Alanya: Green Canyon Full-Day Boat Tour with Lunch

Planning a day trip to the captivating Green Canyon from Alanya? This full-day boat experience offers a blend of scenic beauty, relaxation, and delicious Turkish cuisine—all within a manageable 5 to 6 hours. We’ve looked into what makes this tour stand out, the practical details, and some honest insights from previous travelers, so you can decide if it fits your travel style.

What we like most about this tour are the breathtaking views of the canyon’s emerald waters, the comfort of the boat ride, and the quality of the lakeside lunch. Plus, the included non-alcoholic drinks and hotel transfers help make it a fuss-free day. On the flip side, some travelers mention the long bus ride and a surprisingly brief swimming window, so it’s worth considering whether those aspects matter to you.

This experience is ideal if you’re after a peaceful outdoor escape, love scenic boat rides, and want to enjoy Turkish cuisine in nature. However, if you’re seeking an action-packed adventure or a shorter trip, this might not be the best fit. Overall, it’s best suited for travelers who value comfort, stunning scenery, and a leisurely pace.

Key Points

• Stunning natural scenery of Green Canyon, with impressive rock formations and lush greenery
• Comfortable boat ride with unlimited soft drinks and friendly staff
• Delicious lakeside lunch featuring Turkish dishes like chicken, rice, and salad
• Swimming opportunities in crystal-clear waters, weather permitting
• Round-trip transfers from Alanya hotels, simplifying logistics
• Moderate duration of 5-6 hours, ideal for a half-day escape
• Mixed reviews highlight great views and value but mention the long transfer times
• Active and non-swimmer friendly options are limited due to the brief swimming stop

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting from Alanya, you’ll be chauffeured in a comfortable vehicle, heading approximately 55 km into the Taurus Mountains, where the Oymapnar Dam forms the heart of the Green Canyon. The journey itself is part of the experience, with scenic views along the way, though some reviews note the transfer can take up to 45 minutes or more depending on your hotel location.

Once you arrive, you’ll board a modern boat designed for comfort and stability. The vessel is spacious, equipped with shaded areas, music, and plenty of seating to relax or take in the views. The boat cruise itself is a highlight—gliding through emerald waters flanked by towering rock formations and lush forested hills. This is where you really begin to appreciate the untouched beauty of the area.

The scenery during the boat ride is often described as picturesque. Travelers frequently mention the “emerald” hue of the water, which makes for fantastic photos and a calming atmosphere. As you cruise, native bird species can often be spotted, adding to the natural charm. The staff onboard are attentive, offering unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, so you can sip and relax without worry.

The Lunch Break: A Taste of Turkey in Nature

Around the midpoint of your trip, the boat will stop at a lakeside restaurant, often referred to as the “paradise restaurant” in reviews. Here, a hot Turkish meal awaits—think grilled chicken or fish, served with rice, pasta, and fresh salad. The setting is peaceful, with panoramic views of the canyon, perfect for enjoying a hearty meal after some time on the water.

Travelers who have experienced this lunch say it offers good value for money, especially considering the scenic atmosphere. One reviewer enthusiastically described it as “stunning grilled chicken or fish with rice, pasta, and salad,” emphasizing the quality and setting. It’s a perfect chance to recharge and appreciate the natural surroundings.

Swimming and Relaxing

Post-lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in the canyon’s clear waters, although the duration is typically around 10 minutes, which some travelers find too brief. A reviewer remarked, “Too short for swimming,” highlighting that some might want to bring their own waterproof camera or plan to make the most of every moment. If swimming isn’t your thing, relaxing aboard the boat or enjoying the scenery is equally enjoyable.

Returning and Logistics

The boat then heads back to the starting point, with the transfer service either included or available upon booking. Guides usually communicate any schedule changes, and the entire day wraps up back at the hotel or the designated meeting point. The total experience spans roughly five to six hours, making it suitable for those who want a scenic escape without a full day commitment.

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Practical Details and Tips

Transportation: If you opt for hotel transfers, be ready for a pick-up that might be delayed by up to 45 minutes, especially during high season. The transfer vehicle waits for about five minutes at your hotel’s security gate, so punctuality helps.

What to Bring: Pack comfortable shoes, hats, swimwear, towels, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), a camera, and cash for personal expenses or drinks not included. Clothes that can get dirty are recommended, as well as closed-toe shoes for safety.

Tour Duration: Expect a total of 5-6 hours, including transfers, boat ride, lunch, and swimming. The boat trip itself is around an hour, but the scenic drive and waiting times add to the overall experience.

Inclusions and Extras: The tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, soft drinks, insurance, and guide service. However, drinks purchased at the restaurant, photos/videos, and personal expenses are not included.

Language and Accessibility: Guides are available in multiple languages, including English, Russian, German, Polish, and Turkish. The trip is not suitable for people with back problems or non-swimmers, given the short swimming opportunity.

Honest Insights from Travelers

While most reviews praise the scenic views and good value, some mention the long bus ride (up to 4.5 hours one way) and the surprisingly brief swimming window—only about 10 minutes. One traveler described the trip as “a waste of time and money,” due to the long transfer and limited activities. Conversely, others have called it a “beautiful day,” with “stunning scenery” and a “trip you will remember for a lifetime.”

The guides and staff are generally well-regarded for their friendliness and professionalism. One reviewer pointed out that the driver kept in contact during delays, which helped ease concerns, and the boat’s music and environment contributed to a relaxing atmosphere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day surrounded by nature, and who appreciate good value. It’s best suited for those who enjoy comfortable boat rides and Turkish cuisine in beautiful settings. If you’re after quick thrills or a shorter itinerary, you might find the long transfer times less appealing.

Final Thoughts

The Green Canyon Full-Day Boat Tour offers a peaceful retreat into one of Turkey’s most picturesque natural landscapes. The combination of scenic cruising, a hearty lakeside lunch, and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters makes it a worthwhile experience for those seeking serenity and authentic views. While the long bus ride might deter some, the stunning scenery and friendly service often make up for the travel time.

If you’re someone who appreciates a moderate pace, genuine natural beauty, and good value, this tour will likely leave you with lasting memories of Turkey’s natural wonders.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Transportation is included if you select the hotel transfer option. Otherwise, you need to meet at the designated location.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat cruise itself lasts around an hour, but the overall experience including transfers and stops is about 5-6 hours.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, a camera, cash, and clothes that can get dirty are recommended.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, there’s a short swimming stop in the canyon’s clear waters, typically around 10 minutes.

Are drinks included?
Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks are served on the boat. Additional drinks at the restaurant or drinks of your choice are extra.

Is this suitable for non-swimmers?
Not entirely, as the swimming stop is brief and may not be enough for non-swimmers to fully enjoy.

What do I need to know about transfers?
Transfers can be delayed by up to 45 minutes depending on your hotel location. Be punctual to avoid missing the pickup.

What is the meal like?
The lakeside lunch features Turkish dishes, including grilled chicken or fish, rice, pasta, and salad, served with a view.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, but children should be comfortable with water activities and the long transfer. It’s not suited for people with back problems.

Overall, the Green Canyon boat tour from Alanya is a well-rounded option for travelers craving stunning scenery, a relaxed atmosphere, and good food—all in a manageable day trip. Keep expectations realistic about the swimming window and transfer times, and you’re in for a memorable outing in Turkey’s beautiful nature.

You can check availability for your dates here: