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Green Canyon in Turkey: What It Is and How the Trip Works

Green Canyon is located about 27 km from Side and is known as one of the most relaxed nature trips in the Antalya region of Turkey. It is a boat trip on a mountain reservoir. This guide explains what it is, how the trip works and what to expect.

Green Canyon in Turkey: What It Is and How the Trip Works

What Is Green Canyon

Green Canyon is a reservoir at the Oymapinar Dam on the Manavgat River, located in a mountain area. It was formed after the dam was built and is surrounded by hills. The depth reaches up to 240 meters, and the water is calm, without waves or current.

The trip takes place on a boat through narrow parts of the canyon with stops for swimming and rest by the water. It is a quiet nature trip without active activities or physical effort.

Why It Is Called Green Canyon

The name comes from the color of the water and the surrounding nature. The water often has a green tone because it reflects trees and mountain slopes around the reservoir.

This effect is more visible on sunny days when the surface reflects vegetation and rocks.

Where Green Canyon Is Located

  • Region: Manavgat
  • Nearest resort: Side
  • Distance: about 27 km from Side
  • Travel time: 30–40 minutes

Green Canyon is located in the mountain part of the Antalya region in Turkey, near the Oymapinar Dam. The road goes through a mountain area and ends at the lake where the boat trip starts.

Nature and Animals in Green Canyon

The canyon area is covered with pine forests and natural vegetation. The slopes around the reservoir are mostly undeveloped, which helps preserve the natural environment.

  • Pine forests
  • Mountain slopes
  • Fresh water

During the trip it is possible to see:

  • Birds such as eagles
  • Wild goats on the slopes
  • Fish in the water

Animals usually stay at a distance, so they are not always visible.

How the Trip Works

The trip takes half a day or a full day. Most of the time is spent on the water in a calm and slow rhythm.

Typical program

  • Hotel pickup
  • Arrival at the dam
  • Boat trip
  • Swimming stops
  • Lunch
  • Return

The program is suitable for most visitors, including families with children.

Is This Trip Suitable

This is a good option for a calm day without long travel. It is one of the closest nature trips near Side.

Suitable for

  • Families with children
  • Visitors who prefer a quiet day
  • Those who do not want long travel time

Not suitable for

  • Those looking for active tours
  • Visitors who prefer dynamic activities

Green Canyon or Other Trips: What to Choose

  • Green Canyon — calm boat trip
  • Boat trips — more movement
  • Rafting — active day

If you want a relaxed day, Green Canyon is the better choice. For more activity, other trips are more suitable.

Nearest Resorts to Green Canyon

The closer the resort, the more time is spent on the trip itself.

Best Time to Visit Green Canyon

  • April–May — comfortable weather
  • June–September — main season
  • October — mild conditions

Weather and Water Temperature in Green Canyon

The area is slightly cooler than the coast because it is in the mountains.

  • Spring — 20–26°C
  • Summer — 28–35°C
  • Autumn — 22–28°C

Water temperature:

  • Spring — 17–20°C
  • Summer — 20–24°C
  • Autumn — 18–22°C

The water is cooler than the sea, but swimming is possible.

How Much the Trip Costs

The price usually ranges from 25 to 50 euros per person.

  • From Side — usually lower price
  • From distant resorts — higher price
  • Includes transport, boat trip and lunch

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim

Yes, there are stops for swimming.

Is the water cold

It is cooler than the sea.

How long is the trip

From about 4 hours up to a full day.


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