Green Canyon & Manavgat: Jeep Safari, Waterfall & Lake Lunch

Summary

Jeep off-road thrills, lakeside lunch and Manavgat Waterfall in one day

You’ll ride jeeps through Green Canyon’s wild roads near Manavgat, stop for photos at Oymapınar Dam, swim in chilly Green Lake after a lakeside lunch, then finish with spray on your face at Manavgat Waterfall. Expect laughter, local flavors and a few surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We bounced into Manavgat early, dust already clinging to my arms from the open-sided jeep. Our guide, Cem, had this habit of pointing out things with his whole arm — “Look! Oymapınar Dam!” — like he wanted us to see it as much as he did. The canyon was greener than I’d pictured, almost glassy under the sun. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just ended up squinting at the light and laughing when my hat nearly flew off. There’s something about that first rush of wind that makes you forget you woke up too early.

Lunch came sooner than I expected. We stopped at Gölbaşı Restaurant right by Green Lake, where the tables were half-shaded by trees and you could hear kids splashing down at the shore. The grilled chicken was smoky and simple — nothing fancy, but good after all that dust. Cem showed us how to eat the salad with lemon and sumac (I probably overdid it). After eating, we took a boat out on the lake for an hour. The water was cold enough to make me gasp when I jumped in, but honestly? That’s still my favorite part of this day trip to Green Canyon from Side.

The last stop was Manavgat Waterfall — not huge, but loud enough you had to lean in close if you wanted to hear someone talk. There were locals selling pomegranate juice (tart as anything) and a group of teenagers taking selfies on the rocks. It wasn’t quiet or untouched or whatever travel blogs say; it was lively and real and a little bit sticky from all the mist. On the way back I caught myself thinking about how much sunburn I’d have tomorrow — worth it though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeep Safari, Lunch, Boat Trip, Waterfall

• Jeep safari to Green Canyon
• Photo stop at Oymapınar Dam
• Lunch near Green Lake
• Swim and canoe at Green Lake
• One-hour boat trip on Green Lake
• Visit Manavgat Waterfall

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Green Canyon jeep safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can I swim during the day trip from Side to Green Canyon?

Yes, there’s time for swimming in Green Lake after lunch.

How long do we spend at Manavgat Waterfall?

You’ll have around 20 minutes to enjoy Manavgat Waterfall.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch is served at a lakeside restaurant by Green Lake.

What activities are included besides jeep safari?

The tour includes a boat trip on Green Lake (if selected), swimming breaks, and sightseeing stops.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

How long does the boat trip on Green Lake last?

The boat trip lasts about one hour if you choose that option.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Side or nearby areas, an off-road jeep adventure through Green Canyon with photo stops at Oymapınar Dam, a lakeside lunch at Gölbaşı Restaurant with time for swimming or canoeing in Green Lake (plus an optional one-hour boat trip), entry to Manavgat Waterfall, and travel insurance before heading back home sun-tired but happy.