Alanya & Side: Whitewater Rafting in Koprulu Canyon

Alanya & Side: Whitewater Rafting in Koprulu Canyon
Location: Antalya Province, Turkey
Price: $9 per person
Rating: 4.4/5 from 278 reviews
Supplier: Seven Tours

Imagine drifting down a river packed with rapids, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery. That’s what you’ll get with the Whitewater Rafting in Koprulu Canyon, a popular adventure activity near Alanya and Side. For around $9, you get roughly 14 kilometers of exhilarating rafting, a delicious included lunch, and the chance to experience some of Turkey’s most scenic natural landscapes. We love how accessible and affordable this trip is, especially given the level of fun and adrenaline it offers.

One thing that really stands out is the professional, multilingual guides who make everyone feel safe and included, regardless of your experience level. Plus, the photos and videos offered at the end turn your wild ride into lasting memories. On the flip side, keep in mind that you’ll need to be comfortable getting wet and possibly swimming in cold waters, especially during peak season. This trip is best suited for active travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures, families with kids over 5, or anyone looking to tick off an exciting experience on their Turkey itinerary.

Key Points

• Affordable adventure: Great value at just $9, including lunch and safety equipment.
• Stunning scenery: The views of Koprulu Canyon National Park are breathtaking and add to the thrill.
• Variety of experiences: From scenic stops to adrenaline-pumping rapids, there’s a good mix.
• Guides and safety: Multilingual guides are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and make safety a priority.
• Suitable for many: Not for very young children or pregnant women, but ideal for families and adventure lovers.
• Flexible options: Hotel pickup is available, or you can meet at the starting point for more independence.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Whitewater Rafting Experience

The Location and What You’ll See

The trip takes you to Koprucay River in Koprulu Canyon National Park, a protected area known for its rugged beauty and crystal-clear waters. We loved the way the scenery shifts from lush, tree-lined banks to dramatic cliffs. Several reviews praised the amazing views, which make the entire day visually memorable. The canyon’s grandeur provides an ideal backdrop for this outdoor sport, giving you a sense of space and nature that’s hard to beat.

Transportation and Starting Point

Most travelers opt for hotel pickup, which is included if you choose the relevant option. The bus ride from Alanya or Side is about 90 minutes, passing through scenic countryside. If you prefer a bit more flexibility, you can meet at the activity start point, marked by a sign with the local partner’s name. This option might suit those planning to self-drive or combining multiple excursions.

What Happens When You Arrive?

Once at the canyon, you’ll be greeted by friendly, multilingual guides who provide your safety gear — life vest, helmet, and paddle. If you don’t have suitable shoes, you can purchase them on-site, so don’t worry if you forget. The guides explain the safety procedures and give a brief on paddling techniques. From reviews, it’s clear guides like Musab, Eric, and Dallas are enthusiastic, funny, and very attentive, which makes the experience comfortable and enjoyable, especially for first-timers.

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The Rafting Itself

The core of the tour involves paddling down about 14 km of rapids, split into two main sections with a break for lunch in between. The first stretch is about 2 hours long, with some calmer passages to catch your breath. Then, there’s a midway stop for a meal—simple but filling, typically chicken skewers, rice, and salad. Many reviews describe this as “nothing special but satisfying,” and it’s a good chance to hydrate and relax before more paddling.

The latter part of the journey features more rapids, offering nonstop fun and adrenaline. Some reviewers mentioned the cold water — especially in early mornings or cooler seasons — so water shoes and swimwear are recommended. After the final rapid, you’ll return to the base camp, where you can watch a video or photos of your adventure (a paid extra), which many found to be hilarious and worth it.

The End of the Day and Return

Once you change out of your wet gear, it’s time to head back to your hotel or meet your driver if you arranged your own transport. The overall duration is approximately 4-5 hours, including transportation, safety briefing, paddling, lunch, and photos.

What We Love About This Tour

One of the things that really stands out, based on reviews, is the expert guidance. Guides like Musab, Eric, and Dallas are praised for their friendliness and professionalism, which adds a lot to the experience. Their fluent multilingual abilities help create a relaxed atmosphere, especially for non-Turkish speakers.

Another highlight is the beautiful scenery. The canyon views are a visual treat, and the mix of calm and rapid waters keeps the adrenaline flowing while allowing moments to appreciate your surroundings. For many, the joy of sharing this adventure with family or friends provides lasting memories, as confirmed by reviews mentioning fun for kids over 5 and families.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Clothing: Wear swimwear and bring a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water shoes. You will get wet, so prepare accordingly.
• Health and safety: Not suitable for pregnant women, young children under 3, or individuals with heart problems. If you’re unsure, check with your doctor before going.
• Extras: While lunch is included, drinks are not. You might want to bring cash or card for additional beverages or extra equipment like water shoes.
• Timing: The start is generally around 10:30 AM, so arriving early or meeting at the location helps avoid rushing.
• Flexibility: The option to book and pay later offers flexibility if your plans change.

Who Should Join This Tour?

This activity is ideal for adventure seekers, families with kids over 5, and those who love being outdoors. If you’re comfortable in water and enjoy physical activity, you’ll find this a rewarding and fun way to spend a day. It’s not suited for anyone with health concerns or who prefers less active days.

Travelers who appreciate good value for money will also find this tour appealing — at just $9, it offers an entire day of excitement, scenic beauty, and memorable moments. The inclusion of lunch and equipment makes it a straightforward option that won’t break the bank.

For those wanting to combine adventure with convenience, the hotel pickup and multilingual guides ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.

The Sum Up

The Whitewater Rafting in Koprulu Canyon offers an exciting, affordable way to enjoy Turkey’s stunning nature and get your adrenaline fix. With well-trained guides, breathtaking scenery, and the chance to share laughs and thrills, it’s a perfect day trip for active, fun-loving travelers. Whether you’re rafting for the first time or seeking a memorable outdoor adventure, this tour balances cost, safety, and excitement beautifully.

While it’s not for everyone — especially if you’re not comfortable with water or physical activity — for most, it’s a safe, exhilarating experience that delivers genuine value. It’s particularly suited for families, groups, or solo adventurers eager to explore Turkey’s natural beauty beyond the beaches. Just prepare to get wet, have fun, and maybe even become a little more fearless along the way.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, if you select the hotel pickup option, your transport from Alanya or Side is included. Alternatively, you can meet at the start point if you prefer more flexibility or are self-driving.

How long does the whole trip last?
Expect about 4-5 hours total, including transportation, safety briefing, paddling, lunch, and photo viewing.

Do I need any special equipment?
All necessary safety gear like life vests, helmets, and paddles are provided. If you need water shoes or suitable footwear, you can buy them on-site.

Can children participate?
Children over 5 can join, but the activity isn’t recommended for young kids under 3, pregnant women, or people with heart problems.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, water shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and perhaps a camera or phone in a waterproof case.

Is there an option to buy photos or videos?
Yes, you can purchase a DVD and photos of your adventure at the end, which many find to be a fun souvenir.

This river adventure combines scenic beauty with a healthy dose of adrenaline — a perfect way to add some excitement to your Turkey vacation.

You can check availability for your dates here: