Spend a practical day exploring Oymapınar’s Green Canyon by jeep and boat. This easy, family-friendly trip from Side combines a forest road safari, a waterside lunch, and a cooling swim in the dam reservoir.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A minivan snakes out of Side before dawn, past citrus groves and the low rise of the Taurus Mountains, and deposits you at the rim of a green, glassy reservoir. The water sits cool and still beneath steep limestone walls; the dam and cliffs give the place a contained, muscular calm. A photo pause at the overlook frames a long ribbon of river that seems to dare you to follow it.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for average fitness; able to board boats and handle short jeep road bumps
Wildlife
History
The reservoir formed by the Oymapınar Dam reshaped a river valley into the steep-sided lake known locally as Green Canyon, shifting nearby villages toward waterside economies.
Conservation
Stay on board and in designated swim areas, avoid single-use plastics, and follow guide directions to limit disturbance of shoreline plants and nesting birds.
Reserve your spot on the Green Canyon Safari Boat Tour From Side today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring swimwear and quick-dry towel
There’s a scheduled swim break from the boat; a towel and quick-dry shorts make the transition easier.
Protect your camera and phone
Boat spray and dusty jeep roads mean a dry bag or protective case will keep electronics safe.
Layer for changing conditions
Mornings can be warm but the boat breeze and shade under cliffs cool quickly—carry a light jacket.
Mind mobility limits
Boat boarding and jeep seats require steady footing and some climbing; not recommended for those with spinal or severe mobility issues.
Swimwear and towel
For the boat’s swim stop and riverside cooling plunge.
summer
Sunscreen and hat
Open water and midday sun provide little shade on the boat.
summer
Dry bag or phone case
Protects gear from spray during the boat portion and dust on jeep tracks.
Light wind or fleece layer
Keeps you comfortable on breezy mornings and late-afternoon returns.
spring