Side: Green Lake Boat Tour, Swimming, and Oymapinar Dam

Discover the Highlights of the Green Lake & Oymapinar Dam Tour

This full-day experience from Side offers a blend of scenic natural beauty, impressive engineering, and cultural stops. Starting with hotel pickup, the tour takes you to Green Lake for a one-hour boat ride through the canyon, with swimming opportunities in the clear waters. Afterwards, you visit the Oymapinar Dam, a remarkable feat of construction, and have the chance to relax at an orange grove. An optional stop at Manavgat Waterfall is also available, adding a refreshing touch to the itinerary.

With a duration of 6 hours, this tour is suited for those wanting a balanced mix of nature, history, and culture. The tour is led by guides fluent in English, Russian, and Turkish, ensuring clear explanations throughout. While the waterfall visit incurs an extra fee, the rest of the experience is included in the price, providing good value for a diverse day out in Antalya Province.

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Key Points

• Scenic boat ride on Green Lake with the chance to swim in the lake’s clear waters.
• Visit to Oymapinar Dam, showcasing impressive engineering.
• Historical stops including a historic mosque and Lyrbe Agora.
• Relaxing orange grove visit with a tasting of fresh orange juice.
• Optional visit to Manavgat Waterfall at extra cost.
• Tours pick up and drop off from several areas around Side, including Gündoğdu, Ilica, Evrenseki, and Titreyengol.

Starting Your Journey from Side and Surroundings

The tour begins with hotel pickup from designated locations around Side, such as Gündoğdu, Ilica, Evrenseki, and Kızılagac. The transport is arranged to meet TSE standards, ensuring safety and comfort. The journey takes you to various sites, with the guide providing insights in English, Russian, or Turkish. The exact timing and vehicle routes may vary depending on weather conditions and operational needs.

This flexibility helps ensure a smooth experience, even if the sequence of stops changes slightly. The tour includes an organized transfer, so travelers can relax and enjoy the scenery without worry about logistics.

Exploring Green Lake and Its Canyon by Boat

The highlight of the tour is the scenic boat trip on Green Lake within the Green Lake Canyon. This one-hour boat ride offers stunning views of the canyon walls and lush surroundings. The boat ride is designed to be relaxing and picturesque, allowing you to take plenty of photos and enjoy the peaceful environment.

Following the boat trip, there’s an opportunity to swim in Green Lake, which is described as refreshing and perfect for cooling off after the boat ride. The lake’s crystal-clear waters are a major draw, providing a chance to enjoy some unstructured leisure time in nature.

Visiting the Oymapinar Dam’s Engineering Marvel

Next, the tour takes you to Oymapinar Dam, a large-scale dam known for its engineering complexity. You can explore the dam and marvel at its massive structure, which plays a key role in local irrigation and hydroelectric power. The visit allows for photo opportunities and a closer look at one of the region’s most impressive engineering feats.

This site offers a break from the water-based activities and introduces visitors to regional infrastructure that supports the local community. The guide shares insights about the dam’s construction and significance.

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A Refreshing Stop at the Orange Grove

After exploring the dam, visitors are taken to an orange grove, where they learn about local fruit production. Here, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice is served, providing a tasty and refreshing moment during the day. This stop emphasizes the agricultural side of the region and offers a pleasant break to enjoy local produce.

The orange grove visit is a nice addition to the tour, giving a taste of authentic regional flavors and a chance to learn about local farming practices.

Optional Visit to Manavgat Waterfall

For those interested, an optional stop at Manavgat Waterfall is available. While entry tickets are not included in the base price and must be paid to the guide, this site adds a visually appealing and relaxing conclusion to the day. Visitors can take photos, enjoy the natural surroundings, and cool off with the mist from the waterfall.

Since the waterfall stop is optional, guests can choose whether to visit, making this tour flexible for different preferences.

Practical Details: What to Bring and How the Tour Operates

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring swimwear, towels, and light clothing suitable for outdoor activities. The tours typically last around 6 hours, with starting times depending on availability. The transfer is included, and guests should be prepared for possible changes in the order of stops due to weather or operational reasons.

It’s worth noting that the guide may only be able to communicate in one language at a time, and audio guides might be used if necessary. Wheelchair users are not suited for this tour, considering the nature of stops and transportation.

The Experience of the Guides and Tour Atmosphere

The guides are fluent in English, Russian, and Turkish, providing informative commentary during each stop. They help make the experience engaging and educational, sharing insights about local history, engineering, and agriculture. The tour is designed to be comfortable and relaxing, with transportation meeting safety standards.

Water fights between vehicles are a playful aspect of the journey, adding a bit of fun to the day, especially during the hot summer months.

Realities of the Tour: Strengths and Limitations

This tour offers a well-rounded day that balances scenic beauty, historical insights, and local culture. The boat ride on Green Lake and the visit to Oymapinar Dam are the core highlights, providing stunning views and impressive sights. The orange grove adds a local flavor and a chance to relax, while the optional waterfall stop lets guests customize their experience.

However, some stops like the waterfall require an extra fee and are not included in the base price. The timing of the stops may vary, and the guide’s language depends on availability, especially for German-speaking guests. The tour’s physical demands are moderate, making it less suitable for wheelchair users.

Final Thoughts on the Green Lake & Oymapinar Dam Tour

This 6-hour journey from Side offers a diverse mix of nature, engineering, and culture. The scenic boat ride on Green Lake stands out as a major highlight, complemented by visits to an impressive dam and a refreshing orange grove. The optional Manavgat Waterfall allows for additional exploration but involves extra charges.

The value lies in the combination of activities, the professional guides, and the convenience of hotel transfers. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed yet engaging day that showcases some of the best natural and man-made sights in Antalya Province.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most ages, but children should be comfortable with outdoor activities and swimming.

What should I bring for the boat ride?
Bring swimwear, towels, comfortable clothes, and shoes suitable for outdoor walking and water activities.

Can I visit the waterfall without paying?
No, the Manavgat Waterfall requires an entry fee, payable to the guide if you choose to visit.

How long is the boat ride on Green Lake?
The boat ride lasts for approximately one hour.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a delicious lunch is included in the tour price.

What languages are available for the guides?
Guides speak English, Russian, and Turkish; German may only be available if there are enough clients.

Is there a limit to the group size?
The data does not specify group size limits, but typical tours operate in manageable groups for comfort and interaction.

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

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