Side/Antalya: Jeep, Buggy, Rafting & Zipline Tour with lunch

Side/Antalya: Jeep, Buggy, Rafting & Zipline Tour with Lunch — A Full-Day Adventure in Turkey’s Natural Beauty

If you’re after a day packed with adrenaline, stunning scenery, and diverse outdoor activities, this tour in Antalya Province is worth considering. For just $18 per person, you’ll get a taste of Turkey’s rugged landscapes with a 14-kilometer whitewater rafting trip through the UNESCO-listed Köprülü Canyon, combined with exciting stops like ziplining, buggy riding, and a scenic jeep safari. The experience is designed for all kinds of travelers—whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just want a taste of nature’s wild side.

What we really love about this tour is the expert guides who speak over 7 languages, making everyone feel at home, and the variety of activities included, which give you more than just the usual rafting experience. The riverside lunch hits the spot after a busy morning of fun, and the optional add-ons like ziplining and canyoning mean you can tailor your adventure.

A small caveat is that some activities, like ziplining and the jeep safari, are optional extras and may cost extra. Also, if you’re expecting a luxury day, be ready for some basic transportation and the potential for long waits at certain points—these are common in adventure tours. But overall, this tour suits active travelers who want a good value for their money and a full day of authentic outdoor fun in Turkey’s spectacular natural setting.

Key Points

• Versatile Activities: Rafting, ziplining, buggy riding, and jeep safaris combine for a well-rounded adventure.
• Expert Guides: Over 25 years guiding in Köprülü Canyon, with multilingual guides making everyone feel welcome.
• Great Value: At $18, the tour offers an affordable way to enjoy multiple activities, including a riverside lunch.
• Flexible Options: Add-ons like canyoning and ziplining are available, and you can choose hotel pickup for convenience.
• Scenic Vistas: Expect breathtaking views along the canyon, especially during the jeep safari and rafting sections.
• Family-Friendly: Most activities are suitable for those with basic swimming ability and kids over 4, making it a good family outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Adventure: A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

The Meeting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at a clearly marked meeting point near the entrance of the activity site, identified easily by a billboard and signs saying “Express Rafting.” If you opt for hotel pickup, you’ll be collected from your accommodation, though it’s wise to wait outside a few minutes early to avoid missing the bus, which is a common tip from past guests.

The journey to Köprülü Canyon usually takes around an hour from Side or Antalya, with a short stop for toilets and drinks, which helps break up the drive. The minivans are generally comfortable but can get quite hot, especially in warm weather, so consider bringing water or requesting additional air conditioning if available.

The Safety & Gear Setup

Once at the base camp, safety is clearly a priority. The guides conduct thorough safety briefings, explaining how to handle the raft and what to do during rapids. They provide professional gear—life jackets, helmets, and paddles—and ensure everyone is properly equipped before heading into the water.

Most reviews highlight the guides’ professionalism and friendliness. One reviewer noted, “Sino, our guide, had loads of energy and made the experience better,” while another praised Eric for his fun attitude. This high level of guide expertise adds both safety and a lot of fun to the day.

The Rafting Itself

The core of the adventure is a 14-kilometer rafting route featuring 10 rapids and calmer stretches perfect for swimming or just relaxing on the water. The river’s clarity invites you to dip in during breaks, and many guests comment on how refreshing the water feels—especially when the air temperature climbs.

Guests consistently mention the diversity of the river — from exciting waves to peaceful sections—making it suitable for both first-timers and seasoned paddlers. The guides keep the energy high and the safety a priority, which many reviews appreciate. For example, one guest said, “Our guide Musab was great, created a fun atmosphere, attentive, and made sure everyone felt safe.”

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Stops & Optional Activities

There are three main stops during the trip, each offering something different:

• First stop: Optional drinks and traditional Turkish pancakes (“gözleme”)—a tasty snack to fuel you up.
• Second stop: An optional chance to try diving or ziplining—extra costs apply, but many guests find these add-ons worthwhile.
• Third stop: A riverside lunch, often highlighted as a delicious and filling meal that restores energy after the morning’s exertions.

