Rafting the Köprüçay: A Side‑Day of Cold Water, Limestone Canyons, and Turkish River Lunch
Paddle through limestone canyons and finish with a riverside Turkish lunch—no prior experience required.
You push off before the river gets loud. The raft rocks like a small animal testing its legs, sunlight through pines stippling the water, and the Köprüçay—cold, clear, impatient—tastes the air as if daring you to come closer. For a few minutes the world narrows to the scrape of paddle on plastic, the steady instruction of the guide, and the sensation of current finding the raft’s belly and pulling. Then the river finds a seam in the limestone, the water funnels, and the day becomes a line of rapids threaded with flatwater pools where you can breathe and look up at the canyon’s layered cliffs.
Trail Wisdom
Wear secure water shoes
Closed-toe shoes with a strap protect toes on rocky portages and provide grip in the raft.
Bring a small dry bag
Keep phone, ID, and medication safe and accessible; many operators offer rentals but bring your own for hygiene.
Listen to the guide
Guides control line choice and have rescue protocols—follow commands during rapids and flip drills.
Swim only when instructed
River pools look inviting but currents can hide undercuts—only enter the water under guide direction.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A short riverside walk to small pebble beaches for secluded swims
- •Riverside tea stalls where locals gather after work for strong black tea
Wildlife
Kingfishers, Tortoises and occasional otters
Conservation Note
Operators encourage ‘leave no trace’ lunches and avoid motorized launches in sensitive riparian zones—use reef-safe sunscreen and pack out plastics.
The Köprüçay/Köprüçay watershed sits beneath Taurus foothills and feeds a coastline dotted with ancient Greek and Roman sites, including the nearby archaeological town of Side.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Higher river flows, Wildflower-lined banks, Cool weather paddling
Challenges: Cold water temperatures, Possibility of rain, Variable transfer roads
Spring offers lively rapids and green canyon walls; pack a wetsuit for comfort and expect crisp river water.
summer
Best for: Warm air temperatures, Long daylight, Great after-raft swims
Challenges: Lower water levels mid-summer, Hot transfers inland, Crowded beaches on return
Summer brings warm land temps and excellent swimming, though some runs may have gentler rapids when water is low.
fall
Best for: Stable flows after summer rains, Fewer crowds, Comfortable temperatures
Challenges: Cooling nights, Shorter daylight hours, Occasional storms
Autumn provides balanced conditions—still warm enough for swims and with good river flow for fun rapids.
winter
Best for: Low-season price deals, Quiet roads, Lesser-known operator availability
Challenges: Cold water and air, Not all operators run trips, Possible road closures
Winter trips can run if conditions allow, but expect cold swims and reduced service from operators.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-toe water shoesEssential
Protects feet from rocks and keeps traction in the raft.
Lightweight wetsuit or neoprene top
Adds warmth for shoulder-season cold river swims.
Small dry bag (5–10L)Essential
Keeps essentials dry and secure during flips or splashes.
Sunscreen (reef-safe) and sun hatEssential
Protects skin during open stretches and lunch breaks on the shore.
Common Questions
Do I need prior rafting experience?
No—this run is guided for beginners through experienced paddlers; guides teach basic strokes and safety before launch.
What should I wear?
Quick-dry clothing, a bathing suit, and closed-toe water shoes; bring a wetsuit in spring or if you get cold easily.
Is food provided?
Yes—most tours include a riverside lunch with grilled local dishes and salads as part of the day.
How long is the on-water section?
Expect about 2–3 hours on the river covering roughly 12–14 kilometers of rafting.
Are transfers included?
Yes—pickup and drop-off from Side-area hotels are typically included in the tour price.
What about children and families?
Many operators accept children, but minimum ages vary; check with the operator for age/weight limits and safety policies.
What to Pack
Water shoes, small dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, reusable water bottle — for grip, protection, and hydration.
Did You Know
The Köprüçay (Koprucay) river carves limestone canyons that feed into the Mediterranean near Side; nearby Side itself was a thriving Greek and Roman port city with a still-visible Roman theater.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Book morning pickups to avoid midday heat; 2) Confirm hotel transfer times the night before; 3) Carry a printed copy of your voucher; 4) Bring cash for tips and tea.
Local Flavor
After the ride, head back to Side’s harbor for freshly grilled sea bream, a spread of meze, and a cold Efes beer; for dessert, try a small baklava with Turkish tea at a waterfront café.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Antalya Airport (AYT) ~60–75 km; Driving from Side: 30–60 minutes depending on meeting point; Cell service: good to intermittent once in the canyon; Permits: none for commercial rafting but operators monitor river levels and safety.
Sustainability Note
Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid single-use plastics at the riverside lunch, and follow guides’ instructions to minimize disturbance to fragile shoreline vegetation and wildlife.