From Belek: Green Canyon Boat Trip with Lunch and Drinks

Explore the Natural Beauty of Green Canyon on a Belek Day Trip

The Green Canyon boat trip from Belek offers a full day of relaxing and adventurous activities in one of Turkey’s most stunning natural areas. For $60 per person, you get 9 hours of scenic cruising, swimming in clear waters, fishing, and enjoying a delicious traditional lunch. This tour is ideal for those looking to experience Turkey’s gorgeous lakes and landscapes with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

However, potential travelers should be aware that the trip can be quite crowded, with around 120 people on the boat and additional visitors at the bathing areas. The journey involves a 1.5-hour transfer from Belek in an older bus, which might feel tiring for some. Still, the scenery and activities make this trip worthwhile for many visitors seeking a mix of relaxation and exploration.

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Key Points

• Full-day trip from Belek lasting 9 hours with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Boat journey to Green Canyon includes swimming and fishing options
• Traditional buffet lunch at a local restaurant, included in the price
• Guided tour led by multilingual guides in English and German
• Scenic stop at the Oymapinar Dam for photo opportunities
• Soft drinks available onboard, but no alcohol sold during the trip

Starting from Belek: Convenient Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

This tour begins with hotel pickup in the Belek area, with transportation provided free of charge. The pickup takes place in front of the hotel security gate, making it simple to join the excursion. After pickup, the journey to the Green Canyon and Oymapinar Dam takes roughly 1.5 hours, with some reviews noting that the bus may be older and quite full.

The trip’s logistics are straightforward, but travelers should be prepared for a longer transfer and a large group experience on the boat, which can lead to some waiting times and crowded bathing areas. Despite this, the ease of hotel pickup helps make the experience accessible for most.

Visiting the Oymapinar Dam: A Photo Opportunity

The first stop during this tour is the Oymapinar Dam, which sits on the Manavgat River. This impressive structure offers a great chance to take photos of the dam and surrounding scenery. The dam’s views set the stage for the day’s adventure, highlighting Turkey’s engineering feats alongside natural beauty.

While the dam itself provides a brief stop, it adds an interesting contrast to the lush greenery and clear waters of the Green Canyon. It’s a quick but worthwhile photo break before heading into the main attraction of the day.

Cruising the Green Canyon: Breathtaking Views and Relaxation

Once at the Green Canyon, the boat awaits, ready to carry visitors through this scenic waterway. The canyon’s steep cliffs and lush vegetation create an impressive backdrop for the cruise. The boat provides a guided commentary in English and German, helping you understand the area’s features.

The boat ride includes stops for swimming in the lake’s crystal-clear waters, offering a refreshing break from sightseeing. You can also try your hand at fishing, which many find relaxing amidst the stunning landscape. The water’s calmness and transparency make it ideal for a quick dip or fishing activity.

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Swimming and Fishing in the Green Lake

During the cruise, there are two designated swimming stops, each lasting about 45 minutes. While the scenery is very beautiful, some reviews mention that the bathing areas can get crowded because multiple boats share the same spots. This means swimming with other groups, which might reduce privacy but still offers a chance to cool down in serene surroundings.

Fishing is included in the tour, so you can try your luck in the lake’s still waters. Many find the opportunity to relax and enjoy the natural environment a highlight of the trip, despite the larger crowds at the swimming spots.

Traditional Lunch at a Local Restaurant

After the boat cruise, the tour continues with a traditional Turkish lunch at a nearby restaurant. The open buffet features local dishes, allowing travelers to sample authentic flavors in a relaxed setting. The lunch is included in the ticket price, making it an easy way to enjoy Turkish cuisine without extra costs.

The restaurant visit is a welcome pause, especially after a morning of cruising and swimming. The break also offers a chance to rest and reflect on the scenic views experienced so far.

The Return Journey and Additional Swimming Stops

Following lunch, the boat ride resumes for the 2-hour journey back toward Belek. Along the way, there is another stop for refreshing swimming—a chance to enjoy the lake’s cool waters once more.

The return trip involves sharing the boat with other groups, contributing to a lively but crowded atmosphere. The whole experience concludes with hotel drop-off in Belek, making transportation hassle-free for travelers.

The Experience on the Boat: Atmosphere and Facilities

The boat is equipped with soft drinks such as water, tea, coffee, cola, Fanta, and Sprite, all included in the tour. There are no alcoholic drinks available onboard or at the restaurant, so travelers seeking a drink may need to bring their own or skip alcohol altogether.

The tour guide provides commentary in English and German, helping guests understand the significance of the scenery and stops. The guide’s explanations enhance the experience, especially for those interested in the area’s natural and geological features.

Practical Tips for the Green Canyon Boat Trip

Travelers should bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes for swimming stops. The walk from the boat to the restaurant is about 100 meters, so comfortable footwear can be helpful. Since the bus ride is longer, some may find it tiring, especially if seated in an older bus with limited comfort.

Note that pets, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed on the tour for safety and hygiene reasons. Also, photos are not included in the package, so bring your camera or phone for pictures.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most?

This trip is well-suited for visitors who enjoy scenic boat rides, swimming in natural waters, and authentic Turkish cuisine. The experience is ideal for those comfortable with larger group settings, given the number of participants and shared bathing areas.

While the scenery and activities are genuinely beautiful, those seeking a quieter or more exclusive experience might find the crowds and longer transfer times less appealing. However, if you value convenience and a full day of outdoor activities, this tour offers good value.

Final Thoughts on the Green Canyon from Belek

The Green Canyon boat trip from Belek offers a worthwhile escape into nature, with spectacular views, refreshing swims, and a taste of Turkish hospitality through its lunch. The included transportation and guided commentary add to the overall convenience and educational value.

However, the experience can be crowded, and the longer bus ride may be tiring for some. This tour is best for those who enjoy group outings and don’t mind sharing the lake with other boats. Overall, it offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, activities, and local flavor at a reasonable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat trip?
The boat ride lasts approximately 7 hours, with about 2 hours of travel time in total including stops.

Is lunch included in the tour price?
Yes, an open buffet lunch featuring traditional Turkish food is included.

Are beverages provided onboard?
Yes, soft drinks such as water, tea, coffee, cola, Fanta, and Sprite are included; no alcohol is sold on the boat or at the restaurant.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it is suitable for families, especially those comfortable with a larger group and outdoor activities like swimming and fishing.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, change of clothes, and a camera. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the short walk from the boat to the restaurant.

Are there any restrictions?
Pets, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted. Photos are not included, so bring your own device if you wish to capture memories.

What is the group size like?
The boat hosts around 120 people, sharing the experience with other boats for swimming and lunch.

Is the journey to Green Canyon comfortable?
The transfer takes about 1.5 hours in an older bus, which might feel tiring. Some reviews mention that the bus could be more comfortable.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there multilingual guides?
Yes, guides speak English and German, enhancing the overall experience with informative commentary.

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