Mix. Tour (Jeep Safari and Boat Tour in Green Lake with Lunch)

The best part of this Side excursion is the mix: a bumpy Jeep Safari through the hills, followed by a calm boat ride on Green Lake. You get action, scenery, swimming, fishing, and lunch in one long day, rather than spending all eight hours on a bus or at one attraction.

I like the value, with the tour priced at $30.04 per person, and I like the way the day works for mixed-age groups. Children can join the water games, less confident swimmers can use life jackets, and older family members can relax on the boat. The main drawback is that the jeeps can be very rough, while drinks, photos, videos, alcohol, and a possible zoo stop cost extra or may raise concerns.

Key points to know before booking

• A full day for a low price: The package combines transport, Jeep Safari, lunch, a 1.5-hour boat trip, swimming, and fishing.
• Water fights are part of the fun: Expect splashing between jeeps, singing, cheering, and sometimes a foam cannon.
• Green Lake is the calm center of the day: The clear green water gives you a welcome swim break after the dusty, jolting road ride.
• The drive is genuinely bumpy: Bring clothes you can wash and avoid taking valuables that could be damaged by water or dust.
• It suits families and mixed groups: Children as young as seven have enjoyed it, and life jackets are available for the lake swim.
• Some extras need cash: Drinks, photos, videos, alcohol, and the €1 Manavgat Waterfall entrance fee are not included.

From Side to the Taurus foothills

The day begins around 8:20 a.m., with pickup offered from Side. Pickup details can vary, so I would confirm the exact time and meeting point with Coyav Travel before the morning of the tour. One booking had a later pickup, around 9:15, which shows why it is wise not to assume every hotel follows the advertised start time precisely.

The group size is capped at 10 people, though the water games bring several jeeps together during parts of the day. That small maximum is useful at pickup and during the meal, but this is not a private safari. You should expect a social outing with drivers, music, shouting, and playful competition between vehicles.

The jeeps take you away from Side’s hotel strip and onto stony and dirt roads. The point is not wildlife spotting or a quiet nature walk. It is the feeling of being out in the open, passing through wooded areas and hills while the vehicle bounces along.

I would wear sturdy sandals or old trainers, not delicate holiday shoes. Dust, splashes, and rough roads are built into the experience. Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch if you want photographs, and wear clothes that can get wet.

The Jeep Safari: scenic roads, splashing, and plenty of noise

The Jeep portion provides the day’s biggest burst of energy. Drivers use the rough roads to add excitement, and the route includes stops for views, nature, walking, and fishing. The exact amount of time spent at each stop is not specified, so expect the day to flow according to the group and road conditions rather than follow a tightly timed sightseeing plan.

The water fights are a major feature, not a small surprise. Jeeps spray one another, and the action can include a foam cannon. Music, singing, cheering, and games help turn the drive into a group event. If you enjoy joining in, this is good fun. If you prefer a quiet ride with a guide explaining every view, you may find the noise and splashing tiring.

The drivers are central to the mood. Talad is specifically praised for keeping people laughing while sharing information about local sights and the area. Another guide is referred to as Spider Boy, and the drivers are repeatedly described as energetic, careful with children, and skilled at making the ride exciting.

That balance matters. A safari driver should make the road feel lively without making you feel unsafe. Families with children around seven to nine years old have found the drivers attentive, but you should still decide for yourself if your children are comfortable with open vehicles, sudden jolts, and water being sprayed at them.

Bring a swimsuit and washable clothing. The heat can dry wet clothes quickly, but you will still want a dry change for lunch and the ride home. Take water with you if possible, since drinks bought during the day can become an added expense.

Green Lake and Oymapinar Dam by boat

After the rougher road sections, the boat tour changes the pace completely. The 1.5-hour cruise takes place on the Oymapinar dam reservoir, known here as Green Lake. The water is described as clear and green, with wooded hills, bird calls, and broad views around the canyons.

This is the part I would value most after the jeep ride. You can sit back, cool off, and look at the scenery without being shaken around. The boat has two decks and a partly pirate-themed design, so it is more of a relaxed group cruise than a silent nature vessel.

Drinks are available to buy on the boat, but they are not included. Prices are described as normal by one booking, while another found drinks a little costly. I would bring some cash and a bottle of water rather than depend on onboard purchases.

The boat ride also includes animation. That keeps the mood lively, but it means you should not expect an entirely peaceful cruise. You get a mixture of views, commentary, and group entertainment.

The setting is the real reward. Green Lake gives you a different side of the region than Side’s ancient streets and beach resorts. The water, hills, trees, and open views make the trip feel like a proper break from the built-up coast.

Swimming and fishing at Green Lake

The swimming break is included and gives you a chance to cool down after the Jeep Safari. Life jackets are provided, which makes the stop more practical for children and anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

The water is described as green and clear, but you should not expect a long beach stop. One family wished the swimming break had been longer. I would treat it as a refreshing pause, not a full afternoon of swimming.

Fishing is also included. The supplied details do not specify the equipment, species, or length of the fishing time, so think of it as a casual activity rather than a serious fishing trip. It adds variety for people who want a quieter moment between the water fight and the boat ride.

The lake stop works especially well for families with different interests. One child can swim, another can try fishing, and adults can enjoy the views or stay on the boat. That flexibility is one reason the tour suits groups with children and adults ranging from young families to people in their seventies.

Lunch in the countryside

Lunch is included after the boat and Jeep activities. The meal offers a fish option and a chicken option, with smaller portions available for children. This is useful for families, though food for infants is not supplied, so parents should bring something suitable or buy an extra meal at the restaurant.

The food has been described as tasty, but the outdoor setting comes with a small practical issue: flying insects may gather around the dishes. That is not unusual for a countryside meal in hot weather, but it is worth knowing if you are particular about eating outdoors.

Lunch is not a gourmet stop. Its value is convenience and timing. You do not need to leave the tour to find food, and a proper meal breaks up a physically active morning. Alcoholic drinks are not included, and any other drinks or purchases should be treated as extras.

I would keep lunch clothes simple and covered. After the water fight and lake swim, you may be damp, dusty, or both. A spare shirt and a small towel can make the meal and return ride much more comfortable.

What the $30.04 price really includes

At $30.04, this is one of the stronger value outings around Side if you want a full day of activities. The price includes pickup, the Jeep Safari, lunch, a 1.5-hour boat tour, a swimming break, and fishing. Even allowing for the basic style of transport and meal, that is a lot of included content for roughly eight hours.

The low price does not mean every part is polished or private. You are paying for a cheerful group day, not a custom tour with a personal driver and flexible stops. The vehicles are practical rather than luxurious, the road is rough, and the boat may sell drinks separately.

Photos and videos are also sold as extras. Several bookings found them worth buying, especially because it is difficult to take good pictures during the water fights. I would decide before the tour how much you want to spend on extras, since the main fare does not cover them.

The €1 Manavgat Waterfall entrance fee is also excluded. The supplied information does not confirm the timing of a waterfall stop, so ask the operator if it is part of your departure. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

For a family of four, the base price remains reasonable, but extras can add up quickly. I would budget for drinks, possible media purchases, and the waterfall fee rather than treating $30.04 as the final possible spend.

The zoo question and other drawbacks

There is one issue worth checking before you book. A zoo stop has been part of at least one version of the day, and concern was raised about lions being kept in small cages without suitable facilities. If animal welfare matters to you, ask Coyav Travel directly whether a zoo visit is planned on your departure and request that it be left out if possible.

The other drawbacks are less serious but easy to predict. The road is bumpy, the water games can leave you soaked, and drinks may cost more than expected. The swimming stop may feel short, particularly if your children want to stay in the lake.

The tour is also not ideal for someone who wants a quiet, slow day. The drivers create excitement with fast-feeling movement, water fights, foam, music, and group games. That is exactly why many families enjoy it, but it will not suit every personality.

Who should book the Green Lake Jeep Safari?

I would recommend this trip to families, groups of friends, and couples who want several activities in one day. It is a good match if you like a bit of harmless chaos, enjoy meeting other people, and want a break from the beach.

It also works for mixed-age groups. Children can take part in the splashing and swimming, while older family members can spend more time on the boat or watching the scenery. Life jackets make the lake stop more accessible to people who are not strong swimmers.

You may want a different outing if you dislike rough roads, cannot get wet, or prefer quiet sightseeing. The Jeep Safari is not a gentle scenic drive. The boat ride is relaxing, but it is only one part of a much more active day.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is sent at booking. Most people can participate, though the information does not give a full medical or mobility assessment. If you have a condition affected by jolting roads or open-vehicle travel, ask the operator before paying.

Practical packing advice for an eight-hour day

I would pack:

• Swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• Towel
• Washable shoes
• Sun protection
• Water and some cash for drinks
• Waterproof protection for your phone
• A small snack for an infant, if needed

Avoid bringing anything fragile. The jeep ride is rough, and water fights can reach bags and phones. Children should wear clothes that can handle foam, dust, and repeated splashes.

The weather matters. If poor conditions force cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book this Side day trip?

Book it if you want high energy, good value, and a full day away from the coast. The mix of Jeep Safari, water fights, Green Lake swimming, fishing, lunch, and a 1.5-hour boat ride gives you far more variety than the price suggests.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to a family with school-age children or a large group struggling to find one activity everyone will enjoy. Just confirm pickup, ask about any zoo stop, bring water and spare clothes, and accept that the roads will be bumpy.

Skip it if you want a polished private excursion, a long swim, or a peaceful nature tour. For the right group, though, this is a cheerful and memorable way to see the countryside around Side without spending much.

FAQ

What is included in the Green Lake Jeep Safari and boat tour?

The tour includes lunch, the Jeep Safari, a 1.5-hour boat tour, a swimming break, and fishing. Pickup is offered.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours. The advertised start time is 8:20 a.m.

Where does the boat tour take place?

The boat tour takes place on the Oymapinar dam reservoir, known as Green Lake.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are not listed as included. Alcoholic beverages are specifically excluded, and drinks can be bought during the day.

Is swimming possible during the tour?

Yes. A swimming break in Green Lake is included, and life jackets are provided.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Most people can participate, and the tour has been enjoyed by children and older adults. Smaller portions are available at lunch for children, but food for infants is not supplied.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. For other cancellations, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund.