Rafting, Zipline, Jeep, Buggy and Quad Combo Tour Side

Köprülü Canyon National Park

Köprülü Canyon is a deep limestone gorge carved by the Köprüçay river in the Taurus Mountains, about an hour and a half north of Side. It was declared a national park in 1973 to protect its cypress and pine forests, its wildlife and its ancient remains. The river runs clear and turquoise between steep walls, fed by mountain springs that keep the water cool even in midsummer.

Near the rafting area, the Oluk Bridge, a single-arch Roman stone bridge, still spans the narrowest part of the canyon, and high above lie the ruins of the ancient city of Selge. Is Köprülü Canyon worth visiting? For nature lovers it is one of the most beautiful landscapes on the Antalya coast, and this Köprülü Canyon tour lets you experience it from the water.

Whitewater rafting on the Köprüçay river

After a safety briefing and the handover of helmets, life jackets and paddles, you board the rafts with your guide and head downstream for about 14 km. The rapids are lively but suitable for beginners, alternating with calm stretches where you can jump into the water, float with the current or swim to the rocks. Guides steer from the back and give simple commands, so no experience is needed.

The water is cold, as it comes from deep springs, which is refreshing on a hot day. Wetsuits can be rented on site and are recommended in spring and autumn. Bring strapped water shoes or buy rafting shoes at the base. Rafting in Köprülü Canyon from Side is one of the most popular day trips in the region, and the combination with other activities makes it even more varied.

Jeep safari and buggy ride in the Taurus foothills

The day starts with an open-top jeep that collects you from your hotel and leaves the main road for dirt tracks in the hills, crossing streams, olive groves and pine forest. Expect dust, bumps and plenty of laughter as the jeeps splash through shallow fords. The drivers stop at viewpoints over the mountains and villages along the way.

Next comes the buggy or quad ride on a circuit through the forest and rough terrain, with a short briefing before you set off. It is a fun, muddy and fast-paced part of the day, and children join as passengers with an adult. Wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty, as the tracks can be dusty in summer and muddy after rain.

The zipline over the river

The zipline crosses high above the river, offering a bird's-eye view of the canyon and the rafts below. Staff fit you with a harness and helmet, check every connection and explain how to hold on and land safely. The flight lasts just a few moments, but the rush of crossing the valley is one of the highlights of the tour.

There is a weight limit of 120 kg for the zipline. Those who prefer to stay on the ground can watch and take photos from the riverbank. Afterwards, everyone gathers at the riverside restaurant for the buffet lunch in the shade of the trees beside the water, a relaxed break after the morning’s action, before the jeep ride back to the coast.

Side and planning your adventure day

Side is an ancient harbour town on a small peninsula, where Roman columns, a great theatre and the temple ruins by the sea stand among cafés and shops. Its long sandy beaches and resort hotels stretch east and west along the coast, and the Manavgat waterfall and river are close by. Pickup is included from hotels in the Side area, so there is no need to work out how to get to the canyon.

The best time to go rafting from Side is from April to October, when the weather is warm and the river is at a comfortable level. Bring a swimsuit, a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen and a waterproof bag for your phone. Drinks, snacks, photo packages and wetsuit rental are paid on site.