Alanya and City of Side: Whitewater Rafting and Jeep Safari

Koprulu Canyon gives you two very different ways to see the outdoors in one long day: a 1.5-hour Jeep safari over rough tracks, followed by 7 km of whitewater rafting on the Koprucay River. It is an action-packed change from the beach, with mountain scenery, river water, lunch, and transport all rolled into one $37 outing.

I like the strong value here, especially since hotel pickup, lunch, equipment, insurance, and drop-off are included. I also like the mix of activities. The Jeep ride gives you dry-ground views and photo stops, while the raft gets you right into the river. The trade-off is organization: you may face waiting between sections, and the facilities can be basic. The river may also feel very cold, even outside winter.

The day at a glance

• A 70 km scenic drive takes you from your hotel in Alanya or Side to Koprulu Canyon National Park.
• A 1.5-hour off-road Jeep ride offers a bumpy, open-air look at the park and good photo chances.
• A 7 km rafting route follows the Koprucay River through striking canyon scenery.
• Lunch beside the river breaks up the rafting before you return to the water.
• English- and German-speaking guides lead the activities and explain the equipment and safety basics.
• Photos and video are available for purchase, while your phone and other belongings stay locked on the bus.

From Alanya or Side to Koprulu Canyon

Your day starts with pickup at your hotel in the Alanya or City of Side areas. The ride to Koprulu Canyon covers about 70 km in an air-conditioned bus, so the transfer is not a quick hop. It is part of the day’s rhythm, and you should expect a full-day outing rather than a short activity squeezed between beach hours.

The air-conditioned bus matters in Antalya Province, where a hot day can make an outdoor trip tiring before the action even begins. You will want comfortable clothes for the transfer and activities, plus a towel and swimwear packed where you can reach them.

At the park, the staff provides a life vest, helmet, and paddle. The equipment is included, along with insurance and a tour leader. Guides speak English and German, which is useful when the group needs instructions before entering the river.

The setup can feel busy. One practical complaint is that the order of events is not always explained clearly at first, and waiting can occur between parts of the program. Keep that in mind if you prefer tightly timed tours. This is a group adventure day, not a private expedition with every minute controlled.

The Jeep safari through the national park

The Jeep portion comes first and lasts about 1.5 hours. It is not a polished sightseeing drive on smooth roads. You are there for an off-road ride through the surroundings of Koprulu Canyon, with the rougher track providing much of the fun.

The Jeep gives you a higher and more open view than you get from the rafting boat. It is also the better time to take in the dry slopes, trees, canyon setting, and wider views without worrying about splashing water or holding a paddle. Bring a camera if you have one that can handle dust and movement.

This section suits you if you enjoy a little bouncing around and do not need a quiet, slow scenic drive. The rough ride may be less comfortable for anyone with back problems or limited mobility. The activity is not recommended for people with mobility impairments, and pregnant women should not book it.

The Jeep ride is also a useful change of pace. Rafting can become repetitive if it is the only activity, especially for children or first-time participants who are unsure how much time they want to spend in the water. Here, the day alternates between road, river, lunch, and road again.

Seven kilometers on the Koprucay River

After the Jeep ride, you take to the Koprucay River for a 7 km rafting route. The crew supplies the basic gear: life vest, helmet, and paddle. You should bring comfortable shoes that can get wet, not your best holiday sandals. Water shoes are a particularly sensible choice, and one useful tip from the trip notes is to pack bathing shoes.

The rafting is the main physical part of the day. You paddle through the canyon setting, working with the group and following the guide’s instructions. The route is long enough to feel like a real outing, but the tour also includes a lunch break, so you are not expected to remain on the river without pause.

You do not need to bring your phone onto the raft. In fact, the instructions recommend leaving it behind. Personal belongings can be locked on the bus, which is a safer choice than risking a wet phone or losing it in the river. A waterproof camera is listed as an item to bring, but you should use one only if you can secure it well.

The water can be surprisingly cold. Even a warm day does not guarantee warm river water, and one May outing was described as having very cold water. If you are sensitive to cold, expect the first minutes to be a shock and pack a dry towel and change of clothes for afterward.

Lunch breaks up the action

Lunch is included and takes place during the rafting portion, at a restaurant before you return to the river. That is important on a full-day trip. You get a chance to dry off a little, eat, and reset before the second stretch of activity.

The meal is part of the value of the $37 price. You do not have to search for a restaurant in an unfamiliar area, and the schedule keeps the group together. Drinks are not included, so carry money for anything you want beyond the provided meal.

Do not expect a refined dining stop. This is an activity base in a national park, not a destination restaurant. Basic facilities are part of the deal, and the toilets have received a poor assessment. If clean, comfortable facilities are a major concern for you, lower your expectations and use the restroom when the opportunity comes.

Photos, video, and the practical cost

The crew takes photos and video during the activities. You can view them at the final destination after the river section, and they are available at an extra cost. The tour price does not include the photos or DVD.

At $37 per person, this is a strong package if you want several paid elements handled in one booking. You receive return transport from an Alanya or Side hotel, a Jeep safari, rafting, lunch, safety equipment, a guide, and insurance. Buying those pieces separately would usually mean more planning and more transport concerns, though the supplied information does not give separate prices for comparison.

The price is less compelling if you want a small, quiet group or a highly polished operation. The day can include waiting, and the schedule may need clearer explanation. You are paying for access to several activities and convenience, not for a private guide or luxury service.

Photos are the main optional expense mentioned. Since cellphones are discouraged on the river, decide in advance if official photos matter to you. If you want a record of the day, a waterproof camera is allowed, but keep it secure and follow the crew’s instructions.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this outing if you want an active break from resort life and like the idea of combining two outdoor activities. It works particularly well for friends, families with suitable older children, and couples who want more than a standard sightseeing bus ride.

The strongest match is someone who:

• Enjoys rough vehicle rides and river activity
• Is comfortable getting wet and spending time outdoors
• Wants lunch and transport included
• Can manage a full day with some waiting
• Does not need easy access or polished facilities
• Is happy to follow group instructions

I would think twice if you have limited mobility, are pregnant, or dislike cold water. The tour is not designed for you if you want a gentle nature walk or a relaxed canyon viewpoint. The Jeep track may be bumpy, and the rafting requires active participation.

The day also suits first-time rafters because equipment and a tour leader are provided. You still need to listen closely and paddle as instructed. The crew is there to guide the activity, but this is not a ride where you simply sit back from start to finish.

Guides and the feel of the group

The guides speak English and German. That gives you a useful basic communication layer for equipment, safety, and the day’s instructions. The quality of the day can also depend heavily on the individual guide and how the group works together.

One guide was warmly remembered by name as Papa-Schlumpf, with the rafting section described as especially fun. You should not assume the same person will lead every departure, but it gives you a sense of the friendly, playful tone this kind of trip can have.

The group element is part of the appeal. You share the Jeep and raft experience with other people, which can make the day lively and social. It also means you may wait for others, and the pace is not entirely yours to set.

A reported score of 4.3 out of 5 from 35 ratings suggests the overall experience is usually well received, but it is not perfect for everyone. One October booking described the organization as very poor, while another outing noted long waits but praised the group, guide, and food. I would treat that as a fair warning to keep your schedule flexible after the tour.

What to pack and what to leave behind

Pack light. You need items that can handle water, sun, and a little dirt.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes that can get wet
• Swimwear
• A towel
• A waterproof camera, if you want your own photos
• Money for drinks or optional photos and video

Leave pets at home. They are not allowed. Leave your cellphone behind during the rafting section as well. Your belongings can be kept locked on the bus, and losing a phone in the river is not worth the risk.

Wear clothing that dries reasonably quickly. The supplied instructions do not promise changing facilities, so having a dry layer and towel is sensible even if you plan to stay in swimwear under your clothes.

Booking, cancellation, and timing

The activity lasts one full day, though the exact pickup and starting time depends on availability. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered from hotels in Alanya and Side, so check that your accommodation falls within the service area before booking.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your holiday plans are still shifting. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That is useful if weather, illness, or a change of plans affects your decision.

The activity is not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. Those restrictions matter here because the day includes an off-road vehicle ride, river access, wet surfaces, and active paddling.

Should you book the Alanya and Side rafting day?

Book it if you want a good-value action day with two distinct activities, included transport, lunch, equipment, and a full day away from the coast. The Jeep safari adds variety, while the 7 km river route gives the outing a proper sense of adventure. The guides, especially the rafting team, can make the group atmosphere lively and fun.

Skip it if you need precise timing, clean and comfortable facilities, or a quiet and private experience. Expect some waiting, basic conditions, cold water, and a schedule that may not always be explained perfectly.

For most active visitors staying in Alanya or Side, I think the $37 price makes sense. Pack water shoes, protect your valuables, keep your afternoon flexible, and treat the day as a cheerful outdoor adventure rather than a polished luxury excursion.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The tour takes place in Koprulu Canyon National Park in Antalya Province, including the Koprucay River.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How far is Koprulu Canyon from the hotel areas?

The scenic drive to Koprulu Canyon is about 70 km.

How long is the Jeep safari?

The off-road Jeep safari lasts about 1.5 hours.

How long is the rafting route?

The rafting section covers 7 km on the Koprucay River.

Is lunch included?

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

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides a life vest, helmet, and paddle. Insurance and a tour leader are also included.

Are photos and videos included?

No. The crew takes photos and video that you can view at the final destination, but they are available at an additional cost.

Can I bring my cellphone while rafting?

The instructions recommend not taking your cellphone on the rafting section. Belongings can be locked on the bus.

Who should not take this tour?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.