers praise the friendly and caring guides, with specific mention of a guide named Erkan, enhancing the overall experience.
• Value for money: At around $40.48 per person, this trip offers a lot—scenic cruise, lunch, and transport—making it a reasonable choice for a full day of activity.

Setting Out: The Morning Pickup

The day begins early, with a pickup from your hotel in Alanya. This convenience is a big plus—no need to worry about figuring out transportation, which can sometimes be a hassle on your own. The tour departs at 8:00 am, giving you a full nine hours of exploration. The ride to the canyon itself is part of the adventure; some reviews mention that the bus ride can be long, but the scenic views along the way are often appreciated. One reviewer commented that the driver was silent for the entire trip, which might suit some travelers but could feel a bit dull for others.

Cruising Through the Canyon: The Main Attraction

Once on the boat, you’ll venture about 15 km through the Green Canyon, a stretch renowned for its imposing cliffs and lush greenery. This part of the trip is the core experience—gliding through a landscape that looks like something out of a postcard. Many travelers, including Nina_P and Egle_K, found the views to be absolutely breathtaking. The cliffs rise sharply from the water, creating a dramatic contrast with the bright blue sky and green hills.

The boat itself is well-equipped with life vests for swimming, and the crew generally provides a friendly, attentive service. Expect to stop at several spots to swim in the lake, which many reviewers enjoyed. One mentioned that the guide was caring and made the experience smooth, which adds a lot to the enjoyment. However, some mentioned that the swimming stops felt a little rushed, with limited time for a proper dip or relaxing in the water. If you’re a swimmer eager to spend more time in the lake, you might want to bring that up beforehand or prepare for a quick splash.

The Lakeside Lunch: Delicious and Scenic

After the cruise, the tour takes you to a lakeside restaurant where a hearty lunch awaits. The meal, featuring grilled chicken, rice, and pasta, is described as delicious and served with an incredible view of the lake and mountains. Many travelers, including those reviewed, appreciated the local flavor and fresh ingredients. The lunch is also included in the price, making this part of the trip a good value.

Encountering Other Travelers’ Perspectives

The reviews reflect a range of experiences. Nina_P called the tour “relaxed,” praising the stunning scenery and the overall atmosphere. Egle_K appreciated the friendly guide and beautiful views but noted that the trip felt a bit long, especially for those who prefer shorter outings. Merdal_N pointed out that stops at the lake could be longer, emphasizing that more swimming time would have enhanced the trip.

Conversely, some reviews mention disorganization and discomfort—particularly a review from Johanna_H, who found the bus ride uncomfortable and poorly organized. Similarly, Iva_S expressed disappointment about the high price relative to what others paid and the risky driving of the bus driver. These are important considerations—if comfort and smooth logistics are your priority, it’s worth noting.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day trip is best suited for those who love scenic boat rides, natural landscapes, and easy swimming. Families with children, couples, or solo travelers looking for a relaxed day out will likely find this experience both enjoyable and memorable. The small-group setting enhances the personal touch, and the inclusion of lunch and transport makes it simple to enjoy without extra planning.

Those seeking an action-packed or lengthy adventure might find the short stops for swimming a little limiting. Also, if you don’t speak German, the language of the guide might be a minor barrier, but most attractions are visual and easy to follow.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Bring your swimwear and towel—the swimming spots are a highlight, and the water is usually inviting.
• Prepare for a full day: dress comfortably, bring sunscreen, and stay hydrated.
• Arrive early for the 8:00 am start to maximize your day.
• Communicate if you want more swimming time—the guide is friendly and accommodating, and a quick chat can help.
• Expect a scenic but sometimes bumpy bus ride—if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication beforehand.

Price and Overall Value

At roughly $40.48, this trip offers excellent value when you consider the included pickup, boat cruise, lunch, soft drinks, and insurance. It’s not the cheapest in the area, but the small-group size and personalized service tend to justify the cost. Several reviews mention that the trip was worth the money, especially given the scenic beauty and the friendly crew.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a gentle, scenic day cruising through one of Turkey’s most beautiful natural settings, the Green Canyon boat trip delivers plenty of picture-perfect moments. It’s a well-organized, all-inclusive experience that balances sightseeing with relaxation. The friendly guides and stunning views make it a memorable outing, especially if you’re someone who enjoys being on the water and wants to escape the hustle of Alanya.

This tour is particularly good for those who value authentic, quiet scenery and good food over intense adventure or lengthy stops. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to see a different side of Turkey’s natural beauty, with enough flexibility for a relaxed day on the lake.

Is hotel pickup included in this trip?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Alanya, making it very convenient.

How long is the boat cruise through the canyon?
The boat travels approximately 15 km through the canyon and includes several stops for swimming, with the total duration around 9 hours.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers pickup, lunch, soft drinks, insurance, and the guided boat tour. Photos are not included but can be purchased separately.

Are the stops at the lakes long enough for proper swimming?
Most reviews say the stops are fun but feel a bit rushed, so if you love spending lots of time swimming, you might feel the breaks are short.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s appropriate for all ages and is designed as a relaxed day out, great for families and travelers of various ages.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and possibly a hat for sun protection. Comfortable clothing and some snacks might also enhance your experience.

Can I expect guides to speak in multiple languages?
Most reviews mention that the guide primarily speaks German, so if language is a concern, be prepared for potential communication gaps, but the scenery and experience still shine through.

In the end, the Green Canyon boat trip offers a worthwhile glimpse into Turkey’s natural beauty, combining scenic views, water fun, and good food. Though it’s not perfect, it’s a relaxing, authentic experience—perfect for anyone wanting a peaceful escape into the mountains and lakes away from the crowds.