City of Side: Green Canyon Boat Trip & Bus Safari with Lunch

If you’re searching for a well-rounded day trip from the seaside resort of Side, the City of Side: Green Canyon Boat Trip & Bus Safari with Lunch offers a compelling mix of nature, culture, and stunning vistas. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it provides an engaging experience—especially for those looking to explore Turkey beyond the beach.

What we love about this trip is its combination of scenic drives through the Taurus Mountains and the chance to cruise across the lush Green Lake, not to mention a hearty local lunch. It’s a solid way to see some of Turkey’s natural beauty in one day, coupled with cultural sights like a village mosque. One thing to keep in mind: the bus ride can feel quite long, and the itinerary includes a few scheduled stops that might leave travelers wishing for a bit more time at each location. Still, it’s a tour that caters well to those eager for an active, scenic day out with a touch of local life.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic landscapes, enjoy guided tours with knowledgeable hosts, and don’t mind a full schedule. If you’re looking for a relaxing day with minimal planning, or want to combine natural beauty with cultural insights, this trip could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Natural beauty at its best: Cruise on the Green Lake and view the spectacular Green Canyon.
• Scenic drives: Travel through the Taurus Mountains on a specially-designed cabrio bus with panoramic views.
• Cultural insight: Visit a local village mosque and explore rural Turkish life.
• Value for money: For just around $20, you get transportation, a boat cruise, and lunch.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
• Limited free time: Some travelers note the tour can feel a bit rushed, especially at stops.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup and Scenic Drive

The tour kicks off early, with hotel pickups available from several locations around Side—Side, Çolakl, Evrenseki, Gündodu, and Sorgun—making it convenient for most travelers. Once on board the cabrio bus, you’ll notice the design emphasizes panoramic views—perfect for snapping photos of the orange groves and green hills that line the route.

As you wind through the Taurus Mountains, your guide will provide snippets of information about the area’s geology, agriculture, and history. According to reviews, guides are generally knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing the experience with local stories and insights. Some guests appreciate how the scenery changes from coastal to mountainous terrain, making the journey itself a highlight.

Exploring the Green Lake & Oymapinar Dam

After about two hours of driving, the group reaches the Green Lake, a tranquil spot where you’ll board a catamaran for a relaxing one-hour cruise. This is the perfect time to unwind and take in the unspoiled natural environment—with clear waters reflecting the surrounding greenery, it’s a peaceful contrast to the bus ride.

Travelers say the boat trip offers a refreshing perspective of the landscape and is especially appreciated for its calm waters and scenic views. The lake’s popularity is partly because of its unique color, which, according to some reviews, is due to mineral deposits and the lush surroundings.

Next, there’s a stop near the Oymapinar Dam, where you’ll get good photo opportunities and learn about this impressive hydroelectric project that controls water flow and supplies energy to the region. This spot offers a glimpse into Turkey’s infrastructure that supports both daily life and tourism.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

The included lunch is served at a charming local restaurant close to the lake. While the menu details aren’t specified, the reviews highlight that the meal provides good value—a hearty, local-style dish that fuels you for the remainder of the day. It’s a chance to enjoy regional cuisine and perhaps chat with other travelers or your guide about local life.

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Village Visit & Cultural Stops

Post-lunch, the journey continues into a traditional village at the foot of the mountains. Here, you’ll take a guided walk, visit a village mosque, and learn about Turkish religious and cultural traditions. Some reviews note that this part of the tour provides a more authentic glimpse into rural life, making the experience more meaningful.

For those interested, there’s also an optional visit to a small zoo, available for a small extra fee. Be aware that reviews have flagged concerns about animal conditions—so if this is important to you, consider whether it aligns with your values.

The Final Stops and Return Journey

The last scenic stop offers a photo opportunity at a waterfall on the Manavgat River, a beautiful ending for nature lovers. The return trip to Side is leisurely, allowing travelers to reflect on a day filled with diverse sights.

Your hotel drop-off is scheduled around 18:00, giving you a full 8-hour day packed with activity, scenery, and cultural insights.

What’s the Real Value?

At approximately $20, this tour packs a lot into a single day. When you factor in hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat cruise, lunch, and guided commentary, the price point is quite reasonable—especially considering the natural beauty and cultural stops. Many reviews praise the quality of guides and the variety of activities, making it a cost-effective way to fill a day with memorable experiences.

However, some travelers have noted the long bus rides and the feeling of being a little rushed, especially at some stops where more time would be appreciated. If you prefer a slow-paced, in-depth exploration, this might not be the best choice. But if you’re comfortable with a packed schedule to see the highlights, it’s a good deal.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Dress comfortably and bring sun protection—there’s plenty of time outdoors.
• Camera or smartphone is a must for capturing the mountain vistas, lake, and waterfalls.
• Water is not included, so consider carrying some for the bus ride and outdoor stops.
• The zoo visit is optional and for a small fee—decide beforehand if you want to include it.
• Early booking is advisable, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred starting time and avoid disappointment.
• Be aware that the tour can feel quite full, with multiple stops and activities, so patience and flexibility are key virtues.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a value-packed day exploring Turkey’s natural landscapes beyond the beaches. It’s great for those who enjoy scenic drives, boat cruises, and cultural insights in a single outing. Families, small groups, or solo travelers can all find something to enjoy—especially if you like a bit of adventure and outdoor activity.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, slow-paced day, or are particularly sensitive to long bus rides, this tour might feel a little rushed. But if you appreciate diverse experiences and want to see some of Turkey’s most picturesque spots with a friendly guide, it’s hard to beat in terms of value and variety.

FAQ

How long is the bus ride?
The bus journey from Side to the Green Lake area takes about two hours each way, with scenic views along the route.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from several locations around Side, making it convenient.

What is included in the price?
Your package covers hotel transfer, a cabrio bus safari, a boat trip on Green Lake, and a lunch at a local restaurant.

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

Is the tour suitable for children or disabled travelers?
Yes, reviews mention helpful staff for disabled travelers. Children might enjoy the scenic boat cruise and outdoor stops, but check with the provider for age-specific policies.

Are drinks or photos/videos included?
No, drinks and personal photos or videos are not included and are available at an extra cost if desired.

The City of Side: Green Canyon Boat Trip & Bus Safari with Lunch offers a generous slice of southern Turkey’s natural beauty for an accessible price. From the mountain vistas and lake cruise to the cultural stops, it promises a day full of variety that will satisfy most travelers looking for an active, scenic experience.

While it might feel a bit rushed at times, the guides’ knowledge, stunning views, and value for money make it a worthwhile option for those eager to see Turkey’s countryside without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who enjoy guided group tours and want a taste of the region’s landscape and rural life.

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, this trip offers a beautiful, affordable day in one of Turkey’s most breathtaking settings—an adventure that will leave you with plenty to talk about long after you’ve returned home.

You can check availability for your dates here: