Side-Turkey.

If you only have one day to spend inland from Side, this is the combination I recommend most: a calm boat cruise on the emerald lake known as Green Canyon, paired with a stop at the wide, thundering Manavgat Waterfall. Both sit on the same river, the Manavgat, and both are an easy drive from the coast — so you get mountain scenery, cool water and a proper break from the beach without a long journey. Here is what these places actually are, and how a full day fits together.

What Green Canyon really is

Green Canyon (Yesil Kanyon) is not a dry gorge you walk through — it is the reservoir of the Oymapinar Dam, an arch dam completed in 1984 on the Manavgat River, sitting roughly 23 km upstream of Manavgat town and about 40 km east of Antalya. The dam wall rises around 185 metres, and behind it the river backs up into a long, deep lake that winds between steep, pine-covered slopes of the Taurus mountains. The water takes on a striking green-to-turquoise colour from the surrounding forest and the depth, which is exactly where the name comes from.

Because the lake is fed by mountain springs and shaded by canyon walls, it stays remarkably cool and calm even in high summer. That makes it ideal for an unhurried boat cruise: no waves, no open-sea swell, just glassy water reflecting the cliffs. Along the shoreline you can still spot remnants of ancient Roman water channels in places — a reminder that people have been moving this river's water for two thousand years.

The lake cruise

The day centres on a relaxed boat trip across the reservoir. Boats glide deep into the narrow arms of the canyon where the walls close in, then pause at quiet spots for a swim in the cool, clean lake water. It is a slow, scenic experience rather than a thrill ride — bring a swimsuit, sunglasses and a camera. The golden light late in the day, when the cliffs glow above the still water, is the moment most people remember.

Adding the Manavgat Waterfall

Downstream, where the Manavgat River runs near the coast, sits the Manavgat Waterfall — about 3 km north of Manavgat town and an easy hop from Side. It is not a tall, single drop; instead the whole river spreads out and pours powerfully over a low, wide rock shelf, throwing up white foam and a cooling mist. Shady tea gardens line the banks, so it is a pleasant place to sit with a glass of cay and watch the water. There is an entrance fee to the waterfall area; the current amount is best checked on site or confirmed at booking, as it can change.

Pairing the two works well because they show the same river in two completely different moods: tamed and mirror-still behind the dam, then wild and roaring as it nears the sea.

Don't confuse it with Koprulu Canyon

One thing worth clearing up: Green Canyon is a calm lake for boat trips. It is NOT the same as Koprulu Canyon, which is a separate national park (protected since 1973) on a different river, the Koprucay, around 60 km north of Manavgat. Koprulu Canyon is famous for white-water rafting — a very different, much more active day out. If you want the gentle, scenic option, Green Canyon is the one.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Full day — exact times confirmed at booking
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking
• Includes: Hotel transfers, boat cruise on the Green Canyon lake, swim stops, guide
• Excludes: Personal spending, Manavgat Waterfall entrance fee (where applicable), optional extras — confirmed at booking
• Family Friendly: Yes — calm water suits families and most ages
• Best Season: Spring to early autumn, when the river runs strong and the weather is warm
• Difficulty: Easy and relaxed — no special fitness required

Related Excursions

• Tours & excursions from Side
• Things to do in Antalya
• Day trips from Alanya
• Excursions from Belek
• Tours from Kemer
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Green Canyon a hiking canyon or a lake?

It is a lake — the reservoir of the Oymapinar Dam on the Manavgat River. You explore it by boat, not on foot.

How was Green Canyon formed?

The Oymapinar Dam, an arch dam completed in 1984, holds back the Manavgat River. The water collected behind it forms the long, deep, green-coloured lake among the Taurus mountains.

Can you swim in the lake?

Yes, the cruise usually pauses at calm spots for a swim. The water is clean and notably cool, even in summer.

Is this the same as Koprulu Canyon rafting?

No. Koprulu Canyon is a separate national park on the Koprucay River, known for white-water rafting. Green Canyon is a calm lake for gentle boat cruising.

Is the trip suitable for children and older travellers?

Yes. The lake is sheltered and calm, so the boat ride is smooth and comfortable for most ages.

Where does pick-up start from?

We arrange hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts. The exact pick-up time is confirmed when you book.

Is there an entrance fee at the Manavgat Waterfall?

The waterfall area charges an entrance fee. As amounts can change, please check on site or confirm the current details when you book.

What should I bring?

A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera. Light layers are useful as the canyon air can feel cooler than the coast.

Ready to go? Book this day trip direct with the Murat Atalay team — message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. Booking direct means no agency or OTA commission, our best-price guarantee, and honest local advice straight from the people running the tour.