· 3min read
Why the canyon water feels colder than Side beach
Quick answer
The Green Canyon reservoir is fresh, spring-fed mountain water held behind the Oymapınar dam, while Side beach is a warm, shallow sea. Spring water filtered through limestone is both the reason the lake is emerald and the reason it feels cooler — refreshing rather than cold, and the part of the catamaran cruise most guests talk about afterwards.
Every week someone steps off the deck at the first swimming break, surfaces, and says a word their children are not supposed to hear. Then they do not want to get out. Here is what is going on.
Sea water versus spring water
Side beach is shallow Mediterranean water that the sun has worked on all day. The canyon reservoir is the upper Manavgat river — 93 km long from its source — fed by springs in the Taurus and held in a deep, shaded canyon. It never gets the beach's head start.
Why it is green
The same reason it is cool: the water arrives filtered through limestone, carrying the fine minerals that scatter light green. No dye, no filter, no trick. The colour is strongest exactly where the water is clearest.
What it means on the catamaran
Both options include swimming breaks, and you swim from the catamaran into deep, clear water with the crew there. Ease yourself in rather than jumping in cold, give it a minute, and it becomes the best swim of the week. If you feel the cold easily, a light top for after the swim is worth packing.
This note is about:Green Canyon Catamaran — 2.5 Hours →
Questions on this page
Is the Green Canyon water too cold to swim?
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