Side Green Canyon Boat Trip

Side Green Canyon boat trip is a unique tour for those who like Turkey to be varied, for those who want to be admired and amazed. We will see a completely different landscape, steep cliffs with an emerald river flowing between them. We head to the full-flowing Manavgat, which runs through the town bearing the same name. The river takes its source in the mountains and that is where we are going.

We will pick you up from the hotel and head for Oimapynar jetty, where our boat is waiting.

It will take us up the river, into the mountains, past settlements, antique buildings, now and then seen on the cliffs, to the dams. Though they are not built for beauty, the views there are incredible. We’ll swim, enjoy a traditional delicious lunch at a restaurant by the river. Non-alcoholic drinks are not limited on this tour, so no catch with hidden extras. The photos taken all along the way in Green Canyon will delight you with vivid colours. They will always evoke pleasant memories and admire the wild beauty and power of Green Canyon Nature.

Both transfers (to and from the hotel), lunch at the restaurant, guide accompaniment and refreshments are included in the tour price. Depart in the morning and return in the evening.

The Green Canyon Boat Tour is as it suggest, a lethargic boat ride through the ravine. The beautiful emerald waters of the river and the glorious backdrop of dramatic scenery, together with the accompanying sound of birdsong, will make you forget your troubles as you begin your journey. 

This may be the most beautiful boat tour of all, it really does feel as if you are floating away in your own personal heaven, as the boat makes its way across the Dam Lake and along the water. Of all the Side tours, this may be the most memorably beautiful, with its jade green waters and surrounding wildlife, its slow pace and incredible lunch, you will be wishing for the sound of birdsong long after you return to your hotel.

If you are a keen birdwatcher you may be interested in some of the rare and endangered species that frequent the river banks.  If you are more interested in the flora of the area you will witness a diversity that will leave you wanting more.  The area at the Canyon is home to a wealth of species and will have you watching the banks and the wildlife present there.  Even if the wildlife is not your ‘cup of tea’ you will be left astounded by the beauty and sheer lushness of the countryside.

You will leave from your hotel or apartment in Side at around 09:00, beginning the journey to Oymapınar near Manavgat and the Green canyon, taking approximately one hour, where you can enjoy the scenery as you travel in a comfotable, air conditioned transport to the small harbour at the Green Canyon in Oymapınar. Even before you set off you will be amazed by the photo opportunities of this natural area.   

As soon as you arrive at the small harbour and board the boat you will begin to relax. Once the boat has left the Lake and Oymapınar you begin the 14 kilometre cruise along this wonderful waterway.  As you travel it becomes clear why it is called the Green Canyon!  When you stop for a swim break, there will be fishing rods on board the boat for anyone wanting to try for a catch in the emerald waters.  The swim break usually lasts for about 50 minutes,  giving even the most unlucky fisherman a chance to catch his lunch. 

There are sunbeds on board the boat and a wonderful open sun deck where you can catch the suns rays, while marvelling at your location.  If you decide to swim you will feel the brisk coolness of the waters.  At 20 degrees the coolness is a welcome break from the Anatolian sunshine and invigorating too, giving you an appetite for what comes next.

Lunch

After your 50 minute swim and fishing break there is another short cruise along the water to your lunch break restaurant.  The restaurant will be alongside the water, and with its wonderful ambience, you will be treated to an open buffet lunch.  This normally consists not only of BBQ Chicken but Meatballs, Lamb Chops, Fish, Pasta, Rice and an extensive Salad Bar with a choice of over a dozen salads. Soft drinks, tea, coffee or water are complimentary with your lunch, though if you wish to purchase alcohol this will be considered an optional extra with surcharge.

After one hour for your lunch break it is back on board for the last swim break of your day.  This usually lasts around 30 minutes and then back to the harbour at around 15:00, totally happy and relaxed with your day cruising the Green Canyon.  You will then be taken back to your pick up point in Side.

This amazing tour goes out every day throughout the summer months with a hotel/apartment pick up in the resort of Side and return in the early evening to your point of pick up.