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In Türkiye's southern Hatay province, a lake covered almost entirely in water lily leaves has become a popular destination for boat tours that showcase its unusual green-hued waters.
Golbasi Lake, located in Hatay's Kirikhan district, has been designated a "Wetland of National Importance" by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks due to its ecological value.
The 792-hectare (1,957-acre) lake, situated on the border of the Adalar neighborhood, serves as a seasonal home to migratory birds that pass through the region each spring.
Since June, private companies have organized boat tours on the lake as part of an effort to promote the area's natural scenery to a wider audience.
The tours run daily in the early morning and at sunset, times chosen to take advantage of the light conditions that highlight the lake's green, lily-covered surface.
Photography enthusiasts and nature lovers have shown particular interest in the tours, drawn by the opportunity to capture the lake's distinctive appearance up close.
Boat captain Tayfur Acik said the water lilies covering the lake create a visual spectacle that changes with the seasons, offering something different to see throughout the year.
According to Acik, the tours typically last between 15 and 30 minutes depending on visitor demand, with two boats currently operating on the lake.
Acik added that the boats carry between 35 and 40 guests each on weekdays, a number that rises to around 100 guests per boat on weekends due to increased visitor turnout.
Visitors touring the lake have described the experience as a chance to see one of Hatay's lesser-known natural attractions, with several noting it was their first time riding a boat on the water despite having visited the surrounding area before.
The growing popularity of the tours has turned Golbasi Lake into an increasingly recognized destination for those seeking to explore Hatay's natural landscapes away from more frequently visited sites.
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