Side, Alanya: Green Canyon Boat, Waterfall&Orchards Mix Tour

Introduction

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines stunning scenery, cultural insights, and a bit of adventure, the Green Canyon Boat, Waterfall & Orchards Mix Tour might just be your perfect match. Based in the Antalya region near Side and Alanya, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of what makes this part of Turkey so special—think emerald waters, lush orchards, and peaceful mosques.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the beautiful boat cruise on Green Lake and the chance to stroll through orange groves and orchards. These moments of natural serenity provide a welcome break from busy sightseeing. A potential drawback? The tour can be quite long—up to 9 hours—so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy full-day excursions and don’t mind the extended hours on the road.

This tour appeals most to those eager to blend nature, culture, and local flavors into one day. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, the mix of scenic views and cultural highlights offers authentic experiences with good value—especially considering the inclusion of transportation, lunch, and a boat cruise.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Beautiful natural scenery: Green Canyon, Green Lake, waterfalls, and orchards
• Cultural highlights: Manavgat Mosque, a peaceful spot for reflection
• Family-friendly: Visit a mini zoo and enjoy a relaxed, fun-filled day
• Comfortable transport: Open-top cabrio buses for great views and a fun ride
• Includes food and cruise: Delicious local lunch and a 1-hour boat trip
• Long but rewarding: Up to 9 hours, perfect for full-day explorers

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting Point: Manavgat Waterfall

Your day begins at the Manavgat Waterfall, a tranquil spot that sets a peaceful tone. The waterfall isn’t just a pretty sight; it’s a soothing wrap-up to your early morning drive. Here, the water’s gentle cascade offers a quiet moment to breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the natural environment. It’s an ideal spot for photos and to get into the relaxed rhythm of the day.

Exploring the Orchards

Next, you’ll visit a fruit orchard—specifically, lush orange groves. This stop is a delightful look into local agricultural life. You’ll breathe in the citrus scent and see the trees heavy with fruit. However, some reviews note that the orchard visit can be a bit misleading: the orchards themselves might be closed, and the stop turns into a quick souvenir or juice-buying session. Expect around 20 minutes here, which some travelers find a little rushed.

More Great Tours Nearby

Green Canyon Cruise

The highlight for many is the boat cruise on Green Lake within Green Canyon. This hour-long trip offers stunning views of emerald waters, towering cliffs, and lush surroundings. You’ll be floating through striking natural scenery, with many travelers remarking on how photogenic the landscape is. The boat ride is relaxed, giving you a chance to unwind and take in Turkey’s natural beauty.

Oymapinar Dam & Scenic Views

As part of the journey, you’ll see the impressive Oymapinar Dam, which is not just functional but visually fascinating. It’s a reminder of Turkey’s engineering ability and plays a key role in regional water supply. The views from the dam area provide great photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate how the landscape has been shaped by both nature and human ingenuity.

Manavgat Mosque & Cultural Stop

The Manavgat Mosque offers a peaceful break from the outdoors. Known for its elegant architecture, it’s a modern yet serene place to observe local craftsmanship. This stop gives a taste of the region’s spiritual and cultural side without overwhelming the senses. Many visitors find it a calming spot to linger, reflect, or simply admire the architecture.

Waterfall & More

A further stop at the Manavgat Waterfall provides another scenic moment, this time for those who want to see the water’s force up close. It offers a peaceful setting, with some travelers enjoying photographs or just listening to the water’s gentle roar.

Transport and Comfort

Throughout the day, you’ll travel in open-top cabrio buses, which are great for panoramic views and making the most of the scenery. The buses are comfortable and add a sense of fun to the journey. For those concerned about long hours, it’s worth noting that the tour lasts between 7 and 9 hours, depending on traffic and logistical factors.

Practical Details about the Tour

• Duration: 7 to 9 hours, starting at a time that varies based on availability
• Included: Lunch, boat cruise, transportation in open-top buses
• Not Included: Entrance fees, drinks, personal expenses (additional costs at stops)
• Guides: Multilingual guides in English, German, Russian, and Turkish
• Pickup: From hotels only—make sure your hotel is included in the pickup area

What to Bring

Pack light but thoughtfully: a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, camera, and water are essentials. Comfortable clothes are recommended, especially since you’ll be outdoors for much of the day. Keep in mind, smoking isn’t allowed during the tour, and outside food or drinks are prohibited.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback

From reviews, we learn that guides are generally well-liked, with many travelers praising their knowledge and care. One reviewer noted, “The driver was careful, and the guides were pleasant,” which makes a big difference in a long day like this.

Travelers also appreciate the delicious local lunch, often mentioning that the meal offers good value and a chance to taste regional flavors. The boat cruise, in particular, earns praise for its beautiful scenery and relaxing pace. As one reviewer put it, “We loved the way the boat cruise showcased the stunning natural landscape,” highlighting how memorable this part of the trip is.

However, some reviews pointed out minor frustrations, such as long travel times and a limited translation of guide information (only about 30% of the content was translated into English). The orchard stop, for example, sometimes felt a bit pointless, especially if the orchards are closed or if the main aim is souvenir shopping rather than fruit tasting.

The experience is well-organized, with many travelers feeling it offers good value for money considering the included activities, transportation, and meals. The tour strikes a balance between natural beauty and cultural insight with a few caveats about the long hours and busy schedule.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy scenic boat trips, natural landscapes, and relaxed cultural stops, you’ll find plenty to love here. The tour is ideal for those who want to see a variety of sights in one day without the hassle of planning each stop. It’s a good fit for families, couples, and solo travelers eager to explore Turkey’s outdoors and local traditions.

However, if you prefer shorter, more focused excursions, or if mobility is a concern, this might feel a bit long. Also, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of some stops and transportation.

The Sum Up

The Green Canyon Boat, Waterfall & Orchards Mix Tour offers genuine value and a well-rounded look at the natural beauty and cultural highlights near Side and Alanya. The combination of stunning scenery, cultural sites, and a relaxed boat cruise makes it a compelling choice for travelers who want to see multiple facets of Turkey in one day.

You’ll especially enjoy the delicious local cuisine, engaging guides, and the chance to relax on the boat amid breathtaking views. The open-top bus rides add a fun element and keep you close to nature, making this a memorable adventure.

While the tour can be lengthy, the experience balances natural beauty with cultural stops, providing a fulfilling day out. If you’re after a comprehensive, authentic outing that won’t break the bank, this tour deserves serious consideration.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation in open-top cabrio buses is included from hotel pickup, making the logistics easy and comfortable.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts between 7 and 9 hours, depending on traffic and other logistical factors.

What’s included in the price?
Your tour includes lunch, a boat cruise on Green Lake, and transportation. Entrance fees, drinks, and personal expenses are not included.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, German, Russian, and Turkish, catering to a diverse group of travelers.

Can I bring my own drinks or food?
Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed during the tour, but you’ll enjoy a meal included in the package.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, especially with the mini zoo stop and scenic boat ride, though it’s a long day.

What should I bring?
Pack a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, camera, and water. Comfortable clothing is recommended.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Some attractions may charge extra entrance fees not covered by the tour, and souvenirs are available at some stops.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

This Green Canyon, Waterfall & Orchards tour combines natural beauty, cultural insights, and fun—perfect for travelers seeking an authentic and value-packed day in Turkey.

You can check availability for your dates here: