Green Canyon Boat Trip From Side

You will be picked up from the hotels in Side region early in the morning by minibus, midibus or buses depending on the number of people. The transfer time and details are shared with you by the guide or tour operator the day before the tour. This journey, which usually starts between 08.00 – 09.00, takes about 45 minutes towards Manavgat Oymapınar Dam Lake. Along the way, your guide shares preliminary information about the history, geography and canyon.

After a pleasant journey of about 45 minutes, you arrive at the departure point of the boats on the shore of Oymapınar Dam, surrounded by pine trees. The view is like a paradise; you encounter the lush green forest and the unique beauty of the canyon. There are 2 catamaran boats and 13 double-decker wooden boats. The capacity of the boats varies between 70 and 110 people. The tour operator organizes the boat layout by separating the groups according to the language of the guide.

After settling in the boats, your guide will accompany you and give you information throughout the day. On the lower deck of the boats, there are large seating groups with shades, while on the upper deck there are both chairs and tarpaulins that provide protection from the sun when needed. Both decks offer 360-degree panoramic views; you can sit on the lower deck and feel the cool breeze of the lake or sunbathe on the upper deck. The boats have a bar, toilet and changing cabins. Soft drinks (cola, Fanta, Sprite, soda, water, tea, coffee) are offered unlimited and free of charge throughout the day.

Shortly after the boats depart, you head towards the “Grand Canyon” where the green of the pine trees and the emerald green waters of the canyon meet. After traveling about 8 nautical miles, you come to one of the most beautiful points of the canyon. This is also the exit point of the underground waters that feed the dam lake and the Manavgat River. The boat docks at a point with a platform in the middle and a 45-minute swimming break is given. Since the water temperature in the lake is warmer than the sea, it is easy to swim even at the beginning and end of the season. During this break you can take photos, cool off by jumping into the water or just enjoy the view.

After the swimming break, you will have lunch at a restaurant on the canyon shore. Here, 23 types of food are served in an open buffet concept. This daily prepared buffet includes soups, salads, appetizers and main courses of rice, pasta, meatballs, chicken and fish. Drinks are also free of charge during the meal. With a lunch break lasting about 1 hour, you can both recharge your batteries and enjoy the magnificent canyon view.

After lunch, the route turns to the “Little Canyon”, a narrower but just as impressive area as the Grand Canyon. Upon arrival, your guide will give you a break for swimming and fishing for about 1 hour. Fishing rods and bait are provided free of charge on the boat. There are species such as trout, large mirror carp up to 20-30 kilograms and eels in the lake. Those who want to catch fish can participate in this activity, while those who wish can cool off by swimming in the lake. The caught fish are released back into the lake according to the tour program, so this activity is for pleasure.

After a break for swimming and fishing in the Little Canyon, return to the restaurant at around 15.00 and then board the waiting vehicles. After a return journey of approximately 45 minutes, you are scheduled to arrive at your hotel between 16.00 – 16.30. Thus, you will complete an unforgettable Green Canyon day in the arms of nature covered with pine trees, on the blue-green waters.