Taking a boat trip to Green Canyon sounds like a quintessential Turkish experience, and from what we’ve gathered, it’s a trip that delivers on its promises. Whether you’re a nature lover, seeking a relaxing day out, or interested in snapping some stunning photos, this tour offers plenty of highlights.
Three things we love about this experience:
First, the breathtaking scenery—crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and dramatic canyon walls make every moment picture-worthy. Second, the value for money — at around $29, the tour includes a full day of activities, a tasty lakeside lunch, and multiple swimming breaks. Third, the friendly guides and smooth organization help make the day effortless and enjoyable.
One potential consideration is the shopping stop at a local market, which some travelers found less appealing—overpriced items and a bit of time wasted. If you prefer a trip focused solely on nature and relaxation, this might be the only downside.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a combination of scenic beauty, leisure, and good value. It suits those who enjoy being on the water, taking photos, and sampling delicious food in a peaceful setting. If you’re after a hassle-free day with plenty of opportunities to cool off, this could be a perfect fit.
Key Points
- Stunning Views: Expect panoramic vistas of Green Canyon and the surrounding forests.
- Relaxing Swim Breaks: Multiple opportunities to swim in the lake and escape the Turkish sun.
- Good Value: The price includes transportation, boat ride, lunch, and swimming, making it a comprehensive day out.
- Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, ensuring smooth logistics.
- Limitations: Some reviews mention uncomfortable seating and a shopping stop that might not appeal to everyone.
- Flexible Booking: Book now, pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours, adding peace of mind.
The Full Breakdown of the Green Canyon Tour Experience
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Starting Point and Transportation
Most tours begin with a hotel pickup in Antalya, making the day simple to organize. The trip involves a scenic drive to Oymapinar Dam—Turkey’s fifth-largest reservoir—offering a brief stop to marvel at this engineering feat. This initial stop sets the tone, providing a sense of anticipation for the natural beauty ahead.
From there, you’ll head towards the Green Canyon itself, passing through a tunnel and turning left at the designated parking spot. Keep in mind, there’s no phone signal in the area, so it’s best to follow instructions carefully and be prepared to disconnect briefly.
The Scenic Cruise
Once aboard the boat, the real magic begins. The cruise through Green Canyon is the highlight, with stunning views of the emerald waters framed by towering cliffs and dense greenery. We loved the way the boat gently glides along the lake, allowing plenty of time to appreciate the scenery. The deck is spacious enough for sunbathing or just soaking in the vistas, as noted by travelers who enjoyed relaxing on the deck and catching some rays.
The boat is described as a soft drinks-only vessel, which is perfect for those looking to stay refreshed without alcohol. The guides often point out local wildlife during the cruise, adding an educational touch to the journey.
Swimming Breaks and Water Activities
Be prepared for several swimming stops. The clear, inviting waters of Green Canyon are perfect for a quick dip, cooling off from the warm Turkish sun. Reviewers have explained that the swimming breaks are well-timed, giving everyone a chance to splash around or just float in the calm waters.
One guest said, “the swimming breaks and generally the views in the place were my favorite parts,” highlighting how refreshing and scenic these moments are. Bring your swimwear, towel, and perhaps waterproof camera to capture the fun.
More Great Tours NearbyLunch by the Lake
After a few hours on the water, you’ll stop at a waterside restaurant to enjoy a hearty lunch. The food, which includes options like chicken, köfte, and fish, is described as surprisingly good for a tour meal—fresh, flavorful, and served in a beautiful setting. Several reviews mention the “good food quality,” emphasizing that this is more than just a quick snack; it’s a proper meal in a peaceful environment.
The buffet offers various side dishes, allowing you to fill up before heading back to the boat for more fun or relaxation.
The Shopping and Extra Stops
On the return journey, the tour might include a visit to a local shop selling clothing and souvenirs. Some travelers found this stop unnecessary or overpriced, with one reviewer mentioning it “wasted at least 1 hour of my time.” If shopping isn’t your thing, it’s worth noting this part is optional or can be skipped.
Free Time and Additional Activities
After the boat trip, there’s often some free time to explore nearby areas or relax at your leisure. If you wish, you can also indulge in optional activities, but the core experience remains the boat cruise, swimming, and lunch.
