Side: Green Lake Boat Tour, Swimming, and Oymapinar Dam

Side: Green Lake Boat Tour, Swimming, and Oymapinar Dam – A Complete Guide

If you’re considering a day out in the Antalya Province, this Green Lake boat tour combined with Oymapinar Dam visit offers a mix of stunning natural scenery, fascinating engineering, and cultural highlights. While it doesn’t promise the exclusivity of private tours, the experience is well-rounded and packed with memorable moments.

What makes this tour stand out are three key aspects: the beautiful Green Lake landscape, the impressive Oymapinar Dam, and the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters. Plus, the optional stop at Manavgat Waterfall, which many travelers find enchanting, adds a touch of effortless nature beauty.

One possible consideration is the pace—it’s a full six-hour itinerary that covers quite a bit, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a packed day. If you like a mix of sightseeing, active moments, and cultural insights, this tour could be just right. It’s especially ideal for travelers wanting a balance of nature and engineering marvels, with some leisure thrown in.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: You’ll get to see Green Lake’s breathtaking landscape from the water.
• Cultural stops: The tour includes visits to a historic mosque and ancient Lyrbe Agora.
• Active elements: Swimming in Green Lake provides a refreshing break.
• Engineering marvel: Oymapinar Dam showcases impressive construction.
• Flexible options: An optional visit to Manavgat Waterfall allows for extra nature time.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for travelers of various ages, but not for wheelchair users.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

This full-day experience begins with convenient hotel pickup in Side or surrounding areas, which helps streamline transportation and gets you straight into the adventure. The transportation vehicles are designed to meet TSE standards, promising safety and comfort—though keep in mind that the tour might see slight changes depending on weather or operational needs.

The Historic and Cultural Introduction

The day starts with a visit to a historic mosque, an opportunity to admire intricate designs and local architecture. It’s a brief but meaningful introduction to local culture, setting the tone for a journey that blends history and nature seamlessly. Following this, the tour takes you to Lyrbe Agora, an ancient site filled with ruins and stories from the past. These stops are great for history buffs or anyone curious to learn about the region’s heritage.

Green Lake and the Scenic Boat Ride

Once at Green Lake, the highlight is the scenic boat trip through the Green Lake Canyon. The boat ride lasts about an hour and offers breathtaking views of the lush canyon walls, turquoise waters, and surrounding greenery. This is a perfect moment to relax, take photos, and soak in the stunning landscape.

During the boat ride, you’ll have the chance to swim in the lake, which reviewers note as a refreshing highlight. One visitor mentioned, “We loved the way the boat ride was set up; the scenery was incredible, and swimming in the lake was a highlight.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch and Local Produce

After the boat ride, a delicious local lunch awaits, often including fresh, local ingredients, providing good value for the price. The meal is typically served in a setting that complements the natural surroundings, making the experience more immersive.

Oymapinar Dam—A Marvel of Engineering

Post-lunch, the tour visits the Oymapinar Dam, famous for its impressive size and construction. The dam is a remarkable sight, offering an insight into the region’s infrastructure development. It’s a great photo opportunity and an educational stop where guides usually share key facts about its creation and purpose.

Orange Grove and Optional Waterfall Visit

Next, the tour takes you to an orange grove, where you can learn about local fruit production and enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice. The atmosphere here is relaxed and offers a taste of rural life.

Travelers also have the option to visit the Manavgat Waterfall, a popular spot for its natural beauty. While the entry fee is paid separately (and optional), many find it a worthwhile addition to the day. Reviewers mention the waterfall as a “beautiful stop” that adds a peaceful conclusion to the busy itinerary.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation and Timing: The tour lasts roughly six hours, with pickup from areas like Gündoğdu, Ilica, Evrenseki, Side, TitreYengöl, Sorgun, and Kızılagac. The exact schedule varies depending on hotel locations, weather, and operational factors, so flexibility is key.

Group Size and Guides: The group size can vary, but the guide provides local insights in English, Russian, or Turkish. On some days, if fewer clients book, the German-speaking host may not be available, so check ahead if that’s important to you.

What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and lightweight clothes are recommended. Remember that you’ll be getting in and out of boats and possibly walking on uneven terrain.

Cost and Extras: The tour price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, insurance, and the boat trip. The Waterfall entry fee is extra and payable to the guide. Drinks and personal expenses are not included, so bring some cash for snacks or souvenirs.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Based on reviews and firsthand accounts, the overall experience is positive. One traveler described it as “a good activity, well organized,” though they did mention losing their glasses—highlighting the importance of keeping valuables secure. Another simply called it a “delicious day,” emphasizing the pleasant combination of scenery, culture, and relaxation.

Travelers appreciate the stunning views during the boat ride and the opportunity to get in the water, making the experience both visually and physically refreshing. The informative guides and well-planned stops are often highlighted as adding value.

However, some noted that the tour can be quite busy, and the pace might be fast for those who prefer a more relaxed, unhurried day. Still, the overall consensus points to a worthwhile adventure for those eager to explore Antalya’s natural and cultural highlights in one day.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, active fun, and cultural insights. It suits those who enjoy being outdoors, appreciate scenic boat rides, and are interested in visiting engineering landmarks like Oymapinar Dam.

If you’re traveling with family or friends and enjoy a full, organized day with plenty of photo opportunities, this tour offers good value for the price. It’s also especially suitable if you’re staying in Side or nearby and want a day that covers multiple highlights without hopping between different tours.

Keep in mind, it’s not ideal for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as some stops may involve walking on uneven ground.

The Sum Up

The Green Lake Boat Tour with visits to Oymapinar Dam and optional Manavgat Waterfall offers a well-rounded day filled with natural beauty, cultural stops, and fascinating engineering sights. The boat ride alone makes it worth considering, especially for travelers who love scenic landscapes and water activities.

This tour shines in delivering accessible, practical exploration of the region’s most photogenic spots. The combination of relaxing water-based experiences, cultural insights, and the chance to enjoy local produce makes it an attractive option for those seeking a full, fun day out in Antalya.

While it’s a busy schedule, the variety of stops ensures there’s something for all—whether you’re into history, nature, or just a good swim. If you’re after a lively, memorable day that captures the essence of the area’s natural and man-made wonders, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from select areas around Side, Ilica, Evrenseki, and nearby locations, making it convenient for most travelers.

How long does the boat ride last?
The boat trip on Green Lake lasts approximately one hour, offering plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

Is swimming in Green Lake allowed?
Yes, swimming is part of the experience and is often considered a highlight, with clear waters perfect for a refreshing dip.

Can I visit Manavgat Waterfall?
The waterfall visit is optional and requires an extra payment made to the guide. It’s a popular spot if you have extra time and want to see more of nature’s beauty.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and light clothing. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides typically speak English, Russian, and Turkish. If fewer clients are booked, the German host and guide might not be available.

This tour offers a blend of scenic beauty, cultural discovery, and active fun—ideal for those eager to make the most of a day in Antalya. Whether you’re after stunning views from the boat, a splash in Green Lake, or a peek at impressive dams and waterfalls, it’s a package worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: