City of Side: Green Canyon Boat Trip w/Unlimited Soft Drinks

That emerald water makes the whole trip feel worth it. This is a smooth day out of Side that pairs Green Canyon cruising with a stop at Oymapınar Dam Lake, plus a lunch break that’s better than you’d expect. I like that the pace is relaxed and picture-friendly, and I also like having soft drinks included all day. The one catch to flag: the informational stops are light, so if you love deep geology history, you may end up filling in gaps yourself.

I’d call this a great value nature day when you want views and swimming without the headache of planning. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a live guide, and a boat setup that leaves room to just sit back and take it in. One more thing: you’ll be sharing the water with other groups sometimes, so don’t expect a private boat.

Key highlights to look for

• Oymapınar Dam Lake break plus a look at an ancient Roman-era bridge
• 14 km Green Canyon cruise with time to relax and snap photos
• Swimming time in turquoise water, not just sightseeing
• Lunch by the lake with a set menu (barbecued chicken, meatballs, or fish)
• Fishing rods and canoes included for lake-side activities
• On-board soft drinks included all day, with alcohol sold separately

Why this Green Canyon boat trip beats a long day in Side

Side is charming, but it can get busy. This trip lets you trade the beach crowds for water, canyon walls, and a slower rhythm. The payoff is in the mix: you’re not only on a boat for the views—you also get a dam-lake stop and a proper swim break.

I also like how the day is built for different moods. Some people want quiet time on the water and photos. Others want to get active with lake activities. The tour gives you options without forcing a packed schedule.

The value part is simple. You’re paying for transportation, a guided day out of Side, time on a scenic route, lunch, and soft drinks. That’s a lot to pack into a roughly half-to-full day, especially when you’re starting from a hotel.

Hotel pickup, the drive, and the Oymapınar Dam Lake stop

The day starts with hotel pickup on comfortable, modern vehicles. You’ll head toward the first big moment of the day: Oymapınar Dam Lake. There’s a short break there, not enough to turn it into a stand-alone excursion, but enough to stretch legs, take photos, and reset before the boat part.

Here’s what makes that stop meaningful: the Oymapınar Dam area is known for dramatic scenery, and you can also spot an ancient bridge from the Roman Period, said to be about 2,000 years old. It adds context to the region beyond the water views. You’re seeing how this part of Turkey connects past infrastructure to present-day use of the dam.

A practical tip: wear shoes that handle uneven surfaces. One review specifically called out uneven stairs near the lunch restaurant area, and that’s something you should plan for even if you’re not thinking about it yet.

Also, keep an eye on your guide’s English and the group’s mix. The trip uses live guides in English, Russian, German, Turkish, and Italian, and that helps a lot. Still, some groups combine different language needs on the water, so expect the information to be clear but not super deep.

The 14 km Green Canyon cruise: where the magic happens

Once you’re back on the boat, the main event begins: a cruise through Green Canyon. The route is about 14 km, and there’s a stretch of time on the water—around two hours cruising—built for exactly what you think it’s for. Sit, look, and take photos without someone rushing you every five minutes.

What you’re seeing is the canyon’s waterway shaped by the surrounding walls, plus the way the light plays across the surface. The water color gets described as emerald and turquoise, and the point is not just pretty photos—it’s the feeling of being away from noise and traffic.

This is also a good segment for people who don’t want to be in constant motion. If you’re traveling with someone who gets tired easily, the boat portion is often the easiest part of the day: you can just watch the scenery pass by and enjoy the ride.

One small consideration: this is a shared trip, and at least one review noted the boat was shared with another coach. So while the experience stays smooth, don’t assume you’ll have a totally empty boat or private photo spots.

Swimming break in the turquoise water

After you’ve had some cruising time and you’ve had a chance to take photos, the schedule shifts to fun mode: a short swimming break. This is one of the best reasons to pick this tour over a purely land-based outing.

The water is described as turquoise, and that’s believable once you’re out there. It’s not “jump in for five seconds” energy. It’s enough time to feel like you actually did something, cooled off, and recharged.

If you want the swim break to be more enjoyable, bring swimwear you can handle and plan for sun exposure. The tour doesn’t mention what facilities are on site, so treat this as a classic boat-day swim: quick in, quick out, and then back to the day.

Lunch by the lake: what you get and why it matters

After swimming, you continue on to the lunch stop at a lake-side restaurant, where you get a longer break. The lunch setup is straightforward and typical of group travel—but it’s also where the reviews show the biggest positive surprise: the food is described as better than expected.

Menu options include:

• barbecued chicken
• meatballs
• fish

Plus pasta, salad, and fruit.

Here’s the practical part. This is not a gourmet restaurant meal, but it’s filling and easy. You’re not spending time hunting down lunch when you could be out on the water. And because it’s served during a scheduled break, it keeps the day from dragging.

