City of Side: Whitewater Rafting with Lunch

If you’re visiting Antalya Province and crave a burst of adventure, whitewater rafting on the Koprucay River offers an exciting way to get your adrenaline pumping while soaking up the stunning natural scenery. This tour, offered by Spass Tour, combines 14 kilometers of rapids with a scenic canyon setting, a hearty included lunch, and a comfortable, hassle-free pickup from your hotel.

One of the best things about this experience is how accessible it is—at only $17 per person, it offers impressive value for a full day of outdoor fun. You’ll love the guides’ professionalism and the gorgeous canyon views, but keep in mind that water quality may vary, especially after heavy rains. This tour is ideal for active travelers, nature lovers, and those looking to add a splash of excitement to their holiday.

While it’s generally well-regarded, some travelers noted that photos can be pricey and that proper footwear isn’t included, so packing water shoes or neoprene gear is recommended. Overall, if you’re seeking an authentic, fun-filled day with a mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and tasty food, this rafting trip hits the spot.

Key Points

• Affordable price point offers great value for a full-day activity.
• Beautiful canyon scenery enhances the outdoor adventure with stunning views.
• Guides like Erol are praised for their professionalism and friendliness.
• Includes a substantial lunch and safety gear, making logistics simple.
• Not suitable for very young children or pregnant women due to physical activity and safety considerations.
• Water quality can vary depending on recent weather, so be prepared for potentially murky waters.

The Experience at a Glance

The tour begins with a hotel pickup, which is both convenient and relaxing, especially after a long journey or morning sightseeing. The transportation is air-conditioned and designed for comfort, setting a positive tone before the adventure even starts. Once at Koprucay Canyon, you’ll receive a safety briefing—important for first-timers or those unfamiliar with river sports—and get equipped with a life vest, helmet, and paddle.

From there, it’s all about the water. Expect to navigate around 14 kilometers of rapids that promise both excitement and a chance to improve your rafting skills. The rapids are the highlight, with reviewers noting that the water is a major feature of the tour, even if the actual length of the trip is slightly less than 14 km. The adrenaline rush is complemented by the scenery of Koprulu Canyon National Park, which is truly a visual treat with lush greenery and rugged cliffs surrounding the river.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The included items are straightforward and practical: hotel pickup and dropoff, safety gear, a guide, and a hearty lunch. The lunch is frequently praised, with many reviewers especially appreciating the quality of food, which is more than a simple picnic—some even mentioned it as a highlight of the day.

On the flip side, extras like drinks, photos, or gear rentals such as neoprene suits or watershoes are not included, meaning you’ll want to bring or rent your own water shoes for safety and comfort. Photos are available for purchase afterward, but many note they are on the pricier side and not abundant, so consider bringing your own camera or smartphone.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off with a pickup from Side, taking about an hour to reach the canyon. Once there, the guide provides a safety briefing, a crucial step for peace of mind and ensuring everyone understands how to navigate the rapids.

Next, you’ll tackle the Koprucay River for approximately 2 hours of rafting. The reviewers consistently describe the water as exciting and lively, with some noting the actual length is slightly less than 14 km but still enough to get your heart pounding. The rapids are the main attraction, providing plenty of splash and thrill, especially for those new to whitewater.

Midway through, you’ll get a chance to stop and swim for about 30 minutes in calmer waters, which is perfect for relaxing, cooling off, and soaking up more of the canyon’s natural beauty. Afterward, it’s time for a lunch break—a laid-back, hearty meal in the canyon area, praised for being satisfying and well-prepared.

Post-lunch, you’ll have the chance to watch a short movie and view photos of your adventure—if purchased—and then change into dry clothes for the ride back to Side. The return journey is about 45 minutes, giving you time to reflect on an action-packed day.

The Guides and Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the guides, especially Erol, for their attentiveness, expertise, and friendly demeanor. One reviewer mentioned, “Guide Erol simply great, the whole tour highly recommended,” highlighting how a knowledgeable guide can elevate the experience. Another review pointed out that the guides made the safety briefing clear and straightforward, which is crucial for less experienced rafters.

While the water quality was mentioned as potentially murky after rain, most found this acceptable given the overall fun and the natural beauty surrounding them. The food is frequently lauded—many say it’s a highlight, with a good mix of generous servings and tasty flavors, making the entire day feel well-rounded.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring water shoes or neoprene gear for safety and comfort, as they are not included.
• Wear swimwear underneath your clothes and be prepared to get wet—this is part of the fun.
• Bring extra cash if you want to purchase photos or drinks, as these are not included.
• Arrive prepared for variable water conditions—if it’s rained recently, be ready for potentially murky waters.
• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons—this tour is popular and fills up quickly.
• Check availability for your preferred starting time, as the tour lasts about 9 hours including transport and breaks.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This rafting adventure appeals most to active travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy a good splash and scenic views. It’s a fantastic choice for families with older children (over 3 years old) and groups seeking a fun, social day out. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility restrictions due to the physical nature of rafting and safety precautions.

Those looking for a budget-friendly experience will appreciate the competitive price of $17 per person, especially considering the included transportation, safety gear, and a substantial meal. However, if you’re after professional photos or specialized gear, expect to pay extra.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re craving adventure, natural beauty, and a hearty lunch, this tour offers all three at a very reasonable price. The guides’ expertise and the scenic canyon backdrop make it a memorable outing, especially when paired with the thrill of navigating the rapids.

The experience strikes a solid balance between adrenaline-pumping fun and relaxation—after all, who doesn’t love a good splash and some stunning views? For those visiting Side and wanting a day packed with activity, this rafting trip is a great way to break the routine and enjoy Turkey’s natural outdoors.

In summary, it’s a well-organized, value-packed adventure suitable for adventurous souls, nature lovers, and families with older kids. Just remember to pack your water shoes, bring your camera, and prepare for a day of wet and wild fun.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, hotel pickup and dropoff in the Side area are included, making logistics stress-free.

How long is the total tour? The whole experience lasts about 9 hours, including travel, safety briefing, rafting, lunch, and return.

Can I buy photos of my trip? Yes, photos are available for purchase after the activity, but reviewers note they are somewhat expensive and limited in number.

What should I wear? Bring swimwear, and wear water shoes or neoprene gear for safety and comfort. A change of clothes is recommended after rafting.

Is water quality a concern? Some reviewers mentioned the water being murky after rain, so the water quality can vary.

Are children allowed? The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years old.

Do I need to bring anything special? Just water shoes, swimwear, and perhaps some cash for extras; everything else is provided.

What language is the tour guided in? Guides speak both English and German, so communication should be clear for most travelers.

This whitewater rafting trip on the Koprucay River offers a fantastic blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and local hospitality—sure to be a memorable highlight of your trip to Side.