8 things first-timers get wrong about Green Canyon

The same questions come up on almost every cruise. None of them ruin a day, but each one is easy to avoid if you know in advance.

The water and the day

• 1. Expecting the sea. It is a freshwater reservoir: no salt, no waves, and cooler than the beach at Side.
• 2. Planning the afternoon. The pickup is in the morning and the return journey from the canyon begins at around 15:00 — on the 2.5-hour option too. Plan the evening instead — old Side is perfect for it.
• 3. Expecting a party boat. These are quiet nature cruises with no party deck. If you want music, book a harbour trip on another day.

Money and booking

• 4. Assuming every drink is included. Soft drinks on the catamaran are; drinks ordered at the restaurant and alcohol are not.
• 5. Paying in advance. Nothing is charged online on this site; you pay on the day and can cancel free up to 48 hours before the start.
• 6. A vague hotel name. Write the exact hotel name in the form — it decides where and when the coach collects you.

What to carry

• 7. An unprotected phone. A dry bag or a sealed plastic bag during the swimming breaks saves the day's photos.
• 8. No warm layer. After a swim, the breeze on deck feels cool. A light top in the bag is enough.