REVIEW · SIDE
City of Side: Jeep Safari & Green Lake Boat Trip with Lunch
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Spass Tour · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Green Canyon and Green Lake in one day sounds good.
This trip turns the drive into the show, with an off-road Jeep safari convoy through the Taurus Mountains, photo stops, and water-in-your-hair fun. I like how the day is paced like a mix of sightseeing and playground energy, especially with the host vibe (many teams go by Johnny Cash) and the music on the move. You’ll be seeing Green Canyon, stopping by ancient Roman aqueducts, and finishing with a lake swim option.
What I really like is the combination of skilled driving and real scenery. The off-road portions feel like controlled chaos, and the guides emphasize safety while still giving you that proper bumpy, fast ride you came for.
The second big win is the lunch and lake timing: you eat near the water at Green Lake Restaurant, then swap back to movement with a boat cruise and swimming during the day’s flow.
One thing to think about: this is loud, dusty, and occasionally wet. If you hate getting splattered (there are water fights) or you’re sensitive to cramped seating, you’ll want to plan your expectations and pack smart.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll care about
- Why This Side Jeep Safari Feels Like a Full Day Off-Road Party
- Pickup in Side, Safety Briefing, and How Jeep Seating Works
- Taurus Mountains, Roman Aqueducts, and Photo Stops on the Route
- Green Canyon and Oymapınar Dam Views You Can Actually Enjoy
- Old Mosque Stop, Green Lake Restaurant Lunch, and Swim Timing
- Green Lake Boat Cruise: Music, Swimming Options, and a Real Break
- Manavgat Waterfalls Stop and the Final Return to Side
- Price and Value: What About $19 Gets You
- Tips to Pack: Dust, Water Fights, and What to Wear
- Who Should Book This Jeep Safari (and Who Might Prefer Something Quieter)
- Should You Book It or Skip It?
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the Side Jeep Safari & Green Lake Boat Trip?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- Does the lunch include drinks?
- Is the Green Lake boat cruise included?
- What languages are the live guides available in?
- Are photos included in the price?
- Do I need to pay for the waterfall entrance?
- What should I bring for the tour?
- Can I bring electronic devices or phones?
- Is the tour suitable for small children or pets?
- Is there free cancellation?
Key highlights you’ll care about
- Green Canyon + Oymapınar Dam views with multiple photo stops
- Green Lake swim time plus an optional boat cruise
- Pickup and drop-off from the Side area in a Jeep/SUV
- Lunch included near Green Lake, timed with swim breaks
- Off-road convoy energy with music, water fights, and foam-style fun
- Bring a face covering because dust is part of the experience
Why This Side Jeep Safari Feels Like a Full Day Off-Road Party
This isn’t a slow, sit-and-stare tour. It’s a full-day loop that uses Jeeps to get you into the Taurus foothills fast, then slows down just enough so you can enjoy Green Canyon, Green Lake, and the waterfalls without feeling rushed.
I also like that the trip gives you variety in the same day. You’ll go from rocky mountain views to Roman-era remains to a lake boat ride, then end with a classic Manavgat Waterfalls stop. It keeps the day moving while still giving you a couple of natural “pause” moments to take photos and cool off.
The vibe is upbeat, and it shows in how the host and drivers run the group. Many departures are led by a host known as Johnny Cash, and drivers are often big on keeping energy high, explaining what you’re seeing, and managing the group during the bumpy bits.
Other Side tours we've reviewed in Side
Pickup in Side, Safety Briefing, and How Jeep Seating Works
Your day starts with hotel pickup in the Side area. The pickup point is typically in front of the hotel security gate, so it helps to be ready and waiting a few minutes early. After pickup, you’ll meet the guide at the meeting area and get a briefing on how to ride safely in the Jeeps and what the day’s flow looks like.
From there, it’s convoy driving. Expect off-road style movement with stops built into the route for views and photos, not just transportation. One useful detail: the tour has water fights between Jeeps, so it’s smart to leave electronics in the bag. In practical terms, that means no phone-in-your-hands at peak chaos.
A small heads-up based on real group experiences: sometimes a Jeep can feel a bit cramped, especially if the group isn’t spread perfectly. If you’re sensitive to tight seating for long stretches, plan for that possibility and wear comfortable layers.
Taurus Mountains, Roman Aqueducts, and Photo Stops on the Route
Once you leave Side, you’ll head into the Taurus Mountains and start the off-road driving. This is where the route starts doing something most coach tours can’t: it makes the scenery feel close and immediate. You’ll get viewpoints over the lake area and photo stops as the convoy pauses to regroup.
Then you’ll continue off-road until the Roman Aqueducts area. You don’t need a history degree for this stop. It’s more about getting a clear view of the stone structure in the mountain setting and grabbing a few photos before moving on.
A practical note: this route can be dusty, especially during dry seasons. If you can, bring sunglasses and something that covers your face for the drive. You’ll enjoy the photo stops more when you’re not fighting sand in your eyes.
Green Canyon and Oymapınar Dam Views You Can Actually Enjoy
Next up is Green Canyon and the Oymapınar Dam area. This is one of the most photogenic stretches of the day, and you’ll feel the difference in scenery once you arrive—steep canyon angles, open sightlines, and that “how is this so close?” feeling.
You’ll drive in, then take in the views with time for photos. The schedule here is built to let you actually look, not just pass by. If you like walking a few steps and getting the right angle, this is one of your best windows.
Just remember the day’s theme. It’s active, so even the canyon viewing still happens in an upbeat, moving-group rhythm. If you want quiet contemplation, you might find the music and group energy a little much. But if you want dramatic views with a fun pace, this stop delivers.
Old Mosque Stop, Green Lake Restaurant Lunch, and Swim Timing
Your route brings you to Green Lake (Oymapınar), and along the way you’ll do more off-road driving. There’s also a stop to visit an old mosque with your guide. It’s brief, but it adds a human layer to the day so it isn’t only nature and machines.
Then comes lunch at the Green Lake Restaurant. This is one of the most important parts of the itinerary because it’s timed so you can enjoy food without breaking the day’s momentum. You’ll order and eat while the schedule continues, and there’s also a swim break opportunity connected to the meal timing.
Based on real day-to-day experiences, lunch is typically buffet style with items like chicken, salad, pasta, and couscous. Drinks are usually extra, so if you want something specific, you’ll need to plan for that cost.
If you’re thinking of swimming, this is a smart time to do it. The lake is the reason you came, and you won’t have to wait until later to get wet.
Other jeep safari tours we've reviewed in Side
Green Lake Boat Cruise: Music, Swimming Options, and a Real Break
After lunch and the first swim window, you’ll board the boat for a cruise near Green Lake. The tour timing puts the boat ride at roughly 50–60 minutes, and there’s often upbeat music on board, so it feels like a fun intermission rather than a strict transport segment.
The boat experience also gives you a different perspective. Even when you’ve already jumped into the water, looking at the canyon and shoreline from the lake changes how everything feels.
And yes—you may get swimming time again during the boat ride. If you want to treat this like a holiday day (not only a photo mission), this is the moment to relax a little.
Manavgat Waterfalls Stop and the Final Return to Side
After the boat ride, it’s back into the Jeep for the last leg. You’ll stop at Manavgat Waterfalls for sightseeing and photos. The itinerary you’ll follow usually gives you around half an hour to take it all in, though the exact minutes can vary a bit by day and routing.
One practical detail: waterfall entrance fees aren’t included, so don’t assume you can walk in for free. If you want to fully use the area, budget that extra cost.
Then it’s a straightforward return. You’ll rejoin the convoy and get dropped off back in the Side area.
Price and Value: What About $19 Gets You
For roughly $19 per person, this trip packs in a lot more than a standard sightseeing ticket. Here’s what the included value usually covers:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off by Jeep/SUV
- Tour guide
- Off-road Jeep driving
- Lunch near Green Lake
- Insurance
- Boat trip at Green Lake if you choose the option
- Stops for viewpoints, Roman aqueducts, and the waterfall area
Drinks are not included, and you’ll pay separately for photos and waterfall entrance. But even with those add-ons, the core experience stays good value because you’re paying for transportation that actually gets you into off-road terrain, plus meals and the lake boat segment (when selected).
In plain terms: if you want an active day that covers multiple “wow” locations without needing to rent your own vehicle, the math works out well.
Tips to Pack: Dust, Water Fights, and What to Wear
This is where you can either have fun or spend the day annoyed. Based on what actually happens on the tour, plan for dust and wet surprises.
Bring:
- Sunglasses
- A sun hat
- Swimwear if you want to use the water breaks
- Something to cover your face (a scarf or bandana helps a lot)
Leave at home (or keep deeply protected):
- Electronics during water-fight moments. The tour warns against bringing devices for the water-fight chaos.
Good to know: you may be able to buy bandanas on-site before riding out, and some groups mention a small fee for them. Also, weather can swing. If you’re going in shoulder season or cooler months, a light jacket can help early in the day.
Who Should Book This Jeep Safari (and Who Might Prefer Something Quieter)
This tour fits you best if:
- You want a hands-on day with off-road driving
- You like a social, energetic guide style (music, jokes, group rhythm)
- You want both nature stops and a swim at Green Lake
- You like your sightseeing with photo pauses and a few thrill moments
You might skip it if:
- You hate bumpy rides or get motion sick
- You want silent, slow travel with no music and no group chaos
- You’re very tight on packing space or sensitive to cramped seating scenarios
It’s not a luxury, quiet experience. It’s Turkey in motion.
Should You Book It or Skip It?
Book it if your idea of a great day near Side includes off-road driving, Green Canyon views, lunch by the lake, and at least one solid swim moment. The price is hard to beat when you factor in pickup, off-road transport, lunch, and the option to add the boat cruise.
Skip or choose another style if you want peaceful pacing, minimal mess, and calm time. Dust and water fights are part of the format, and you’ll enjoy the day much more if you treat it like an adventure rather than a gentle tour.
If you’re on the fence, my rule is simple: if you’re comfortable getting a little wet and a little dusty, this tour is a very smart use of one full day.
FAQ
What’s the duration of the Side Jeep Safari & Green Lake Boat Trip?
The tour runs about 6 to 7 hours, depending on the day and route timing.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in the Side area. Pickup is typically in front of the hotel security gate.
Does the lunch include drinks?
Lunch is included, but drinks are not included.
Is the Green Lake boat cruise included?
The boat cruise is included only if you select the option. If you don’t select it, you’ll follow the rest of the program without the boat segment.
What languages are the live guides available in?
The guide provides live interpretation in German, English, and French.
Are photos included in the price?
No. Photos are not included, and there are separate photo options available for an extra cost.
Do I need to pay for the waterfall entrance?
Waterfall entrance fees are not included.
What should I bring for the tour?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and swimwear if you plan to swim.
Can I bring electronic devices or phones?
The tour warns about water fights between Jeeps, so it’s advised not to bring electronic devices on the day.
Is the tour suitable for small children or pets?
The tour is not suitable for children under 2 years. Pets are not allowed.
Is there free cancellation?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
