That Green Canyon color is hard to fake.

This day trip from Side pairs a long 14 km boat cruise through emerald canyon waters with real time to swim, kayak, and even fish, plus an open buffet lunch and soft drinks kept flowing. I like how the day is built around the water (not endless walking), and I love that it includes the basics for a stress-free outing: hotel pickup/drop-off and guiding. The one thing to consider is crowd levels: the boats and the start of the day can get packed.

If you’re after a calm, quiet cruise, you might find it less tranquil than the photos suggest. The views are still the star, but a few reviews point to heavy passenger numbers, long queues around the boat and restaurant, and occasional loud music or smoke drifting around the decks.

Key things I’d circle before you go

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Side and Kizilagac hotels saves you from arranging transport
• 14 km on the water is the main event, with a swim break during the canyon portion
• Unlimited soft drinks + open buffet lunch make it one of the better value “all-in-one” options
• Kayaks and fishing gear at the lakeside restaurant mean you can choose how active you want to be
• Max 200 travelers is big enough to feel lively, not small and peaceful

Why the Green Canyon cruise feels like a proper escape

The Green Canyon near Side is the kind of sight that makes you stop taking photos and just stare for a minute. The water in the reservoir narrows between steep canyon walls, turning the whole ride into a long moving viewpoint. You’re not just doing a short boat hop—you get a cruise route long enough to settle into the rhythm of the day.

What sells this trip is that it’s built for enjoyment, not logistics. You start with a comfortable ride from your hotel, then you get a long stretch on the water, then you return before dinner planning becomes your job. It’s exactly the kind of day where you want your biggest decision to be whether you swim first or grab a plate of lunch.

Price and time: what $36 buys you in the real world

At $36 per person for an ~8-hour outing, this isn’t priced like a fancy private charter. But it does include the stuff that usually adds up on your own: round-trip transfers, guiding service, an open buffet lunch, and soft drinks. The trip is also set up around one core experience—the canyon cruise—so you’re not paying to bounce between five unrelated stops.

Also keep expectations aligned with the timing. You’ll start at 8:30 am, then spend part of the morning traveling and sightseeing around the dam area, with the main boat time later in the day. If you’re the type who hates waiting, bring patience for the early photo and transfer moments.

Hotel pickup in Side: convenient, but watch the crowd flow

Your day begins with pickup from hotels in Side (and Kizilagac). This is a big practical win. Instead of coordinating buses, finding meeting points, and guessing the right dock, you get loaded into a vehicle and sent on your way.

Still, group tours have a group-tour rhythm. Reviews mention a chaotic feel at the start and crowded boarding, including confusion about which boat you’d be assigned to. That doesn’t mean the canyon won’t deliver—it just means you should show up mentally ready for a bus-and-boat queue, especially during peak season.

The dam-area stops: quick breaks and one real photo payoff

Before you reach the boat portion, you’ll get two stops around the Oymapınar Dam and the broader dam landscape.

First, there’s a morning break at the Oymapınar Dam lake. It’s not a long “explore” moment, but it’s enough to stretch, take a few initial photos, and get oriented.

Next, you’ll head toward the Manavgat Dam area, where you can also see an ancient bridge dating back about 2,000 years to the Roman period. That’s the kind of bonus you usually don’t get on pure beach or pure cruise days. It gives you a historic anchor for the morning, even though the real spectacle is still the canyon water.

One consideration: a couple of reviews mention stopping on the wrong side for certain views or feeling like the photo break could be better placed. So if you care about that one perfect dam angle, try to be flexible. Think of this part as a scenic detour, not the highlight.

Lunch at the lakeside restaurant: fueling up before the best water time

Lunch happens at a lakeside restaurant during a long break. The food is described as an open buffet, and the menu includes items like barbecued chicken, meatballs or fish, pasta, salad, and fruit. On top of that, you’ll have soft drinks included (alcohol isn’t included).

Here’s what I’d tell you to expect from an open buffet day. You’ll want to eat early in your allotted time if you don’t love lines. A few reviews also mention the buffet feeling basic, while others said the lunch was more than they expected. In other words: this is filling, not gourmet.

The lakeside break is also where the trip turns from “watching” into “doing.” You can use kayaks and fishing gear available at the restaurant. That’s a huge value add because it gives you a choice: stay relaxed at the water’s edge, or go hands-on with the lake.

Also note one small practical thing: the water can feel cold. If you’re sensitive to chilly swims, you might want to test the temperature gently before you commit.

The 14 km Green Canyon cruise: where your phone storage goes to work

This is the heart of the day. After lunch, you’ll board again and cruise the 14 km (9-mile) Green Canyon route. The ride is long enough that you’ll see the water change as the canyon narrows and opens up.

Most importantly, this isn’t just a ride with a single photo moment. Reviews consistently call out the views as breathtaking, and the cruise is long enough to feel like time spent, not time wasted. If you love scenic boating and swimming, this part can genuinely feel like the whole point of the trip.

You should also plan for at least one swimming break during the boat portion. The turquoise water and canyon walls create a very “why are we even at work?” mood. Just keep in mind that if the boat is full, the swimming platforms can feel busy. You’ll want to go prepared so it doesn’t stress you out.

One reality check from reviews: the vibe on the deck isn’t always quiet. Some people complained about loud music and even smoke from cigarettes. If you’re sensitive to that, pick a spot where you can control your atmosphere—like choosing a less crowded area of the boat once you’re underway.

Water time options: swimming, kayaking, and fishing without extra charges

This is a good tour for people who like active breaks. You’ll have chances to swim both from the boat side and during the restaurant/lakeside portion. On top of that, the included access to kayaking and fishing gear means you can extend the fun beyond the cruise itself.

I like this setup because it gives you control. If you’re with family or mixed-age friends, you can split your energy. Some people will want to swim and photos. Others will want to kayak or fish. And because it’s built into the schedule, you’re not hunting for rentals or paying separate fees.

Service and guiding: friendly staff, but guide presence can vary

The best reviews talk about smooth communication, prompt pickup, and friendly staff. You’ll also have guiding service, and the tone can be professional and helpful when the guide is fully present.

But a fair number of comments mention something less ideal: guides weren’t always easy to find during the busiest transitions, and some people didn’t feel they got much onboard commentary or practical info at key stops. There are also complaints about the guide leaving people in long queues without explaining how to handle lunch or swim/fish timing.

So what should you do? Don’t assume you’ll receive a running lesson about the dam or canyon. If you want facts, come with your own curiosity. And at the start of lunch and swim breaks, pay attention to what’s happening around you and follow the group flow. Think of the guide as helpful when you spot them, not as a guaranteed constant companion.

Getting the most out of the day (without getting worn out)

This is a full day, and it moves. A little prep helps a lot.

What to bring:

• Swimwear and a change of clothes for later
• Sunscreen (you’ll be out in open light)
• Water shoes or something grippy for boats and platforms
• A hat and sunglasses
• A bag that can handle splashes

Also plan your energy. If the boat and lunch area feel crowded, treat it like a systems problem. Eat when you can, swim when your group is first called or when you see space, and don’t fight the lines with the rest of the crowd.

If you’re photo-focused, aim to capture the canyon during the cruise portion, not just during short dam breaks. The canyon is where the real color and depth show up.

Crowd reality: lively tours come with lively tradeoffs

This trip runs with a maximum of 200 travelers, and that number is why you might experience:

• crowded boarding and packed boat seating
• long queues at lunch
• limited space to spread out for photos
• a less peaceful deck vibe

None of that cancels the experience. The canyon views and the swim opportunities are still the main draw. It just means you should decide what you care about most.

If your priority is serenity, you may not get it. If your priority is getting out on the water for hours with lunch and drinks included, this is a strong fit.

Who this trip is best for

I’d point this tour toward you if:

• you want a one-day canyon cruise from Side with minimal planning
• you like swimming on a schedule (not searching for your own beach plan)
• you want included value: lunch + soft drinks + transfers
• you’re traveling with a group where not everyone wants the same activities

If you’re traveling with someone who hates crowded boats, hates loud music, or gets seasick easily, you’ll need to think carefully. This is a shared-day format, not a quiet private cruise.

Should you book the Side Green Canyon boat trip?

Yes, if you’re excited by one main event: a long 14 km cruise through emerald canyon water, with swim time and extra play at the lakeside restaurant. The package makes sense for the price because you’re not paying separately for transportation, lunch, or the core water access.

I’d say skip or weigh carefully if you know crowding and noise stress you out, or if you’re expecting a constant, highly narrated tour experience. The canyon can still be stunning—but your comfort level will depend on how you handle busy group logistics.

FAQ

What time does the Side Green Canyon boat trip start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Does the price include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is lunch included, and what kind?

An open buffet lunch is included. The menu includes items like barbecued chicken, meatballs or fish, pasta, salad, and fruit.

Are soft drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks are included, and they’re described as unlimited.

Is alcohol included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

What’s included for activities like swimming or fishing?

You can swim during the day, and the tour includes fishing rods. You’re also free to use the restaurant’s kayaks and fishing gear.

Is there a maximum group size?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 200 travelers.

You Might Also Enjoy

Kas: (Small Group) Day Trip to Kekova Island, Demre & MyraKas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat TourSide: Guided Quad Bike Riding ExperienceFrom Antalya To Kemer Mega Star Boat Trip w/Free Transfer