Side’s beach crowds can get old fast. This Green Canyon boat trip trades the streets of Side for calmer water, countryside stops, and emerald-green views. My favorite part is the combination of a dam-lake break plus a proper boat ride along the canyon.

I also like that it’s built for an easy day out: hotel pickup and drop-off, onboard soft drinks included, and time for swimming and lake activities. One thing to consider: the day includes uneven steps from the pontoon up to lunch, so if mobility is an issue, plan carefully.

Why This Green Canyon Trip Fits So Many People

This tour is a solid value if you want nature time without complicated planning. You’ll start with a short ride out of Side, pause at Oymapınar Dam Lake, then spend the day on the water for a 14 km cruise and a swim. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling in a season when Side feels packed and you want a reset.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Oymapınar Dam Lake stop with views plus an ancient Roman bridge around 2000 years old
• 14 km boat cruise through the Green Canyon, with about two hours on the water
• Swimming break in turquoise water during the canyon section
• Lunch at a lake-side restaurant with choices like grilled chicken, meatballs, fish, plus pasta, salad, and fruit
• Soft drinks included all day on the boat, and lake activity gear is part of the day
• Some stairs at lunch, including uneven steps from the pontoon

Oymapınar Dam Lake and the Roman Bridge Stop

The day begins with hotel pickup in Side (you’ll wait at the main security gate about 10 minutes early). From there, you’re driven to Oymapınar Dam Lake for a short break before the main water time. This stop matters because it gives you context for what you’re seeing later: the canyon area isn’t just pretty, it’s managed and shaped by the dam’s role in providing water and electricity for the region.

The highlight here is the view over the dam lake and the chance to spot an ancient bridge. The bridge dates to the Roman period and is about 2000 years old. It’s the kind of detail you remember later when you look back at the cruise photos and realize this scenery sits on top of layers of time.

If you’re the type who likes a little meaning with your sightseeing, this stop is a good match. If you’re only here for a long boat ride, you’ll still appreciate it because it breaks up the transfer and makes the day feel more like an outing than a simple ride.

Cruising the Green Canyon: The 14 km Boat Ride

Once you get your first pictures, the real action starts on the boat. The cruise covers a 14 km route through the Green Canyon, and you’ll spend around two hours on the water. This is where the trip earns its reputation. The water color is described as turquoise, and the whole vibe shifts from bus-seat sightseeing to slow, drifting views.

What you’ll likely enjoy most is the pacing. You’re not constantly hopping on and off. Instead, you can relax, scan the canyon walls, and take photos without the pressure of keeping up. The boat portion also tends to be the best use of your time if your goal is a nature-focused day away from Side’s busy streets.

Swimming in emerald waters

After cruising for a couple hours, there’s a short swimming break. This is the moment that can turn a good tour into a great memory. The water is described as turquoise, and the idea is straightforward: you get time to swim surrounded by the canyon scenery. Bring swimwear if you plan to use it, and keep in mind you’ll want something practical to change into later.

One practical tip: even if you’re not a strong swimmer, you may still enjoy the water as a dip or a photo moment. Just don’t assume deep confidence is needed, because the tour data emphasizes the break as part of the relaxation plan.

Lunch by the Lake: What’s Included (and What to Expect)

After the swim, the tour continues toward lunch at a lake-side restaurant. This stop is long enough to feel like a real break, not a quick snack.

The meal selection is described clearly: barbecued chicken, meatballs, or fish, plus pasta, salad, and fruit. You’re also going to feel fed in a way that fits a day outdoors, which matters because you’ll have spent time on water and in sun.

The main drawback to watch is physical access. One review specifically pointed out that there are a lot of uneven stairs from the pontoon up to the restaurant. If that could be a problem for you, consider choosing this day with extra caution, or plan to move slowly and give yourself time.

Drinks during lunch

Soft drinks are included, and there’s also mention of unlimited drinks on the boat. For lunch itself, alcohol is not included, and one review noted that drinks are not included for lunch but were available at normal prices at the bar. So if you like having something with your meal, plan around what’s included versus what you might buy separately on-site.

Onboard Experience: Soft Drinks, Boat Staff, and Photo Stops

This is the kind of day that runs smoother when the crew keeps things easy. Reviews highlight that the boat staff were friendly and that everyone was well looked after. That matters more than it sounds. With a day split between bus transfers, a long boat portion, and lunch logistics, you want a crew that can keep the schedule calm.

