Alanya and City of Side: Whitewater Rafting and Jeep Safari

Koprulu Canyon gives you two very different ways to see the same wild setting: a 1.5-hour off-road Jeep ride above the river, followed by 7 kilometers of whitewater rafting below. I like the mix of engine-powered adventure and hands-on river time, and I like that lunch, equipment, hotel transport, and insurance are included for $37.

The day is not polished at every point. You may face waits between activities, the river can be very cold, and the toilets at the rafting base have been criticized. Still, this is a strong choice if you want a full day of action rather than a quiet visit to a national park.

Key points to know before booking

• Two activities in one day: Begin with an off-road Jeep safari, then paddle a 7 km stretch of the Koprucay River.
• Koprulu Canyon setting: The national park provides steep canyon scenery, green wooded slopes, and a refreshing break from the coast.
• Hotel transport included: Pickup and return are offered from hotels in the Alanya and Side areas.
• Cold water is part of the deal: Bring swimwear, a towel, and comfortable water shoes or rafting shoes.
• Good value at $37: Lunch, life vest, helmet, paddle, guide, insurance, and both activities are included.
• Allow a full day: Pickup, the 70 km drive, activity changes, lunch, and the return trip keep you out until evening.

From Alanya or Side to Koprulu Canyon

Your day starts with pickup at your hotel in Alanya or Side. You ride in an air-conditioned bus for about 70 kilometers to Koprulu Canyon National Park. The drive is not just a transfer. It moves you from the resort coast into a more wooded, river-centered part of Antalya Province.

I like having transport built into the price. A rafting day can become awkward when you must arrange a separate taxi, find the river base, and work out how to return in wet clothes. Here, the same operator handles the road journey and the end-of-day drop-off.

Still, be realistic about the schedule. This is sold as a one-day outing, not a short morning activity. Pickup times vary, so check the available start time when you book. The drive, preparation, Jeep ride, lunch, rafting, and return all add up to a long day.

Once you reach the park, the team provides a life vest, helmet, and paddle. Team leaders give instructions in English or German. You should listen carefully even if you have rafted before, since the briefing covers how the group will work together and how to handle the river safely.

The Jeep safari above the river

The first activity is a Jeep safari lasting about 1.5 hours. Rather than sitting beside the river all day, you head out on rougher roads through Koprulu Canyon National Park. This is the part of the experience that lets you see the area from higher ground and gives you time for photographs before you get wet.

The Jeep ride is not a private sightseeing drive. It is an off-road group activity, so expect a bumpy outing and a shared vehicle. That is part of the fun, but it also explains why the tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility. Pregnant women should not book it either.

You get a useful contrast between the two activities. From the Jeep, you see the wooded surroundings and canyon terrain as a broad outdoor setting. On the river, your attention narrows to the current, the raft, and the instructions from your guide. I like that the tour does not ask you to choose between a scenic drive and a water activity.

The Jeep portion also helps break up the day. A full rafting program can feel repetitive if you are not keen on spending hours in the water. Here, the first section gives you a change of pace before the main river run.

Rafting 7 kilometers on the Koprucay River

After the Jeep safari and equipment briefing, you take to the Koprucay River for a 7 km rafting journey. The river is described as white water, so you should expect active paddling rather than a gentle float. You will work with the group while the guide directs the raft through the river section.

The life vest, helmet, and paddle are provided. Comfortable shoes are not. Bring water shoes, rafting shoes, or another pair of secure shoes that you do not mind getting wet. One useful tip is to avoid relying on bare feet. The river setting can be rough underfoot, and a pair of shoes will make getting in and out of the raft easier.

The water may be surprisingly cold. That was specifically noted after a spring outing, and it is worth taking seriously outside the hottest part of summer. You will be wet during the rafting, so bring a towel and wear swimwear beneath anything you use for the drive and Jeep ride.

Do not take your cellphone onto the rafting section. The operator says belongings are locked on the bus for safety, and phones are not allowed on the rafting experience. A waterproof camera is listed as something you can bring, but only do so if it is properly secured and you are comfortable using it around moving water.

This is also where the guide can make or break the mood. The team speaks English and German, and one especially memorable guide has the nickname Papa-Schlumpf. The available feedback describes him as a fun, effective rafting leader who spoke good German. You may not have the same guide, but the point is useful: the staff play an active role in keeping the raft organized and the mood light.

Lunch in the middle of the action

The rafting program includes a lunch stop before you return to the river. This is practical as much as it is pleasant. After a Jeep ride and time paddling in cold water, you will want a chance to dry off, eat, and take a breather.

The meal is included, but drinks are not. Bring money for anything you want beyond the food provided. I also suggest carrying a refillable bottle for the road and the waiting periods, though the supplied information does not specify drinking-water arrangements at the activity base.

Lunch gives the day a natural pause, but it can also create some waiting. The schedule brings together transport, equipment, multiple groups, the Jeep section, the restaurant stop, and the river departure. You should not expect every transition to run like a private tour.

That slower rhythm is the main tradeoff for the low price. You get several services bundled together, but you give up some control over timing. If you prefer a quick, tightly managed outing, this may feel loose. If you are happy to spend a full day outdoors with other people, the value is better.

Photos, videos, and what to pack

The crew takes photos and video during the experience. You can view the images at the final destination after the river section. They are not included in the $37 price, and photos and DVD are listed as extras.

You may decide to buy a record of the day, but do not treat it as part of the package. If you want to take your own pictures, use a waterproof camera and keep it secure. The operator specifically advises leaving cellphones on the bus.

Pack light, since your belongings will be stored while you raft. Your most useful items are:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Comfortable shoes for the Jeep ride
• Water shoes or secure shoes for rafting
• A waterproof camera, if desired
• Money for drinks and optional photos or video

There is no need to bring a helmet, life vest, or paddle. Those are provided. Shoes and neoprene clothing are not included, so do not assume the tour supplies a wetsuit or footwear.

How good is the $37 value?

At $37 per person, this is an inexpensive full-day adventure. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the 70 km transfer, Jeep safari, rafting, lunch, equipment, tour leadership, and insurance. Buying those pieces separately would normally make the day more complicated and could cost more.

The strongest value is the combination of activities. You are not paying only for a short raft run. You get a 1.5-hour Jeep excursion, a 7 km river journey, a meal, and transport from the resort areas. For families and groups of friends who want one active day on the holiday calendar, that package makes sense.

The extras are easy to overlook. Drinks, photos, DVD, shoes, and neoprene are not included. If you need special clothing or want the professional images, your final spending will be higher than the headline price.

The main cost is time rather than money. You lose most of a day to the drive and activities, and the pace may include waits. I would call the price good for an action-focused day, but not for someone who wants a private, quiet, or highly flexible outing.

Comfort, facilities, and practical limits

This is an outdoor activity base, not a polished resort facility. One report described the toilets as very poor. That does not cancel out the rafting or Jeep ride, but it is useful to know before you arrive.

The tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women. The uneven Jeep route, rafting setup, getting into the raft, and time in cold water all make this a demanding day. The supplied information does not give an age limit, so families should check suitability for children before booking.

The activity is also less suitable if you dislike getting wet, group schedules, or rough vehicle rides. The Jeep section is off-road, and the rafting section requires paddling and following directions. You do not need to bring your own rafting equipment, but you do need to be comfortable taking part physically.

For everyone else, the day has a nice balance. You spend time seated in the bus, moving over rough ground in the Jeep, eating lunch, and working on the river. It is active without making rafting the only thing you do.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would choose this tour for friends, families with suitable older children, and couples who want an active break from the beaches and hotel pools of Alanya or Side. It works especially well if you want photographs, a bit of off-road fun, and a guided river experience without organizing transport yourself.

It is also a good match for first-time rafters. Equipment is provided, team leaders give information in English or German, and the group format means you are not expected to manage the river alone. Pay attention during the instructions and follow the guide’s calls.

I would hesitate if your main goal is calm sightseeing. The day is built around action, wet clothes, cold water, and a bumpy Jeep ride. I would also skip it if you need a highly accessible setup, are pregnant, or want private transport and a precise schedule.

Should you book the Alanya and Side rafting and Jeep safari?

Book it if you want a good-value outdoor day with two distinct activities in Koprulu Canyon. The Jeep safari adds views and variety, while the 7 km rafting trip supplies the real physical excitement. Lunch, transport, equipment, and insurance make $37 a reasonable price.

Go in with the right expectations. Bring water shoes, accept that the river may be cold, leave your cellphone on the bus, and allow time for waiting. If those conditions sound fine, Seven Tours offers a lively way to see Antalya Province beyond the coast. If comfort and smooth organization matter more than adventure, choose a gentler day trip instead.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The activities take place in Koprulu Canyon National Park in Antalya Province. Rafting is on the Koprucay River.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How long is the rafting section?

The rafting route is 7 kilometers long.

How long is the Jeep safari?

The off-road Jeep safari lasts about 1.5 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch at a restaurant during the rafting program is included. Drinks are not included.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides a life vest, helmet, and paddle. Shoes and neoprene clothing are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and an optional waterproof camera. Water shoes are especially useful for the rafting section.

Can I take my cellphone rafting?

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