Side Pure Rafting

• 10:00 – Pickup from hotels in Side region and departure to Köprülü Canyon National Park.
• Arrival at the rafting base and safety briefing by professional instructors.
• Distribution of rafting equipment (helmet, life jacket, paddle) and preparation for the adventure.
• Short transfer to the rafting starting point near the ancient Roman bridge.
• Pause at the Roman Bridge for photos, sightseeing, and optional swimming before rafting.
• Begin rafting: board the rafts and start the ~14 km whitewater journey on the Köprüçay River.
• Ride through exciting moderate rapids (Class II–III) under the guidance of an experienced raft guide in each boat.
• Enjoy swimming breaks and fun water fights during calm river sections.
• Lunch break at a restaurant by the river, with delicious local dishes in an open-air setting.
• After lunch, continue rafting to complete the remaining course and reach the finish point.
• Return to the base, change into dry clothes, and relax. View the photos and videos taken during the tour (available for purchase).
• 17:30 – Drop-off back at your hotel in Side, with unforgettable memories of the day.

Why Go Rafting in Side?

If you crave an adrenaline-packed day on your holiday, our Side Pure Rafting tour is the answer. This tour focuses solely on rafting – no other activities – so you get the most out of the river adventure. Side (Manavgat) is home to the famous Köprülü Canyon National Park, one of the world’s top rafting destinations. Its stunning scenery and rushing river make for an unforgettable experience. No prior rafting experience is needed; even first-timers can enjoy this thrilling ride. It’s a popular choice among travelers in Side looking to add excitement and cool off in nature.

Köprülü Canyon gets its name from its historic bridges (“köprü” means bridge in Turkish). The ancient Oluk Bridge, built by the Romans in the 2nd century, still stands majestically over the canyon and is a highlight of the trip. The national park, established in 1973, spans about 500 hectares and boasts rich flora and fauna – you’ll raft through a gorge lined with cypress, oak, and pine forests. The Köprüçay River flows year-round at an average temperature of 12°C, offering a refreshing escape from Side’s summer heat. The rafting route is around 14 km with moderate rapids (Grade II-III), which means it’s ideal for beginners and fun for experienced rafters too. Prepare to paddle through roaring rapids surrounded by towering canyon walls and unspoiled wilderness – an adrenaline rush like no other!

More Than Just Rafting – It’s Pure Fun: Whitewater rafting in Side isn’t just about adrenaline, it’s also about bonding and teamwork. Each raft accommodates 8-10 people, making this adventure perfect for families or groups of friends to share the excitement. Working together to navigate the rapids creates a real team spirit on the boat. You’ll laugh, scream, and cheer each other on as you splash through the waves. Many of our guests say this rafting tour was the highlight of their Side vacation, and a memory they cherish for years. If you’ve been enjoying Side’s beaches and historical sites, this is your chance to do something different and take home brag-worthy stories of conquering the river!

What to Expect on the Rafting Tour

Our Side Pure Rafting tour runs daily. The adventure begins around 10:00 am with pickup from your hotel in Side or surrounding areas (exact time is provided upon booking). In a comfortable transfer vehicle, you’ll travel about 1-1.5 hours through the scenic Taurus Mountains to reach the rafting base at Köprülü Canyon. Upon arrival, our professional rafting guides welcome you and give a safety briefing, explaining paddling techniques and river rules. We then equip you with high-quality rafting gear – helmet, life jacket, and paddle – so you’ll be fully prepared for the ride. Once everyone is geared up, we take a short drive to the launch point by the historic Roman bridge.

Before the rafting starts, we pause at the ancient bridge for a quick tour and photos. Take in the breathtaking view from this Roman landmark and, if you like, enjoy a refreshing dip in the calm waters below – the perfect way to gear up for the action ahead. Then, it’s time to board the rafts and kick off the main event! You’ll set off on the Köprüçay River, beginning an approximately 2.5 to 3-hour journey downstream. Each raft is led by an experienced guide (many of whom speak English and Russian) who steers and instructs to ensure everyone’s safety and fun. As you navigate the first waves, you’ll instantly feel the rush of adrenaline. Throughout the 14 km course, you’ll encounter a series of rapids that splash and surge – nothing too extreme, but enough to get your heart racing and the water flying!

Midway, we’ll take breaks at calm river spots where you can jump in for a swim in the crystal-clear water or engage in playful water fights with fellow rafters. These pauses let you catch your breath and enjoy the beautiful canyon surroundings – dense green forests, high cliffs, and bright blue sky above. After conquering the most exciting rapids as a team, we make a stop along the riverbank for a well-deserved lunch. At a riverside restaurant, you’ll savor a delicious lunch (grilled chicken, fresh salads and Turkish mezze, or similar local dishes) under the open sky. It’s a wonderful moment to relax, chat about the adventure so far, and refuel your energy.

Once everyone has eaten and rested, we head back to our rafts to tackle the remaining stretch of the river. The second half of the rafting course offers more fun waves and stunning scenery as the canyon opens up. By the end of the route, you’ll have paddled through countless rapids, screamed with joy, and probably gotten pleasantly soaked! We reach the finish point in the afternoon and return to the base where you can change into dry clothes.

Back at the base, you’ll have a chance to view photos and videos captured by our professional photographers during your rafting journey. Watch the highlights of your adventure on a screen – it’s always entertaining to see the faces of your friends (and yourself!) as you hit the rapids. If you like, you can purchase any of these pictures or videos as souvenirs. Finally, around 17:30, we’ll drive you back to your hotel. Tired but happy, you’ll arrive with unforgettable memories of a day filled with adventure and laughter.

Safety & Who Can Join

Your safety is our top priority. Our rafting tour in Side is designed for almost everyone – from age 7 to 70! Children (typically 7 years and older) can join with a parent or guardian’s supervision, making it a fantastic family activity. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t worry – wearing a life jacket at all times will keep you afloat, and our guides are there to assist. We do recommend that you are comfortable in water and don’t have an extreme fear of it. All guides and crew members are highly experienced and certified; they’ll give clear instructions and ensure all safety measures are followed. We provide quality helmets and life vests, which must be worn during the entire rafting trip. As with any adventure sport, rafting is not recommended for pregnant women or those with serious heart or health conditions. Listen to your guide, paddle as a team, and you’ll have a safe, exhilarating ride.

Tour Price & Booking

The best part? This entire experience is very affordable. The Side Pure Rafting tour costs just per person, and that price covers your hotel transfers, lunch, professional guiding, safety gear, and insurance – basically everything except personal extras. There are no hidden charges during the trip. It’s one of the most budget-friendly ways to enjoy a full day of adventure in Side without compromising on safety or quality. Keep in mind that spots on our rafting in Side excursions can fill up quickly, especially in peak season, so don’t wait too long to reserve your spot. If you’re ready to add some adrenaline to your Side vacation, come join us on this pure rafting adventure. We promise you’ll finish the day with big smiles, great stories, and maybe even new friends made on the river!