Side: Rafting and Zipline Canyon Tour with Lunch & Transfers

If you’re after an adventure-packed half-day near Side, this rafting and canyon tour offers a good mix of water action, breathtaking views, and some fun jumps. It’s a compact experience that combines the thrill of paddling down 10-12 km of river with a scenic hill visit and a splash of history, all topped off with a 200-meter clothes jump. The tour is guided, small-group, and includes transfers from your hotel, making it a convenient way to tick off adventure activities without the hassle of planning.

What stands out for us is the well-organized itinerary—especially the combination of adrenaline-pumping rafting and the picturesque panoramic stop at the canyon cruise hill. The guides are praised for their friendliness and expertise, which enhances the safety and enjoyment of this active trip. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the water can be quite cold, particularly if you’re traveling in May or early season, which could be a consideration if you’re sensitive to chilly waters.

This tour suits travelers who love outdoor adventures, whether you’re traveling as a family, with friends, or on your own. If you’re looking for a balance of excitement, scenic views, and cultural touches like the Roman bridge, this experience is worth considering. It’s particularly good for those who want a half-day activity that’s both fun and relatively affordable, offering a taste of the region’s rugged beauty and thrill-seeking opportunities.

Key Points

• Convenient hotel pick-up and transfers make logistics simple.
• Combination of water activities and scenic hill visits offers variety in a short time.
• Guided experience ensures safety, local insights, and a friendly atmosphere.
• Flexible options like optional photo and video shoots (sold separately) add to the memory.
• Small group size enhances personalized attention, limited to 10 participants.
• Suitable for active travelers but not for pregnant women or seniors over 95.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Start: Easy Transfers and Friendly Guides

The tour begins with hotel pickups in the Side area between 8:30 and 9:30 am. The comfort of door-to-door transport is a major plus, especially after a long journey or an early start. Once collected, you’ll hop into an open-top vehicle and be taken on a 1 to 1.5-hour ride through rugged terrains leading towards Köprülükanyon, a site that’s both scenic and historically intriguing due to its ties to ancient Rome.

According to reviews, the guides—though not named—are consistently praised for their kindness and professionalism. One reviewer mentioned how “the tour guides are all super nice and friendly,” which makes a big difference when you’re facing the chilly waters or a bumpy ride. The guides also give instruction on equipment use, including helmets, vests, and paddles, which helps first-timers feel more confident.

Scenic Stop: Canyon Cruise Hill and Roman Bridge

After arriving at the base, there’s a 15-minute break where you can stretch your legs. Then, a quick open-top vehicle tour takes you to the small canyon cruise hill. Here, you’ll enjoy about 10 to 15 minutes of panoramic views and photo opportunities. The Roman bridge, visible from this vantage point, adds a touch of ancient history to the landscape—another reason this stop is appreciated by travelers who enjoy combining activity with a dash of cultural flavor.

One reviewer shared, “We liked the safari tour much better, and we’d do it again anytime,” highlighting that even if the canyon stop isn’t the main focus, it’s an enjoyable scenic interlude. Expect to see rugged mountain scenery and perhaps some local wildlife if you’re lucky.

The Main Event: 10-12 km Rafting Adventure

The core of this tour is the rafting experience, which covers a stretch of 10 to 12 km on the river. The guides provide helmets, vests, and paddles, and they lead the group through the twists and turns of the water. Expect to get wet, possibly very wet, especially if you’re not wearing a wetsuit or quick-drying clothes.

The reviews reveal that the water can be quite cold, especially in May, so packing a towel for after and dressing in quick-dry clothes is wise. The guides’ expertise ensures safety, and their friendly demeanor makes the experience more enjoyable. One guest mentioned that the tour was “fine for families” assuming you’re okay with cold water—so if you have young children or are sensitive to cold, be prepared.

The Thrill: Clothes Jump and Rugged Ride

The adrenaline continues with a 200-meter clothes jump—a fun, supervised jump that’s suitable for adventure lovers. It’s a chance to push yourself a little further and create a memorable story. Following the river adventure, the tour transitions into a 40-minute ride in a Monster vehicle, taking you through wet, rugged areas, adding an off-road thrill to the day.

One reviewer was clear that the tour was “not one we’d want to repeat,” mainly because of the cold water, but others found it an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re seeking an active, outdoor adventure with a splash of history and spectacular scenery, this part of the tour hits the mark.

Practical Tips and Extras

• What to bring: Bring a towel to dry off after the rafting, and wear quick-drying clothes.
• Photo/video: The tour offers optional photo and video packages, which are sold separately—roughly $10-$25 depending on what you want.
• Who it’s for: Active travelers over 95 cm in height, but not suitable for pregnant women.
• Duration: Around 3 hours, so it’s perfect for a morning or early afternoon activity.
• Group size: Limited to 10 people for a more personalized experience, which enhances safety and camaraderie.

Is It Worth It?

For only $39 per person, considering the included transfers, equipment, scenic stops, and the actual rafting, this tour offers solid value. The combination of water sport adrenaline and scenic views makes for an engaging half-day. Plus, the small group and guided nature allow you to enjoy the activity safely and comfortably.

The reviews reflect a generally positive experience, especially praising the guides’ friendliness and the well-organized itinerary. The main downside for some travelers is the cold water, which can be uncomfortable if you’re not prepared. However, if you love active outdoor adventures and are okay with getting wet, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who enjoy outdoor sports and scenic exploration. It’s perfect for families with kids who can tolerate cold water and adventurous spirits who don’t mind a splash or two. If you’re looking for a quick, affordable, and well-organized adventure in the Antalya region, this tour checks all those boxes.

However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those over 95 years old due to safety concerns. The cold water aspect might also deter some, so if you’re visiting in early season or expect to be sensitive to chilly conditions, bring appropriate gear or consider timing your trip later in the season.

Final Thoughts

This rafting and canyon tour with zipline and lunch provides a balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and cultural highlights, all wrapped into three hours of fun. The guides’ professionalism and friendliness elevate the experience, making it accessible for a range of travelers. While the water can be cold, especially in early months, the overall value for the price—around $39—is impressive.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply want to enjoy a different side of the Antalya landscape, this tour offers a memorable way to spend part of your day. The combination of river paddling, scenic hill views, and a fun clothes jump makes it a well-rounded activity for outdoor enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the cold, and you’ll come away with stories worth sharing.

FAQ

Is hotel pick-up included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pick-up from accommodations in Side between 8:30 and 9:30 am.

What should I bring?
A towel is recommended for drying off after the river activity. Wearing quick-drying clothes is also advised.

How long is the rafting?
The rafting adventure covers approximately 10 to 12 km on the river.

Can I participate if I’m pregnant?
No, this tour is not suitable for pregnant women due to the physical nature and water activities involved.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to small groups of up to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.

Is there an age limit?
There isn’t a formal minimum age, but travelers over 95 years old are not suitable for this activity.

Are photos and videos included?
No, they are sold separately at about $10 to $25, but you can enjoy the scenery without them.

What about safety?
Guides are experienced and provide safety instructions and equipment, making the activity safe for most active travelers.

How cold can the water be?
Water temperatures can be quite cold, especially if you’re visiting in May or early season, so be prepared.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak English, German, and Russian, providing helpful explanations and instructions throughout.

In summary, this tour offers a lively, scenic, and physically engaging experience that’s perfect for active travelers wanting a memorable adventure near Side. With friendly guides, small groups, and a mix of water fun and scenic exploration, it’s a great way to add some adrenaline to your holiday while soaking in the natural beauty of the region.