Side/Alanya: Green Canyon Boat Trip w/Unlimited Soft Drinks

Taking a boat trip to Green Canyon offers a wonderful escape from the bustling streets of Side or Alanya. This experience promises a day filled with scenic beauty, relaxing cruising, and authentic Turkish hospitality. We’ve looked into what makes this tour appealing, what to expect, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

What we love about this trip: First, the chance to swap crowded tourist spots for a tranquil, emerald-green water landscape. Second, the opportunity to learn about regional highlights like the Oymapinar Dam and its Roman-era bridge. Third, the generous inclusion of unlimited soft drinks and a hearty lakeside lunch adds real value.

A potential consideration: The itinerary involves a fair amount of sitting—up to 7.5 hours—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of activity. Also, mobility issues might be a concern, as some reviews mention uneven stairs leading to the lunch spot.

This tour is ideal for: travelers seeking a peaceful day in nature, photography enthusiasts eager for stunning vistas, and those wanting a taste of local cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: Expect stunning views of Green Canyon, turquoise waters, and the historical Roman bridge.
• Relaxed pace: The cruise spans approximately 14 km, with plenty of time for swimming, photos, and enjoying the scenery.
• Inclusive comfort: Soft drinks are unlimited on the boat, with a lakeside lunch included, providing good value.
• Knowledgeable guides: Tour guides deliver insights in English, German, and Russian, making the trip educational and engaging.
• Comfortable transportation: Pickup and drop-off at your hotel simplify logistics.
• Suitable for most: The trip is family-friendly but may not suit those with mobility challenges.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: A Scenic Getaway with a Relaxed Vibe

If you’re looking for a way to escape the crowds during your stay in Side or Alanya, this Green Canyon boat trip could be just what you need. It offers a peaceful retreat into nature, away from busy beaches and city streets, with plenty of opportunities to relax and take in spectacular views.

What makes this trip appealing are three standout features: the chance to see emerald waters and ancient Roman bridges, the inclusion of unlimited soft drinks, and a delicious lakeside lunch that balances out a day of sightseeing and swimming. It’s a well-rounded experience that appeals to those wanting a mix of scenic beauty, comfort, and a taste of local cuisine.

A possible drawback is the duration—up to 7.5 hours—meaning it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy full-day excursions and are ready for some time on the water. The tour involves several stops and some walking, so those with mobility issues should note uneven stairs at the restaurant.

This trip suits travelers craving a peaceful, scenic day and those eager to explore Turkey’s natural and historical marvels without the hustle and bustle.

A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Journey to Oymapinar Dam

The day kicks off with hotel pickup by comfortable, modern vehicles. You’ll be driven roughly 75 minutes to the dam lake of Oymapinar—a vital water and electricity source, but also a scenic spot. Here, you’ll see the 2000-year-old Roman bridge, a highlight that adds a touch of ancient history to the landscape.

Oymapinar Dam Lake and Photo Opportunities

This stop is all about snapping photos of the dam, the Roman bridge, and the lush surroundings. According to reviews, this is an ideal place to appreciate Turkey’s natural beauty and historical layers. It’s a short but meaningful break that sets the tone for the rest of the day.

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Cruising in Green Canyon

The core of the trip is the 14 km boat cruise, which lasts approximately two hours. Expect to glide through emerald waters flanked by cliffs, with plenty of chances for photos. If you’re a fan of scenery, this section is a highlight, offering tranquil views of the canyon’s natural formations. Reviewers like Ian praised the crew’s friendliness and noted that the onboard drinks and food exceeded expectations.

Swimming Break

After the cruise, you’ll stop for a swim in the inviting turquoise waters. The chance to jump in and cool off in such a beautiful setting is a real treat, especially since the waters are described as both stunning and inviting.

Lakeside Lunch

Refreshed, you’ll head to a lakeside restaurant for a substantial lunch, typically featuring choices like barbecued chicken, meatballs, or fish, along with pasta, salad, and fruit. This is a major highlight, as many reviews mention the quality of the food as surprisingly good for a tour of this nature. The lunch spot may involve some uneven stairs, so keep that in mind if mobility is a concern.

