Your Ultimate Rafting Adventure in Antalya’s Köprülü Canyon

Right then listen close and put down that lukewarm pint for a second because I am about to tell you how to escape the absolute furnace that is the Turkish summer. If you have been roasting yourself on a sunbed for the last three days like a lobster in a pot you are probably desperate to cool down. I have been travelling around Turkey for donkey’s years and I can tell you that the sea is great but sometimes it is like stepping into a warm bath which does not exactly help when you are sweating buckets. That is where the Antalya rafting tour comes into play. It is the absolute best way to sort yourself out and have a proper laugh while you are at it.

Let us get the geography sorted first because a lot of people do not realize just how far out this place is. The rafting happens in Koprulu Canyon which is deep in the Taurus Mountains. It is a fair old trek from the main resorts. You are looking at a scenic one hour drive at least. This brings me to my first major warning. Do not I repeat do not try to take a taxi there. The taxi drivers in Antalya are sound lads generally but the meter will tick up faster than your heart rate on a first date. It will cost you an absolute fortune to get there and back in a cab. The smartest way to do it is to book a proper Antalya rafting tour that includes the pick up and drop off. You get on the bus you enjoy the air conditioning and you let someone else worry about the winding mountain roads.

When you arrive at the canyon for your Antalya rafting tour the first thing that will hit you is the beauty of the place. It is absolutely mint. You have got these massive stone cliffs and the river winding through the bottom. But the real shock comes when you dip your toe in the water. The Koprucay River is spring fed which means it is freezing cold all year round. I am talking about proper ice water that will make you gasp. But trust me when the air temperature is forty degrees that cold water feels like heaven.

The setup on an Antalya rafting tour is pretty standard. You will be given a helmet and a life jacket and a paddle. Do not complain about the helmet messing up your hair just put it on because safety comes first. You will be split into teams of about ten or twelve people per raft with a guide at the back steering. The guides are usually local legends who know every rock in the river. They will have you paddling like a maniac one minute and then splashing the other boats the next. It is all good fun. The route is about thirteen kilometers long which sounds like a lot of graft but the current does most of the work for you.

Now let me give you some honest advice about what to wear on your Antalya rafting tour. Do not wear flip flops. I see people doing this every time and every time they lose a shoe in the first five minutes. The river will swallow your flip flop and you will never see it again. You need to wear water shoes or old trainers that you do not mind getting wet. Also you need to think about the sun. You might feel cool because of the splashing water but the sun is reflecting off the river and it will fry you. Slap on a load of waterproof sun cream before you get on the boat or you will wake up the next morning looking like a beetroot.

Halfway down the river the Antalya rafting tour usually stops for lunch. It is included in the price and it is usually decent grub. You are looking at grilled chicken or fish with rice and salad. It is simple stuff but after paddling for an hour you will be starving and it tastes amazing sitting by the river. Just be aware that drinks are usually extra so bring some small change in Lira to buy a coke or a beer.

One big tourist trap to watch out for on any Antalya rafting tour is the photos and videos. There will be cameramen positioned on the banks snapping photos of you looking terrified as you go over the rapids. At the end of the day they will try to sell you the photos and a video of the trip. The prices can start high so do not be afraid to haggle. If you want the video get together with your mates and try to split the cost. If you are not interested just say a polite no thank you and walk away.

The rapids on the Antalya rafting tour are not too scary. It is not like you are risking your life on a grade five river. It is mostly grade two or three which means it is bouncy and exciting but safe enough for families and beginners. It is the perfect mix of adrenaline and sightseeing. You get to see the ancient Roman bridges and the stunning nature of the canyon from a completely unique angle.

So there you have it. An Antalya rafting tour is the perfect antidote to the heat and the boredom of sitting by the pool. It is cheap it is cheerful and it is one of the classic experiences of a Turkish holiday. Just remember to book a tour with a transfer wear secure shoes and bring your sense of humour.

Right I am done rabbiting on now and I want to hear from the adrenaline junkies out there. Have you braved the freezing waters of the Koprucay River on an Antalya rafting tour. Did you manage to stay in the boat or did you end up going for an accidental swim. Did you lose a flip flop to the river gods. Drop a comment below and tell us your war stories. Your tips help the other Brits plan their trips so do not keep it to yourself. Let us get a proper conversation going in the comments. Cheers and happy paddling.