Antalya: Green Canyon Full-Day Boat Tour with Lunch offers a chance to escape the city and enjoy a full day immersed in Turkey’s beautiful natural scenery. From the moment you’re picked up from your hotel in Antalya, you’re transported into a landscape of lush forests and shimmering waters. The highlight? Cruising through the spectacular Green Canyon, a vivid, emerald-hued reservoir carved by nature and human engineering. It’s an experience that combines leisurely sightseeing with enough adventure — swimming, wildlife watching, and a tasty lunch by the water.
What I find particularly appealing about this tour are two things: first, the scenic boat journey itself, which offers plenty of opportunities to relax, soak up the views, and enjoy the fresh air. Second, the delicious waterside lunch, a real treat that gives you a chance to sample local flavors surrounded by nature. On the flip side, a few travelers have expressed concerns about extended travel times from Antalya — especially from places like Konyaalt or Belek — so planning your day accordingly is smart. And a minor note: there’s a shopping stop afterward that many find unnecessary and overpriced, but overall, this leaves you with a memorable, value-packed experience.
Key points / Takeaways
- Stunning scenery: The boat cruise through Green Canyon offers vivid views of the water and forests that are hard to match.
- Relaxation and swimming: Multiple swimming breaks allow you to cool off and enjoy the clear waters.
- Authentic lunch experience: A generous, well-prepared meal at a waterside restaurant adds value and flavor to your day.
- Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for birds and local fauna cruising along the reservoir.
- Good value for the price: At $51, including transportation, lunch, and soft drinks, this trip offers a lot for your money.
- Potential shopping stop: The final stop at a local shop may not be appealing to everyone, especially if you’re not interested in overpriced souvenirs.
The Full Experience: What to Expect from Beginning to End
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Mediterranean Region Turkey
Starting with Hotel Pickup and Transport
The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Antalya, which is handy but varies in time depending on your location. From areas like Konyaalt, expect about a 2-hour transfer, while Belek is closer to 1 hour. The comfortable transportation ensures you arrive at the Green Canyon area refreshed and ready to relax. Be aware that this is a full-day experience, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Also, bring essentials like a hat, sunscreen, and your camera — the scenery is photo-worthy.
Visiting the Oymapinar Dam
Your first stop is the Oymapinar Dam, Turkey’s fifth-largest reservoir. This engineering marvel supplies water and electricity, but it’s also a striking landscape feature. It gives you a quick sense of the scale of the reservoir you’ll be exploring later. Many reviews mention the dam as a brief but interesting stop before heading to the boat cruise.
Cruising the Green Canyon
The main event is the boat trip through Green Canyon. The boat itself is a soft drinks-only vessel, and the guides speak English and Russian, with audio guides available in German, English, and Russian. As you cruise, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of emerald waters and lush forests, often described as more beautiful than expected. The boat staff are friendly and cheerful, and the boat deck provides ample space to relax, sunbathe, or take photos.
Many travelers, including one who called the trip “more than worth the money,” appreciate the quiet, scenic environment. The boat makes several stops for swimming, so pack your swimwear and towel. You can take a dip in the clean waters that are refreshing and help beat the Turkish sun.
Lunch by the Water
After your cruise, you’ll stop at a waterside restaurant for a generous lunch. The menu typically offers options like chicken, köfte, or fish, along with a variety of side dishes. Several reviews praise the good quality of the food and the relaxed atmosphere. It’s a nice break to refuel, and many find the lunch a highlight of the day.
Free Time and Shopping Stop
Post-lunch, you get some free time to relax or explore the area around the restaurant. However, the final stop at a clothing shop is often seen as a less appealing part of the tour, with reviews mentioning overpriced goods and mediocre quality. A traveler noted that “the shop’s prices are not particularly cheap,” so if you’re not interested in shopping, it’s best to stay on the bus or enjoy the natural surroundings.
Return to Antalya
As the day winds down, you’ll be transported back to your hotel. The return trip can take around 1-2 hours, depending on your hotel’s location. The overall day runs about 7 hours, so it’s a full but manageable experience.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This trip is ideal if you’re after a relaxing day in nature with plenty of scenic photo opportunities. It’s a good option for travelers who want to enjoy the outdoors, swim in fresh waters, and have a delicious meal without spending a fortune. If you like leisurely boat rides, wildlife watching, and beautiful lakescapes, this tour will satisfy.
However, if you prefer less travel time or aren’t keen on shopping stops at touristy spots, you might want to consider the logistics. It’s also important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers or those with back problems, as the boat and swimming are part of the experience. The price at $51 per person is reasonable given the full-day itinerary, including transport, lunch, and soft drinks, making it a good value for those looking for an active, scenic day.
Price and Logistics: What Really Matters
The price point of $51 is quite fair considering what’s included — transportation, a scenic boat cruise, a filling lunch, and multiple swimming breaks. The tour operates with English and Russian guides, plus audio guides in German and Russian, catering to a diverse group. This makes it accessible for most travelers, and the flexible booking options — reserve now, pay later — add some peace of mind.
A little planning helps: be prepared for the longer transfers if staying outside Antalya’s city center and keep in mind that the shopping stop afterward might not be to everyone’s taste. It’s worth noting that children do not have guaranteed meal or seat rights unless specified, so plan accordingly.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Day
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and camera to capture the scenery.
- Pack swimwear and a towel if you plan to take a dip.
- Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes.
- Be aware that smoking and alcohol are not allowed on the boat or in the vehicle.
- Arrive at the designated meeting point if you stay in Kaleiçi; otherwise, expect hotel pickup.
- Prepare for a full 7-hour day, so pace yourself.
FAQs
What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat tour, lunch at a waterside restaurant, swimming breaks, observation of local wildlife, and soft drinks during the boat trip.
Are there any optional activities?
The tour mainly focuses on the boat cruise, swimming, and lunch. There is a shopping stop at the end, but additional activities are not included.
How long is the transfer from Antalya?
It depends on your hotel’s location. From Konyaalt, expect about 2 hours; from Belek, roughly 1 hour.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children can enjoy the boat cruise and swimming, but they do not have guaranteed meal or seat rights unless specified. It’s best suited for older kids who can swim.
Can I swim during the trip?
Yes, swimming is optional, and there are several stops for dips in the lake. Pack your swimwear if you want to jump in.
What should I bring?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, camera, towel, and swimwear. Dress comfortably and be prepared for sun exposure.
Is alcohol available on the trip?
No, only soft drinks are included, and alcohol is not permitted on the boat.
How is the food?
Most reviews rate the lunch as good quality, with options like chicken, köfte, or fish and tasty side dishes.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.
Final Thoughts
This Green Canyon boat tour from Antalya offers a well-rounded experience for travelers craving nature, relaxation, and good food. The stunning views and refreshing swimming breaks make it a highlight for those wishing to escape the city and enjoy Turkey’s natural beauty. The lunch by the water adds a satisfying culinary touch, and the overall cost reflects a good value for a full day of sightseeing.
It’s especially suited for those who want a guided, hassle-free day out with scenic vistas, wildlife spotting, and a leisurely pace. Just be prepared for the longer transfers from some parts of Antalya and the shopping stop — but many say the scenery and the experience make it worthwhile.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, relaxing day surrounded by nature without breaking the bank, this tour delivers. Pack your camera, swimsuit, and an appetite for scenic views and delicious food.