Side-Turkey.

If you want two of the Turkish Riviera's biggest thrills packed into a single, unforgettable outing, rafting and buggy excursions are exactly what you're searching for. This combo takes you from the cold, turquoise rapids of the Köprülü Canyon to dusty forest trails behind the wheel of a buggy — a full-throttle day that suits friends, couples, and active families staying anywhere from Side and Manavgat to the wider Antalya coast.

What a Rafting and Buggy Combo Day Actually Looks Like

The day usually opens with the river. The rafting stretch runs along the Köprüçay River inside the Köprülü Canyon National Park, roughly 90 minutes inland from the coast through pine-covered foothills of the Taurus Mountains. After a safety briefing and kit (helmet, life jacket, paddle), your guide splits the group into rafts of six to eight and you push off into a mix of gentle floats and bouncy class II–III rapids. The water is glacier-fresh even in midsummer, so the splashes are genuinely cooling — and the canyon scenery, with the old Roman bridge arching overhead, is the photo everyone wants.

After lunch beside the river, the pace changes. You swap your wet shoes for a helmet and goggles and take the wheel of a two-seat buggy. The off-road circuit winds through forest tracks, shallow stream crossings, and open dirt sections where the dust flies and the laughter starts. No driving experience is needed — staff walk you through the controls, and an instructor leads the convoy so nobody gets lost.

Who It Suits and How to Get the Best Value

This pairing is ideal if you only have one free day and can't decide between water and wheels. Rafting on the standard route is calm enough for confident non-swimmers (life jackets are mandatory and worn at all times), while the buggy leg delivers the adrenaline.

Booking direct is the smart move

Because we are a local operator based on the Side–Manavgat coast, not an agency or online reseller, booking direct with us cuts out the middleman commission that inflates prices on big booking platforms. Several factors shape what any combo costs — season, group size, transfer distance, and whether you add lunch or photos — but the surest way to a fair deal is dealing with the team that actually runs the excursion. We back that with a best-price guarantee, and the quieter shoulder months (late spring and early autumn) usually mean smaller groups and an easier booking.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Full day (approx. 7-9 hours including transfers)
• Pick-up Time: Morning, typically 07:30-09:00 from your hotel
• Drop-off Time: Late afternoon / early evening
• Includes: Hotel pick-up & drop-off, rafting equipment, buggy & fuel, guide/instructor, lunch by the river
• Excludes: Personal photos/video, drinks, gratuities, optional extras
• Family Friendly: Yes, suitable for families with older children
• Recommended Age: 7+ for rafting; buggy drivers usually 16+ (children ride as passengers)
• Best Season: April to October
• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate

Related Excursions

• Excursions from Side
• Excursions from Antalya
• Excursions from Alanya
• Excursions from Belek
• Excursions from Kemer
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel transfer included?

Yes. We provide round-trip hotel pick-up and drop-off from Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts. Just share your hotel name when you book and we'll confirm your morning pick-up window.

Is it suitable for children?

It is family friendly. Children from around age 7 can join the rafting with a fitted life jacket, and younger kids who meet the age guideline can ride as buggy passengers. Drivers generally need to be 16 or older.

Can I pay on the day?

Yes, pay-on-the-day is available for most bookings. You reserve your spot in advance and settle with our local team, which keeps things simple and commission-free.

Do I need to book in advance?

We strongly recommend it, especially in peak summer. Booking ahead secures your seat, locks in your transfer, and lets us match you with the right group size.

What happens in bad weather?

Safety comes first. If conditions on the river are unsafe, we reschedule you to another day or arrange a suitable alternative — you won't lose out.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No. The standard rafting route is graded for beginners and life jackets are mandatory, so confident non-swimmers can take part comfortably.

Do I need driving experience for the buggy?

None at all. The buggies are easy to operate, staff brief you on the controls beforehand, and an instructor leads the route the whole way.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, secure footwear that can get wet, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Leave valuables at the hotel as you will get wet and dusty.

Ready to combine the rapids and the trails in one epic day? Book direct with the local Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. You get our best-price guarantee, instant confirmation, and friendly local people who actually run the excursion — no agency, no commission, no hassle.