What Is Green Canyon?
Green Canyon is the name everyone uses for the emerald-green reservoir behind Oymapınar Dam, tucked into the Taurus foothills near Manavgat, inland from Side on Turkey's Antalya coast. Pine-covered canyon walls rise straight out of still, glass-clear water, and the colour really is that deep green you see in the photos. It is one of the region's largest reservoirs, and because the water sits inside a sheltered canyon, it stays flat and calm all day long.
Here is the detail that surprises most first-time visitors: this is not a sea trip. There are no waves, no dolphins and no chance of seasickness. Instead of the open Mediterranean, you cruise a quiet mountain lake framed by cliffs and forest — a completely different experience from the coastal boats leaving Side harbour. If you are curious how this landscape came to be, our post on Oymapınar Dam and Green Canyon tells the full story.
The Two Tours: Catamaran or Boat Tour?
There are two ways to experience Green Canyon with us, and choosing between them is the main decision you will make:
- Green Canyon Catamaran Tour — 2.5 hours on the water. A relaxed cruise on a spacious catamaran with a swimming stop in the reservoir. Perfect if you want to see the canyon, take a refreshing dip and still have most of your day free. Adults pay €33, children aged 3–11 pay €18. Full details on the Green Canyon Catamaran Tour page.
- Green Canyon Boat Tour — 4.5 hours on the water. The longer version: a cruise deeper into the canyon, more time for swimming and a freshly prepared lunch served on board. Adults pay €33, children aged 3–11 pay €18. See the Green Canyon Boat Tour page for the full programme.
Yes, both tours cost the same. The real difference is time and food: the boat tour lasts almost twice as long and includes lunch, while the catamaran keeps the outing short and simple. If you are torn between them, our detailed comparison — Green Canyon Catamaran vs Boat Tour — walks through who each trip suits best.
What a Day at Green Canyon Looks Like
Your day begins at your hotel. A comfortable vehicle collects you from your accommodation and drives you into the hills behind Manavgat, where the scenery changes from beach resorts to pine forest and canyon rock. At the reservoir you board your catamaran or boat and set off across the water.
The cruise itself is the heart of the trip. The boat glides between steep canyon walls, the water shifts from turquoise to deep emerald, and there are photo opportunities in every direction. At the swimming stop you can jump into crystal-clear, wonderfully cool water — the reservoir is fed by mountain water, so it stays refreshing even at the height of summer. And because the lake is calm and sheltered, swimming here feels closer to a natural pool than the open sea. We cover this part of the day in depth in Swimming in Green Canyon.
On the 4.5-hour boat tour, a freshly prepared lunch is served on board partway through the day, so you eat surrounded by canyon views. Afterwards the cruise continues before returning to the jetty, where your driver is waiting to take you back to your hotel. For a fuller picture of the whole experience, read Green Canyon: What to Expect.
Hotel Pickup: Areas and Days
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price, and the pickup network covers the whole Side–Manavgat area and beyond:
- Every day: Side, Manavgat, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Çolaklı, Kızılağaç and Gündoğdu. If you are staying in Side, Kızılağaç, Evrenseki or Gündoğdu, you can join on whichever day suits your plans.
- Every day in the summer season: Alanya.
- Mondays and Thursdays: Belek and Antalya.
When you book, simply tell us the name of your hotel and we will confirm your pickup details with you.
Prices and What Is Included
Pricing is deliberately simple. Both tours cost €33 per adult and €18 per child aged 3–11, and these are direct prices with no hidden fees added at checkout or on the day. Included in the price:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from all the areas listed above
- The full canyon cruise — 2.5 hours on the catamaran or 4.5 hours on the boat
- Swimming stop in the cool, crystal-clear reservoir
- Freshly prepared lunch served on board — boat tour only
If you want a closer look at where your money goes and how the two options compare on value, read Green Canyon Tour Price — and for an honest overall verdict, see Is Green Canyon Worth It?.
Booking: Pay on the Day, Cancel for Free
Booking works the way holiday plans actually work:
- No prepayment. Reserve your places online and pay on the day of the tour.
- Free cancellation. Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour at no cost.
- Instant confirmation. Your booking is confirmed straight away.
- Fast answers. Questions before or after booking get a quick reply on WhatsApp.
That combination means there is no risk in reserving early to secure the day you want — if your plans change, you simply cancel for free. You can compare both Green Canyon trips, plus everything else we run, on our tours page.
FAQ
Does the Green Canyon tour include lunch?
Lunch is included only on the 4.5-hour Green Canyon Boat Tour, where a freshly prepared meal is served on board. The 2.5-hour Catamaran Tour does not include a meal — that is one reason it is the shorter, lighter option.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from Side, Manavgat, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Çolaklı, Kızılağaç and Gündoğdu every day, from Alanya every day during the summer season, and from Belek and Antalya on Mondays and Thursdays.
Is the tour family friendly?
Very. The water is calm and sheltered, so there are no waves and no seasickness to worry about, and children aged 3–11 pay a reduced price of €18. The swimming stop in cool, crystal-clear water is usually the highlight for kids.
Can I cancel for free?
Yes — you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. And since you pay on the day rather than in advance, there is nothing to refund if your plans change.