Köprülü Canyon Rafting Day Trip

Köprülü Canyon is where the Taurus Mountains split open around the Köprüçay, a cold, fast river that turns bright turquoise in summer. Our rafting day is built for first-timers: you paddle with a group in an inflatable raft, a trained skipper sits at the back and calls every stroke, and the calm stretches are long enough to jump in and float. Families, couples and groups of friends all fit in.

How the day goes

After pickup you ride to the rafting base inside Köprülü Canyon National Park. There you get a helmet, a life jacket and a paddle, and the skipper explains the commands before anyone gets wet. The route of roughly 14 km is split into two parts with a riverside lunch in between, so nobody paddles on an empty stomach. Look up during the second part: the arched stone bridge over the river is the Roman crossing that gave the canyon its name – köprü is Turkish for bridge.

Good to know before you book

The river stays cold even in August. On a hot day that feels wonderful, but it means a dry set of clothes is essential for the ride back. Wear swimwear under light clothes and shoes that can get wet – flip-flops tend to float away. Phones and cameras are best left at the hotel or in the lockers at the base; the team on the river photographs and films the rafts, and you can buy the pictures afterwards if you like them.

Pickup from Alanya, Side and Belek

We collect guests from hotels in Alanya, Mahmutlar, Turkler, Avsallar, Okurcalar, Side, Manavgat, Belek and Kemer. The Alanya area is picked up first, Side and Belek a little later, and your exact time arrives with the confirmation. You pay in cash on the tour day, and if your plans change you can cancel free of charge up to 18 hours before.