Green Canyon Manavgat — Boat Tours & Visitor Guide 2026
Turkey's largest canyon reservoir — emerald water, boat tours with lunch.
Green Canyon: entrance fee Boat tour about €30–45 (lunch included), opening hours Tours usually depart 09:00–10:00. Suggested time: Half day to full day. Best time to visit: May–October; morning tours for calm water.
Green Canyon — a top-rated excursion from Side and one of the best things to do in Manavgat — is Turkey’s largest dam-lake canyon, created when the Oymapinar Dam flooded the Taurus valleys. Its mineral-rich water keeps an emerald-green hue all year, and cruising between cliffs up to 500 metres high feels remarkably like a fjord.
Daily boat tours run 4–6 hours with swimming stops, lunch on board and photo breaks. Sport fishing trips, photo safaris and private boat charters are popular alternatives.
Green Canyon entrance fee and opening hours (2026)
| Entrance fee | Boat tour about €30–45 (lunch included) |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Tours usually depart 09:00–10:00 |
| Suggested time | Half day to full day |
| Best time to visit | May–October; morning tours for calm water |
Prices are approximate for the 2026 season; check current rates at the ticket office.
Last updated:
How do I get to Green Canyon?
The Oymapınar Dam is a 20-minute drive from Manavgat. Most tours include free hotel transfer from Side, Manavgat and Alanya; independent travellers can hire boats by the hour at the dam jetty.
Distances and driving times to Green Canyon
| From Antalya Airport (AYT) | 69 km · about 1 h 12 min by car |
|---|---|
| From Side | 21 km · about 35 min by car |
| From Manavgat | 21 km · about 32 min by car |
| From Alanya | 82 km · about 1 h 15 min by car |
Road distances and driving times calculated on the OpenStreetMap road network (OSRM), without traffic or stops. Compare all attractions →
Tips for visiting Green Canyon
- Bring swimwear and a towel — boats stop for swimming.
- Morning departures get calmer water and better light.
- Drinks are usually extra; carry some cash.
Where is Green Canyon?
Tours & tickets
Green Canyon — frequently asked questions
How long does a Green Canyon tour last?
Standard tours with hotel transfer take 6–7 hours in total, including 4–5 hours on the water with swimming breaks.
Can you swim in Green Canyon?
Yes — boats anchor in clear coves inside the canyon for swimming; being dam water it stays refreshingly cool even in summer.
What is included in the tour price?
Hotel transfer, the boat cruise and lunch are standard; drinks and photo service usually cost extra.
How far is Green Canyon from Side?
Green Canyon is 21 km from Side by road — about 35 min by car without stops.
How far is Green Canyon from Antalya Airport?
Green Canyon is 69 km from Antalya Airport (AYT) by road — about 1 h 12 min by car without stops.
Comparison: Green Canyon or Köprülü Canyon — boat trip vs rafting →
