Green Canyon Boat Cruise from Belek

Trade the coast for a cool freshwater reservoir behind the Oymapınar Dam: an emerald-water cruise between pine-clad cliffs, with swim stops and a grilled lunch on deck.

Some places feel worlds away from the beach, even when they're only a short drive from it. Your day starts with an air-conditioned pickup from your Belek hotel, then a gentle climb inland past citrus groves and pine forest toward Manavgat and the foothills of the Taurus Mountains.

Waiting for you is the Oymapinar reservoir, a long ribbon of deep emerald water that gives Green Canyon its name. As your boat glides out, steep pine-clad cliffs rise straight from the surface and the whole world falls quiet, save for birdsong and the water lapping against the hull.

The captain anchors in sheltered turquoise coves where you can dive off the deck into water so cool and clear it feels like a different season. Between swims, stretch out on the open sundeck and let the mountain air do its work.

Around midday a freshly grilled lunch is served on board, unhurried and with the scenery drifting past. After more time to swim and sunbathe, the boat returns to the jetty and your driver brings you back to Belek, relaxed and sun-kissed. It's the calm, scenic day that every coastal holiday deserves.