White Water Rafting in Koprulu Canyon in Antalya
Our week-long holiday in Antalya was packed with experiences we love. We explored ancient sites like Perge, Aspendos, and Side, each with its own story to tell. We also visited some stunning waterfalls, soaking in the natural beauty of the region. But it wasn’t just about sightseeing — we wanted to add a bit of adventure to our trip.
Why We Chose White Water Rafting in Antalya
In recent times, we’ve tried a mix of exciting activities—horse riding in the mountains of Romania, e-biking and sailing in Barcelona, and a thrilling speed boat tour in the Algarve. This time, we wanted something different. So, we decided to take on two new challenges — white water rafting and paragliding. And Antalya was the perfect setting for both these adventures.
Where We Went Rafting
We went rafting in Köprülü Canyon, the most popular spot for white water rafting in Antalya. The moment we arrived, we could see why — it was a breathtaking setting. The river flowed through a deep canyon, surrounded by rugged cliffs and dense foliage. The air was fresh and there was a buzz of excitement as groups geared up for their adventure.
Standing by the water, we could feel the energy all around. The sound of the rushing river, the chatter of fellow rafters and the anticipation of what was to come made it all the more thrilling. It was the perfect place to try something new and we couldn’t wait to get started!
The Rafting Experience – What to Expect
We were staying at the Grand Park Lara and the rafting starting point was about 1.5 hours away. Since we had booked a guided tour with hotel pickup and drop-off, we were picked up at around 9 am. After a quick stop to pick up another couple from a nearby hotel, we began the long but scenic drive to Köprülü National Park, where the adventure awaited.
Our group had around 24 people, so we were split into three smaller teams, with eight people on each raft. Before getting into the water, we had a safety briefing and the guides handed out helmets, life jackets and paddles. Wetsuits and watershoes were available to hire at an extra cost. The rafting team made sure everyone was comfortable and knew the basics of rafting before we set off on our exciting journey down the river.
Before the activity, the providers also asked if anyone had any health conditions that might be affected by rafting, such as a bad back, recent surgery, or heart problems.
I was a little nervous but excited at the same time — this was my first time trying white water rafting. As soon as we set off, the rush of the river took over and the adventure began.
Some sections were quite challenging, with fast-moving rapids that sent water splashing over us. But our guide was fantastic, giving clear directions and making sure we navigated through safely. In between the thrilling rapids, there were calmer stretches where we could catch our breath and admire the stunning scenery around us.
Nobody fell into the river, but that didn’t mean we stayed dry! We got completely drenched as we powered through the rapids and to make things even more fun, we had water fights with the groups on the other rafts. There was so much laughter and excitement, making it an unforgettable experience. The mix of adrenaline, teamwork and breathtaking views made white water rafting one of the highlights of our trip.
The rafting experience was beginner-friendly, which was great because all eight of us on our raft were first-time rafters. The guides made sure we felt comfortable, giving clear instructions and making it an enjoyable adventure. If you’re someone who loves a bit of excitement, then this is definitely an activity worth trying. The mix of fun rapids and calmer sections made it thrilling without being too overwhelming.
Our group was made up of adults and there were no young kids on our raft or on the other two rafts, so we weren’t sure if children were allowed on this part of the canyon. If you're considering rafting with kids or have little experience, it’s best to check directly with the activity provider. They might offer different sections of the river that are more suitable for families with younger children or those looking for a gentler ride.
How to Book the Rafting Experience and What It Costs
We booked our rafting experience in advance through GetYourGuide. There were different tour options available, some combining rafting with quad biking or a zip wire. Since we had already tried quad biking in Egypt and zip-lining in Wales, we decided to go for just white water rafting. Our package included hotel transfers and lunch, making it a hassle-free experience.
The whole adventure cost us around £20 for the two of us, which was an absolute bargain. We got a great deal for two reasons — it was off-season and we kept an eye on GetYourGuide for discounts that pop up from time to time. Our guide mentioned that in peak season, the river is packed with hundreds of rafts, but during our visit, there were just a handful. This made the experience even better, as we had more space to enjoy the adventure without feeling crowded.
Things to Bring & Tips for First-Timers
For rafting, it’s best to wear quick-dry clothes as you will get completely soaked. A lightweight t-shirt and shorts or swimwear underneath work well. Water shoes or secure sandals with a good grip are a must, as flip-flops can easily slip off in the water. If you wear glasses, a strap to keep them in place is a good idea.
There were changing facilities available at the site, which was useful after getting drenched. However, there were no lockers, so it’s best to bring only the essentials. We left our valuables at the hotel and carried just essentials (change of clothes, some cash, phones etc.). You can purchase waterproof pouches for your phones at an additional cost from the site.
Would We Do It Again?
White water rafting in Köprülü Canyon was an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our trip to Antalya. The mix of adventure, stunning scenery and fun moments on the water made it a fantastic day out. From the excitement of navigating the rapids to the laughter-filled water fights, every part of the experience was enjoyable. It was well-organised, beginner-friendly and a great way to try something new.
Would we recommend it? Absolutely! Whether you're an adventure seeker or just looking for something different to do in Antalya, this is an experience worth trying. We had a great time and would definitely do it again if we ever get the chance.
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