Plan your day · 3min read

What to pack for the canyon, from a Side hotel room

Quick answer

For the Green Canyon tour from Side, pack a small bag: swimwear worn under your clothes, a towel, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, a charged phone or camera, and a little cash for drinks at the restaurant, which are not included. An open buffet lunch and soft drinks on the catamaran are included on both options, so no food is needed.

The canyon day needs less than most people take. Lunch is included, the water is right there, and you are back in the late afternoon. This is the list we would pack ourselves from a Side hotel room.

Wear it, do not carry it

Swimwear goes on under your clothes before the coach comes. You swim from the catamaran into deep water, and nobody wants to change on deck.

Swimwear under light clothes.
Sandals or shoes that can get wet.
A hat and sunglasses — the light on the water is strong.

In the bag

A towel.
High-SPF sunscreen — reapply after each swim.
A charged phone or camera; the canyon walls and the colour of the water are the photographs of the week.
A little cash: alcoholic drinks and anything ordered at the restaurant are not included.
Any medication you take at midday.

Leave it in the room

Food — an open buffet lunch is included on both options, and so are soft drinks on the catamaran.
Snorkelling gear and inflatables — this is a catamaran cruise with swimming breaks, not a beach day.
Your passport — a hotel room is safer. Bring an ID only if your hotel asks you to carry one.

The water is cooler than the sea

It is spring-fed mountain water, so it feels fresher than Side beach even in August. Most guests love that; if you feel the cold, a light top for after the swim is the one extra worth packing.