Green Canyon

Green Canyon is located around Oymapinar Dam Lake, north of Manavgat in Antalya Province. It is approximately 20–25 kilometres from central Manavgat and 30–35 kilometres from Side.

Distances and journey times may vary according to your hotel, traffic and the selected route.

The easiest ways to reach Green Canyon are by private car or an organised tour with hotel transfers. Public transport does not provide a reliable direct service to every lakeside pier, so independent visitors may need several connections followed by a taxi.

When using a navigation app, search for “Green Canyon Oymapinar Dam” or the exact pier provided by your boat operator. Searching only for “Green Canyon” may take you to a viewpoint rather than the correct boat departure point.

A Green Canyon boat trip is the main way to explore the area. Boats cruise across the calm freshwater reservoir, passing forested slopes, steep rock formations and the Grand Canyon and Small Canyon sections of the lake.

A typical Green Canyon boat tour may include:

• A cruise across Oymapinar Dam Lake

• Views of the Grand Canyon and Small Canyon

• Swimming stops in designated areas

• Lunch on board or at a lakeside restaurant

• Photography and relaxation breaks

• Hotel pickup and return transfer

• Soft drinks and guiding, depending on the package

The boat portion usually lasts between 2.5 and 5 hours. When hotel transfers and lunch are included, the overall Green Canyon excursion generally becomes a full-day experience.

The reservoir contains freshwater, which can feel considerably cooler than the Mediterranean. Swimming should only take place at approved stops selected by the crew, and life jackets should be used when requested.

Green Canyon does not operate like a museum or archaeological site with one ticket office and a universal entrance fee. Searches for a Green Canyon entrance fee usually refer to a boat ticket, tour package, parking charge or access arranged by a particular lakeside facility.

There are also no single opening hours that apply to the entire Green Canyon area. Boat trips commonly begin between 09:00 and 10:00, with the programme on the lake finishing at approximately 15:30–16:30. Hotel pickup may be earlier, while the return time depends on whether you are travelling to Side, Antalya or Alanya.

Green Canyon ticket prices change according to the season, departure region, cruise duration and included services. Before booking, check whether the price includes hotel transfers, lunch, drinks, insurance and any applicable access charges.

Green Canyon, sometimes described as Green Canyon Turkey or Green Canyon Antalya, is one of the most scenic nature excursions in the Manavgat area. It lies on Oymapinar Dam Lake, where emerald water stretches between the forested slopes and rocky walls of the Taurus Mountains.

The destination offers a completely different experience from Antalya’s coastal boat tours. Instead of sailing across the Mediterranean, visitors cruise on a calm freshwater reservoir surrounded by mountains and woodland.

Is Green Canyon Natural or Man-Made?

Green Canyon is often presented as a natural canyon, but its present lake landscape was formed after the construction of Oymapinar Dam on the Manavgat River.

The cliffs, valleys, mountains and surrounding forests are natural. The large body of water through which the boat tours travel is a man-made reservoir. Green Canyon can therefore be described as a destination where a natural mountain landscape and a dam lake come together.

Are Green Canyon and Oymapinar Dam the Same Place?

Green Canyon and Oymapinar Dam are closely connected but are not simply two different names for the same structure.

Oymapinar Dam is the hydroelectric dam built on the Manavgat River. Green Canyon is the tourism and boat-trip area extending across the scenic sections of its reservoir.

Tour itineraries may include the Oymapinar Dam viewpoint, the Grand Canyon, Small Canyon, swimming areas and a lakeside restaurant. As programmes differ between operators, visitors should check the complete itinerary before booking.

What Can You Do at Green Canyon?

The most popular activity is a Green Canyon boat cruise. Depending on the selected tour, visitors may also swim, relax on deck, take photographs, have lunch beside the lake or try fishing with equipment supplied by the operator.

Green Canyon tours usually have a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere than Mediterranean party cruises. This makes the destination suitable for families, couples, photographers, older travellers and anyone looking for a peaceful day away from busy resort areas.

Boat cruises are the main attraction, but visitors travelling by car may also stop at permitted viewpoints around Oymapinar Dam. Technical and restricted areas should never be entered.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Green Canyon?

The main Green Canyon season runs from April to October. Summer provides warmer conditions for swimming, but July and August can also bring higher temperatures and busier boats.

Late spring and early autumn are particularly comfortable for sightseeing, photography and spending time on deck. Tours may also operate during the winter, although departures are less frequent and can depend on demand and weather conditions.

Boat schedules may change because of wind, rain, maintenance or operational requirements. Confirm the pickup and departure time shortly before your tour.

What Should You Bring to Green Canyon?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothing and a change of clothes if you plan to swim. The freshwater can be cool even during summer, so a light outer layer may be useful after leaving the water.

Security checks may take place around the dam, so carrying a valid ID or passport is recommended. Mobile reception can be limited in some parts of the Taurus Mountains; save your booking, pickup and meeting-point information before leaving your hotel.