Green Canyon Full-Day Boat Cruise — Emerald Water & Canyon Walls

Green Canyon is a reservoir lake carved between limestone walls that rise 300 to 400 metres straight out of the water, and the colour of the lake — a mineral-fed turquoise-green that photographs like CGI — is the reason people keep coming back. The cruise runs on a flat-bottomed shared boat, which makes it notably calmer than a sea cruise and accessible for people who find open-water swell uncomfortable. There is a swim stop in a sheltered bay where the water is cold, clear and about three metres deep over white gravel. The afternoon includes a lakeside trout lunch at a restaurant on the reservoir shore — included in the price. It is a noticeably quieter atmosphere than the Antalya pirate boats or the sea cruises: less animation-team energy, more scenery and good food. The drive to the canyon from Antalya takes about 90 minutes through the Taurus foothills, which is scenic in itself. This tour works well for couples, for guests who have already done the sea cruise, and for anyone who wants a full day out without the noise. Best-value canyon day in the region.