Returning to Antalya
The tour concludes with a comfortable ride back to your hotel in Antalya, typically by late afternoon or early evening. The entire day is designed to balance sightseeing, relaxation, and convenient logistics, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.
The Practicalities: What You Need to Know
Pricing and Value:
At $29 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. It includes transportation, a boat trip, swimming breaks, and a quality lunch. Given the scenic beauty and relaxation opportunities, many would agree it’s a fair price, especially considering the convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Duration and Group Size:
The full-day experience usually takes up most of the day, with the trip from Antalya to the canyon and back included. While the exact group size isn’t specified, reviews suggest a pleasant, manageable crowd, allowing for attentive guides and relaxed pacing.
What to Bring:
Remember essentials like a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, and camera. The weather can be sunny and warm, making sun protection crucial. Also, wear comfortable clothes suitable for the boat and the outdoor environment.
Accessibility and Language:
Guides speak multiple languages, including English, German, Russian, and Turkish. This makes it accessible for a diverse range of travelers.
Booking and Cancellation:
Reservations can be made with the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This makes planning easier, especially if you’re uncertain about weather or other plans.
What the Reviews Reveal: Authentic Traveler Insights
Overall Satisfaction:
With a 4.6/5 rating based on 8 reviews, most travelers have found this tour to be enjoyable and well-organized. A guest named Lazanu commented, “Ne-a plcut foarte mult peisajul i a fost bine organizat turul,” emphasizing the beautiful scenery and solid organization.
Swimming and Views:
Siham particularly appreciated the swimming breaks and the natural surroundings, describing the tour as “great value for money” and “marvelous.” She noted the well-paced schedule, with enough time for photos and swimming.
Food Quality:
Multiple travelers praised the lunch, describing it as “very good,” especially considering it’s included in the price. It’s a substantial meal that adds value, without the need for additional eating out.
Guide and Service:
Reviewers highlighted the friendliness and professionalism of guides, making the experience smooth and enjoyable. Martin mentioned the cheerful staff and the breathtaking boat trip, reinforcing how crucial good guides are to the overall experience.
Room for Improvement:
Some feedback points to discomfort with boat seats and the shopping stop, which may not appeal to everyone. It’s worth considering whether shopping or a more comfortable seat matters most to you before booking.
Who Should Consider This Tour
Nature Lovers and Photographers will love the panoramic vistas and outdoor swimming opportunities.
Budget-Conscious Travelers will appreciate the full-day experience packed with activities for just $29.
Relaxation Seekers will enjoy the leisurely cruise and scenic lunch in a peaceful environment.
Group Travelers or Families benefit from the organized logistics and the chance to share a memorable day.
However, if you prefer a more exclusive or shopping-focused experience, you might find some parts of this tour less appealing. Also, those who dislike boat seating or don’t want to disconnect from their phones might want to prepare accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Antalya, making it easy to start and end your day without hassle.
How much does the tour cost?
The full-day tour is priced at $29 per person, which is quite reasonable considering what’s included.
What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor and boat activities is also recommended.
Can I swim during the trip?
Yes, swimming breaks are part of the itinerary, giving you plenty of chances to cool off in the lake’s clear waters.
Are there any additional costs?
Personal expenses, photos/videos, and alcohol are not included. The boat itself is a soft drinks-only vessel, so no alcohol onboard.
Is the lunch included?
Absolutely, a lakeside restaurant stop offers a hearty lunch with options like chicken, fish, and köfte—many guests found it surprisingly good.
The Green Canyon Full-Day Boat Tour from Antalya offers a mix of striking natural scenery, leisurely swimming, and a satisfying meal—all at a wallet-friendly price. The organized logistics, knowledgeable guides, and stunning views make it a strong choice for travelers wanting a relaxed, visually captivating day out.
While the shopping stop might not be for everyone, the core experience remains highly enjoyable, especially for those eager to escape the city and indulge in nature’s tranquility. Whether you’re in for a scenic boat ride, a dip in clear waters, or simply soaking up the sun amidst lush surroundings, this tour delivers a well-rounded outdoor adventure in Turkey’s beautiful landscape.
If you value good value, friendly service, and authentic natural beauty, this trip is definitely worth considering for your Antalya itinerary.
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