City of Side: Green Canyon Boat Trip & Bus Safari with Lunch

Exploring the Green Canyon and Green Lake near Side: A Full-Day Adventure

This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the natural beauty and cultural richness of Turkey’s Pamphylia region. For around eight hours, you’ll traverse the Taurus Mountains on a specially-designed cabrio bus, sail across the tranquil Green Lake on a catamaran, and enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant. It’s a well-rounded day trip that balances scenic views, local culture, and light adventure.

Two aspects I particularly like are the panoramic mountain drive on the cabrio bus — which offers spectacular views and plenty of photo opportunities — and the relaxing boat cruise on Green Lake, giving you a fresh perspective on the area’s lush surroundings. Plus, the inclusion of a local village visit and a stop at a small zoo provides genuine insights into regional life.

A possible drawback is the amount of travel time on the bus; some reviews mention feeling a bit rushed and wishing for more time in certain spots. Also, the zoo visit, while interesting for some, might not appeal to everyone given concerns over animal welfare, as noted in a review about the animals’ conditions. Still, for the price and the variety packed into this trip, it’s a solid choice for those eager to explore beyond the beaches of Side.

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Key Points and Takeaways

• Affordable value: At just $20, this tour packs in a lot of sights, activities, and transportation, making it excellent value.
• Expert guides: Many reviewers praise guides like “Sami,” highlighting their helpfulness and knowledge, adding depth to the experience.
• Spectacular scenery: Expect breathtaking views of the Taurus Mountains, Green Lake, and Green Canyon, perfect for photography and nature lovers.
• Cultural insights: Visiting a local village mosque and a small zoo adds authentic touches, providing context about regional traditions and life.
• Comfortable transportation: The cabrio bus is designed for panoramic views, making the mountain drive both scenic and comfortable.
• Timing and pace: Be prepared for a full day with some long bus rides and strategic stops — some travelers feel a bit rushed, so pack accordingly.

An Authentic Day Through Nature and Culture

From the moment you’re picked up from your hotel around 09:00, this tour begins with a scenic drive through the Taurus Mountains. The specially-designed cabrio bus, with its open sides, offers an ideal way to soak in the fresh mountain air and sweeping views. I love the way the guide shares stories about the area’s history and landscape, making the drive educational as well as scenic. The fragrant orange gardens along the route add to the sensory delight, and the guide’s helpfulness seems to stand out, especially for travelers with special needs, as one reviewer noted.

Once you arrive at the Green Lake, the highlight is the catamaran cruise. It’s a relaxing hour on the calm waters, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the surrounding greenery and rugged mountains. You’ll see nature from a different angle—serene and photogenic. Many travelers mention how peaceful and beautiful the lake is, often commenting that it’s a highlight of their day.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant near the lake, giving you a taste of regional cuisine. For those who appreciate genuine local flavors, this is a welcome break. The included meal is straightforward but hearty, supporting the day’s active pace. Afterward, the journey continues over the Green Canyon (Oymapinar Dam) — a spectacular feat of engineering nestled within this lush landscape. The boat cruise through the canyon is often praised for its scenic views, and it’s a good opportunity for some memorable photos.

The return trip offers more cultural insights, including a stop at a traditional village mosque, where you can learn about Turkish religious customs. If you’re interested in animals, there’s an optional visit to a small zoo, though reviews suggest that the animals might not be in ideal conditions. A quick stop at a local waterfall on the Manavgat River rounds out the day, giving you one last stunning natural sight before heading back to Side.

Detailed Breakdown of Itinerary and Experience

Starting Point and Early Drive through the Taurus Mountains

Your day begins with a hotel pickup, usually around 09:00. The pickup from convenient locations like Side, Çolakl, Evrenseki, Gündodu, or Sorgun ensures easy access. You’re then whisked away on a cabrio bus, which is a bit of a standout feature. Its open sides provide unmatched views of the landscape, making every turn of the road a photo opportunity.

The drive through orange groves, rolling hills, and mountain passes is both scenic and informative. The guide, often praised for their knowledge, shares stories about the region’s history, culture, and natural features, adding depth for those curious about Turkey’s interior.

