Green Canyon excursion from Side

The Green Canyon excursion from Side starts with hotel or location transfer. On the way, there is a short 15 minute stop for a restroom break. After arrival at Green Canyon port, guests board on the double-deck boat and the Green Canyon boat trip begins. During the cruise, the guide provides clear information about the canyon, the dam lake, and the area’s background.

The first stop is a 45 minute swimming break in the lake. Where guests can swim or relax on the boat. After this, the boat continues to the Green Canyon restaurant, where lunch is served with a direct view over the canyon. Lunch includes chicken, pasta, and fresh salad, with a 1 hour lunch break.

Following lunch, the tour continues with another 45 minute stop for fishing from the pier on the lake. After the fishing break, the boat returns to the port, and guests are transferred back to their hotels. Between each stop, guests enjoy scenic boat cruising of about 1 hour across different parts of the canyon. 

Side tours is well-structured, relaxed, and suitable for families, offering swimming, fishing, lake views, and an organized daily program with transfers included.

Side Green Paradise Canyon

Green Paradise Canyon refers to the Green Canyon area around the Oymapinar Dam reservoir in the Taurus Mountains of Antalya Province, near Side. It’s a large freshwater canyon lake formed when the Oymapınar Dam flooded the valley. The emerald-green water gets its color from minerals and reflection of surrounding vegetation. Boat cruises on the canyon lake are the main attraction calm water rides with scenic mountain views and natural surroundings, and it is often chosen together with family tours in Side, as the route is suitable for children and relaxed group travel.

Green Canyon National Park - Oymapinar Dam

Green Canyon near Manavgat is a natural canyon reservoir area around the Oymapinar Dam. But it is not an officially designated national park by Turkish authorities. 

On the Oymapinar Dam reservoir fed by the Manavgat River, set deep in the Taurus Mountains. The dam and canyon area feature steep cliff faces, forested slopes, and a long freshwater lake that’s popular on full-day tours.  Oymapinar is among Türkiye’s largest dams and one of the few dam lakes where tourism boat trips are permitted. It is home to varied birdlife and local fauna that can be seen from the water or along the forested shores, especially during calm boat sections. While guests staying on the coast can also choose a charter yacht in Side for private sea routes and flexible sailing programs.

Common sightings include grey herons, little egrets, great cormorants, mallard ducks, and moorhens near the lake edges, while birds of prey such as common buzzards and short-toed snake eagles often circle above the canyon cliffs. 

In the surrounding pine forests and rocky slopes, wildlife includes wild goats (bezoar ibex), red foxes, European hares, and occasionally wild boar, with Mediterranean pond turtles and green lizards visible near the shoreline. 

The clear freshwater lake also supports fish such as carp, tilapia, and freshwater perch, making the area a naturally balanced habitat rather than a managed wildlife park. While Side boat tours are also available for those who prefer spending time at sea.

Facts About Green Canyon 

• Distance from Side : 27 km
• Location altitude: around 350 m above sea level
• Dam completion year: 1984
• Dam height: 185 m
• Reservoir length: approx. 14–17 km (depending on water level)
• Lake depth: up to 180 m in deepest sections
• Water type: 100% freshwater
• Water temperature (summer): 18–22°C
• Fish species: 3–5 common species (carp, tilapia, freshwater perch)
• Main bird species observed: 10+ species regularly recorded
• Best season: April–October

Who Is Green Canyon Tour From Side Best For?

The Green Paradise Tour in Side is best for travelers who prefer a calm full-day excursion focused on nature, fresh air, and water activities rather than crowded city trips. It suits families with children, seniors, couples, and first-time visitors to Turkey who want an easy program with hotel transfers included. This tour is ideal for guests looking for a boat trip on Green Canyon, light swimming, fishing time, and a relaxed lunch by the lake without long walking routes. It is also a good option for travelers searching for a near Side, people who value safe conditions, child discounts, and payment on the tour day, as well as anyone reading reviews and choosing one of the best nature excursions in Side without middlemen.

Includes and Excludes of Side Green Canyon Trip

Includes

• Transfer from Side hotels (pick-up & drop-off)
• Green Canyon boat trip on the green lake 4 hours
• Lunch during the excursion 1 hour
• Entrance fee to the Green Canyon area
• Guidance and tour organization
• Soft drinks on the boat
• Fishing on the lake 45 min

Excludes

• Personal expenses