Green Canyon (Oymapınar Dam) Antalya
Discover the breathtaking emerald waters of Oymapınar Dam, a stunning natural wonder offering boat tours and off-road adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Green Canyon (Oymapınar Dam) Antalya
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the breathtaking emerald waters of Oymapınar Dam, a stunning natural wonder offering boat tours and off-road adventures.
"The emerald green waters of Green Canyon are unbelievably vibrant and a must-see natural wonder!"
Pack for the Cold Water! :snowflake:
The water is incredibly refreshing, but very cold! Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.
Jeep Safari Fun :jeep:
Many tours include off-road jeep safaris, offering an adventurous way to see the canyon.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Emerald Waters of Oymapınar Dam
Oymapınar Dam
Witness the breathtaking, vibrant emerald-green waters of the reservoir. A truly mesmerizing sight!
Scenic Boat Tours
Reservoir
Glide across the serene waters, taking in the dramatic canyon landscapes from a unique perspective.
Off-Road Jeep Safari
Surrounding Canyons
Experience an exhilarating off-road adventure through rugged terrain with stunning panoramic views.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Emerald Views
Off-Road Adventure or Scenic Drive?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for the Cold Water! :snowflake:
The water is incredibly refreshing, but very cold! Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.
Jeep Safari Fun :jeep:
Many tours include off-road jeep safaris, offering an adventurous way to see the canyon. +1
Bring Your Camera! :camera:
The vibrant green hues and dramatic landscapes are incredibly photogenic. Don't miss the photo ops!
Lunch with a View :fork_and_knife:
Some tours include lunch, often with scenic views. Check your tour package details.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for the Cold Water! :snowflake:
The water is incredibly refreshing, but very cold! Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.
Jeep Safari Fun :jeep:
Many tours include off-road jeep safaris, offering an adventurous way to see the canyon. +1
Bring Your Camera! :camera:
The vibrant green hues and dramatic landscapes are incredibly photogenic. Don't miss the photo ops!
Lunch with a View :fork_and_knife:
Some tours include lunch, often with scenic views. Check your tour package details.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, almost surreal emerald green waters of Oymapınar Dam, calling it a natural wonder. The scenic beauty, boat tours, and adventurous jeep safaris are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some find the water very cold for swimming, and tour packages can vary in quality.
"Green Paradiso Canyon is a hidden paradise in Turkey! The natural beauty of the area is truly breathtaking – crystal-clear water, lush greenery, and peaceful surroundings. It’s the perfect place to relax, swim, or just enjoy the view.
The canyon felt very clean and well taken care of. I loved the walking paths and small bridges that let you explore the area easily. There were also quiet spots to sit and enjoy the sound of the water and birds.
It’s a peaceful escape from the busy tourist spots. If you love nature and want a calm, beautiful place to spend a day, I highly recommend visiting Green Paradiso Canyon."
Tymoteusz Marczynski
"Great little trip. We were on a boat for about 2 hours which included stopping at a jetty and swimming in the lake. It's a very peaceful and picturesque place.
There was a photographer onboard who will take some pictures of you which you can purchase for €15 framed, or €5 unframed."
Kevin Dagnell
"Gorgeous, gentle and enjoyable trip. The swimming was amazing and on our journey, lunch was included which was decent food, with more swimming. Only reason it loses a star is for the loud and obnoxious club music that is constantly playing on the boat, which ruins the relaxing vibe a bit."
Lewis Bromell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Green Canyon (Oymapınar Dam) is about 93 km from Antalya city center. The most popular ways to visit are by joining an organized tour, which often includes transportation from your hotel, or by renting a car. If driving, it's a scenic route, but be prepared for winding roads.
Public transport directly to Green Canyon is limited. You would typically need to take a bus to Manavgat and then arrange local transport or a taxi. Joining a tour is generally more convenient for reaching the dam.
From Side, Green Canyon is approximately 23 km away. Renting a car or taking a taxi are good options. Many day tours from Side also include transport to the dam.
Yes, numerous organized tours are available from Antalya, Side, and Alanya. These often include transportation, boat trips, and sometimes lunch, making it a hassle-free experience. +1
Absolutely! Renting a car gives you flexibility. The drive is scenic, and you can stop at viewpoints along the way. Parking is usually available near the dam.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Oymapınar Dam area itself might have a small fee, but the main attraction is the reservoir and the surrounding nature. If you join a boat tour or jeep safari, the cost of entry is usually included in the tour package.
The Oymapınar Dam area is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, specific tour operating times will vary. It's best to check with your tour provider or aim for daytime visits.
Costs vary depending on how you visit. Self-driving might only incur fuel costs and a small dam entry fee. Organized tours can range from $30-$60 USD per person, often including boat trips and lunch.
Yes, swimming in the reservoir is possible, especially during boat tours where designated spots are often provided. Be prepared for very cold, refreshing water!
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season, to secure your spot and potentially get better prices.
📸 📸 Photography
The dam itself offers stunning panoramic views. Look for elevated viewpoints along the road leading to the dam for dramatic shots of the emerald water. Boat tours also provide unique angles.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting and reduce harsh shadows. The vibrant green color is striking in any light, but these times enhance the mood.
A standard smartphone camera is usually sufficient to capture the beauty. However, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the expansive canyon and dam views.
Drone regulations can be strict in Turkey. It's advisable to check current regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone over the dam or reservoir area.
Boat tours offer unique perspectives from the water, allowing you to capture the scale of the canyon walls and the reflections on the emerald surface.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Day-Trippers from Antalya/Side
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Emerald Jewel: Oymapınar Dam
Visitors often describe the color as unbelievably vibrant and unlike anything they've seen before. The best way to appreciate the reservoir's beauty is often from a boat tour, which allows you to get up close to the canyon walls and see the water from different angles. Some tours even offer opportunities to swim in the surprisingly cool, refreshing waters, a welcome respite on a warm day.
The surrounding landscape is equally captivating, with steep canyon walls covered in dense pine forests, creating a picturesque scene that feels worlds away from the coastal resorts.While the dam itself is a feat of engineering, the true magic lies in the natural beauty it has helped to create. The Green Canyon name perfectly encapsulates the experience, offering a tranquil escape and a visual spectacle. Whether you're approaching by car, on an off-road adventure, or gliding on a boat, the emerald waters are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Adventure and Exploration: Tours and Activities
Boat tours on the reservoir are another highly recommended activity. These excursions allow you to cruise along the serene, emerald waters, surrounded by towering canyon walls. It's a more relaxed way to soak in the scenery and capture stunning photographs. Some boat tours include stops for swimming in the cool, clear water, providing a refreshing break and a unique way to experience the natural beauty.
The guides on these tours often share insights into the local flora, fauna, and the history of the dam, enriching the experience.For those who prefer to explore independently, renting a car offers the most flexibility. You can drive to the dam, stop at various viewpoints along the scenic route, and even explore smaller trails. Regardless of your chosen method of transport, Green Canyon promises a blend of natural beauty and adventure, catering to a variety of travel styles.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit