Antalya: Rafting at Köprülü Canyon + Lunch

History

Köprülü Canyon, located in Antalya’s Manavgat region, has been a natural and cultural landmark for centuries, carved by the Köprüçay River through the Taurus Mountains. The canyon’s name, meaning “Bridge River,” derives from the ancient Oluk Bridge, a Roman-era stone structure built in the 2nd century CE, which still stands as a testament to the region’s advanced engineering. Historically, the area was part of the Pamphylia region, a hub for trade and settlement since the Bronze Age, with nearby cities like Perge and Aspendos flourishing under Greek and Roman rule.

The Köprüçay River has long served as a lifeline for local communities, supporting agriculture and connecting ancient trade routes. Today, Köprülü Canyon National Park, established in 1973, preserves its dramatic limestone cliffs, lush pine forests, and crystal-clear waters, making it a premier destination for adventure tourism. Rafting on the Köprüçay River, popularized in the late 20th century, draws thrill-seekers to its rapids, blending adrenaline with the canyon’s timeless beauty and historical significance.

Highlights

• Experience thrilling white-water rafting along a 14 km stretch of the Köprüçay River.
• Swim in crystal-clear pools surrounded by Köprülü Canyon’s towering walls.
• Admire the historic Roman-era Oluk Bridge and dramatic canyon scenery.
• Enjoy a delicious riverside lunch to recharge mid-adventure.
• Benefit from expert guides, safety equipment, and optional hotel transfers.

Full Description

Embark on an exhilarating 8-hour rafting adventure in Köprülü Canyon, starting with an optional hotel pickup from Antalya or surrounding areas (confirmed via WhatsApp or email by 22:00–23:00 the evening before). Guests not using the transfer service should arrive at the rafting facility by 10:00 AM. A 2-hour bus transfer takes you through scenic landscapes to Köprülü Canyon National Park, where you’ll meet expert guides for a safety briefing and gear fitting (helmets, life jackets, paddles provided).

Begin with a short walk to the Köprüçay River, soaking in the canyon’s dramatic cliffs and lush greenery. Launch into a 14 km white-water rafting journey, navigating thrilling rapids suitable for beginners and experienced rafters alike, guided by professionals fluent in Arabic, English, German, Russian, or Turkish. Pause for refreshing swims in crystal-clear pools and marvel at the ancient Oluk Bridge. Midway, enjoy a riverside lunch featuring Turkish cuisine, such as grilled meats, salads, and vegetarian options, to refuel.

Continue rafting through more rapids, ending with a sense of camaraderie and triumph. At the finish area, relax and view optional photos or videos of your adventure (extra fee). A comfortable shuttle returns you to your hotel or the facility, concluding a day of adrenaline, nature, and unforgettable memories in one of Turkey’s most stunning landscapes.

Why Choose This Experience?

This rafting adventure in Köprülü Canyon offers an unbeatable mix of adrenaline, natural beauty, and cultural highlights, all for an affordable price. With expert guides, safety equipment, and a riverside lunch, it’s a well-organized, thrilling escape from the city, suitable for adventurers of all levels.

Perfect for thrill-seekers, families, and groups, the tour combines heart-pounding rapids with serene swims and historical sights like the Oluk Bridge. Its flexible pickup options, multilingual guides, and skip-the-line access make it a seamless and exciting way to explore Antalya’s wild side.

What’s Included

• Optional hotel pickup and drop-off (Antalya and surrounding areas)
• Riverside lunch
• Safety equipment (helmets, life jackets, paddles)
• Professional guide (Arabic, English, German, Russian, Turkish)
• Insurance
• Rafting along 14 km of the Köprüçay River

Itinerary

• Hotel Pickup or Facility Arrival: Transfer from Antalya (2 hours) or arrive at the facility by 10:00 AM.
• Safety Briefing & Gear Fitting: At Köprülü Canyon base camp (30 minutes).
• Rafting Part 1: Navigate rapids and swim in pools, view Oluk Bridge (2 hours).
• Lunch: Riverside Turkish meal (1 hour).
• Rafting Part 2: Continue through rapids (1.5 hours).
• Finish Area: Relax, view optional photos/videos (30 minutes).
• Return: Drop-off at hotel or facility (2 hours).

Pricing

From $14 per person

Meeting Point

For transfers, wait at your hotel’s main entrance or designated address in Antalya, with pickup time confirmed by the operator via WhatsApp or email by 22:00–23:00 the evening before. Without transfers, arrive at the rafting facility (NATURE RAFTİNG CANYONİNG, Antalya) by 10:00 AM. Be ready 5 minutes early, as drivers wait no longer than 5 minutes.

How to Get There

• With Transfer: Arrange pickup from your Antalya hotel or address; confirm time via WhatsApp the evening before.
• Without Transfer: Arrive at NATURE RAFTİNG CANYONİNG, Antalya, by 10:00 AM (use Google Maps for directions).
• Use local buses or taxis to Manavgat if not using the provided transfer.
• The facility is approximately 90 km from Antalya city center (1.5–2-hour drive).
• Contact the operator for precise pickup or facility details to avoid delays.

Good to Know

What to Bring

• Swimwear and towel for rafting and swimming.
• Water shoes or secure sandals (no flip-flops) for river safety.
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
• Change of clothes for post-rafting comfort.
• Cash for optional photos/videos or souvenirs.

Know Before You Go

• The tour involves moderate physical activity; suitable for ages 6+ with basic fitness.
• No prior rafting experience is needed; guides ensure safety for beginners.
• The tour operates rain or shine, but rapids may vary with water levels.
• Notify the operator of dietary restrictions for lunch when booking.
• Drones, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed; smoking is restricted during rafting.

Reviews

• Excellent! Iván was great, and the canyoning and rafting were so much fun! The lunch by the river was delicious, and the guides kept everyone safe and energized. Highly recommend this adventure!
• Great trip, we encourage others to go too! The Köprülü Canyon views were stunning, and the rapids were thrilling but manageable. The team was professional, and the lunch was a nice break.
• Really liked everything! Nice animation, cool program. The guides made the rafting exciting, and the Oluk Bridge was a highlight. The whole day felt like a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation!