Side: Jeep Safari, Manavgat Waterfall & Green Lake Boat Trip

Summary

Jeep safari through villages, Manavgat waterfall views and swimming in Green Lake

You’ll ride jeeps through Side’s countryside into the Taurus Mountains, feel the spray at Manavgat Waterfall, share homemade gözleme in a village tea garden, swim in Green Lake after lunch by its shore—and leave with more than just photos in your head.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to smell so sharp and green when we left Side behind. Our driver, Cem, grinned at us in the rearview mirror as we bounced past orange orchards. First stop was Manavgat Waterfall—louder than I’d imagined, with spray that stuck to my arms. There was a woman selling roasted corn by the entrance; I bought one and managed to drop half of it before I finished. The river felt cold just standing near it.

After that, the real jeep safari started. Cem took us off-road into the Taurus Mountains—sometimes too fast for my nerves, but he seemed to know every pothole and goat path. We passed old Roman aqueducts and stopped at Naras Bridge (he said it’s nearly 2,000 years old), where some kids waved from their bikes. In a tiny village tea garden, an older lady made us gözleme right on a hot plate. Mine was cheese and herbs—so simple but somehow perfect. The tea tasted almost smoky.

Seyran Hill surprised me—I thought I’d seen “views” before, but this one had layers of green hills folding into each other with Oymapınar Dam glinting below. Lunch by Green Lake was noisy with laughter; some people rented water guns and got soaked before eating. The chicken was juicy, rice fluffy, salad fresh—nothing fancy but honestly good after all that dust and sun. Swimming in the lake after lunch felt like a reward (and yes, it’s really that green). My skin tingled from the cold water even as the sun burned my nose.

On the way back I kept thinking about how different Side looks from up there—quiet villages tucked between trees, old stones half-swallowed by grass. It’s not what you see on postcards but maybe that’s why it sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeep safari and nature exploration

• Pick up from hotel by jeep
• Visit Manavgat Waterfall
• Off-road safari to Taurus Mountains
• Photo stops at Naras Bridge and orchards
• Tea garden break with Turkish gözleme
• Visit Seyran Hill viewpoint
• Lunch by Green Lake
• Optional water gun fights
• Swim in Green Lake bay
• Return jeep ride to hotel

Top questions

How long is the Side jeep safari tour?

The tour lasts a full day including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is lunch included on the jeep safari?

Yes, lunch by Green Lake is included in the tour price.

Can you swim during this tour?

Yes, there are swimming stops at Green Lake and an optional pool at lunch.

What is the first stop on this day trip from Side?

The first stop is Manavgat Waterfall for about half an hour.

Are water guns provided for water fights?

You can rent water guns for an extra fee of 5 EUR before lunch.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

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

What kind of vehicles are used on this safari?

The tour uses comfortable all-terrain jeeps driven by local guides.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Side, all transport by jeep with a friendly local guide like Cem leading the way, entry to Manavgat Waterfall, a homemade Turkish lunch beside Green Lake (with chicken or fish), plus a boat trip on Green Lake itself before heading back home again.