Alanya and City of Side: Whitewater Rafting and Jeep Safari

Cold water, warm memories. This full-day outing combines a 1.5-hour Jeep safari with a 7-kilometer rafting run through Koprucay River in Koprulu Canyon National Park. I like the way it gives you two very different ways to see the park, and I like that hotel transport, lunch, equipment, guides, and insurance are included. The main catch is that the day can include waiting, basic facilities, and very cold river water.

You start with a 70-kilometer bus ride from Alanya or Side, then trade the bus for an open-air off-road ride. Later, you paddle through white water, stop for lunch, and can buy photos and video taken by the crew. Bring water shoes if you have them, and do not take your phone onto the river.

Quick points before you book

• Two activities in one day: The Jeep safari and rafting provide more variety than a rafting-only trip.
• A 7-kilometer river run: You get a proper stretch of rafting rather than a brief splash in the water.
• Cold water is part of the deal: A September booking still received a warning that the river was extremely cold.
• Papa-Schlumpf made an impression: One guide was singled out for his good humor and ability to make the rafting fun.
• Lunch is included: Drinks are not, so carry money or check what is available at the stop.
• Hotel pickup from Alanya and Side: Transport saves you the trouble of arranging your own way to the canyon.

From Alanya or Side to Koprulu Canyon

The day begins with pickup at your hotel in the Alanya or Side area. You ride in an air-conditioned bus for about 70 kilometers to Koprulu Canyon National Park, a useful arrangement for an activity that takes place well away from the resort coast.

The drive is not just a transfer. It gives you time to settle in before the active part of the day, though the full schedule means you should expect to be away from your hotel for most of the day. If you prefer a short activity with plenty of free time afterward, this is not the right format.

The bus matters here because rafting equipment, wet clothes, lunch, and return transport are all part of the day. Your belongings can be kept safely on the bus while you are on the river. That is one reason I would leave your phone behind rather than worry about it getting wet or lost.

The tour is offered with English and German instruction. Team leaders are on site to explain the activities and equipment. The quality of a day like this depends heavily on the guide, and the feedback points to the human side of the trip as one of its strong features. One particularly popular rafting guide went by the nickname Papa-Schlumpf, a sign that the atmosphere can be friendly and playful rather than stiff.

Getting ready beside the Koprucay River

At the park, you receive a life vest, helmet, and paddle. These are included in the $37 price, along with insurance and the rafting activity itself. You should still bring swimwear, a towel, and comfortable shoes that can handle water and uneven ground.

The operator does not include rafting shoes or neoprene clothing. That detail matters. The water can feel very cold, and bare feet are not a good match for a river outing. Water shoes or sturdy old footwear are the most useful choice. Avoid anything you would hate to lose.

Do not bring your cellphone onto the rafting section. The instructions specifically advise leaving phones locked on the bus. A waterproof camera is allowed, but even then, use a secure strap and accept that river conditions are not gentle on loose equipment.

The setup area may feel practical rather than polished. One strong complaint concerned the toilets, which were described as being in very poor condition. That does not change the river scenery, but it is worth knowing if clean facilities are important to you.

The Jeep safari around Koprulu Canyon

The first activity is a Jeep safari lasting about 1.5 hours. You ride through the park on an off-road route, giving you a wider view of the canyon area before you get wet.

This section is less about speed than access. The Jeep lets you reach rougher terrain and provides photo stops that would be difficult from a normal bus. You can use this time to take in the trees, rock formations, and open views around Koprulu Canyon without having to paddle or concentrate on the river.

I like this opening because it breaks up the day. A rafting-only trip can feel repetitive if you are not fully comfortable in the water. Here, you begin on land, get a sense of the setting, and then move into the river activity.

Do not expect a private off-road excursion. This is a shared tour with a set schedule, and the ride is part of a larger group day. Waiting can occur as groups organize equipment and move between activities. One comment praised the overall experience but noted that there could be long pauses. If you have patience and enjoy a social outing, that is manageable. If you want a tightly timed private tour, it may test you.

The Jeep ride also creates some of the best opportunities for photos. Once you begin rafting, you will be asked to keep phones off the river, and the crew handles photography instead. Take your own pictures during the land portion.

Seven kilometers of whitewater

After the Jeep ride and preparation, you take to the Koprucay River for a 7-kilometer rafting trip. The distance gives you enough time to get used to the paddle, work with your group, and enjoy the river setting.

You do not need to be an expert paddler to join, but you do need to be comfortable with an active outdoor outing. The crew provides the basic gear and instruction, while the guide directs the raft. Listen carefully before setting off, especially if you have never rafted before.

The river is the centerpiece of the day. You move through white water with the canyon around you, trading the rough tracks of the Jeep for the motion of the current. The scenery is best appreciated between the more active sections, when you can look up from the paddle and enjoy the park.

Water temperature is a real consideration. A warm month does not guarantee warm river water. One September participant specifically found the water extremely cold, and another booking advised bringing water shoes. You may be comfortable once you are moving, but pack a towel and dry clothes for the end.

The rafting guides add much of the personality. A guide called Papa-Schlumpf received special praise for making the ride fun, and the general feedback also points to guides who could communicate well in German. That is useful for safety instructions and helps the group feel organized.

The experience is not designed for people with limited mobility. You need to manage the bus, Jeep, equipment, river access, and raft. It is also not suitable for pregnant women. These limits are stated clearly, and you should take them seriously rather than treating the trip as a gentle sightseeing ride.

Lunch beside the river

The rafting stops midway for lunch at a restaurant. This gives you a needed break from the water and a chance to warm up before the second part of the river journey.

Lunch is included, and the feedback about the food is generally positive. Drinks are not included, so plan to pay separately for anything beyond the meal. It is sensible to carry some cash, although the supplied details do not specify which payment methods are accepted.

A meal stop also explains why this is a full-day outing. You are not simply transferred to the river, rafted for an hour, and sent back. The day has several moving parts: transport, equipment, Jeep safari, rafting, lunch, photos, and the return ride.

The tradeoff is pace. Stops and group changes can create waiting. A comment praised the food and guide but still mentioned delays. I would treat this as a relaxed group excursion, not a clockwork schedule.

Photos, video, and the end of the river

The crew takes photos and video during the rafting experience. You can view the material at the final destination after leaving the river, with photos and a DVD available for an additional charge.

This is useful because your phone stays safely on the bus. You get a record of the action without risking your own device, though you should decide in advance how much you want to spend on the images. The pictures are an optional extra, not part of the $37 price.

At the end, you return your equipment and prepare for the bus ride back to your accommodation. Hotel drop-off is included, which makes the day easier after several hours outdoors. You do not have to find a taxi from a remote point in the park or arrange a separate transfer.

Expect to return in the evening. The schedule is built as a complete day out, and one positive comment specifically noted that you are back at the hotel by night.

Is $37 good value?

At $37 per person, the price is strong for the amount included. You receive pickup and drop-off, the Jeep safari, 7 kilometers of rafting, lunch, safety equipment, a tour leader, and insurance. If you booked transport and each activity separately, the day would likely be harder to arrange and less convenient.

The value is best for someone who wants action without paying for a premium private experience. You get two activities, but you also accept shared transport, possible waiting, basic facilities, and optional charges for drinks and media.

The price does not cover shoes or neoprene gear. That may add a small cost if you do not own suitable water footwear. It is also wise to budget for drinks and decide if you want the crew’s photos or DVD.

I would not choose this tour based only on the low price. The more important question is whether you like a busy outdoor day with a group. If you do, the package offers a lot. If you want comfort, quiet, or a polished base area, the savings may not compensate for the rough edges.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Pack lightly. You need:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Comfortable shoes or water shoes
• Dry clothes for after rafting
• A waterproof camera, if you want one
• Money for drinks and optional photos or video

Leave pets at home. Cellphones should stay on the bus during the rafting section. The bus is used to secure belongings, so you do not need to carry valuables onto the river.

Water shoes are my strongest practical tip. They protect your feet and make getting in and out of the river easier. Neoprene clothing is not included, and the water may be cold, so check the conditions before departure if you are sensitive to cold.

Use sunscreen during the outdoor portions, though the supplied tour details do not specify whether shaded areas are available. You will spend time outside during both the Jeep ride and rafting.

Who will enjoy this day most?

This outing fits friends, families with suitable older children, couples, and active visitors staying in Alanya or Side. It works especially well if you want to see Koprulu Canyon but do not want to choose between an off-road trip and rafting.

You should be ready for physical activity, wet clothing, rougher access points, and a long day. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

It also suits you if you enjoy a friendly group atmosphere. Guides are a major part of the experience, and the positive feedback highlights humor, language skills, and good group energy. A strong guide can turn a cold river and a few delays into a memorable day.

You may want another option if you dislike waiting, need excellent toilet facilities, or prefer an exact schedule. The activities themselves receive the strongest praise, while organization and comfort appear less consistent.

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

Book it if you want a good-value action day with two distinct activities, included transport, lunch, and a proper stretch of river rafting. The Jeep safari gives you variety, and the 7-kilometer river route provides the main thrill.

Skip it if cold water, basic facilities, group delays, or physical effort would spoil your day. Go prepared with water shoes, a towel, swimwear, and no phone on the raft. With those expectations in place, the $37 price makes this a sensible choice for active visitors who want to spend a full day in Koprulu Canyon.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The activities take place in Koprulu Canyon National Park in Antalya Province, including a rafting route on 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 pickup areas?

The drive to Koprulu Canyon is about 70 kilometers.

How long does the Jeep safari last?

The off-road Jeep safari lasts about 1.5 hours.

How long is the rafting route?

The rafting experience covers about 7 kilometers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch at a restaurant during the rafting portion is included.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included in the tour price.

What equipment is provided?

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

Can I bring my cellphone rafting?

You should not take your cellphone onto the rafting experience. Your belongings can remain locked on the bus for safety.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with limited mobility?

No. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.