Green Canyon Boat Trip from Alanya: Lake Cruise, Lunch & Fishing

Not every safari day has to be loud. The Green Canyon boat trip trades engines and dust for still, green water: up in the hills north of Manavgat the Oymapınar dam has filled a winding gorge, and the lake shines an almost unreal emerald between pine-clad slopes and sheer cliffs. It is the calm counterpart to our jeep and buggy days, and just as good for photographs.

Hours on the water

A scenic drive brings you up to the dam, where a roomy boat waits at the harbour. The first stretch of the cruise heads far into the canyon, and the boat pauses for a swim in clear, cool water. Lunch is served in a restaurant on the shore, with fish or chicken and the usual salads and sides. After lunch, rods and tackle are handed out to anyone who wants to fish – the crew helps first-timers – before the boat winds through the narrowest passages of the gorge. Soft drinks on the boat are unlimited, and cabins, toilets and showers are on board.

Easy for everyone

The pace is gentle, so grandparents, small children and non-swimmers are welcome; life jackets are available. The lake is cooler than the sea, which is a treat on a hot day. Whether you fish is up to you, and the day’s conditions have a say too, so relaxing on deck is just as good. If you want to see the same canyon with more action, take the Green Canyon jeep safari with boat trip or the open-top cabrio bus safari.

Distances and pickup

The drive is roughly 45 minutes from Side and 90 minutes from Alanya, and it is built into the price. Pickup is around 09:00 from hotels along the Alanya coast and in the Side area, with the exact time confirmed after you book. You are back at your hotel in the late afternoon. Payment is in cash on the tour day.