Side: Cabrio Bus and Boat Day Trip at the Green Lake

If you’re traveling around Antalya Province and looking to combine natural beauty, cultural sights, and a bit of adventure in a single day, the Cabrio Bus and Boat Day Trip at Green Lake might just fit the bill. Based on numerous traveler reviews and the detailed itinerary, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that balances scenic drives, relaxing boat rides, and cultural stops, all at an affordable price of around $25.

Two aspects that often stand out for participants are the spectacular views from the Taurus Mountains and the knowledgeable guides who make the stops informative and enjoyable. A common highlight is the boat cruise on Green Lake itself, which offers a peaceful respite amid stunning scenery. One possible consideration is the cabrio bus’s design — with its plastic roll-up windows, it might not be the most weatherproof setup, especially if rain is expected.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and light adventure, and who appreciate good value without sacrificing comfort or interesting stops. If you’re eager to see both the countryside and some local cultural sites, this trip offers plenty of bang for your buck.

Key Points

• Scenic mountain ride with panoramic views of the Taurus Mountains and orange gardens
• Relaxing boat cruise on Green Lake, included in the price
• Cultural visits include a mosque and a waterfall along the Manavgat River
• Value for money with many stops, a guide, lunch, and transportation included
• Informative guides who share stories and historical insights in multiple languages
• Suitable for all ages — from seniors to families with children

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup and Early Departure

The tour begins with a hotel pickup around 8:30 AM. This convenience means you can relax and avoid the hassle of finding your way to a meeting point. We’ve seen reviews that appreciate the punctuality and professionalism of the pickup service, ensuring a smooth start to what will be a full day.

Once on board, the journey takes us into the Taurus Mountains, a highlight that many travelers cherish. The specially-designed cabrio bus features plastic roll-up windows, which provide excellent views but might be less effective at keeping out rain or wind. If you’re traveling in winter or expect stormy weather, wrapping up warmly is a good idea, as some reviews suggest.

The Mountain Drive: Breathtaking Views and Orange Gardens

As we wind through the mountainous terrain, the scenery is indeed stunning. You’ll love the sweeping vistas and the chance to see local orange orchards, which add a splash of color and fragrance along the way. The guide explains the region’s agricultural importance and points out notable landmarks, making the ride both scenic and informative.

Travelers appreciated the knowledgeable guide, who shared engaging stories and answered questions. One review mentions the guide’s ability to translate in multiple languages, which helps create a more inclusive experience for international visitors.

Manavgat River and Waterfall

Our first cultural stop is a brief visit to a local mosque, offering insight into Turkish religious traditions. Though only a 20-minute visit, it often leaves a memorable impression for travelers interested in local customs.

Then, we proceed to the Manavgat River, home to a beautiful waterfall. Many reviews highlight the waterfall as a spectacular sight — “breathtaking” and “photo-worthy” — although some note the entrance fee (around 100 TL for two). The waterfall is a perfect spot to capture photos and enjoy some natural serenity before continuing onward.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring Green Lake and Oymapnar

Arriving at Green Lake (Oymapnar), the calm waters and surrounding greenery immediately beckon relaxation. Here, you get the chance for a 1-hour boat cruise — one of the tour’s most praised features. Travelers love the peaceful break from the bus ride, describing it as refreshing and scenic. The boat ride is a simple but effective way to see the area from the water, with some reviews mentioning the opportunity for swimming (if you bring swimwear).

Following the cruise, a leisurely lunch is served at a local restaurant near the lake. The included meal — typically chicken, pasta, rice, salad, and bread — is well-received as a hearty, authentic Turkish meal. One reviewer notes that lunch was around 2 PM, which might be a bit late if you’re hungry earlier in the day, especially if you skip breakfast. It’s a good idea to eat something beforehand.

Off-Road Adventure and Scenic Drives

After lunch, the tour continues with an off-road adventure at Green Canyon, offering a different perspective of the landscape and some more photo opportunities. The drive through scenic areas helps fill the day with varied views and a sense of exploration.

Cultural and Natural Highlights: Mosque, Zoo, and Waterfall

Next, there’s a visit to the Central Mosque complex in Manavgat, giving insight into local religious life and architecture. Although only a 20-minute stop, many travelers find it a worthwhile cultural glimpse.

The tour concludes with a visit to the Manavgat Waterfall, which many reviews describe as breathtaking — a perfect finale for your day of sightseeing. The waterfall is especially photogenic, and you’ll have time to enjoy and take pictures before heading back.

Return and Drop-off

You’ll arrive back at your hotel in Side around 5:00 PM, which leaves plenty of time to relax after an active day. The overall schedule is quite full, with many stops packed into roughly nine hours, including travel time.

Transport, Guide, and Value

The transportation is a key element here. The cabrio bus adds a fun, open-air vibe, but as some reviews note, it’s less weatherproof than a traditional coach. The group size is typically moderate, allowing for a friendly atmosphere but also enough space to move comfortably.

The tour guide receives high praise for being friendly, knowledgeable, and able to translate into several languages. This makes the experience more engaging and informative, especially when visiting sites like the mosque or explaining local customs.

At $25 per person, the tour represents excellent value. It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, a boat cruise, and a substantial lunch. The only costs not covered are drinks, photos, and entrance fees to places like the waterfall (which is optional). For the price, it’s a comprehensive experience covering nature, culture, and some light adventure.

Reviews Insight: What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews emphasize the good value for money — a full day of sightseeing without the pressure of shopping or additional costs. One traveler said, “You really get your moneys worth,” noting the variety of stops and the quality of guides. Others appreciated the scenic drives and photo stops, describing the trip as “fabulous” and “a lovely day out.”

Some mention minor concerns, like the bus’s weather protection or the timing of lunch, but overall, the feedback is very positive. Travelers in their seventies or with children found the pace manageable, and many said they’d recommend it for a broad audience.

The Sum Up

This Green Lake day trip offers an appealing mix of natural beauty, cultural sights, and light adventure. The inclusion of a boat cruise, scenic mountain drive, and cultural visits makes it a well-rounded experience that most travelers can enjoy. Its affordability and the knowledgeable guides make it a practical choice for those wanting to maximize their sightseeing without overspending.

If you’re someone who loves picturesque landscapes, picturesque waterfalls, and learning about local Turkish traditions, you’ll find this tour a satisfying and memorable outing. It’s especially suitable for families, seniors, or anyone new to the region who wants a guided overview of some of Turkey’s scenic and cultural highlights.

While the cabrio bus might be a little less weatherproof, the views and stops compensate nicely. The value for money, combined with the friendly guides and interesting itinerary, make this a solid option for a full day of exploration from Side.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Side and surrounding areas, making it easy to start your day without extra planning.

How long does the tour last?
The full-day tour runs approximately from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, including travel, sightseeing, and meal breaks.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a camera, water, weather-appropriate clothing, a sun hat, and swimwear if you want to swim during the boat cruise.

Are there any additional costs?
Drinks, photos, and entrance fees to some sites like the waterfall (around 100 TL for two) are not included. Most activities and meals are covered in the price.

Is the bus weatherproof?
The bus is a Cabrio style with plastic roll-up windows, which might not be ideal in rain or cold weather. Consider wrapping up warmly during winter or rainy days.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This tour truly offers a well-balanced day out—perfect for those eager to see a bit of everything that southern Turkey has to offer without breaking the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here: