Side: Cabrio Bus and Boat Tour (Combined Mix Tour)

This combined tour in Antalya promises quite the day’s adventure—an open-air safari in a colorful cabriobus paired with a relaxing boat cruise on Green Lake. While it’s a popular choice for those wanting a taste of local villages and scenic views, it’s worth understanding what’s actually involved before booking.

What I find truly appealing about this experience is the chance to feel the wind in your hair as you traverse natural landscapes in a convertible-style vehicle. Plus, the boat ride on Green Lake offers a peaceful moment away from the busier tourist spots. One standout detail is the local village visits, where you can interact directly with residents and get a glimpse of traditional life—a rare opportunity for many travelers.

However, a potential consideration is the mixed reviews on overall value and organization. Some guests felt the tour could be more structured or engaging, especially if expecting a comprehensive cultural experience. The duration of six hours might feel rushed to some, particularly during the 45-minute coach ride and waiting times. Still, for a modest price of $28 per person, it’s a straightforward way to see a variety of sights without breaking the bank.

Key points / Takeaways

• Open-air safari: Feel the breeze as you explore Antalya’s natural landscapes in a convertible vehicle, ideal for scenic views and photo opportunities.
• Village visits: Meet locals and observe the traditional lifestyle, adding an authentic touch to the experience.
• Green Lake boat cruise: Relax on calm waters and enjoy the peaceful scenery, perfect for unwinding after the safari.
• Guide commentary: The tour includes a professional guide providing insights into natural and cultural features, enhancing the experience.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to reserve now and pay later for added convenience.
• Limited inclusions: Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses aren’t covered, so plan to bring snacks or extra cash if needed.

The Experience: What You Can Expect from Start to Finish

Pickup and Initial Drive: The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Side, which is quite convenient. The exact time varies based on your hotel’s location, but you’ll be notified beforehand. Once you’re on board, the first leg is a 45-minute coach ride through Antalya’s outskirts, giving you a sneak peek of the local scenery before the main attractions.

Safari in the Cabrioobus: The highlight is the open-air safari-style ride. I love the way this mode of transport turns a simple sightseeing trip into a fun, interactive adventure. The wind in your hair and the unobstructed views make it easy to snap photos of the lush landscape, rolling hills, and distant mountains. You’ll visit a couple of local villages en route, where you get a chance to observe traditional lifestyles first-hand. One reviewer mentioned guides like Kadir or Murat providing friendly commentary—adding a personal touch to the journey.

Green Lake and Oymapinar: After the safari, the tour makes a lunch stop at Green Lake (Oymapinar), where you can enjoy a meal—usually about an hour. This is a good time to relax and recharge. The scenery around the lake is quite striking, with emerald waters contrasted against the surrounding greenery.

Green Canyon Photo Stop and Visit: Next, the group heads to Green Canyon for a 30-minute break—often a photo opportunity or short walk to stretch your legs. Some reviews suggest this part is more of a quick stop rather than an in-depth exploration, so if you’re after detailed sightseeing, keep your expectations balanced.

Boat Ride: The final activity is a one-hour boat cruise on Green Lake. This is perhaps the most relaxing part of the day, where you can enjoy the calm waters and take in the scenery at a slower pace. Many travelers appreciate this section, especially after the more energetic safari.

Return to Side: After the boat, the group heads back to Side, completing the six-hour experience.

How Does It Feel in Practice?

This tour offers a good variety—a little bit of everything: scenic drives, village interactions, and tranquil boat time. The price point makes it accessible, but it’s important to have realistic expectations. If you’re looking for a deep culture or detailed historical insights, you might find this tour somewhat light on content. However, if you want a fun, scenic day with friendly guides and a good mix of activities, it can be quite enjoyable.

Authentic Experiences: The chance to visit local villages and see how people live adds a genuine touch to the trip. I can imagine it’s especially appealing for travelers wanting to escape the typical tourist spots and see familiar countryside landscapes.

Views and Photo Opportunities: The landscapes are frequently praised for their beauty, with travelers sharing that the scenery is a highlight. You’ll likely want your camera handy for the winding roads, lush greenery, and the lake.

Group Dynamics and Guides: The tour is conducted in multiple languages—English, German, and Russian—which makes it accessible to a diverse crowd. According to reviews, guides tend to be friendly and informative, though some guests suggest the commentary could be more engaging.

The Practical Side: For $28, including hotel pickup, insurance, and all activities, the price is quite reasonable. But keep in mind that all drinks and personal expenses are on you, and the Manavgat Waterfall entrance fee is not included if you decide to visit it separately.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys a light, scenic adventure with a bit of local flavor, this tour might be perfect. It’s a good fit for those on a budget or anyone wanting to combine multiple activities in one day without fuss. The outdoor elements and relaxed pace suit families with kids, couples, or solo travelers looking for a straightforward way to see some of Antalya’s beautiful surroundings.

However, if you prefer more in-depth cultural or historical insights, or have mobility issues (since it’s not wheelchair accessible and involves some walking and sitting outside), you might want to consider other options. Also, those who value a more organized or luxurious experience might find this tour a little basic.

Price and Logistics: Is It Worth It?

At $28 per person, this tour is a budget-friendly way to see a slice of Antalya’s natural beauty. The inclusions—guiding, transport, lunch, boat ride—offer good value if you’re happy with a casual, varied itinerary.

The 6-hour duration means it’s a full half-day outing, which suits most travelers’ schedules. The hotel pickup and drop-off add convenience, especially if you’re staying in Side. Keep in mind that availability varies and booking ahead is recommended.

The experience’s success depends on expectations—if you’re seeking a leisurely, scenic day with friendly guides and some village interaction, you’ll likely find it worthwhile. If you’re after a more in-depth or immersive cultural experience, you might find it somewhat lightweight.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This combined Cabrio Bus and Green Lake boat tour offers a lighthearted, scenic day for those wanting to experience Turkey’s natural beauty without a hefty price tag. It’s best suited for travelers after a relaxing, visually appealing outing that combines open-air adventures with tranquil lake views.

It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a budget-friendly way to explore Antalya’s villages, landscapes, and waters. Just keep your expectations aligned with the tour’s pace and scope—this isn’t an in-depth culture but a fun, straightforward day out.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including pickup, travel, activities, and return.

What is included in the price?
It covers the open-air cabriobus safari, village visits, a professional guide, boat tour on Green Lake, lunch, hotel pickup, drop-off, and insurance.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, but exact times depend on your hotel’s location and will be communicated beforehand.

Are drinks included?
No, all drinks are not included, so bring water and any additional beverages you may want during the day.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities and warm weather.

Is it suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for those with back problems or wheelchair users due to the nature of the transport and walking involved.

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

Are the guides fluent in English?
Yes, guides speak English, German, and Russian, providing commentary during the tour.

How is the scenery?
The scenery is often praised for its beauty—rolling hills, lush landscapes, and the serene Green Lake make for great photo opportunities.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for families seeking a leisurely, outdoor adventure with scenic views and village visits.

In summary, this tour offers a fair-price, easy way to experience Antalya’s natural and local charm. While it may not satisfy those craving deep cultural insights, it’s a reliable option for a fun, scenic day that’s perfect for travelers wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation.