Green Canyon Jeep Safari from Side: Off-Road Trails, Boat Trip and Lunch

A Green Canyon jeep safari combines two very different halves of a day. In the morning, open-sided jeeps climb dusty forest tracks into the Taurus foothills behind Side, usually with water fights between vehicles. In the afternoon, a boat takes you onto the calm, jade-green lake of Green Canyon for a swim and a lakeside lunch.

This guide explains what the day looks like, which version to choose, what is included and what costs extra, and what to wear.

Only interested in the lake? See our guide to the Green Canyon boat trip.

What Is a Green Canyon Jeep Safari?

It is a full-day trip from Side and Manavgat into the hills north of the coast. The "safari" part is an off-road drive in open jeeps along forest tracks and mountain roads, driven by an experienced driver. The destination is Green Canyon, the lake behind the Oymapınar Dam, where the trip switches to a boat.

What the Day Looks Like

Programmes vary slightly, but a typical Green Canyon jeep safari from Side runs like this:

1. Hotel pickup and a short safety briefing.

2. Off-road jeep ride: about 1.5 hours on forest tracks in the Taurus foothills. Expect dust, bumps, and water fights with the other jeeps.

3. Photo and village stops: depending on the tour, a Roman aqueduct, a mountain village or a village mosque.

4. Oymapınar Dam viewpoint: the view down onto the lake.

5. Boat trip on Green Canyon: about an hour on the lake.

6. A swim: a freshwater swim, where the crew allows it.

7. Lakeside lunch.

8. Manavgat Waterfall on the way back, on some tours. The entrance fee is extra.

9. Return to your hotel, usually in the late afternoon.

The whole trip takes about 7 hours. Tours usually start around 10:00 and finish around 16:30, with pickup earlier depending on your hotel.

Which Green Canyon Safari Should You Choose?

• The classic jeep safari: the Side jeep safari to Green Canyon includes the off-road ride, a Roman aqueduct photo stop, a mountain village, the dam viewpoint, a one-hour boat trip, a swim, lunch and Manavgat Waterfall.

• The family version: the family jeep safari with Green Canyon boat trip follows longer forest trails at a family-friendly pace, with a water fight stop, the boat trip and lunch.

• The safari truck and zoo tour: the Green Canyon, zoo and boat trip tour uses an open pink safari truck and adds a zoo visit, a foam party and a natural mud bath before the lake. It is the most child-focused option.

• From Alanya: the Alanya mix safari with zoo visit and Green Lake boat trip climbs into the mountains, visits a lion park and a highland village, and finishes with a boat cruise on the Oymapınar lake.

See all jeep safaris from Side.

What Is Included and What Costs Extra

Usually included: return hotel transfer from Side and Manavgat, the jeep or safari-truck ride, the boat trip, lunch, a guide and insurance.

Usually extra:

• drinks

• the Manavgat Waterfall entrance fee

• water guns for the water fights

• photos and videos

Check the tour page for the exact inclusions and age bands, which differ between tours.

Is a Jeep Safari Right for You?

Great for: groups of friends, families with children who love splashing, and anyone who wants more than a day by the pool.

Think twice if: you are pregnant or have back, neck or heart problems. The tracks are bumpy, and the tours say they are not suitable. The ride is also dusty, and sometimes muddy after rain.

Don't want to get wet? Sit in the middle of the jeep and keep valuables in a waterproof bag. Water fights are part of the fun on most tours.

What to Wear and Bring

• Old clothes that you do not mind getting dusty, wet or muddy

• Swimwear under your clothes, a towel, and a dry change of clothes for the ride home

• Closed shoes

• A waterproof bag or pouch for your phone and cash

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

• Cash for drinks, the waterfall entrance fee and water guns

Green Canyon or Uçansu Waterfall?

These are two different jeep safaris. The Green Canyon safari goes north from Side to the Oymapınar lake. The Uçansu waterfall jeep safari runs from Antalya along Taurus mountain trails to a waterfall with a natural pool. If you are staying in Antalya rather than Side, it is the closer option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Green Canyon jeep safari?

About 7 hours in total, usually from around 10:00 to 16:30, with earlier hotel pickup.

Does the jeep safari include the Green Canyon boat trip?

Yes. Maxtoria's Green Canyon safaris from Side include about an hour on the lake, plus a swim and lunch.

Do I drive the jeep myself?

No. An experienced driver drives, and you ride in the open jeep.

Will I get wet?

Probably. Most tours include water fights between jeeps, and there is a swim at the lake. Bring a change of clothes and a waterproof pouch.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, especially the family jeep safari and the safari truck and zoo tour. Age bands and prices differ by tour, so check the tour page.

Who should not go on a jeep safari?

The tours are not recommended for pregnant travellers or people with back, neck or heart conditions, because the tracks are bumpy.

Is Manavgat Waterfall included?

The stop is included on some tours, but the entrance fee is usually paid separately.