Side/Manavgat: Green Canyon, Manavgat Falls, and Zoo Tour

The Side/Manavgat: Green Canyon, Manavgat Falls, and Zoo Tour offers an engaging way to experience some of Turkey’s most scenic and cultural highlights in a single day. For around 7 to 7.5 hours, this tour combines a free boat cruise on Green Canyon, a visit to the Manavgat Waterfall, and exploration of a small but diverse zoo. It departs from various pickup points in Side and nearby locations, making it flexible for travelers staying in the area.

We appreciate how this tour balances nature, history, and family-friendly activities while offering free meals and guided visits. While the zoo is not very large, it features a wide variety of animals, including lions and monkeys, which can be especially fun for kids. The guided commentary and scenic stops ensure a well-rounded day, although some reviews note that the zoo and orange groves might take more time than expected, leaving less for other attractions. This tour suits those looking for an action-packed day filled with stunning views, cultural sights, and animal encounters.

Key Points

• Full-day trip lasting approximately 7 hours from Side to various pickup points
• Includes a free boat cruise on Green Canyon with swimming opportunities
• Visits the Manavgat Waterfall, where the river meets the sea
• Features a small zoo with a variety of animals, including lion cubs and monkeys
• Enjoys an open buffet lunch by the Green Canyon lake
• Guided tours in multiple languages, including English, Turkish, Russian, and German

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Convenient Hotel Pickup and Multiple Locations

This tour begins with hotel pickups from numerous locations, including Side, Mahmutlar, Manavgat, Alanya, and others. Travelers are advised to be ready outside the hotel 5 to 15 minutes before pickup, as vehicles do not wait long. The tour provides a comfortable minibus transfer, making travel easy and hassle-free. Plus, a 20-minute stop at fragrant orange gardens offers a chance for photos and fresh air before the main activities start.

Exploring Green Canyon by Boat with Swimming Opportunities

The highlight of this trip is the cruise on Green Canyon, where travelers board a free boat tour that lasts about 1.5 hours. The boat takes you through emerald-green waters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. During the cruise, a swimming break allows guests to enjoy the cool lake water, making it a refreshing experience in warm weather. People who enjoy water activities will find this part especially enjoyable.

Lunch at the Green Lake with Scenic Views

After the boat trip, visitors are treated to an open buffet lunch at the Green Canyon port. The meal is served right by the lake, surrounded by peaceful scenery. This is a good opportunity to relax and refuel before the afternoon activities. The buffet is included in the tour price and is often praised for its variety and quality, providing a satisfying break amidst the busy schedule.

Manavgat Waterfall and Scenic Drive

The tour includes a visit to the Manavgat Waterfall, where the powerful river currents create an impressive natural display. The photo stop offers excellent opportunities to capture the cascading water and surrounding nature. The scenic drive en route provides views of the Turkish countryside, with an emotional highlight being the convergence of river and sea waters.

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Cultural Visit to Külliye Mosque

A stop at the historic Külliye Mosque allows visitors to admire its architecture and soak in its cultural atmosphere. The guided tour here takes approximately 25 minutes, giving a glimpse into the religious and architectural significance of the site. The mosque’s texture and history add depth to the day’s sightseeing.

The Small Zoo with Animal Encounters

The small yet varied zoo is a favorite for families, housing many animal species, including adult lions and lion cubs. Visitors can walk through and see animals like monkeys and birds. For an extra fee, there is an option to enter lion cub enclosures and take photos. The zoo’s size means it’s manageable in about an hour, but it still offers educational and fun experiences.

Flexible Itinerary and Pacing

The itinerary is designed to cover many attractions in a single day, with approximate times for each stop. The waterfall and canyon visits take about one hour each, while the zoo visit lasts around an hour. Reviewers mention that some activities, like the orange garden stop, can take more time, which might slightly limit the time spent at other locations. The scenic stops and guided commentary help keep the schedule informative and engaging.

Practical Tips for Participants

Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, towels, and beachwear for the swimming and outdoor activities. The short walks at historical sites and gardens are manageable for most visitors. Since the zoo is small but houses many animals, it’s suitable for families, and minibuses are described as safe and family-friendly. The tour is available in multiple languages, ensuring broad accessibility.

Tour Value and Overall Experience

Priced at a reasonable rate and with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers good value for money. The included open buffet and guided tours enhance the experience, and reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, especially those who try to communicate in English. The scenic views and variety of stops provide a well-rounded day of sightseeing, suitable for visitors who want a full taste of the region’s natural beauty and cultural sites.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour is perfect for families, nature lovers, and those interested in cultural sites. It provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, with opportunities to swim, take photos, and learn about local history. Visitors who prefer an active but manageable day with multiple highlights will find this trip especially rewarding. However, those expecting a large zoo or extensive historical ruins might find the zoo small and the schedule tight.

Final Thoughts on the Green Canyon, Waterfalls, and Zoo Tour

The Side/Manavgat tour combines scenic boat cruises, impressive waterfalls, and short cultural visits into a satisfying day out. The guides’ efforts to make the trip enjoyable and informative shine through in reviews, and the scenic stops are genuinely beautiful. The value for money is consistently praised, making it an appealing option for travelers who want a diverse experience without spending a full day on multiple separate excursions.

While the zoo and orange garden stops may extend the schedule slightly, the overall mix of activities keeps the day lively and full of variety. Participants should prepare for short walks and bring beachwear to enjoy the swimming parts comfortably. This tour offers a practical and affordable way to see some of Turkey’s most popular sights in one convenient package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour includes a small zoo with animal encounters that children tend to enjoy, along with safe minibuses and manageable walks.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a towel, and beachwear are recommended, especially for the swimming in Green Canyon.

Are meals included?
Yes, an open buffet lunch is provided at the Green Canyon port, included in the tour price.

How long is the boat trip on Green Canyon?
The boat cruise lasts about 1.5 hours, with a swimming break included.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure for a full refund.

What languages are available for guides?
Guides speak German, English, Russian, and Turkish, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

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