Leisure Time & Water Activities

Post-lunch, your options are flexible. You can relax by swimming more, enjoy the beautiful scenery, or use the restaurant’s equipment for lake activities—canoes and fishing rods are included. This time allows you to unwind and soak in the peaceful setting.

Return Journey

Finally, the boat sets sail back to the starting point, with scenic views en route. Once back at the pier, your hotel transportation awaits, bringing you full circle from a day of natural beauty and cultural insights to your hotel doorstep.

The Value of This Experience

When considering the price, this tour offers quite a bit for its cost. Included are hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided cruise, all soft drinks, and a hearty lunch. The reviews highlight that the drinks—unlimited on the boat—are served in small glasses, but enough to keep you refreshed throughout the day. Food quality is generally found to be better than expected, making the overall value quite reasonable.

The guided component, available in English, German, and Russian, enhances the experience, especially for those interested in learning about the dam, canyon, and regional highlights. While information is limited during the cruise itself, many guests appreciated the guides’ friendliness and professionalism.

The size of the group is not specified, but reviews suggest it’s a well-organized tour with plenty of space for everyone to relax. The pickup process is smooth, with instructions to meet 10 minutes before the scheduled time, and the entire day is designed for comfort and convenience.

Authentic Experiences from the Reviews

Guests consistently mention the beauty of the landscape—”the Green Canyon is spectacular,” as one reviewer put it—and the friendliness of the staff. Ian noted that “everyone was well looked after,” which adds to the feeling of a well-managed, customer-focused trip. The mention of “onboard complimentary drinks” and good food indicates that the tour balances relaxation and enjoyment.

Emma’s review highlights a common concern: some uneven stairs at the restaurant can be tricky for those with mobility issues, so plan accordingly. She also appreciated the free-flowing drinks on the boat, even if in small glasses, and called the views “beautiful.”

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a peaceful day among nature, away from crowded beaches. It’s suited for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to see Turkey’s scenic landscapes and enjoy a relaxed cruise. Photographers will find plenty of opportunities for stunning shots, and food lovers will appreciate the tasty, substantial lunch.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning a bit about local landmarks—like the Roman bridge and dam—your curiosity will be satisfied. Just keep in mind that it’s a full-day activity, so it’s best for those prepared for a relaxed but full schedule.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For anyone craving a tranquil escape into Turkey’s beautiful natural scenery, the Green Canyon boat trip offers excellent value. Its combination of scenic cruising, historical sights, swimming, and hearty lunch makes it a balanced day out. The inclusion of unlimited soft drinks and guiding services adds to the overall experience without breaking the bank.

Travelers who enjoy gentle adventure, photography, and authentic regional cuisine will find this tour ticks many boxes. It’s ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a quieter alternative to the busier tourist spots.

However, if mobility is a concern or if you prefer a shorter, less intensive day, you might want to consider other options. This trip provides a memorable highlight of the Antalya region—peaceful, picturesque, and full of Turkish charm.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to join without hassle. Just be sure to wait at the main security gate of your hotel 10 minutes before pickup.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat cruise lasts about 2 hours, with the total tour duration ranging from 4 to 7.5 hours depending on your selected start time and stops.

Are drinks included?
Yes, soft drinks are unlimited on the boat, served in small glasses throughout the cruise.

What is the lunch like?
You’ll enjoy a lakeside buffet with options like barbecue chicken, meatballs, or fish, along with pasta, salad, and fruit. The quality is noted as better than expected in reviews.

Is this suitable for children or families?
Yes, the trip is family-friendly, but keep in mind that some stops involve uneven stairs, which might be a challenge for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Can I do activities like fishing or canoeing?
Yes, fishing rods and canoes are included, providing additional fun options during the free time after lunch.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring your swimwear, towel, sun protection, and camera. Wear comfortable shoes especially if you plan to walk or navigate stairs at the restaurant.

Is there any need to pre-book?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment.

This Green Canyon boat trip offers just the right mix of relaxation, scenery, and cultural interest, making it a worthwhile addition to your Turkish holiday.

You can check availability for your dates here: