Antalya: Koprulu Canyon Buggy Safari & Rafting Combo

Antalya: Koprulu Canyon Buggy Safari & Rafting Combo offers an action-packed day exploring Turkey’s stunning natural beauty near Antalya. For $53 per person, you get to enjoy two distinct adventures — an energetic buggy safari through the canyon’s riverbank and a whitewater rafting trip down the Köprülü Canyon River. The tour lasts around a full day, with hotel pickup included, making it a convenient way to tick off multiple outdoor highlights in one go.

What we particularly like about this tour is how accessible it makes adventure activities for travelers who might not want to spend days on a multi-activity park. The buggy ride, with its panoramic views, is especially memorable, offering a close-up look at the rugged terrain — you’ll feel the thrill of driving along dusty paths, with scenic vistas all around. The rafting component is equally engaging, offering both excitement and a chance to cool off in the river’s refreshing currents.

However, a couple of considerations are worth noting. Several reviews mention long waits and brief activity durations, which might leave some feeling they didn’t get full value for their money. The rafting isn’t exactly “white water” — more shallow, mellow rapids — so if you’re expecting intense whitewater, this might not meet those expectations. Still, if you’re after a well-organized day with a good mix of adventure and scenic beauty, this tour fits the bill.

This tour is best suited for active travelers in search of a fun, outdoor experience that’s easy to book and offers great value. Families with older children, groups, or solo travelers looking for a taste of Turkish nature and adventure should find it especially appealing.

Key Points

• Balanced Adventure: Combines buggy riding and rafting into one well-organized day.
• Stunning Scenery: Offers scenic views of Köprülü Canyon and its surroundings.
• Value for Money: For $53, you get transport, equipment, guides, and a hearty lunch.
• Activity Duration: Both activities are relatively short — buggy for about 30-40 minutes and rafting for a few rapids.
• Mixed Reviews on Experience: Some guests found the activities shorter or less intense than expected.
• Practical Details: Good for active travelers; bring water shoes, sun protection, and avoid valuables.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Getting there and what’s included
We appreciated the ease of the hotel pickup and drop-off, especially since Antalya’s sprawling hotels can make independent transportation tricky. The tour uses air-conditioned buses, making the transfer comfortable after a busy day of activities. Once at Koprulu Canyon, the guides start with a safety briefing — a necessary step before you hop into your buggy or boat — and emphasize safety with helmets and life vests provided.

The buggy safari
The buggy experience is about 30-40 minutes of driving along the riverbank, covering roughly 12-15 kilometers. The guides lead the way along dusty, uneven trails with plenty of scenic views of the canyon and surrounding landscapes. Several reviews mention that the activity is quite fast, with some feeling it’s a bit brief for what they paid. Still, the actual driving is energetic and fun, especially for those who enjoy off-road adventures.

Guests are encouraged to rent glasses and bandanas to shield against dust, and these are sold on-site at an extra cost. Some reviewers, like one who noted the steep €5 per person fee for these items, felt it was overpriced, so bringing your own might be a good idea. The quality of the equipment is generally considered adequate, but don’t expect luxury gear — it’s more about the experience than the equipment.

Whitewater rafting
The second leg is the rafting adventure down the Köprülü Canyon River. The tour includes a short safety briefing and the provision of rafts, paddles, and life vests. The rapids are described as “not really white water” — more shallow and manageable — which makes this suitable for beginners and families. Notably, some guests felt the experience was “interesting” but not very challenging, as one reviewer pointed out they didn’t encounter much real white water.

The water activity itself offers plenty of opportunities to cool off, with some stops for swimming and relaxing in the river. A few reviews mention the organized nature of the trip and the fun of paddling through gentle rapids, especially for younger or less experienced paddlers. Be sure to bring your swimwear, towel, and water shoes, as these are recommended but not included.

The lunch and overall value
Post-activities, everyone heads to a restaurant for a hearty Turkish meal. The food is generally described as good, with some reviewers mentioning it as a highlight of the day. You’ll find the meal filling and satisfying — a perfect way to recharge before heading back.

Considering the price, the value is fair — you get transportation, equipment, guides fluent in several languages, and a meal. However, some guests felt that the activity times, particularly the buggy ride, were shorter than expected and that waiting times during the day could be lengthy.

The reviews tell it like it is
While many enjoyed the day immensely, some found the activity durations disappointing — one guest called the buggy tour “a joke,” with only about 20 minutes of riding. Another mentioned the guides could be a bit pushy and overly insistent on selling extras like water shoes and accessories at marked-up prices.

Conversely, others praised the beautiful views, the well-organized nature of the day, and how kid-friendly it was. The combination of adventure and scenery keeps the experience lively, even if it’s not the most intense adventure you’ll find.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring your own water shoes and bandanas to save money and ensure a comfortable fit.
• Avoid valuables — the dusty environment and water activities aren’t ideal for jewelry or electronics.
• Expect brief activity times — if you’re looking for a full, hours-long adventure, this may feel rushed.
• Prepare for the weather — wear lightweight, quick-drying clothes and sun protection.
• Children over age 2 can participate, but pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users may want to skip this adventure for safety reasons.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This combo tour is perfect for active travelers eager for a taste of outdoor fun without lengthy commitment. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy scenic drives, light adventure, and appreciate Turkish natural beauty, you’ll find this satisfying. It’s especially suited for those who want a value-packed day with a variety of experiences, even if some parts are shorter than expected.

Those seeking intense whitewater rafting or lengthy buggy rides might find this tour less satisfying. But for a relaxed yet exciting day, with excellent scenery and friendly guides, it hits the right notes.

FAQs

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour begins with pickup, and after activities and lunch, you’ll be returned to your hotel, so plan for a full day — approximately 6-8 hours total.

What do I need to bring?
Bring swimming suits, water shoes, a towel, sun protection, and a hat. It’s also wise to leave valuables at your hotel, as the environment is dusty and water-based.

Are there age restrictions?
Children over 2 years old can participate. However, pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users are not recommended to join.

Is the activity suitable for beginners?
Yes, especially since the rafting is described as mild and manageable. The guides provide safety instructions, making it friendly for those new to water sports.

Can I buy extra gear on-site?
Yes, water shoes, glasses, and bandanas are sold at the location, but reviews suggest prices might be inflated — bringing your own might save you money.

What if I want to cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in case your plans change.

To sum it up, Antalya’s Koprulu Canyon combo tour offers a lively, scenic, and relatively affordable way to enjoy some of Turkey’s most beautiful outdoor environments. While activity times and equipment costs might be a bit of a letdown for some, the overall experience remains a fun outing for those craving fresh air, adventure, and stunning views. Perfect for families, groups, or solo travelers who appreciate a well-organized, accessible adventure day, this tour makes for a memorable addition to your Antalya itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: