Green Canyon Jeep Safari from Side – Past Side’s Roman Aqueduct to an Emerald Lake
Ancient Side once drank water carried down from the Taurus by a Roman aqueduct – and this jeep safari heads into the hills it came from. Land Rovers leave the coast near Manavgat, stop at the old arches and at panoramic points, and bring you to the Green Canyon, the emerald dam lake of Oymapınar, for an hour on the water, a swim and lunch by the lake.
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Operating days
- Daily
- Pickup
- 09:00 → 16:00
- Destination
- Green Canyon
Off-road behind Manavgat
From your hotel in Side – the west or east beach, or the nearest reachable point if you stay in the old town – the transfer to the jeeps is short: the tracks begin in the hills behind Manavgat, so you swap asphalt for gravel soon after leaving the coast. Experienced drivers take the wheel, and the convoy is known for its water fights. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
Arches, viewpoints and green water
- Photo stop at the remains of the Roman aqueduct that once supplied Side
- A panoramic hill above the canyon, with the sea in the distance
- One hour by boat between pine-clad cliffs, including a swim stop of about half an hour
- Lunch at a lakeside restaurant and more time in the water
- An optional small zoo on the way, entrance paid separately
- A second off-road section on the way back
Good to know
Wear clothes and shoes that can get dusty and wet, put swimwear on underneath and protect phones and cameras in a waterproof bag. Life jackets are available for non-swimmers. The tracks are bumpy, so the safari is not recommended during pregnancy or with back problems. Drinks, photos and the zoo entrance are paid on the day. If you would rather spend the whole day on the water, the Green Canyon boat tour from Side explores the lake at an easier pace.
Highlights
- 4x4 Land Rover safari in the Taurus Mountains
- 1-hour boat trip on the emerald Green Canyon lake
- 30-minute swim stop in clear mountain water
- Ancient Roman aqueduct and panoramic viewpoints
- Lunch at a lakeside restaurant
- Water fights between the jeeps
Hotel pickup from Side
Pickup times depend on where your hotel is and change from season to season, so we confirm your exact pickup time by WhatsApp or e-mail after booking. Please be ready at the hotel entrance 5 minutes early.
Hotels we pick up from in Side
- Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection
- Club Melas Privé
- Megasaray Resort Side
- Barut Hemera
- Adalya Bliss
- Novum Garden Side Hotel
- VONRESORT Golden Coast & Aqua
- Voyage Sorgun Hotel
- Liu Resorts
- Barut GOIA
- Side Star Beach Hotel
Your hotel is not on the list? No problem – just tell us its name when booking and we will arrange your pickup.
Itinerary
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Hotel pickup
Pickup from your hotel in Side – we confirm the exact time after booking.
-
Transfer to Manavgat
Drive along the coast towards the Green Canyon area.
-
Off-road & Roman aqueduct
First jeep section with a photo stop at the ancient aqueduct.
-
Small zoo (optional)
Photo opportunities with animals (entrance not included).
-
Boat trip on the Green Canyon
One hour on the lake including a 30-minute swim.
-
Panoramic hill
Photo stop overlooking the canyon and the sea.
-
Lakeside lunch
Lunch by the lake and free time to swim.
-
Off-road return
Second jeep section and drive back.
-
Hotel drop-off
Transfer back to your hotel in Side.
Included / Not included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Alanya, Side and surroundings
- 4x4 jeep safari and professional guide
- 1-hour boat trip on the Green Canyon lake
- Lunch at a restaurant by the lake
- Insurance
Not included
- Drinks
- Photos and DVD
- Zoo entrance fee
- Personal expenses
Good to know
Good to know
- Water fights take place during the safari – keep electronics protected.
- Life jackets are available on the boat for non-swimmers.
- The off-road parts are bumpy – not recommended for pregnant women or guests with back problems.
What to bring
- Clothes and shoes that can get dusty and wet
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Cash for drinks and the zoo
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Green Canyon from Side?
The lake lies inland from Manavgat, roughly 30–40 km from Side – one of the shortest drives to the canyon on this coast.
Can we swim?
Yes – the boat stops for about half an hour, and there is more time to swim after lunch. Life jackets are on board.
Do I drive the jeep?
No, experienced drivers handle the Land Rovers; you enjoy the views and the water fights.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, children usually love the jeeps and the lake; because the tracks are bumpy, it is not recommended for pregnant women.
What is the aqueduct?
The remains of a Roman water channel that carried water from the hills to ancient Side; the convoy stops there for photos.
