Köprülü Canyon rafting: what to expect
A day on the Köprüçay river inside a national park: cold water, Roman bridges and a lot of laughing.
By the IONETO Antalya team · Published 8 November 2026
In short: Köprülü Canyon rafting takes place on the Köprüçay river inside Köprülü Canyon National Park, in Manavgat district east of Antalya. Most trips are beginner-friendly: a guide steers the raft, gives a safety briefing and provides a helmet and life jacket. Expect cold, clear water, gentle rapids and a full day once the drive from your hotel is included.
Where is Köprülü Canyon?
Köprülü Canyon National Park was declared in 1973 and covers a deep limestone gorge cut by the Köprüçay river, the ancient Eurymedon. It lies inland from Manavgat, so from Antalya city, Belek or Side the drive is a big part of the day; hotels in Side and Belek are closer than those in Kemer. The river is fed by mountain springs, which keeps the water cold even in midsummer.
Inside the park you will also see the Roman-era Oluk Bridge, a single stone arch over the gorge, which gives the canyon its name (köprü means bridge). The ancient city of Selge sits higher up in the mountains if you want to extend the trip.
How a rafting day works
- Pick-up: early morning from your hotel or a meeting point.
- Briefing: at the base by the river, guides hand out helmets, life jackets and paddles, then explain the commands (forward, back, stop, hold on) and what to do if you fall in.
- On the river: one guide per raft, usually six to eight people. The route mixes easy rapids with calm stretches where you can jump in and float.
- Lunch: most packages include a riverside lunch.
- Return: afternoon drive back to your hotel.
Programmes, route length and what's included vary by provider, so confirm them when you request.
How hard is it?
For most visitors the Köprüçay is an easy, fun river rather than an extreme one. Rapids are short and the guide does the steering; your job is to paddle when told and hold on. Water levels change through the year, and spring can be livelier than late summer. If anyone in your group is nervous, say so: guides can place them in the middle of the raft.
Who can join?
Age limits and rules for non-swimmers vary by provider. Many accept older children with an adult, and a life jacket is worn by everyone. Include ages, swimming ability and any health conditions (heart or back problems, pregnancy) in your request so the provider can advise honestly.
What to wear and bring
- Swimwear under quick-dry clothes, and a change of dry clothes for the ride back.
- Shoes that stay on your feet in water: sport sandals with straps or old trainers. Flip-flops will be lost.
- Sunscreen, and a cap for the breaks.
- A waterproof phone pouch, or leave valuables in the vehicle.
- A towel and a light jacket in spring or autumn: the river water is cold.
Safety tips
Keep your helmet and life jacket fastened the whole time you are on the water, even on calm stretches. Listen to the briefing and follow the guide's commands. Don't raft after alcohol. Choose a provider who will tell you the group size, guide-to-guest ratio and what happens if the river is too high. On IONETO the provider replies directly, so ask these questions before you confirm.
Combine it with other plans
Rafting fills a day, so pair it with something slow the next day: a walk around Kaleiçi or a beach afternoon. If you are staying in Side or Belek, the ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos and Side are also close.
How to book
Send a request from the Antalya tours page: choose Köprülü Canyon rafting, then add your date, group size, ages and where you are staying. A local provider replies directly with the programme, pick-up time and price. There is no online payment on IONETO.
Quick answers
Is Köprülü Canyon rafting suitable for beginners?
Yes. Most trips are designed for beginners, with a guide in every raft and a safety briefing before you start.
How far is Köprülü Canyon from Antalya?
It is inland from Manavgat, east of Antalya, so the drive takes up a good part of the day. Hotels in Side and Belek are closer.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Everyone wears a life jacket. Rules for non-swimmers vary by provider, so mention it in your request.
What should I wear for rafting?
Swimwear, quick-dry clothes and shoes that stay on in water. Bring dry clothes for the ride back.
When is the rafting season?
Trips run mainly from spring to autumn. Water levels change through the year, so ask the provider about conditions on your date.
Sources
Illustrative images. Mutlu insan dünyayı aydınlatır: a happy person lights up the world.