Side-Turkey.

Green Canyon is one of those places that looks almost unreal the first time you see it: a long, still ribbon of emerald water winding between steep, pine-covered slopes of the Taurus mountains. The good news is that it sits close to the main resort towns of the Turkish Riviera, so reaching it from Side, Manavgat or Antalya is genuinely easy. Below is a clear, honest guide to what Green Canyon actually is and how to get there without stress.

What Green Canyon Really Is

Green Canyon (in Turkish, Yeşil Kanyon) is not a separate river or a hidden gorge with its own name on the map. It is the reservoir lake formed behind the Oymapınar Dam, an arch dam standing 185 metres high that was completed in 1984 on the Manavgat River. When the dam filled the valley, it drowned the old canyon and created the calm, deep-green lake you see today, hemmed in by limestone cliffs and forest. The unusually clear, mineral-rich water of the Manavgat River is what gives the lake its famous emerald colour.

One thing worth clearing up: Green Canyon is not the same as Köprülü Canyon. Köprülü Canyon National Park lies on the separate Köprü River and is Türkiye's most popular spot for white-water rafting. Green Canyon, by contrast, is a calm lake for gentle boat cruising and swimming — no rapids, no adrenaline required.

Where It Is and How Far

The Oymapınar Dam lake sits in the Oymapınar area of Manavgat district, roughly 23 km upstream from Manavgat town and around 40 km east of Antalya city, tucked into the foothills of the Taurus mountains. For exact driving distances and times from your specific hotel, it's best to confirm at booking, since traffic and resort location change the picture.

From Side

Side is the closest of the big resort areas. The lake lies just inland, north of Manavgat, so the transfer is short and scenic — you leave the coast behind and climb gently into green hills.

From Manavgat

Manavgat is the gateway town for the whole area. From here you are very near the dam, and the drive up to the boarding point follows the river valley.

From Antalya, Belek, Kemer and Alanya

From Antalya and Belek to the west, or Alanya to the east, the journey is longer but still comfortable as a full-day outing. A hotel pick-up handles all the navigation for you, so you simply enjoy the ride.

The Easiest Way: A Lake Boat Excursion

By far the simplest way to experience Green Canyon is on a full-day boat excursion with hotel pick-up. You're collected from your hotel, driven to the boarding point on the Oymapınar lake, and then cruise the still water between the cliffs, usually with stops for swimming in the cool, clean lake. Because the water is calm and there are no rapids, it suits families, couples and older travellers alike. Driving yourself is possible, but a guided excursion removes the parking, boat-booking and timing headaches entirely.

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 transfer and the lake boat cruise on the Oymapınar reservoir (full inclusions confirmed at booking).
• Excludes: Personal spending and any optional extras (confirmed at booking).
• Family Friendly: Yes — calm lake, gentle cruising, swimming stops.
• Best Season: Spring through autumn, when the weather is warm and swimming is most enjoyable.
• Difficulty: Easy — relaxed and low-effort, suitable for most ages.

Related Excursions

• Tours & excursions from Side
• Things to do in Antalya
• Excursions from 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 calm lake behind the Oymapınar Dam on the Manavgat River. Köprülü Canyon is a separate national park on the Köprü River, known for white-water rafting.

How was Green Canyon formed?

It was created when the Oymapınar Dam, completed in 1984, flooded the Manavgat River valley, forming a deep reservoir lake between the cliffs.

How far is Green Canyon from Antalya?

The Oymapınar Dam lake sits around 40 km east of Antalya, in Manavgat district. For exact times from your hotel, confirm at booking.

Can you swim in Green Canyon?

Boat excursions on the lake typically include swimming stops in the clear, cool water. Specifics are confirmed at booking.

Is it suitable for children and older travellers?

Yes. The lake is calm with no rapids, so the cruise is gentle and family-friendly.

Do you offer hotel pick-up?

Yes — we arrange hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts. The exact pick-up time is confirmed at booking.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, a towel, sun protection and a light cover-up are sensible. Check the final details when you book.

Ready to see the emerald water for yourself? Book your Green Canyon excursion direct with the Murat Atalay team — message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. Booking direct means no agency commission, our best-price guarantee, and a local team that knows the lake. We'll confirm your hotel pick-up time and answer any questions before you go.