Green Canyon Boat Trip with Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

The main draw here is simple: you spend a full day on the green waters of Oymapınar Dam, surrounded by steep, quiet hills and open sky. The boat ride includes swim stops, a short fishing session, lunch, and plenty of time to sit back and watch the scenery pass.

I like the easy hotel pickup and drop-off, which removes the need to arrange transport to a remote lake. I also like the practical all-in-one format: lunch, guiding, and listed drinks are included for $45 per person. The main drawback is that the boat and lunch area can feel crowded, with long pauses and a route that may not travel as far into the lake as you expect.

Key Points at a Glance

• Oymapınar Dam photo stop: Start with a scenic viewpoint before reaching the lake.
• Two hours on the boat: Enjoy Green Canyon views, a swim stop, and a calm ride through the water.
• Lunch by Green Lake: Choose meatballs, chicken, or fish with rice and salad.
• Drinks included: Tea, coffee, mineral water, and soft drinks are available during the day.
• Fishing and another swim: The afternoon adds a leisurely fishing stop and a second chance to swim.
• Small-to-medium group size: The maximum is 25 people, though the boat may still feel busy.

A Nine-Hour Escape From Antalya

This is a long day, but not a rushed one. Pickup begins around 8:30 a.m. at your hotel security gate, followed by the journey toward Oymapınar Dam and Green Canyon.

The schedule allows roughly two hours at the first dam and canyon sections, one hour for lunch, another two hours around the lake, and about two hours for the final return. The exact feel of the day depends on road traffic, pickup order, and how long the boat pauses.

You should think of this as a nature outing rather than a sightseeing tour packed with monuments. The reward is time outdoors, fresh air, water views, and a slower rhythm. If you want a list of major attractions, this may feel light. If you want a break from hotel pools and town streets, it makes good sense.

The group limit is 25 people. That is more manageable than a very large coach excursion, but it does not guarantee a quiet boat. One part of the experience can feel busy, especially around seating and lunch.

The Oymapınar Dam Photo Stop

The first scenic stop is at Oymapınar Dam. You get time for photos before continuing to Green Canyon, and this is a useful opening pause after the road journey.

The dam gives you a first look at the setting from above or beside the water. The contrast between the broad reservoir and the surrounding hills helps explain why the boat trip is the center of the day. Bring your camera, but also take a moment to simply look around. This is one of those stops where the view matters more than the activity.

There is no separate admission charge listed for this stop. The time is part of the tour, not an optional add-on.

One practical point: the tour description refers to pickup from Antalya and later mentions drop-off in Side. Since hotel pickup areas can affect the length of the drive, check your exact pickup location before booking. A departure from Alanya, for example, can mean a notably long road journey, while the time may be more reasonable from other coastal areas.

Green Canyon by Boat

At Green Canyon, you board the boat for the main scenic section. The water, described as turquoise, is the star of the outing. From the deck, you can watch the rocky hills and quiet coves pass at an easy pace.

The first boat section lasts about two hours. It includes a swim stop, so pack a swimsuit and towel if you plan to get in the water. A towel is not listed among the inclusions, and the lake water can feel cold, even on a warm day.

This is a good setting for families because the day offers more than one way to have fun. Children can swim, watch the views, and later try fishing. Adults who prefer not to swim can stay on board and enjoy the scenery, though seating may be limited at busy times.

The boat ride is scenic, but you should keep your expectations realistic. This is not a private cruise. The boat may fill up, and the route may include long stationary stops. If your ideal lake trip means covering a great distance and seeing every corner of the canyon, you might find the route too short.

I would choose your seat early if possible. A prebooked group was able to get good seats on one departure, and staff member Yusuf was singled out for being helpful. Seating arrangements can vary, but arriving promptly at each boarding point gives you the best chance of finding a comfortable spot.

Lunch at Green Lake

After the first boat trip, you stop for lunch near Green Lake. The meal includes a choice of meatballs, chicken, or fish, served with rice and salad.

This is straightforward excursion food, not a destination meal. The menu gives you a few familiar choices, which is useful for families and for people who do not want to gamble on an unfamiliar dish. Drinks listed during the day include tea, coffee, mineral water, and various soft drinks.

The included food helps the $45 price feel fair. A full day with transport, a boat ride, guiding, lunch, and drinks can otherwise become more expensive once you add meals and refreshments. Still, do not book this for gourmet dining. The food is best viewed as a convenient refueling stop.

Lunch organization is one area where you should stay flexible. The seating can feel uncomfortable when the boat and restaurant are busy. If you have mobility concerns or need a particular type of seating, ask the operator in advance, since no detailed accessibility information is provided.

You may also want to carry a small personal budget for anything extra. Personal spending is not included, and the tour only promises the listed meal and drinks.

Fishing, Then a Second Swim

After lunch, the pace becomes even slower. You have time for casual fishing on the lake before the final two-hour boat ride back toward the bus.

The fishing is best treated as a simple holiday activity rather than a serious angling trip. It gives children and adults something to do during the quieter part of the day, and it breaks up the sightseeing. No equipment details are provided, so ask the guide what is supplied if fishing is important to you.

The return boat trip includes another swim stop. This is a useful feature because you are not limited to one brief chance in the water. If you skip the first swim, you may have another opportunity later, though the precise timing depends on the day’s operation and weather.

The swim stops were a strong part of the experience for families, with enough time for children to enjoy the water without making the whole day feel like a race. Still, remember that this is a lake outing, not a supervised water park. Keep an eye on children and bring the basics you need for changing and drying off.

How the Transport Affects the Day

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Pickup is scheduled for around 8:30 a.m., and you should wait at the hotel security gate rather than inside the property unless the operator tells you otherwise.

Transport is a major part of the value here. Green Canyon is not simply a quick walk from the main resort areas, so having the drive arranged saves planning time. It also means you can relax after the boat ride instead of worrying about navigation.

The tradeoff is the total length of the day. The tour is advertised at about nine hours, but the road journey can feel longer if your hotel is far from the main route or if several pickups are needed. A ride from Alanya has been described as long, although the scenery and the lake made the overall outing worthwhile.

The final drop-off information refers to hotels in Side, while the main location is given as Antalya. That wording is worth clarifying before you pay. Ask the provider, Excursionbazaar.com, to confirm that your hotel is inside the pickup zone and to give you the expected return area.

Is $45 a Fair Price?

At $45 per person, this tour offers solid value if you want a full day with the main costs bundled together.

The price includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Guiding service
• Boat transportation
• Lunch
• Listed drinks, including soft drinks, tea, coffee, and mineral water

You are paying for convenience as much as for the boat ride. Organizing a private transfer, lake cruise, lunch, and return journey separately would require more effort and could cost more. The group size of up to 25 also keeps this from being a huge mass excursion, although the boat can still feel crowded.

The value is weaker if you dislike group tours, long road transfers, or set meal stops. You may prefer a private boat or a shorter, more flexible lake visit if you want to control the route and timing.

For families, couples, and small groups looking for an affordable day outside the resort, the package is sensible. The included drinks are especially handy in warm weather, but personal purchases remain your responsibility.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

I would recommend this trip to you if you like:

• Calm boat rides and mountain water views
• Swimming in natural water
• Simple family activities
• A full day with transport already arranged
• A fixed lunch and included drinks
• Light fishing rather than serious outdoor sport

Families are a natural fit because the day changes pace several times. The boat ride, swim stops, lunch, and fishing keep the outing from becoming monotonous.

It also suits anyone who wants a quiet nature break. The atmosphere is more relaxed than an action-heavy excursion, and you do not need advanced fitness for the activities described.

You may want to skip it if you need a spacious, quiet boat, dislike waiting during long stops, or expect to travel deep into every section of the canyon. The route is scenic, but the experience is shared and structured.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer for the boat. The water may feel cold, and towels are not included.

Wear shoes that are easy to remove if you plan to swim. Keep your phone and camera protected from splashes, and carry only what you need on the boat.

Arrive at the hotel security gate before the 8:30 a.m. pickup time. If you are staying outside the main Antalya or Side area, confirm the pickup point and likely drive time before booking.

If seating matters to you, board promptly and ask the staff for help. Yusuf was praised for being helpful on one trip, so do not hesitate to speak up if you need assistance finding a seat or understanding the schedule.

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For your own cancellation, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Should You Book the Green Canyon Boat Trip?

Book it if you want an affordable, easygoing day on the water with lunch, drinks, two swim opportunities, and hotel transport. The scenery and relaxed pace are the strongest reasons to go, and the format works particularly well for families.

Think twice if you want a private cruise, a quiet boat, restaurant-quality food, or a long route through the canyon. Crowding, seating, and extended stops can affect the day.

For most people, the choice comes down to expectations. Treat this as a comfortable group outing to a beautiful lake, not as an exclusive expedition. Pack a towel, confirm your pickup area, and allow for a long day. With those points in mind, $45 is a reasonable price for a full outdoor escape from the coast.

FAQ

What is included in the Green Canyon boat trip?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, guiding service, the boat trip, lunch, and listed drinks. Personal spending is not included.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $45 per person.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately nine hours.

What time does pickup begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m. Pickup is from the hotel security gate.

What food is served at lunch?

You can choose meatballs, chicken, or fish. Each option is served with rice and salad.

What drinks are available?

The listed drinks include tea, coffee, mineral water, and various soft drinks. Unlimited soft drinks are included.

Is swimming part of the tour?

Yes. The boat itinerary includes a swim stop during the first Green Canyon section and another swim stop during the return boat ride.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the tour is canceled because of poor weather.