Side: Green Canyon Boat Tour With Open Buffet Lunch & Drinks

Introduction: An Adventure for Nature Lovers and Foodies Alike

If you’re looking for a day away from the hustle and bustle of Antalya’s resort life, the Green Canyon Boat Tour offers a chance to see some of Turkey’s most beautiful natural scenery. This experience promises a peaceful cruise through stunning canyons, refreshing waters, and lush green surroundings, all topped off with a delicious open buffet lunch. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate a mix of scenic beauty, relaxed boat rides, and authentic local flavors.

What we really like about this tour is the way it combines natural beauty with laid-back leisure — you’ll be floating on turquoise waters, surrounded by towering canyon walls, all while enjoying good food and a bit of fishing. The second highlight? The chance to relax at Oymapinar Dam, away from noisy beaches and city streets.

A potential consideration is the 7.5-hour duration, which might feel long for those with limited time or small children. The tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy gentle outdoor adventures, scenic vistas, and a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. If that sounds like your kind of day, this tour has a lot to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning natural scenery: Experience the beauty of Green Canyon’s turquoise waters and towering canyons.
• Relaxed boat trip: Enjoy a 4-hour cruise that offers plenty of opportunities to unwind.
• Delicious buffet lunch: Feast on a variety of meat, chicken, or fish options with rice and salads.
• Fun fishing activity: Try your luck at catching fish in the lake’s cold, clear waters.
• All-inclusive comfort: Hotel pickup, guide, insurance, lunch, and boat trip included for a smooth experience.
• Authentic setting: Escape from touristy areas and relax amid nature with fewer crowds.

Setting the Scene: What to Expect on the Tour

The Green Canyon Boat Tour kicks off with convenient hotel pickup from popular areas like Side, Colakli, Evrenseki, Kumkoy, and nearby resorts. From there, you’ll be transported to the starting point near the Oymapinar Dam — a notable spot itself, as one of Turkey’s impressive hydroelectric projects that also offers great views.

Once aboard the boat, you’ll spend roughly four hours cruising through the canyon’s main channels. As you glide along the water, you’ll see the dramatic cliffs and lush greenery that make Green Canyon a true natural wonder. The boat itself is a quiet vessel, allowing you to soak in the scenery without noise pollution or crowds.

During the cruise, you’ll have ample time for swimming and fishing. The waters are cold and clear, perfect for a refreshing dip or trying your luck with fishing rods provided as part of the tour. We loved the way the boat’s calm pace encourages relaxation and conversation, making it ideal for families, couples, and friends alike.

After the boat ride, you’ll enjoy a delicious open buffet lunch, with options including meatballs, chicken, or fish, complemented by rice and salads. The lunch is straightforward but satisfying, offering good value for the price. Drinks like tea, coffee, mineral water, and soft drinks are included, helping you stay hydrated and refreshed.

Post-lunch, the adventure continues with more leisurely activities, including some fishing at the lake, before the 2-hour journey back to your hotel. Along the way, you can stop at some scenic spots to cool off in the water or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The entire day wraps up with a comfortable drop-off back at your accommodation, leaving you with plenty of memories and no stress.

Why This Tour Delivers Value

At $37 per person, this tour offers significant value, especially considering that hotel pickup, a guided boat ride, lunch, drinks, and insurance are all included. The inclusion of a buffet lunch with multiple options ensures that your midday meal is satisfying without the need for expensive extras.

The boat itself is a highlight — quiet, comfortable, and perfectly sized for small groups or families. The 4-hour cruise provides enough time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed, while the overall 7.5-hour duration allows for a relaxed pace and some flexibility.

Many travelers appreciate the authenticity of the experience, especially the chance to see Green Canyon from the water, away from crowded viewpoints. The natural beauty, combined with the chance to swim and fish, makes it stand out from typical sightseeing tours.

Some reviewers, like the traveler who said, “The boat trip through the mountains was very beautiful,” confirm that the vistas truly impress. The calm, quiet environment of the boat, coupled with the gentle sounds of birds and flowing water, makes this a peaceful escape.

Breakdown of the Itinerary: What Makes It Special

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Pickup and Transfer

The tour begins with hotel pickup in areas like Side, Kumkoy, and nearby resorts. This door-to-door service simplifies logistics and allows you to start your day without stress.

Starting at Oymapinar Dam

Your journey starts at the dam, a scenic location that signifies the beginning of your water adventure. It’s a good spot for photos and takes in the impressive construction of this hydroelectric project.

The Boat Cruise

The core experience is a 4-hour boat trip through the 15-kilometer-long Green Canyon. The calm waters and lush surroundings offer a striking contrast to the busy streets of Antalya or Side. You’ll cruise past high canyon walls, lush valleys, and bird-filled skies, making for excellent photo opportunities.

Swimming and Fishing

The waters are cool and inviting, perfect for a swim to cool off from the Turkish sun. Fishing is also a highlight, with opportunities to try your luck and enjoy some relaxing downtime on the water. You’ll find that many travelers love the way the activity adds a sense of adventure and calm.

Lunch at the Lakeside

A hearty open buffet lunch provides the ideal balance of sustenance and simplicity. You can choose from meatballs, chicken, or fish, accompanied by rice and fresh salads. Beverages are included, making it a no-fuss, satisfying meal. Many reviews highlight the quality of the food, calling it “delicious” and well-prepared.

Return Journey and Breaks

After lunch, the tour continues with some free time for fishing or relaxing by the lake, followed by the 2-hour return trip. Along the way, you might stop for water breaks or to enjoy more scenic views, making the journey part of the experience.

Drop-off and Reflection

Back at your hotel, you’ll probably feel relaxed and refreshed, having experienced a quiet day amid some of Turkey’s most stunning natural scenery. This tour is well-suited for those seeking a gentle, scenic escape rather than high-energy adventures.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Feedback

We draw from reviews that describe the boat trip as “very beautiful,” emphasizing the natural splendor of the mountains and waters. Many travelers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, noting that the boat ride is a “quiet boat away from the noise of the city.”

The food also garners praise — “delicious food and tapas,” according to one review — highlighting that the buffet is satisfying and offers good value. The inclusion of drinks like tea, coffee, and mineral water makes the experience more comfortable and convenient.

One traveler mentioned, “We will definitely do it again sometime,” indicating the tour’s lasting appeal, especially for those who enjoy nature, leisure, and authentic local flavors.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want a relaxed day immersed in nature, away from crowded beaches and busy streets. Families with children, couples, or groups of friends looking for a scenic, hassle-free outing will find it a good fit.

It suits travelers who value comfort and simplicity — the included pickup, lunch, and guided boat tour make for a smooth day. Adventure seekers who want adrenaline might find fishing and swimming too mellow, but those craving calm, scenic beauty will be delighted.

Tourists with limited time will appreciate the 7.5-hour format, which packs a full day of gentle activities without feeling rushed. If you’re after a memorable, authentic experience of Turkey’s natural side, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck.

The Sum Up: A Gentle Day in Nature’s Company

This Green Canyon Boat Tour balances scenic beauty, relaxation, and good food at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to experience the natural charm of Turkey’s lush valleys and turquoise waters without strenuous activity or crowds.

The calm boat ride, the delicious buffet lunch, and the chance to swim or fish make it a well-rounded option. It’s particularly suited to families, couples, or friends seeking a peaceful day amid unspoiled nature.

While it might not be for thrill-seekers or those on a tight schedule, it offers a genuine taste of Turkey’s scenic outdoors in a laid-back setting. If your idea of a memorable day involves beautiful vistas, good company, and simple pleasures, this tour will deliver just that.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided boat trip, lunch, drinks (tea, coffee, mineral water, non-alcoholic beverages), and travel insurance.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 7.5 hours, with roughly 4 hours on the boat and additional time for lunch and transfers.

Are there opportunities for swimming or fishing?
Yes, you can swim in the lake’s cold, clear waters and try fishing with provided equipment.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sports shoes for comfort and safety during activities.

Is there a guide during the tour?
Yes, an English or German-speaking guide accompanies the trip, providing information and support throughout.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any age restrictions?
There is no specific age restriction, but note that there is no seat for infants, so this tour is best for older children and adults.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Absolutely. You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in your planning.

Is alcohol available during the tour?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included, and it appears they are not part of the tour offering.

This Green Canyon Boat Tour from Side offers a peaceful, scenic, and satisfying day in Turkey’s natural landscape, perfect for those seeking authentic beauty, gentle adventure, and good food.

You can check availability for your dates here: