Things to Do in Manavgat: Boat Trips, Canyons, Market Days and More

Manavgat is more than a market town. The district covers a working Turkish town on a wide green river, the resort coast around Side, and the Taurus Mountains rising behind them. That mix means you can spend one day drifting down a river to the sea, the next rafting through a canyon, and the one after that haggling at one of the region's biggest weekly markets.

This guide focuses on things to do in Manavgat: boat trips, adventure days, local experiences and family outings, with practical notes on what each involves. If you're looking for sights, such as ancient cities, beaches and viewpoints, see our guide to the best places to visit in Manavgat.

Things to Do in Manavgat at a Glance

• Cruise the Manavgat River down to the sea, with a swim stop where the river meets the Mediterranean

• Take a boat trip on Green Canyon, an emerald lake between forested mountains

• Join a pirate boat trip with swim stops, lunch and a foam party

• Go rafting in Köprülü Canyon on the Köprüçay river

• Head into the mountains on a jeep safari, or ride a quad or buggy on forest trails

• Try scuba diving off the Side coast, no licence needed

• Shop at Manavgat market on market day

• Visit Manavgat Waterfall, a short, easy nature stop

• Relax in a Turkish bath after a busy day

Boat Trips and Water Activities in Manavgat

Manavgat River Boat Trip

The classic Manavgat day out. Boats cruise slowly down the river, past reed beds and green banks, to a sandy strip where the river meets the sea. There is time to swim, lunch is served on board, and most trips combine the cruise with Manavgat Waterfall and time at the bazaar.

Maxtoria offers two versions from Side, each listed at around 6 hours with hotel transfers, lunch on board and the waterfall ticket included. One of them runs only on Mondays and Thursdays to match the market. Read our Manavgat boat tour guide for the full itinerary and how the two options differ, or book the Manavgat river, waterfall and market tour directly.

Good for: families, first-time visitors, anyone who wants an easy-going day

Green Canyon Boat Trip

Green Canyon is a reservoir lake formed by the Oymapınar Dam, north of Manavgat. Its water is a striking emerald green, and the boat takes you between steep, wooded canyon walls with stops to swim in the calm lake.

The Green Canyon boat trip from Side starts with a viewpoint over the dam, cruises through the Big Canyon and the Little Canyon, and includes lunch at a lakeside restaurant, soft drinks and water on the boat, and hotel transfers. It is listed at around 5 hours.

Good for: couples, families, nature lovers who want scenery rather than beach crowds

Pirate Boat Trip

If your children would rather be on a pirate ship than a tour boat, this is the one. The Side pirate boat tour boards at the Manavgat pier, cruises down the river to the delta for a swim, then sails along the coast past ancient Side and the Temple of Apollo. There is a second swim and snorkel stop, a hot lunch, and a foam party with pirate animation on the way back. Lunch, unlimited soft drinks and hotel transfers are included; alcohol and ice cream are extra.

Good for: families with children, groups of friends

Scuba Diving

You don't need a licence to try diving here. On the Side scuba diving tour, an instructor gives you training on board before two guided dives: one over a reef and one at the Side underwater museum. Equipment, lunch and transfers are included. The minimum age for the dives is 14, and you should tell the team about any medical condition before booking. Our guide to scuba diving in Side and Antalya has more detail.

Good for: curious beginners, certified divers wanting an easy day

Adventure Activities Around Manavgat

Rafting in Köprülü Canyon

Köprülü Canyon National Park lies inland from Manavgat, and rafting on the Köprüçay river is one of the most popular adventure days in the region. No experience is needed: guides give a full briefing and steer the raft, and the route includes calmer stretches for swimming and a photo stop at the old Oluk Bridge.

The Side rafting tour includes transfers, equipment, a guide, lunch and insurance. Bring a full change of clothes, as you will get soaked. Rafting is not suitable for pregnant travellers or guests with mobility problems.

Good for: active couples, groups of friends, families with older children

Jeep Safari to Green Canyon

A jeep safari combines off-road driving in the Taurus Mountains with a village stop, a viewpoint over Oymapınar Dam and a boat trip on Green Lake. Expect dusty tracks and cheerful water fights between jeeps.

The jeep safari to Green Canyon picks up in Side and Manavgat and includes an hour-long boat trip on the lake, lunch by the water and a stop at Manavgat Waterfall (the entrance ticket and drinks are paid separately). Wear closed shoes and bring dry clothes. The off-road sections are not recommended for pregnant travellers or anyone with back or heart problems.

Good for: groups of friends, families who don't mind getting wet

Quad and Buggy Safari

For a shorter hit of adrenaline, a quad or buggy safari takes you along pine-forest trails, through mud pools and over rocky climbs. The quad and buggy safari lasts around 2 hours, with morning and afternoon departures, so it fits easily around a beach day. Drivers must be at least 17 and passengers at least 12.

Good for: thrill-seekers, travellers short on time

Several Adventures in One Day

If you can't choose, the adrenaline combo tour packs rafting, an ATV or buggy ride, a zipline and a jeep safari into a single long day, with lunch by the river. Rafting on the Köprüçay runs from April to October.

Local Life and Relaxing Things to Do in Manavgat

Manavgat Market

Manavgat's big open-air market is one of the liveliest in the region, with fresh fruit and vegetables, spices, textiles, leather goods and souvenirs. It is generally held on Mondays and Thursdays, but locations and hours can change, so check locally before you go. Mornings are cooler and less crowded. Our Manavgat market guide has more tips.

Manavgat Waterfall

Manavgat Waterfall is wide rather than tall: the river pours over a broad rocky step, and the spray keeps the area cool even in summer. A visit takes an hour or so, and it is included on many river and jeep tours. It is a paid attraction, and fees can change, so check on the day.

An Evening by the River

Manavgat town has a relaxed, local feel in the evening. Walk along the riverfront, then eat at one of the restaurants by the water. It's a good contrast to the busier tourist streets of Side.

Turkish Bath (Hammam)

A Turkish bath is a relaxing way to end your holiday or recover from an active day. The Turkish bath and massage experience includes the sauna, steam room, a traditional kese scrub and foam massage, a 20-minute body massage and time in the pool, with towels, slippers and transfers provided. Bring a swimsuit and tell the staff about any health conditions beforehand.

Things to Do in Manavgat with Kids

Manavgat is an easy area for families: distances are short and many tours are designed with children in mind.

• Pirate boat trip: swim stops, a foam party and a ship children will love

• Manavgat River boat trip: slow-paced, with little walking and a swim where the river meets the sea

• Green Canyon family tour: the Green Canyon tour with a zoo visit adds an off-road ride, a zoo, a lake cruise, face painting, a foam party and a mud bath. Children must be supervised during water activities.

• A theme park day: The Land of Legends in Belek is reachable as a day trip with a transfer from Side

Always check the age limits before booking adventure activities. Quad and buggy passengers must be at least 12, and scuba divers at least 14.

How to Choose the Right Activity

• For a relaxed day: Manavgat River or Green Canyon boat trip

• For adventure: rafting, jeep safari, quad and buggy, or the combo tour

• For young children: pirate boat, river boat trip, or the Green Canyon family tour

• For local culture: Manavgat market, the riverside in the evening and a Turkish bath

• For a short outing: quad and buggy safari, Manavgat Waterfall or a Turkish bath

Practical Tips Before You Book

• Check the pickup area. Most tours list pickup from hotels in the Side area. If you are staying further along the coast or in Manavgat town, confirm your hotel is covered before booking.

• Pickup is earlier than the start time. Your exact pickup time is confirmed after you book.

• Compare what's included. Drinks, the waterfall ticket, photos and videos are often extra, so read the details rather than comparing prices alone.

• Carry some Turkish lira in cash for drinks, the market and small extras.

• Dress for the day: swimwear and a towel for boat trips, closed shoes and clothes you don't mind ruining for jeep and quad safaris.

• Check health and age restrictions for rafting, jeep, quad and diving tours.

• Plan around the heat. April to June and September to October are the most comfortable months for outdoor activities; in July and August, start early and take it easy at midday. See the best time to visit Antalya for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Manavgat famous for?

Manavgat is best known for its river and waterfall, its large weekly market, Green Canyon, Köprülü Canyon and, within the same district, the ancient city of Side.

Are Side and Manavgat the same place?

Not quite. Side is a historic resort area on the coast within Manavgat district, while Manavgat town is a separate centre a short drive inland along the river. Most visitors stay in or around Side and visit Manavgat on a tour or a short trip.

Which days is Manavgat market held?

The big market is generally held on Mondays and Thursdays. Check the current schedule locally, as locations and hours can change.

What are the best things to do in Manavgat with kids?

A pirate boat trip, a Manavgat River boat trip and the Green Canyon family tour are all popular with children. For a full day of rides, The Land of Legends theme park is reachable from Side.

Is rafting in Köprülü Canyon suitable for beginners?

Yes. No experience is needed, as guides give a safety briefing and steer the raft. It is not suitable for pregnant travellers or people with mobility problems.

Do Manavgat tours include hotel pickup?

Most tours on Maxtoria include return hotel transfers, usually from the Side area. Check the pickup area on the tour page before booking.

How much time should I spend at Manavgat Waterfall?

About an hour is enough for most visitors. Many boat and jeep tours include it as a stop.

Plan Your Days in Manavgat

With a river, a canyon lake, mountains and the sea all close together, Manavgat is easy to fill with varied days. Mix one relaxed boat trip with one adventure day, time a visit to the market, and leave an evening for the riverside.

You can compare all tours and activities in Side and Manavgat on Maxtoria. If you're staying in Side, our guide to things to do in Side covers the resort itself.