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Green Lake and Its Catamaran Cruise

Arriving at Green Lake, you’ll hop aboard a catamaran for about an hour. This is the moment to take a deep breath and enjoy the tranquility. The calm waters reflect the surrounding greenery and rugged peaks, making it a visual treat. Many reviewers mention how peaceful and photogenic this part of the trip is, providing a perfect break from bus travel.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Following the cruise, lunch is at a nearby restaurant. For about $20 in total, the meal gives you a taste of regional fare and sustains you for the rest of the day. It’s generally straightforward but hearty — enough to keep you going through the afternoon’s activities.

Exploring the Green Canyon and Manavgat Waterfalls

The journey continues with a scenic drive over the Green Canyon, an impressive reservoir created by the Oymapinar Dam. The boat cruise through the canyon is frequently praised for its captivating views, with many guests remarking on the striking natural beauty and the engineering marvel of the dam.

Later, a waterfall on the Manavgat River offers some of the best natural scenery of the day. It’s a quick stop, but one that many find worth it for the photo opportunities and the chance to stretch your legs.

Village Visit and Optional Zoo

A stop at a traditional village allows you to see local architecture and perhaps visit a mosque, offering insight into Turkish daily life. Some travelers enjoy this cultural touch, while others find the zoo visit less appealing. One reviewer pointed out that the animals appeared to be in poor condition, and the experience may not be suitable for animal lovers.

Return and Drop-off

Your day concludes with a relaxed drive back to Side, arriving approximately around 18:00. It’s a long day, but many find the mix of scenery, culture, and activity worthwhile.

Who Will Love This Tour? Is It Worth It?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see more of Turkey’s natural landscapes without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It offers a great introduction to the beauty of the Taurus Mountains, Green Lake, and Green Canyon — all packed into one day.

If you’re on a budget, the price of $20 per person includes transport, a boat cruise, and a substantial amount of sightseeing, making it very good value. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy scenic drives and boat trips, as well as curious travelers eager to learn about local customs in villages.

However, if you prefer more relaxed or less structured days, or if you’re sensitive to long bus rides, you might find the schedule a bit tight or the travel time on the bus lengthy. The feeling of being rushed was mentioned in reviews, so packing snacks and patience might help.

The experience is family-friendly and accessible for travelers with mobility issues, given the helpful staff and wheelchair accommodations noted in reviews. The guides’ helpful attitude shines through, making the day smoother for everyone.

Price and Logistics: A Good Deal?

At $20, this tour offers remarkable value. It covers a lot — transport, a boat cruise, and lunch — which would likely cost more if booked separately. The full-day duration ensures you get your money’s worth, especially with the scenic stops and cultural insights.

The pickup and drop-off service from your hotel makes logistics simple. The tour runs with live guides in English and German, catering well to international visitors. The flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance also adds peace of mind, especially if your plans are still flexible.

Final Impression: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to explore Turkey’s stunning landscapes, this tour is hard to beat. It’s perfect for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those wanting a taste of local life without strenuous hikes or complicated logistics. The guides’ depth of knowledge and the breathtaking scenery are what make this day memorable.

Keep in mind, it’s a full day of travel, so patience and comfort with bus rides will enhance your experience. If you enjoy small group tours with diverse activities, this offers a bit of everything: scenic views, cultural stops, and relaxing boat rides.

In short, this trip provides a solid, honest, and scenic glimpse into Turkey’s beautiful interior, making it a worthwhile addition to your itinerary if you’re staying in Side or Antalya Province.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a cabrio bus safari through the mountains, a boat trip on Green Lake, and a traditional lunch.

Are there any additional costs?
Drinks and photos/videos are not included, and the optional small zoo visit requires a small extra fee.

How long is the bus ride?
There’s quite a bit of travel on the bus, with some reviews mentioning feeling rushed, so be prepared for a full day with strategic stops.

Is the tour suitable for children or disabled travelers?
Yes, based on reviews, the staff is helpful, and the tour is accessible for those with mobility concerns. The tour guides are attentive and accommodating.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, sun protection, water, and comfortable clothing. A hat and sunglasses are recommended during the mountain drive and boat cruise.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Booking is flexible, and you can reserve now and pay later.

This Green Canyon and Green Lake tour from Side offers a well-balanced day of scenic beauty, cultural exposure, and light adventure, all at an accessible price point. It’s especially appealing if you love nature and want to see a different side of Turkey beyond the beaches.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby