Green Canyon boat trip from Antalya: swim in emerald waters

The lake is so green it looks unreal until you're floating in it.

A full-day boat trip from Antalya to Green Canyon on an emerald lake surrounded by the Taurus Mountains, with hotel pickup, a guided cruise through the canyon, two swimming breaks, and lunch at a local restaurant. The tour runs nine hours and suits all ages and fitness levels; infants can sit on a parent's lap or ride in a stroller, and swimming happens from a platform rather than open water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Green Canyon boat trip and swimming

• Pick-up from hotel
• Drive to Manavgat Oymapinar
• Relaxing cruise on Green Lake
• Swim in Green Canyon waters
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Swim before return
• Return to resort

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel by air-conditioned bus and a drive to Manavgat Oymapinar, where the boat waits. Once you're on the water, the lake opens up—emerald green, ringed by the Taurus Mountains and dense woodland. The boat moves slowly enough that you can see why people come back. Your guide points out the canyon as you cruise deeper in, and the walls rise around you, still green, still quiet.

Swimming breaks come twice. The first happens after you've seen the canyon itself; you swim from a platform built into the lake, so there's no scrambling off rocks or sand. The water is cool and clear enough that you can see down. After that, the boat heads to a local restaurant where lunch waits—included, along with soft drinks served on board. The views from the restaurant don't change much (mountains, woodlands, the same green water), but the food is real and the pace gives you time to sit still.

A second swim happens on the way back. By then you've been on the water for most of the day, and the second break feels less like an activity and more like a reason to stay in the canyon a little longer before the return ride to your resort.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned bus (if the hotel transfer option is selected).
• the full boat cruise through Green Canyon on the emerald lake.
• two swimming breaks from a platform.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• soft drinks on the boat.
• a live English-speaking guide for the day.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tourmania

Is this one for you?Pick hotel pickup if you're staying in central Antalya and want a full-day package with transport included; choose the meeting point option if you have your own transport or prefer to start from elsewhere.

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Top questions

What's the water temperature like in Green Canyon?

The water is cool year-round because it's fed by mountain springs, so bring a light wetsuit or be ready for a shock—most swimmers find it refreshing rather than cold once they're in.

Can small children go on the Green Canyon boat trip?

Yes; infants can sit on an adult's lap during the cruise, and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the bus ride to and from the boat. Swimming is optional, and the platform makes it safer than open-water entry.

How long does the boat spend actually cruising through the canyon?

The full day is nine hours from pickup to drop-off, with the boat journey itself taking up most of that time—the cruise, two swimming breaks, and lunch at the restaurant are all part of the same outing, so you're not rushed through any single part.

Is the guide English-speaking?

Yes, the guide speaks English and travels with the boat for the full day, pointing out the canyon and answering questions during the cruise.

What happens if I don't want to swim?

Swimming is optional; you can stay on the boat or sit out the breaks if you prefer—the tour is designed for relaxation, so there's no pressure to get in the water.

Can I book this without hotel pickup?

Yes—you can choose to meet the boat at Manavgat Oymapinar instead of arranging hotel pickup, which is useful if you're staying outside the main hotel zone or prefer to drive yourself.