Reviewers frequently mention how well-organized the breaks are, and the lunch is usually praised as hearty and authentic, with many noting that it’s a highlight of the day.

The Zipline, Jeep Safari, & Canyoning Experiences

While the main focus is rafting, this tour’s optional extras help elevate it from a simple water trip to a full-day adventure. The zipline ride offers a different perspective of the canyon from above, giving you sweeping views. Many guests describe it as fun but not overly intense—more about the thrill of flying across the canyon.

The jeep safari takes you off-road through some of Turkey’s most rugged and scenic spots. Guests love the excitement of the bumpy ride and the chance to see the landscape from a different angle. One reviewer said, “The jeep ride was in a convoy, so you can’t drive wherever you want, but it’s a great way to see the scenery.”

The buggy tour is muddy but exhilarating. Guests tend to love it, especially those who don’t mind getting a little dirty—many mention they came out completely muddy from head to toe, which they found hilarious.

The Food & Photos

The riverside lunch is simple but satisfying, often described as filling and typical of Turkish cuisine. Some reviews mention that the food arrives late in the day, so packing snacks or drinks is a good idea if you’re hungry earlier.

Photos and videos of the day are available for purchase at the base camp, allowing you to relive the memories or share your adventure with friends. Many guests say the guides are happy to take photos during activities, adding a personal touch.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews, this experience suits adventure enthusiasts who want a full day of outdoor fun. Families with kids over 4 years old seem to enjoy it as well, given most activities are quite manageable for those with basic swimming skills. It’s also a great option for groups wanting a mix of adrenaline and scenic beauty.

However, if you’re not comfortable with water or physical activity, some parts might be less suitable, especially the rafting and canyoning. Also, be prepared for optional extras to cost extra.

Final Thoughts: Who is This Tour Perfect For?

This tour offers a fantastic introduction to Turkey’s natural playground for those looking for value-packed, multi-activity outdoor fun. It’s best suited for active travelers eager to experience everything from rapids to scenic jeep rides—all in one day. It’s especially appealing if you want a safe, guided experience with friendly, multilingual guides who know the area well.

If your idea of a holiday includes adrenaline, great scenery, and authentic Turkish hospitality, this tour hits the mark. It’s also ideal for families, small groups, or solo travelers looking to connect with nature and meet fellow adventurers. And with the option to customize with ziplining, canyoning, and buggy rides, you can make the most of your day in the stunning Köprülü Canyon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most activities are suitable for kids over 4 years old, especially if they’re comfortable swimming. Always check with the provider about specific age restrictions for optional extras like ziplining or canyoning.

Do I need prior rafting experience?
No, most guests mention that no prior experience or swimming skills are needed to enjoy the rafting, thanks to professional guides and safety gear.

Are the optional activities worth paying extra for?
Many reviewers found ziplining, canyoning, and buggy riding to be fun additions that enhance the day. They are optional, so you can choose to skip or include them based on your interest and budget.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, water shoes (available for rent at the base), a towel, and a change of clothes. It’s also advisable to pack some snacks, especially if you prefer to eat earlier than the provided lunch.

How long does the whole day last?
From pickup to return, expect around a full day—roughly 8 hours. The rafting itself lasts about 2 hours, with additional time for stops, optional activities, and lunch.

Is transportation comfortable?
Transportation is generally reliable but can be quite hot, especially in summer. Hotel pickup is available, but some reviews mention long waits or delays at the start and end of the day.

To sum it up, this tour in Antalya offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural authenticity—all at an impressive price point. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply want to experience Turkey’s rugged landscapes in an active way, it delivers a memorable day out. Expect friendly guides, great views, and a variety of activities that keep your adrenaline pumping while soaking in nature’s splendor. It’s especially perfect for active families, groups of friends, or solo travelers eager to make the most of their time in this beautiful part of Turkey.

You can check availability for your dates here: