Alanya: Green Canyon Boat Trip with Lunch and Hotel Pickup

If you’re spending time in Alanya and craving a break from the busy beaches and bustling streets, a boat trip through Green Canyon offers a refreshing escape. This full-day adventure, priced at about $41 per person, promises scenic views, lakeside swimming, and a relaxed lakeside lunch, all with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. Having gathered insights from real travelers and official descriptions, I’ll walk you through what makes this experience appealing — and what you should consider before booking.

Two standout features of this tour are its stunning scenery, especially the towering cliffs and lush landscapes around the canyon, and the easy logistics—hotel pickup and drop-off mean you won’t have to stress about transportation. The boat cruise itself is described as scenic and breathtaking by many, with stops for swimming that provide a welcome cool-down and a chance to enjoy the pristine waters.

A potential drawback, however, appears to be the quality of the lunch and some aspects of the journey. Several reviews mention that the lunch could be basic and that drinks at the lunch stop are not included in the price, which might surprise those expecting a more substantial meal. Others warn that the bus ride to and from the canyon can be long and bumpy, which might not suit everyone, especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Still, for those seeking a full-day escape filled with natural beauty, this trip offers solid value.

Key points / Takeaways

• Convenient logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off makes this a stress-free outing.
• Scenic boat cruise through the Green Canyon delivers impressive views of cliffs and lush greenery.
• Swim stops at multiple lakeside spots provide a refreshing break and memorable moments.
• Lakeside lunch offers a relaxed setting, but expect something simple and basic.
• Guided experience available in several languages, including English, German, Russian, and Polish.
• Long bus ride can be challenging; prepare for a potentially bumpy journey.

Starting the Day: Hassle-Free Pickup and Journey

You’ll begin your day with a hotel pickup—an especially helpful feature if you’re staying in Alanya. The tour provider contacts you the day before to confirm your pickup time, which varies depending on your hotel’s location. Once aboard the bus, you’ll head towards the Taurus Mountains, where the Green Canyon is tucked into a landscape of steep cliffs and verdant hills.

The bus ride itself can be long and bumpy, and one traveler noted it could make you feel sick if you’re not prepared. It’s advisable to bring motion sickness tablets if you’re sensitive. The scenic drive does give you a chance to relax and start soaking in the views before you reach the boat.

Entering the Green Canyon: What Makes It Special

The Green Canyon is often compared to the more famous Grand Canyon but on a smaller, more intimate scale. The area’s soaring cliffs and deep, clear waters create an almost surreal backdrop. The tour describes the canyon as having verdant landscapes that contrast beautifully with the blue lake formed by the dam.

The boat cruise allows you to see the canyon from the water, offering perspectives that you can’t get from the shore. Many reviewers highlight the stunning scenery as the highlight, with one mentioning, “The area and the clear blue water are superb”—a sentiment I share for its visual impact.

The Boat Cruise: Scenic, Bouncy, and Relaxing

Once aboard, you’ll cruise through the canyon, enjoying the scenery from the deck. The boat is described as bouncy and long, so brace yourself if you’re sensitive to movement. Stops for swimming are made at several spots, giving you the chance to jump into the cool lake water—perfect for beating the heat.

One traveler humorously mentioned that the soft drinks on the boat were tiny cups of cheap soda or powdered tea, which might disappoint those expecting premium beverages. Still, the focus here is on the scenery and the experience rather than fine dining on the water.

Lakeside Lunch: Simple but Satisfying?

The lakeside restaurant provides a lakeside lunch, which is generally described as basic but delicious enough for a relaxed meal. The reviews note that drinks at lunch are not included and can be expensive. If you’re craving a substantial or varied meal, you might find this part of the trip somewhat underwhelming, but it offers a peaceful setting to unwind after swimming.

The Return Journey: Relax and Reflect

After lunch, you’ll head back to Alanya, with the boat journey serving as a peaceful conclusion to a day filled with natural beauty. Many travelers appreciate this leisurely pace, although some warn that the bus ride back can be exhausting due to its length and roughness.

Who Is This Trip Best For?

This tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic outdoor activities, are comfortable with bumpy rides, and appreciate nature over luxury. It’s a good fit for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for an uncomplicated day out with minimal hassle. If you’re sensitive to motion sickness or expecting gourmet meals, you might want to prepare accordingly or consider other options.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $41, this experience offers good value considering the full-day itinerary, the hotel pickup, the boat cruise, and the lakeside lunch. The scenery alone makes it worthwhile for many, even if the lunch is simple. Remember that drinks are extra at the lunch stop, so plan for that if you want beverages beyond what is supplied on the boat.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Trip?

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic day immersed in nature, this trip delivers on those promises. It’s especially suitable for those who love outdoor water activities and want to see a stunning part of Turkey without too much fuss. However, if you prefer luxury meals or are easily affected by rough rides, you might consider other options or prepare accordingly.

This experience offers beautiful views, simple pleasures, and a chance to escape the hustle of Alanya for a day. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to experience the natural beauty of Green Canyon.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, including pickup, travel, the boat cruise, lunch, and return.

What is included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat tour, lunch, and soft drinks are included. Drinks at lunch are not included and are sold separately.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, this experience is not suitable for non-swimmers since swimming is a key part of the trip.

How should I prepare for the bus ride?
Bring motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to nausea, and be prepared for a bumpy ride. Comfortable clothing and snacks might help.

What should I bring?
Pack a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and perhaps a small water bottle for the bus.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a lakeside lunch is included, but drinks are extra. The meal is described as basic.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, German, Russian, and Polish.

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

What if the weather is bad?
Tour operators offer free cancellation, so if weather conditions are unsuitable, you can reschedule or get a refund.

What is the main attraction?
The stunning scenery of Green Canyon, with its cliffs, water, and swimming stops, is the highlight for most travelers.

To sum it up, this boat trip from Alanya to Green Canyon is an excellent choice for lovers of natural beauty and outdoor activities who want a hassle-free, scenic escape. While the lunch is simple and the bus ride can be bumpy, the spectacular views and swimming opportunities make it a worthwhile outing. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, you’ll likely find this experience offers a refreshing break from the usual sunbathing routine.