Side-Turkey.

If you are searching for what is included in Green Canyon excursions, you have come to the right place. Green Canyon excursions take you onto the calm, emerald-green water of the Oymapınar Dam reservoir, deep in the pine-covered mountains behind Manavgat. As a direct local operator, we want you to know exactly what is in the package before you board the boat.

What Green Canyon Excursions Actually Include

Almost every Green Canyon excursion from the Side and Manavgat area is built around the same core: round-trip hotel transfer, a cruise on the dam lake aboard a wide, shaded catamaran-style boat, several swimming stops in the cool spring-fed water, and a sit-down lunch served on board or at a lakeside restaurant. Because the canyon water comes from underground springs, it stays strikingly green and refreshingly cold even in high summer.

On-board comforts and stops

The boat usually has shaded seating, a sun deck, toilets and a small bar for drinks. You typically glide past the towering Oymapınar Dam wall, pause at quiet coves for swimming, and stop for photos where the cliffs squeeze the water into a narrow gorge. Some operators add a short visit to a trout farm or a fish restaurant terrace.

What is normally NOT included

Drinks at the on-board bar, ice cream, optional photo packages and personal tips are generally extra. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen and water shoes, since the rocky edges can be sharp. Lunch is included, but soft drinks and alcohol at the table usually are not.

Who Green Canyon Excursions Suit Best — and What Affects the Price

This is one of the calmest, most relaxed excursions on the Turkish Riviera, which makes it ideal for families, couples and anyone who prefers scenery and swimming over adrenaline. There is no white-water, no climbing and very little walking, so grandparents and small children fit in easily.

How to get the best value

The biggest factor in what you pay is the booking channel. When you book through hotel desks, agencies or online travel platforms, a commission is added on top of the real local price. Booking DIRECT with our Murat Atalay team removes that middle layer entirely, and we back it with a best-price guarantee. Travelling mid-week and outside the July–August peak also tends to mean smaller groups and a calmer boat.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Approximately 6–7 hours including transfers
• Pick-up Time: Around 09:00–09:30 from your hotel
• Drop-off Time: Late afternoon, roughly 16:30–17:30
• Includes: Hotel transfer, boat cruise, lunch, swimming stops, guide
• Excludes: Drinks, ice cream, optional photos, personal tips
• Family Friendly: Yes — very relaxed and safe
• Recommended Age: All ages; great for children and seniors
• Best Season: April to October
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Related Excursions

• Side excursions
• Antalya excursions
• Alanya excursions
• Belek excursions
• Kemer excursions
• More travel guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel transfer included in Green Canyon excursions?

Yes. Round-trip transfer from hotels in Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts is included. We confirm your exact pick-up time the evening before.

Is lunch part of the Green Canyon excursion?

Yes, a full lunch is included, usually featuring grilled chicken or local trout with salads and bread. Drinks at the table are typically extra.

Are Green Canyon excursions suitable for children?

Absolutely. The boat is stable, the swimming areas are calm, and there is no strenuous activity, so it is one of the most child-friendly tours in the region.

Can I pay on the day of the excursion?

Yes. You can reserve in advance with no upfront payment and settle with our representative on the day, in cash or as agreed when booking.

Should I book Green Canyon excursions in advance?

We recommend it, especially in peak summer, so we can guarantee a seat and the best pick-up timing for your hotel. Booking direct also locks in our best price.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Green Canyon is sheltered by mountains and runs in most conditions, but if a trip is cancelled for safety we offer a free reschedule or a full refund.

Can I swim in the Green Canyon water?

Yes. There are dedicated swimming stops in clean, spring-fed water. It is cold and refreshing, so water shoes and a towel are handy.

Why is the water so green?

The reservoir is fed by cold underground springs and surrounded by limestone and pine forest, which gives the water its vivid emerald colour.

Ready to glide through the emerald gorge? Book your Green Canyon excursion DIRECT with the local Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. You get no-agency-commission pricing, our best-price guarantee and instant confirmation. We will sort your hotel pick-up and make sure your day on the lake is effortless.