From Alanya: Green Canyon Day Trip with Lunch and Boat Ride

Key Points

• Full-day tour from Alanya lasting approximately 10 hours, including hotel transfers
• $40 per person, offering good value for a day filled with natural beauty and activities
• Highlights include boat cruise, swimming stops, lakeside lunch, and fishing
• Guides speak English and German, ensuring clear explanations and assistance
• Accessible options available, though some stops involve stairs and uneven terrain
• Reviews praise stunning scenery, helpful guides, and tasty lunch options

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Discover the Green Canyon’s Rugged Landscape and Lush Surroundings

The tour departs from Alanya and takes you into the heart of the Antalya Province to explore the Green Canyon. Surrounded by the Taurus mountains, this area features steep canyons and lush woods, offering a peaceful retreat into nature. The journey itself involves a scenic drive to the Oymapinar Dam, providing ample opportunities for photographs and a glimpse of the rugged landscape.

Once at the canyon, the experience centers on a boat ride through emerald waters that showcase the canyon’s most striking features. The water here is notably turquoise, creating an inviting atmosphere for swimming and relaxing on the boat. The landscape, with its rocky cliffs and green slopes, makes for a visually captivating day that emphasizes natural beauty and tranquility.

The 4-Hour Boat Trip Through Green Lake and Canals

The highlight of this tour is the 4-hour boat cruise on the Green Lake, which is known for its vibrant, emerald-colored waters. As the boat glides across the lake, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the canyon’s steep sides and greenery. Several stops are built into the cruise itinerary, giving travelers the chance to swim in the clear waters, which many reviews describe as refreshing and picturesque.

The boat itself is comfortable, and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise, keeping everyone refreshed. The boat’s gentle pace allows ample time to appreciate the calm environment and take photos of the breathtaking scenery. The stops for swimming are appreciated for their convenience, with some reviews noting the presence of life jackets for non-swimmers, making the water accessible to all.

Tasty Lakeside Lunch with Traditional Turkish Flavors

After the boat ride, the tour takes visitors to a restaurants beside the lake for a delicious meal. The menu features meatballs, chicken, or fish, all served with fragrant rice and fresh salads. The lunch is considered generous and flavorful, with many reviewers mentioning the quality of the food and its good value for the price.

The restaurant offers a variety of drinks, including tea, coffee, mineral water, and soft drinks, to keep everyone hydrated after the morning on the water. The scenic mountain views from the restaurant add to the dining experience, making it a relaxing and satisfying part of the day.

Fishing and Water Activities at the Canyon Reservoir

Following lunch, the trip offers an opportunity to try fishing on the lake, which many find to be a peaceful activity amid stunning surroundings. The fishing experience is simple and accessible, with the chance to catch fish or just enjoy the quietness of the canyon’s reservoir.

Plus, there are more swimming opportunities during the return journey. Travelers appreciate the chance to dip into the turquoise waters again before heading back. The boat ride back to the starting point is smooth, with refreshing soft drinks offered once more and additional water stops.

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Practical Details: Transfers, Guides, and Accessibility

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making the logistics straightforward. The bus is air-conditioned, which is a relief during the warm months, and the guides speak both English and German, providing explanations and assistance throughout the day.

Those with mobility issues should take note that some stops involve stairs and uneven terrain. A ramp access is available, but the restaurant and some viewing points may pose challenges. Reviewers mention that the transfer shuttle may be older and have a strong gasoline smell, but overall this does not significantly detract from the experience.

The Scenic Drive and Photo Opportunities Along the Route

The journey to Green Canyon is part of the scenic charm. Passing the Taurus mountains and the dam offers plenty of opportunities for photographs. The drive itself is described as comfortable in an air-conditioned bus, with some stops made along the way to admire the landscape and take pictures.

The route to the canyon gives travelers a taste of local scenery, with some reviews noting a glimpse of the Roman aqueduct and the modern dam. These sights add a cultural touch to the trip, complementing the natural scenery.

Highlights of the Green Lake and Canyon Views

The views at Green Canyon are frequently described as breathtaking, with vivid, colorful waters and majestic cliffs. The boat ride offers several swimming stops in sparkling waters, which visitors find refreshingly cool and perfect for a quick dip. Many recall the experience as relaxing and visually stunning, ideal for photography and unwinding.

The lake’s calm waters and surrounding greenery make this a peaceful escape from busy city life. Many reviews mention the beautiful scenery as the main highlight, emphasizing the natural setting’s serenity and spectacular views.

Food Quality and Lunch Experience

The lakeside restaurant provides a substantial Turkish meal that guests find satisfying. Meals include meatballs, chicken, or fish, along with rice and salads. The food’s quality earns praise, with many reviewers describing it as delicious and filling.

The drinks selection — including tea, coffee, mineral water, and soft drinks — complements the meal. The restaurant’s location offers panoramic views of the mountains and lake, enhancing the dining atmosphere.

Customer Experience and Guide Service

The guides are generally praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, with some reviews highlighting their professionalism. They explain the itinerary and assist with swimming and fishing, making the day enjoyable.

Some reviewers mention that more detailed explanations about the area’s history and geology could improve the experience, but overall, the guides’ helpful attitude adds value. The trip organization is described as well-managed, with timely pickups and smooth transitions.

Accessibility and Transport Considerations

While the tour offers wheelchair accessibility, travelers should be aware that steps to the restaurant and some stops involve uneven terrain. The shuttle bus is air-conditioned and generally comfortable, although some reviews note the age and smell of the vehicle.

Participants with mobility concerns should consider these factors before booking. The walks around the restaurant and swimming stops may require some physical effort, particularly on rocky or steep paths.

Overall Value and Suitability

At $40 per person, this tour provides significant value for a full-day experience that combines nature, water activities, and local cuisine. The scenery alone makes it worth considering, especially for those who enjoy outdoor and water-based activities.

While some accessibility issues and transfers might not suit everyone, the majority of reviews highlight stunning views, helpful guides, and delicious food as key benefits. This tour suits families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a relaxing day immersed in Turkey’s natural beauty.

Green Canyon from Alanya: Final Thoughts

This full-day trip from Alanya offers a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation, featuring a boat cruise, swimming, fishing, and a lakeside Turkish lunch. The scenery is consistently praised for its beauty, making it a compelling choice for visitors wanting to escape the city and enjoy Turkey’s outdoor landscapes.

Guide service is noted as friendly and helpful, although some accessibility limitations exist. The price point of $40 makes it an affordable option for a diverse group of travelers.

This tour is well-organized and highly recommended for those who value stunning natural views and water activities in a peaceful setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Alanya.

How long is the boat trip at Green Canyon?
The boat trip lasts for approximately 4 hours, allowing plenty of time for swimming and sightseeing.

What meals are served during the tour?
Guests enjoy a lakeside lunch featuring meatballs, chicken, or fish, served with rice and salads.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
Some stops involve stairs and uneven terrain, so travelers with mobility issues should plan accordingly. The shuttle bus is air-conditioned, but some reviews note its age and smell.

Can I fish during the trip?
Yes, fishing is offered after lunch, providing a peaceful activity amid the stunning surroundings.

What makes this tour stand out?
The scenic boat cruise, swimming stops, and delicious local lunch make this trip a well-rounded outdoor adventure with spectacular views.

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