Soft drinks all day on the boat

Soft drinks are included with the tour. One review noted unlimited drinks were provided on the boat, but in very small glasses. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s good to know so you’re not surprised by the serving style. If you’re the type who wants a big cup of soda, you might end up requesting multiple refills.

Coach driver photo stops

There’s also a helpful detail: the coach driver stopped at a few locations along the way for photos. That’s a nice bonus because it reduces the need to rely only on the canyon views for your best shots.

Fishing Rods, Canoes, and How to Spend Your Free Time

This trip includes fishing rods and canoes, plus the restaurant’s equipment for lake activities during your free time. That’s more than a marketing bullet. It gives you options, which is great if you’re traveling as a mixed group.

If you want a low-key day, you can simply relax by the lake and soak up the scenery. If you want something more active, grab the gear and spend your break trying something different. Even if you’re not an experienced fisherman, having the rod and time to try can be a fun, light activity.

I like that this isn’t a rigid schedule. You’re given space to choose what fits your energy level after swimming and lunch.

Guide Support and Languages: What You’ll Get

You’ll travel with a live guide, and English, Russian, German, Turkish, and Italian are available. That range is helpful if your travel group includes different language needs.

One review did note that the information about the dam and canyon felt limited, and that they ended up looking things up later. So if you’re hoping for a deep geology lecture, you might not get that from the guide alone. Still, the guided portion can help you get oriented so the stops feel purposeful rather than just pretty.

Also, there’s a real-world service detail from a review: Eric handled the booking and stayed in touch before and after. That kind of communication can reduce stress, especially when you’re trying to line up hotel pickup times.

Value for Money: Is $21 a Good Deal?

At around $21 per person, this tour can be a strong value for what you get: hotel pickup and drop-off, guiding, full insurance, soft drinks, a lunch with multiple items, and a substantial boat cruise plus swimming break.

The price makes the difference when you compare it to the cost of cobbling together transport + boat + meal separately. Here, a lot of the day is packaged into one payment, and that’s what you’re really buying: convenience and time.

What could affect value for you is your priorities. If you only care about the absolute longest boat time, you might compare it to other canyon options. But if you want a full day that includes dam views, a Roman bridge moment, swimming, lunch, and included drinks, then $21 becomes easier to justify.

Who This Green Canyon Boat Trip Is For

This tour fits best when you want a nature day with structure but not stress.

You’ll likely love it if:

• you’re staying in or near Side and want an escape from crowds
• you enjoy swimming breaks and casual scenic time
• you want soft drinks included without extra spending on the boat
• your group includes both photo-takers and people who just want to relax

You should think twice if:

• uneven stairs could be a problem for you (there are steps from the pontoon to lunch)
• you’re looking for very detailed scientific storytelling about the dam and canyon, since the guide info may feel light
• you don’t plan to use the included water time (in that case, the boat and swim may be less useful)

Booking Decision: Should You Go?

I’d book this if your goal is a straightforward day out with real scenery and a good chance to enjoy the water. The included lunch, soft drinks on the boat, and the combination of Oymapınar Dam Lake + Green Canyon cruise + swimming creates a full itinerary without demanding effort.

Skip it if you want a more “lecture-style” history tour or if mobility issues will make the pontoon-to-lunch stairs difficult. Otherwise, for the price and the simple flow of the day, it’s one of the more sensible nature choices around Side.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Side Green Canyon Boat Trip?

The trip duration is listed as 4 to 9 hours, depending on starting times. Check availability to see the exact pickup and departure schedule.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is listed at $21 per person.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

What languages are the live guides available in?

The live tour guide is available in English, Russian, German, Turkish, and Italian.

What is included in the tour price?

Included items are hotel pickup and drop-off, fishing rods and canoes, guiding service, full insurance, soft drinks, and lunch.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Will I have time to swim?

Yes. After about two hours of cruising, the plan includes a short swimming break.

What do you get for lunch?

Lunch at the lake-side restaurant includes barbecued chicken, meatballs, or fish, along with pasta, salad, and fruit.

Where should you wait for pickup?

You should wait at the main security gate of your hotel about 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

Is there any physical difficulty to be aware of?

There can be uneven stairs from the pontoon to the restaurant, so mobility can be a consideration.