Side Green Canyon boat trip: 14km cruise with lunch and swimming

Eight hours cruising emerald water, swimming twice, lunch at the pier, and 14 kilometers of canyon walls rising around you

A full-day boat trip from Side into Green Canyon combines a 14-kilometer cruise through turquoise water with stops at the Oymapınar Dam—Turkey's fifth-largest—and a 2,000-year-old Roman bridge. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with lunch at a waterfront restaurant, soft drinks throughout the day, and two swimming breaks in the lake. The guide speaks English, German or Russian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Green Canyon boat trip and sightseeing

• Hotel pickup in the morning
• Drive to Oymapınar Dam lake
• Short break at Oymapınar Dam
• See ancient Roman bridge
• Boat trip to lake-side restaurant
• Lunch at waterfront restaurant
• Cruise 14 km in Green Canyon
• Swimming break in lake
• Free time for swimming or activities
• Boat returns to pier
• Transfer back to hotel

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in the morning. Comfortable vehicles take you toward the Oymapınar Dam, where you'll have a short break to see the structure and the ancient Roman bridge standing nearby—it dates back two millennia and still spans the water. From there, the boat takes over. You'll cruise into the Green Canyon on a 14-kilometer route through water so clear and green that the Taurus Mountains reflect in it, their snow-capped peaks visible above the canyon walls.

Lunch happens at a lakeside restaurant partway through the day—barbecued chicken, meatball, or fish, along with pasta, salad and fruit. After eating, you have free time to swim in the lake or use the restaurant's equipment for fishing and canoes if you want something more active. The boat then continues deeper into the canyon for two hours of cruising, with a second swimming break built in so you can cool off in the turquoise water while surrounded by the canyon walls. By late afternoon, the boat heads back to the pier where it started, and vehicles return you to your hotel.

Soft drinks are unlimited throughout the day. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately. The guide travels with the group and provides commentary in English, German, or Russian, so the explanation of what you're seeing doesn't depend on a language you don't speak.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Side.
• guiding service in English, German or Russian.
• open buffet lunch at a lakeside restaurant with barbecued chicken, meatball, fish, pasta, salad and fruit.
• soft drinks throughout the day.
• fishing rods and canoe equipment available at the restaurant.
• two swimming breaks in the lake.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Payless

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, German, or Russian, so you'll follow the commentary without needing a translator or missing what the sights are. Families with infants and small children can book comfortably—infants sit on a lap or in a stroller, and the day is paced for all fitness levels.

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Top questions

What is the Oymapınar Dam and why is it on this tour?

The Oymapınar Dam is Turkey's fifth-largest dam and supplies water and electricity to the region. It's the first stop on the boat trip, and from there you can also see a 2,000-year-old Roman bridge that still stands across the water.

How long is the actual boat ride through Green Canyon?

The boat cruises for about two hours through the 14-kilometer stretch of Green Canyon, with a swimming break built into that time so you can get in the water surrounded by the canyon walls.

What does lunch include and where do you eat?

Lunch is served at a lakeside restaurant and includes a choice of barbecued chicken, meatball, or fish, along with pasta, salad and fruit. You eat there during a long break in the middle of the day, and the restaurant also has equipment available if you want to fish or rent a canoe.

Are there opportunities to swim during the day?

Yes, there are two swimming breaks—one after lunch and another during the boat cruise through the canyon. Both are in the clear turquoise water of the lake, and you can also swim during your free time at the restaurant if you choose.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide provides commentary in English, German, or Russian, so you'll have explanation of the sights regardless of which language you speak.

Does the price include drinks?

Soft drinks are unlimited and included throughout the day. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately if you want them.