Side-Turkey.

If you want two of the Turkish Riviera's best outdoor adventures bundled into one unforgettable day, rafting and jeep safari excursions are exactly what you're searching for. As a local operator based on the Side–Manavgat coast, we run this combo straight into the Köprülü Canyon National Park, where the cold Köprüçay river meets the pine-clad Taurus Mountains. Here's the honest, on-the-ground picture of what this day actually involves.

What rafting and jeep safari excursions really look like

The day splits into two halves with a riverside lunch between them. The rafting leg runs roughly 12–14 km of the Köprüçay through the canyon: a friendly grade I–II stretch with playful rapids, calm green pools where you can swim, and Roman-era stone bridges arching overhead. No experience is needed — your licensed river guide sits in every boat, gives a full safety briefing, and you wear a helmet and life jacket the whole way. The water is genuinely cold (it's spring-fed), which is what makes it so refreshing in the Antalya summer heat.

The jeep safari leg is the dusty, grinning counterpart. Open 4x4 vehicles climb the back roads above the canyon into Taurus villages, crossing shallow stream beds, stopping at viewpoints over the gorge and at small spots for fresh-squeezed orange juice or gözleme. Expect to get splashed and a little muddy — that's part of the fun. The convoy travels at a sociable pace, so families and mixed-age groups stay together.

Who this combo suits

It's ideal for active couples, friend groups, and families with school-age children who want a full day of nature without technical difficulty. If you only have time for one big outing during your holiday and can't decide between water and mountains, this is the answer — you get both.

How to get the best value (and the best price)

Combo excursions are popular precisely because doing rafting and jeep safari separately costs more in transfers and time. The single biggest factor in your final price is who you book through: hotel-lobby agencies and online marketplaces add layers of commission. Because we're the direct operator running the boats and jeeps ourselves, booking straight with us removes those middle markups — that's the core of our best-price guarantee.

Beyond that, value comes from timing. Mid-week and shoulder-season dates (late spring and early autumn) are quieter, the canyon is less crowded, and the river runs strong. We confirm exactly what's included before you commit — guide, equipment, transfers, lunch — so there are no surprise add-ons at the river.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Full day, approx. 8–9 hours
• Pick-up Time: Around 08:00–09:00 from your hotel
• Drop-off Time: Late afternoon, approx. 17:00–18:00
• Includes: Hotel transfers, professional guides, rafting equipment (helmet, life jacket, paddle), jeep safari, riverside lunch
• Excludes: Personal expenses, drinks at stops, photos/video, tips
• Family Friendly: Yes
• Recommended Age: 7+ (rafting); younger children welcome on the jeep leg
• Best Season: April to October
• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate (grade I–II rapids)

Related Excursions

• Excursions from Side
• Antalya tours & day trips
• Alanya excursions
• Belek excursions
• Kemer adventures
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you pick up from my hotel?

Yes. We offer free hotel pick-up and drop-off from Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts. Once you book, we confirm your pick-up time and meeting point by WhatsApp.

Is it suitable for children?

The jeep safari suits all ages with an adult. For rafting we recommend children aged 7 and up; the canyon stretch we run is calm grade I–II, and every child wears a properly fitted life jacket and helmet.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No. Your life jacket keeps you afloat and a guide is in every boat. You should still feel comfortable being in cold water.

Can I pay on the day?

Yes, you can pay on the day in most cases. Reserving in advance simply secures your seats and lets us plan transfers — we'll confirm the details with you directly.

Should I book in advance?

We strongly recommend it, especially in July and August. Booking direct with us locks in availability and our best-price guarantee with instant confirmation.

What should I bring and wear?

Wear quick-dry clothes and secured sandals or old trainers, and bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen and a change of clothes. Leave valuables and phones in a dry bag or on the bus.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The trip runs in light rain — you're getting wet anyway. In rare cases of unsafe river conditions we'll offer you an alternative date or a full refund.

Is the cold water a problem?

The Köprüçay is spring-fed and bracing, which most guests love on a hot day. The active paddling and sunshine keep you warm between rapids.

Ready to lock in your day on the river and the mountain trails? Book direct with the local Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. You'll get our best-price guarantee, honest local advice and instant confirmation — no agency commission, no surprises. See you at the canyon!