Again, consider mobility. One review noted there are uneven stairs from the pontoon area up to the restaurant. If you have trouble with stairs, plan for slower movement and have someone help if needed.

About drinks: alcohol is not included, but soft drinks are part of the tour. One detail worth knowing is that unlimited soft drinks on the boat are served in small glasses, so you might feel like you’re ordering more often than you expected. It’s not a deal-breaker, just manage your expectations.

Fishing rods and canoes: the fun add-ons you’ll actually use

One reason this trip feels different from a basic boat tour is that it includes fishing rods and canoes. That means the lunch/lake break isn’t only about eating and photos. If you feel like trying something on the water, you have the gear and the chance.

Not everyone will use these items. Still, having them included gives the day flexibility. It’s the kind of small extra that turns a good trip into a memorable one—especially if you’re traveling with kids, a friend who loves fishing, or anyone who likes trying local-style activities.

Because details about how long you have with the gear aren’t spelled out, I’d treat it as “available during the lake time” rather than a guaranteed set activity you’ll be timed for.

Guides, languages, and the kind of information you’ll get

The trip has a live tour guide, with languages listed as English, Russian, German, Turkish, and Italian. That’s a strong point for comfort, since the narration matters more on a scenic day than you’d think.

One review highlighted how efficient booking contact was, mentioning a staff member named Eric who stayed in touch before and after. While that’s a different part of the experience than the on-site guide, it still matters: when communication is solid, the day feels less stressful.

On the content side, here’s the honest balance. The trip description and ride stops include meaningful sights like the Roman-era bridge near Oymapınar Dam Lake and the canyon route itself. But the information you get can be limited. In plain terms: you’ll come away with the main story, not a full lecture. If you’re the type who loves names, dates, and theories about how canyons form, you might end up doing a bit of your own reading later.

Price and value: is $21 really a good deal?

At $21 per person, this is one of those day trips that feels priced for real-world budget travelers. You’re getting hotel pickup and drop-off, guiding service, boat time (including a swimming break), lunch, and soft drinks.

Let’s break down the value:

• Boat + scenic cruising + swimming time costs money on its own in most Mediterranean areas.
• Lunch on a day trip adds up fast if you’re buying it independently.
• Transport from Side turns it into a low-effort plan. No buses to figure out. No taxi math.

The trade-off is that some components are packaged for group efficiency rather than deep storytelling. You’re paying for the experience and time on the water, not for an academic-level guided program.

If your top goal is scenery, a swim break, and a relaxing day away from crowds, $21 can feel like a win.

Who should book this, and who should think twice

This works best if you want a classic Turkey coast nature day with water views and minimal stress. It’s a smart pick for:

• couples who want a scenic break from Side’s busier areas
• families who like the water and the idea of optional activity with included gear
• solo travelers who appreciate an organized day with live guidance
• anyone who prefers relaxed pacing over constant sightseeing

It’s less ideal if:

• you want highly detailed explanations about the dam/canyon beyond what’s covered on the day
• you have mobility issues, since the restaurant area includes uneven stairs
• you’re expecting a totally private experience, since the boat can be shared

Also note the tour isn’t suitable for people over 95 years. That’s an important constraint to plan around.

Should you book the Side Green Canyon Boat Trip?

If your idea of a great vacation day includes time on emerald-green water, a real swimming break, and a simple, included lunch, I’d say book it. The value is strong, the pace is relaxed, and the day is built around the sights rather than a long checklist of stops.

If you’re hoping for deep, ongoing narration and lots of extra time at each location, you may find the information level a bit light. Still, for most people, the water and the cruise time do the heavy lifting.

My final take: this is the kind of tour you choose when you want your day to feel easy. Pickup gets you moving. The boat gets you out of the crowds. And lunch keeps you fueled for the ride back.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Green Canyon boat trip from Side?

The duration is listed as 4 to 9 hours. Exact starting times vary, so check availability for the departures that fit your day.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guided service, full insurance, soft drinks, lunch, and fishing rods and canoes.

Is lunch included, and what do you eat?

Lunch is included and served at a lake-side restaurant. The menu includes barbecued chicken, meatballs, or fish, along with pasta, salad, and fruit.

Are soft drinks included, and are alcoholic drinks part of the trip?

Soft drinks are included. Alcoholic drinks are not included, and you’ll be able to buy them separately.

Do I need to bring anything for the swimming break?

The tour includes a swimming break, but nothing specific is listed for swimming equipment. Bring appropriate swimwear and plan for sun and water time.

Where do I meet for pickup?

Pickup is from your hotel, and if pickup is optional you should wait at the main security gate of your hotel about 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

What languages are available for the live guide?

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

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.