Side-Turkey.

If you're planning a day on the white water of the Köprülü Canyon, knowing exactly what to wear for rafting excursions makes the difference between a soggy, uncomfortable trip and a brilliant one. Around Side, Manavgat and Antalya the river is fed by snowmelt, so even in high summer the water stays bracingly cool while the air is hot. This guide covers what works on our boats, what to leave at the hotel, and how to come home with dry shoes and a big grin.

The Smart Rafting Outfit, Layer by Layer

The golden rule for rafting excursions on the Köprülü is simple: wear things you don't mind getting completely soaked. The provided life jacket and helmet do the safety work, so your job is to dress for cold water and warm sun at the same time.

On Your Body

A quick-dry swimsuit or board shorts is the foundation. Over it, a rash guard or a light synthetic T-shirt protects your shoulders from both the midday sun and any rope or paddle rub. Skip cotton — once it's wet it stays wet and clings. Women often prefer a sporty bikini or one-piece under a tee. If you chill easily, a thin neoprene top is a smart extra in early or late season.

On Your Feet

This is where most first-timers get it wrong. You'll be stepping on slick rocks getting in and out, so flip-flops are a no — they float away on the first rapid. Wear water shoes, old trainers you can soak, or sturdy sport sandals with a heel strap. Closed-toe is kindest to your toes on the riverbed.

For Your Head and Eyes

Sunglasses with a retainer strap stop the glare bouncing off the water (and stop you losing them downstream). A cap fits neatly under the helmet at the start, though most people stash it once underway.

What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

Pack a full change of dry clothes and a towel for the ride back — you will be wet to the skin. Bring high-factor sunscreen and reapply before launch, since you can't easily during the run. Leave watches, jewellery, phones and anything that can't swim in the secure storage at base; loose items disappear into the rapids. If you want photos, our river teams capture the action for you, so there's no need to risk your own camera.

A Note on Cost and Getting the Best Value

Rafting prices swing with season, group size and how many extras (lunch, photos, transfers, combo activities like zip-line or quad) are bundled in. The single biggest way to pay less is to book DIRECT with us rather than through an agency or online marketplace — there's no middleman commission stacked on top. We back that with a best-price guarantee, and travelling off-peak or mid-week often lands you a quieter river and a friendlier rate. Always compare what's actually included before judging value.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Approx. 5-7 hours including transfers
• Pick-up Time: Morning, typically 08:00-09:30 from your hotel
• Drop-off Time: Afternoon, typically 16:00-17:30
• Includes: Hotel pick-up & drop-off, life jacket, helmet, instructor/guide, equipment
• Excludes: Lunch (often optional add-on), photos/video, personal extras, gratuities
• Family Friendly: Yes — suitable for families with older children
• Recommended Age: 7 years and above
• Best Season: April to October
• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate (Grade II-III, beginner-friendly)

Related Excursions

• Side day trips & excursions
• Antalya tours & activities
• Alanya excursions
• Kemer adventure tours
• Belek excursions
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel transfer included in the rafting excursion?

Yes. We provide door-to-door hotel pick-up and drop-off from Side, Manavgat and the nearby resorts, included as standard.

What should children wear for rafting?

The same as adults: a swimsuit, a rash guard or synthetic tee, and secure water shoes. We supply child-sized life jackets and helmets, and seat younger paddlers safely in the raft.

Can I pay on the day of the excursion?

Yes, pay-on-the-day is available. Many guests settle up after pick-up; just confirm your preference when you book so we reserve your seats.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially in peak summer, to guarantee your date, transfer slot and equipment in the right sizes.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Light rain rarely stops rafting — you're getting wet anyway. If conditions are genuinely unsafe, we reschedule you to another day or arrange a full refund.

Will my clothes and shoes get wet?

Completely. Wear quick-dry items you don't mind soaking and bring a dry change plus a towel for the journey home.

Can non-swimmers join?

Yes. Life jackets keep everyone afloat and you're always with a trained guide, so basic comfort in water is enough — strong swimming isn't required.

Where can I keep my valuables?

Phones, wallets and jewellery stay in secure storage at the rafting base. We recommend leaving anything precious at your hotel.

Ready to hit the rapids? Book your Köprülü Canyon rafting excursion DIRECT with the local Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. You'll get our best-price guarantee, instant confirmation and honest local advice — no agency mark-up, no surprises. We'll see you on the water!