Green Canyon Lake Cruise with Lunch

Some days call for nothing more strenuous than a deckchair and a view, and this is one of them. In the mountains north of Manavgat, the Oymapınar Dam on the Manavgat River has filled a deep, twisting valley with water of an almost unreal green, and pine-covered cliffs drop straight into it. Our boat takes a whole day over the lake – long enough to swim, eat well, cast a line and still drift through the tightest part of the gorge in the afternoon light.

How the day unfolds

The road climbs inland from the coast and ends at a viewpoint above the dam, the first chance for photos. From the small harbour below, the boat noses into the canyon and soon cuts its engine in a sheltered spot so you can jump in – expect the water to feel distinctly fresher than the Mediterranean. Around one o’clock everyone goes ashore for lunch at a restaurant on the water’s edge: a choice of grilled fish or chicken, plus meatballs, rice or pasta, salads and a spread of meze. Back on board there are rods for anyone who wants to fish, and the last part of the cruise threads through the narrowest stretch of the gorge, where the rock walls close in on both sides.

Easy-going by design

Nothing on this trip is rushed or demanding, which is why it works so well for families with small children, grandparents and anyone who simply wants a peaceful day in the mountains. The boat has changing cabins, toilets and showers, and there are life jackets for children and non-swimmers. Soft drinks are free on board all day; anything you order with lunch at the restaurant is settled there. Fishing is entirely optional and depends on conditions on the day – the sun deck is an equally good choice.

Pickup and travel time

The canyon is roughly 45 minutes by road from Side and about 90 minutes from Alanya, and the transfer is included from hotels in both regions. Pickup starts at about 09:00 and you are back around 17:00, depending on where you stay. For a livelier way to see the same lake, try the Green Canyon jeep safari or the open-top cabrio bus safari.