Jeep roads, lake water, and a Roman-site photo break in one day. This Side trip strings together open-top Land Rover safari fun with a Green Lake boat ride you can actually swim from, right under the Taurus Mountains.

I especially like the pacing: you get a real off-road hit first, then you land at the lake for lunch and time in the water. You also get a smooth day flow thanks to hotel pickup and a guided route that keeps moving (without feeling rushed).

One thing to consider: the day runs about 6 hours and includes extra costs for the Manavgat Waterfall entrance, plus drinks are not included. If you’re expecting nonstop wilderness at every minute, you may find there’s a bit more “scenery and stops” than pure off-road racing.

Key things I’d pin to the top

• Open-top Land Rover jeeps for the Green Canyon drive and photo moments
• Oymapınar Dam area + Green Lake for lunch, a 1-hour boat tour, and water activities
• Free water play at the lake: swimming, canoeing, and pedal bike time
• Roman aqueduct photo stop and viewpoints over the Mediterranean region
• Nomadín family village and orchard visit for a cultural pause
• Manavgat Waterfall photo stop with an entrance fee you should budget

Side to the Green Canyon: what you’re really signing up for

This is a full-day mix: off-road jeeps, a lake-based break that feels like a mini escape, and a final sightseeing stop for photos. It’s built for people who want variety in one go—rather than choosing between a jeep safari or a boat day.

You’ll start with pickup from hotels in and around Side, then head into the Manavgat region where the Green Canyon area sits near the Oymapınar Dam. Think Taurus foothills, dam scenery, and that “we’re not on pavement anymore” feeling soon after you set out.

The trip is capped at 48 travelers, which matters more than you might think. Smaller group limits tend to make the day feel easier, especially when you’re loading, unloading, and taking photos at stops.

Open-top Land Rovers and the 2-hour jeep safari near Oymapınar Dam

The main draw is the mountain-foothill drive around the Oymapınarı Dam area near the Manavgat River. Expect about 2 hours of safari time with 4×4 jeeps, and yes, it’s the sort of route where you’ll feel every turn and bump.

I like that the driving focus is on everyone staying comfortable and safe. The day is designed around a guided off-road loop, and the tour team keeps the pace “adventure-first” without turning it into chaos. If you’re going with family, this kind of controlled safety-first approach is a big part of the value.

What you’ll do during the jeep portion isn’t just driving. You also get photo stops, including a viewpoint area from higher ground. You’ll also pause at ancient Roman aqueducts, which is a fun contrast to the off-road setting and gives you something to photograph beyond the landscape.

There are also cultural and local stops during the broader route: a visit to the Nomadín family village and time at an orchard. These breaks make the canyon drive feel more like a tour of the region, not just a rides-and-views circuit.

A practical note for comfort

Open-top jeeps are great for photos, but they also mean sun, wind, and dust can be real. If you get annoyed by that, bring sunglasses and sunscreen, and consider a light layer for later in the day.

Lunch by Green Lake: where the day changes gears

After the off-road segment, you switch to the lake phase—where the atmosphere becomes calmer and the food becomes the reward. Lunch happens at a picnic restaurant next to Green Lake, and it’s included.

The meal options are fish or chicken BBQ, plus salad and rice or spaghetti. I like lunch being included here because it removes one of the usual “tour-day” stressors: you don’t have to hunt for food at the exact moment your energy dips.

This is also where you get your first real taste of the Green Lake setting. You’re not just looking at water from a distance. The tour sets up the day so you can cool down and reset before the later jeep drive.

If you’re someone who likes a scenic meal more than a quick snack, this part is one of the highlights of the day.

Green Lake boat tour plus swimming and free water time

At Green Lake, you’ll get about 1 hour of boat time. You’ll be on the water enough to enjoy the view under the canyon setting and get that “we came here for a reason” feeling.

Then you get free time for water activities, including:

• swimming
• canoeing
• pedal bike time

This is a strong inclusion because it’s not only a look-around boat. You have options that work whether you’re more active or more relaxed. Even if you don’t do every activity, the simple fact that you can swim is a big plus in warm weather.

What to expect on the water time

The lake portion is timeboxed. That’s good for staying on schedule, but it also means you should go in with the mindset that this is a taste, not an all-day water playground. If you want hours and hours of kayaking, you’ll likely still want another lake day later on your trip.

The Manavgat Waterfall photo stop (and the extra fee)

You’ll also have time to see Manavgat Waterfall. It’s scheduled as a viewpoint and photo stop, with about 1 hour for photos and viewing.

Here’s the budget point: the Manavgat Waterfall entrance fee isn’t included. The stated cost is TRY 50.00 per person, so make sure you have some local cash ready or a payment method that works for small attractions.

This stop is short, but it’s still worth it. A waterfall photo is one of those classic travel moments that instantly gives your day variety—especially after you’ve been dealing with jeeps and lake water.

Price and value: is $593 fair for a 6-hour day?

At $593 for a ~6-hour full-day trip, you’re not paying for a basic bus excursion. You’re paying for:

• round-trip hotel transfers
• a tour guide
• the 1-hour Green Lake boat tour
• lunch (fish or chicken BBQ, salad, rice or spaghetti)
• insurance

You’re also getting multiple included “life happens here” moments: the off-road safari, Roman aqueduct photo stop, village and orchard visits, and the lake water time.

Drinks are not included, so add a little buffer for that. If you’re the type who drinks a lot of water or soft drinks during activities, plan ahead rather than assuming lunch day means unlimited drinks.

Also budget for the waterfall entrance fee. The extra is small, but it’s still an “arrival surprise” if you don’t know it’s not included.

Who gets the best value?

If you want a day that combines driving, boating, and food without arranging separate tickets, this price can make sense. It’s usually a better fit when you value convenience (pickup, schedule, guidance) as much as the activities themselves.

What to pack and how to handle the day

This trip is a mix of outdoors on jeeps and being in and around the lake. Pack for both.

A smart basic checklist:

• swimwear (you’ll want it for the lake time)
• sunscreen + sunglasses
• a hat for the open-top jeep portion
• a small dry bag or zip pouch for phones and valuables
• water and snacks only if you know you need them, since lunch is included but drinks are not

Also, plan for the weather to matter. The tour notes that it requires good weather, which usually means you should keep your schedule flexible in case you’re offered a different date due to conditions.

Who this Side tour is best for

This is a good fit if you want:

• an active day without planning multiple tours
• off-road thrills with a guided, safety-conscious approach
• lake time that includes actual water access
• a mix of nature views and a few cultural/photo stops

It may be less ideal if you:

• dislike jeeps or rougher terrain
• expect the entire day to be nonstop “green canyon wow” without sightseeing breaks
• want long, uninterrupted water time (the lake boat and activities are timeboxed)

Most travelers can participate, and the group limit helps keep things from getting too crowded. Just remember the day is outdoors and open-top in parts.

Should you book the Side Green Lake Boat Tour and Jeep Safari?

I’d book it if your ideal Turkey day looks like this: pickup, an off-road canyon drive, a lake lunch, a boat ride you can follow with swimming and canoeing, then a waterfall photo stop before you’re back in Side.

It’s also a strong choice when you care about value in the “what’s included” category: transfers, guide, boat, lunch, and insurance. At this price point, that inclusion list is the difference-maker.

If you’re sensitive to sun, wind, or dust, or you dislike extra fees, go in prepared. The waterfall entrance (TRY 50) and drinks not included are the two details that can change the total cost feel.

If you want one practical way to decide fast: if you’re excited by the idea of jeep + lake + swimming in one day, this trip fits your plan.

FAQ

How long is the Side Green Lake Boat Tour and Jeep Safari?

The tour is listed at about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 9:00 am.

Do you get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup is offered from hotels in and around Side, and you’re also dropped off back at hotels in the same area.

Is the Green Lake boat tour included?

Yes. A 1-hour boat tour on Green Lake is included.

Can you swim or do activities at Green Lake?

Yes. You’ll have free time for swimming, canoeing, and pedal bike activities at Green Lake.

What is included in lunch?

Lunch is included, and the meal options are fish or chicken BBQ, salad, and rice or spaghetti.

Is the Manavgat Waterfall entrance fee included?

No. The Manavgat Waterfall entrance fee is not included and is listed as TRY 50.00 per person.

Are drinks included during the tour?

No. Drinks are not included.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 48 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.