Side-Turkey.

Few places on the Turkish Riviera reward a camera quite like Green Canyon (Yeşil Kanyon). It isn't a dry gorge but the deep, mirror-still reservoir of the Oymapınar Dam, set among the pine-clad ridges of the Taurus mountains just inland from Manavgat. The water here glows a strange bottle-green, the cliffs drop straight into it, and on a calm morning the whole lake turns into one enormous reflection. If you love light and landscape, this guide will help you come home with photos you'll actually want to print.

What you are actually photographing

The lake was created when the Oymapınar Dam — a concrete arch dam roughly 185 metres tall — was built on the Manavgat River. Construction ran from the late 1970s to 1984, and the dam was raised mainly to generate hydroelectric power (long associated with the Seydişehir aluminium works), with the State Water Works (DSİ) behind the project. Knowing this changes how you shoot it: the steep, almost sheer walls you'll frame from the boat are flooded valley sides, which is why the canyon feels so narrow and the reflections so clean. The colour comes from depth and mineral content, not a filter — though a polarizer helps you control it.

One important note for planning: Green Canyon is not Köprülü Canyon. Köprülü Kanyon is a separate national park on the Köprü River, famous for white-water rafting. Green Canyon is a calm lake for cruising, swimming and, above all, photography. Don't confuse the two when you pack your gear.

Best viewpoints from the boat

Most of your shooting happens from the deck, so position matters more than focal length.

The narrows

As the boat threads the tightest sections, the cliffs close in and the water stills. Shoot wide here and include a sliver of sky for scale; the symmetry of rock-and-reflection is the signature Green Canyon frame.

The open basins

Where the lake widens, you get layered ridgelines fading into haze — ideal for a longer lens and a compressed, painterly look. Watch for a lone fishing skiff or another tour boat to give the vastness a sense of scale.

The swim-and-rest stops

When the boat moors for a swimming break, step back from the crowd and shoot the vessel itself against the green water, or get low near the surface for reflection shots. These quieter moments often produce the best people-and-place images.

Working the golden hour

Because the canyon walls are high, direct sun reaches the water for a shorter window than out on the coast — that is a gift for photographers. Early light skims the upper ridges and leaves the lower water in cool shadow, giving you that classic warm-rim, cool-base contrast. Late afternoon does the reverse, with long golden rays raking across the pines. The flat, glassy water is usually best early, before the day's boat traffic and breeze ruffle the surface. A polarizing filter is the single most useful thing you can bring: rotate it to cut glare and reveal the green, or back it off to keep the mirror reflections. Bring a lens cloth — spray and humidity are constant near the water.

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: Round-trip hotel transfer and the lake boat cruise (meal and stops as described at booking).
• Excludes: Personal photography gear, drinks not specified, gratuities, and any optional extras.
• Family Friendly: Yes — calm water and gentle pace suit children and grandparents alike.
• Best Season: Spring through autumn for warm, settled light; early starts give the calmest water.
• Difficulty: Easy — a relaxed cruise with optional swimming; no hiking required.

Related Excursions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Green Canyon the same as Köprülü Canyon?

No. Green Canyon is the lake formed by the Oymapınar Dam on the Manavgat River — calm and ideal for cruising and photography. Köprülü Canyon is a separate national park on the Köprü River, known for rafting.

What created the lake?

The Oymapınar Dam, a concrete arch dam on the Manavgat River completed in 1984, mainly for hydroelectric power. The flooded valley behind it is what we now cruise.

When is the best light for photos?

Early morning gives the stillest, most reflective water; late afternoon brings warm golden rays across the pines. The tall cliffs shade parts of the lake, creating lovely contrast.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes, the excursion typically includes a swimming break at a calm stop. Confirm the exact programme at booking.

Is it suitable for families and older travellers?

Very much so. The lake is calm, the boat is stable, and the pace is relaxed, making it comfortable for all ages.

What camera gear should I bring?

A polarizing filter, a wide lens for the narrows, a longer lens for the open basins, and a cloth for spray. A phone with a good camera also does well in this light.

What time is the pick-up?

Pick-up is from your hotel in Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts; the exact time is confirmed at booking.

How much does it cost?

Pricing depends on season and group size. Booking direct with us removes agency commission and comes with our best-price guarantee — message us for a quote.

Ready to shoot Green Canyon in its best light? Book direct with the Murat Atalay team — no agency or OTA commission, just our best-price guarantee. Message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com and we'll arrange your hotel pick-up and the calmest morning slot.