Side: Rafting Tour in Koprulu Canyon for All Ages

If you’re dreaming of a day packed with excitement, stunning scenery, and a splash of adventure, the Rafting Tour in Koprulu Canyon near Side might be just what you’re after. This experience promises a mix of adrenaline on the water with plenty of opportunities to enjoy Turkey’s natural beauty — all at a very reasonable price. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or seeking a lively outdoor activity, this tour offers a balanced blend of fun and scenery.

What I love about this tour is its accessibility; it’s suitable for all ages, making it a perfect family outing or a chance to try white-water rafting for the first time. Plus, the views of Koprulu Canyon National Park are genuinely breathtaking, giving you plenty of photo ops and moments of peaceful nature amid the rapids. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the long transfer from Side — but for many, the comfort of air-conditioned buses makes the journey more bearable. If you crave outdoor adventure with a splash of history and nature, this tour is worth considering.

Who will love this? It’s ideal for curious travelers eager to experience Turkey’s rugged landscape, families with children over age 2 who meet safety restrictions, and anyone looking for a lively day outdoors without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Accessible for all ages — suitable for families with children over 2, excluding pregnant women and those with certain health issues.
• Scenic and adventurous — combines thrilling rafting with stunning canyon views.
• Professional guides ensure safety and share expert instructions.
• Good value — includes transportation, equipment, and lunch at an affordable price.
• Long transfer time — about 1.5 hours each way, but comfortable air-conditioned buses ease the trip.
• Multiple stops — includes swimming, photo opportunities, and a buffet lunch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Koprulu Canyon Rafting Experience

Starting from Side: What to Expect

The adventure begins early, around 8:00 am, with hotel pickups in Side or nearby areas. The transportation is by air-conditioned buses, which is a plus after a long drive — the journey takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the canyon. We found that the long transfer can be a minor drawback, especially if you’re eager to dive straight into the water, but it’s a small price for the stunning scenery that awaits.

Arrival at the Canyon and Preparation

Once at the Köprülü Canyon, your guides will give a thorough briefing on safety, paddling techniques, and what to expect. All necessary equipment such as helmets, life jackets, and paddles are provided, ensuring everyone feels secure. The guides are typically multilingual, speaking English, French, German, Russian, Turkish, and Arabic, making communication smooth for international travelers.

Walking to the Roman Bridge and First Rapids

The tour kicks off with a pleasant walk across the historical Roman bridge, an iconic spot that offers a perfect photo opportunity. The river here is about 12 meters wide and 1-2 meters deep, with a temperature of roughly 12°C — refreshingly cold on a hot day.

You’ll start with the first 7 km of rafting, which includes some of the more exhilarating rapids. Expect level 3 rapids, rated as medium difficulty on an international scale — definitely enough to get your adrenaline going but still manageable for most beginners with guidance. We loved how each boat has a dedicated guide, making the experience safer and more enjoyable.

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Swimming, Resting, and Scenic Breaks

Midway, there’s a swimming and rest break, allowing everyone to cool off and take in the spectacular canyon views. The natural surroundings here are lush and rugged — perfect for capturing photos or just soaking in the peaceful scenery. Several travelers mentioned enjoying the entertaining animations along the way and taking plenty of photos during breaks.

Second Rafting Session

After the break, the tour continues with the second 7 km stretch, which is equally exciting. The consistent thrill of the rapids combined with scenic vistas makes this part stand out. The guides keep things fun and safe, encouraging everyone to paddle and enjoy the ride.

Lunch and Relaxation

Following the river adventure, a buffet lunch awaits. The menu features delicious chicken skewers, rice, pasta, and seasonal salads — quite generous for the price and well-received by guests. The break offers a chance to relax and share stories from the rapids.

Photo Slideshows and Souvenirs

Later in the day, you’ll have the opportunity to view a slideshow of photos taken during your trip — a great way to relive the highlights and share with friends. Photos and drinks are available for purchase, so consider bringing some extra cash.

Return Journey

The return trip is about 45 minutes, with an estimated drop-off back at your hotel around 7:00 pm, depending on your pickup location. The journey is long but made comfortable by the air-conditioned buses.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Expert Guides and Safety

We appreciated the professionalism of the guides, who provided clear instructions and ensured everyone’s safety. Their multilingual skills made communication easy, especially for international travelers. Several reviews echoed this, noting the guides’ knowledge and friendliness.

Stunning Natural Scenery

The views of Koprulu Canyon National Park are truly remarkable. The rugged cliffs, lush vegetation, and the historic Roman bridge create a stunning backdrop for your adventure. Many guests took photos during the scenic stops, remarking on the beauty of their surroundings.

Good Value for Money

At $30 per person, this tour feels like a very fair price given what’s included: transportation, equipment, guides, lunch, and the rafting experience itself. Additional costs like drinks or photos are optional, allowing you to budget accordingly.

Suitable for Families and Beginners

While not for pregnant women, children over 2 can join, making it a family-friendly outing. The level 3 rapids are exciting but manageable, especially with expert guidance.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

The most notable is the long transfer time, about 1.5 hours each way. For some travelers, this might be a bit tiring, especially if you prefer shorter excursions. However, the comfortable, air-conditioned bus helps mitigate this issue.

Another point to consider is the cold water temperature (around 12°C). If you’re sensitive to cold, bringing a wetsuit or extra layers might be a good idea — or simply prepare to be invigorated by the chilly splash.

Lastly, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or those with heart problems. Make sure to assess your health before booking.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This rafting tour offers a solid mix of adventure, scenery, and value. It’s best suited for those who want to experience Turkey’s natural beauty with a dash of adrenaline — great for active families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy outdoor sports. The guides’ professionalism, combined with the stunning canyon views, make for a memorable day, even with the long journey.

If you’re looking for a fun, safe, and reasonably priced way to explore the Koprulu Canyon and add some excitement to your trip, this tour delivers. Just pack your water shoes, bring a sense of adventure, and get ready for a splashy ride in one of Turkey’s most scenic areas.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, if you select the options, there is hotel pickup and drop-off from Side and nearby areas. The journey is by comfortable, air-conditioned bus.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 5 to 8 hours, with the main rafting activity lasting around 3 hours.

Can I join if I don’t know how to raft?
Absolutely. The guides give detailed instructions, and the level 3 rapids are suitable for beginners with guidance. Safety gear is provided.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimming suit, water shoes or sandals, towel, sun cream, and an extra T-shirt. Avoid valuables and metal jewelry.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children over 2 can participate. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with mobility or heart issues.

What is the water temperature?
The water is about 12°C, which can be quite cold but refreshing, especially on a hot day.

How is the scenery?
Expect stunning views of the canyon, lush vegetation, and the historic Roman bridge. Many say the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile.

Can I buy photos of my trip?
Yes, photos are available for purchase after the tour, and a slideshow is provided for free.

Overall, this Koprulu Canyon rafting tour offers a worthwhile adventure — combining safe, guided rapids with some of Turkey’s most impressive natural landscapes. It’s a great way to add a splash of excitement to your trip near Side, especially if you appreciate scenic outdoor activities at a fair price.

You can check availability for your dates here: