The Hidden Gate to the Green Canyon
Where the Manavgat River flows from the Taurus Mountains toward the Mediterranean, 93 kilometres from Antalya city centre, a 185-metre concrete wall spans the valley. This is Oymapınar Dam — Turkey's fifth largest dam — and the lake that fills behind it is Oymapınar Reservoir. Construction began in 1977 to supply electricity to the Seydişehir Aluminium Factory and was completed in 1984. Today the reservoir is best known not for its industrial purpose but for the boat tours that carry visitors deep into the Green Canyon — one of the most unusual natural experiences in the Antalya region.
The first view of the lake from the observation terrace at the tunnel exit tends to surprise visitors: larger, greener, and more dramatic than photographs suggest, enclosed on all sides by the ridges of the Taurus Mountains.
The Green Canyon Boat Tour
The most popular way to experience Oymapınar is by boat. Tours depart from jetties along the lake shore just beyond the observation terrace and travel approximately 14.5 kilometres to the narrow canyon section formed by the branch of the Manavgat River that flows from the direction of Altınbeşik Cave. Along this route the lake passes through two distinct canyon sections; at the point where the canyon walls narrow and close in, the water shifts from turquoise to emerald green. Swimming stops are included in the tour.
The question visitors most frequently ask is: how did the boats get onto this enclosed lake? The answer is straightforward — the boats were placed in the valley before the dam was completed and the lake filled. There is no way to bring a boat in from outside.
The Roman Aqueduct
Most visitors to Oymapınar are unaware of the significant historical detail just beside the dam's entrance gate: a 40-arch section of a Roman aqueduct stands intact immediately to the right of the guardhouse. This aqueduct was part of the water supply system that carried water from the Dumanlı Spring to the ancient city of Side in the 2nd century AD. The Dumanlı Spring itself — the source that once fed the Manavgat River and now feeds the reservoir — lies submerged beneath the lake.
Beyond the Boat Tour
The mountainous terrain surrounding the reservoir offers fishing, camping, and hiking. Small accommodation facilities and restaurants operate along the lake shore. The road to Altınbeşik Cave and Ormana Village passes through Oymapınar; the lake accompanies the route for most of the journey.
Practical Information
- Location: Oymapınar Mahallesi, Manavgat. 22 km from Manavgat town centre, 93 km from Antalya, 26 km from Side.
- Getting there: Minibus connections from Manavgat town centre; private vehicle offers more flexibility. From Manavgat, follow signs toward Manavgat Waterfall, then continue north. An entry fee is charged at the dam gate.
- Entrance fee: Paid entry. Boat tours are separately priced; rates vary by operator at the lakeside.
- Boat tour: Approximately 3 to 4 hours including swimming stop. Transfer-inclusive tour packages available from Antalya, Side, Manavgat, and Alanya.
- Time needed: 1 hour for the observation terrace and surroundings; full day with boat tour.
- Best time to visit: April to October. The reservoir is accessible in winter but boat tours operate irregularly.
- Combine with: Altınbeşik Cave, Ormana Village, and Manavgat Waterfall lie along the same route.
