Alanya and City of Side: Whitewater Rafting and Jeep Safari

Koprulu Canyon gives this full-day trip its two distinct thrills: a bumpy Jeep safari through the park, followed by a paddle down the Koprucay River. You leave the beach resorts behind for a day of outdoor activity, with lunch and hotel transport included.

I like the combination of a guided off-road ride and a 7 km rafting route: you see the park from the road, then from the water. I also like that pickup is available from hotels in both Alanya and Side, so you can skip arranging your own transport to the canyon.

The trade-off is a long day with some waiting possible, and the rafting water can feel cold, especially outside the warmest part of the season. Bring proper water shoes, and don’t expect drinks or photos to be included in the $37 price.

The details that shape your day

• Two activities, one park: Take a 1.5-hour Jeep safari and raft a 7 km stretch of the Koprucay River.
• A substantial transfer: The drive from your hotel to Koprulu Canyon is about 70 km each way, so plan for a full day away.
• Lunch is included: You stop at a restaurant midway through the rafting portion, then return to the river.
• Basic rafting gear is provided: Expect a life vest, helmet, and paddle. Shoes and neoprene are not included.
• Keep your phone safe: Phones are not allowed on the rafting experience, and belongings are kept locked on the bus.
• Guide language: Tour leaders and instructors are listed as speaking English and German.

From Alanya or Side to the canyon

The day begins with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned bus. Koprulu Canyon is about 70 km from the resort areas, a drive long enough to make included transport a real convenience. You won’t need to arrange a rental car, navigate to the park, or work out how to return after a tiring day on the river.

The journey also sets the scale of the outing. This is not a quick activity squeezed between a morning at the beach and dinner in town. The advertised duration is one day, and you should keep the day open from pickup through drop-off. Exact start times depend on availability.

On arrival, the team provides a life vest, helmet, and paddle, and tour leaders are on site to explain what you need to know. English and German are the stated languages. If you need another language, don’t assume it will be available.

A Jeep ride through Koprulu Canyon National Park

The Jeep safari comes first, taking you off-road around the national park for about 1.5 hours. It gives you a broad look at the area before you head onto the river. The changing viewpoints are useful if you want photos, and the ride adds variety to a day that might otherwise be spent mostly on the water.

This is an off-road outing, not a quiet sightseeing drive. Expect a more physical, bumpy ride than you’d get in a regular bus. That can be part of the fun if you enjoy an active excursion, but it may not suit you if rough transport is uncomfortable.

The Jeep section is also a chance to get a sense of the terrain around the canyon. You can take in the scenery without needing to paddle, which makes it a nice contrast to the next activity. Bring a camera only if you can keep it secure during the ride and follow the guide’s directions about when it is safe to use.

Paddling 7 km on the Koprucay River

After the Jeep ride, you take to the Koprucay River for a 7 km rafting route. The operator supplies the essentials: a life vest, helmet, and paddle. You’ll need to bring swimwear and comfortable shoes suitable for getting wet. Water shoes are especially practical, since footwear is not included and one returning participant specifically recommended bringing them.

Don’t count on a wetsuit or neoprene being supplied. Neither is included, so dress for getting wet and consider how you handle cold water. A May visitor found the water very cold; conditions can vary, but that is a useful warning if you’re booking in a cooler period.

The tour includes a leader, and the staff can provide information in English or German. Your guide will be the person to listen to for instructions and help on the river. A guide known as Papa-Schlumpf has been part of the experience, though guide assignments can change. The point is not the nickname, but the value of a lively river guide: a good one can make a group outing feel more fun and help keep everyone on the same page.

You’ll stop midway for lunch at a restaurant, then continue rafting. That pause breaks up the paddle and gives you time to dry off a little and eat before getting back on the water. Lunch is included, but drinks are not, so budget for beverages separately.

Lunch, photos, and the ride back

The lunch stop is part of the day rather than an optional extra, which helps keep the outing simple. Food has been described as good, but the included meal does not mean everything at the restaurant is covered. Drinks are specifically excluded, so bring money for them.

At the end of the river route, the crew can take photos and video of your outing. These are not included in the tour price, and photos and DVD are listed as extras. If you want a record of the day, ask about the cost before buying. A waterproof camera is on the suggested packing list, but phones are not allowed on the rafting experience. The tour advises leaving phones on the bus, where belongings are locked for safety.

Once the activities are over, the bus takes you back to your accommodation. The drop-off is a welcome part of the package after a full day outdoors. Just keep in mind that long transfers, activity schedules, and group stops can mean waiting. One participant specifically found the organization poor, while others noted waits between parts of the day. It’s wise to bring patience along with your towel.

Is $37 good value?

At $37 per person, the package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, the Jeep safari, rafting, basic safety equipment, a tour leader, and insurance. That is a substantial list for one day, especially if you would otherwise need to arrange transport to the canyon and pay separately for activities.

The value depends on what you want from a day out. If you’re keen to try both off-road driving and rafting, combining them saves the trouble of booking separate outings. If you only want a short rafting session, the Jeep ride and lengthy transfer may feel like more of a commitment than you need.

Keep a little extra money aside for drinks and any photos or video you choose to buy. Shoes and neoprene are also your responsibility. The advertised price is a good starting point for budgeting, but it doesn’t cover every possible expense on the day.

What to pack, and what to leave behind

Pack swimwear, a towel, and comfortable shoes that can get wet. Water shoes are a sensible choice for the river portion. A waterproof camera is suggested, but bring it only if you can keep it secure and use it according to the crew’s instructions.

Leave your phone on the bus during the rafting portion. Phones are not allowed on the rafting experience, and the operator recommends keeping belongings locked on the bus for safety. The tour also does not permit pets.

You may want spending money for drinks and optional photo or video purchases. Don’t pack as though a wetsuit will be handed out: neoprene is excluded. If cold water is a concern, take that into account when choosing your date and what you wear.

Who should book this outing?

This day suits you if you want an active break from the beach and like the idea of two outdoor activities in one trip. The Jeep ride offers a change of pace from the river, and the included lunch and hotel transport remove some of the planning. It can also work well for a group of friends or family members who enjoy being outdoors together.

It is not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The tour involves off-road travel and rafting, so it is not a good fit if you need step-free access or have difficulty with physically active outings. If you have a particular concern about the ride or river portion, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming the activities can be adjusted.

Organization is worth considering, too. The day has several moving parts, and waits may happen. Some people have described the schedule as unclear, so listen closely to the team’s instructions and confirm where and when to regroup. A little flexibility will make the outing easier to enjoy.

Should you book the Koprulu Canyon combo?

Book it if you want a full day of activity, enjoy a mix of off-road travel and river time, and value having transport and lunch arranged. The strongest reasons to go are the variety of the two activities and the chance to spend the day in Koprulu Canyon National Park rather than staying in the resort area.

Skip it if you’re looking for a short, quiet excursion, dislike bumpy rides, or need a tightly timed schedule. At $37, it offers a lot for the price, but the day is not polished down to the minute, and drinks, footwear, neoprene, and photos are extra. Bring water shoes, leave your phone on the bus, and allow the outing a full day.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

It is listed as a one-day activity. The exact starting time depends on availability, and you should plan to be away from your hotel for the full day.

Where does hotel pickup operate?

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in the Alanya and Side areas.

How far is the drive to Koprulu Canyon?

The drive from the hotel area to the park is about 70 km.

What equipment is included?

A life vest, helmet, and paddle are provided for rafting. Shoes and neoprene are not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch at a restaurant is included during the rafting portion. Drinks are not included.

Can I take my phone rafting?

No. Cellphones are not allowed on the rafting experience. The tour advises leaving belongings on the bus, where they are locked for safety.