Alanya/City of Side: Canyoning, Rafting and Ziplining Tour

Cold river water, big smiles. I love the canyoning scenery in Koprulu Canyon and how the guides keep it safe and fun, and I love the zipline crossing over the Koprucay River to break up the day. The one drawback to plan for is that add-ons like drinks or wetsuit-related extras can pop up later, so ask early what costs extra.

This is the kind of trip you book when you want a lot of time outdoors and not a lot of sitting around. Hotel pickup from Alanya and Side, plus included lunch, helps you spend the day doing the activities instead of managing logistics. With English/German support, it also helps if you want clear instructions before you’re in the water.

Key Points Worth Knowing Before You Go

• Canyoning + rafting + ziplining in one day means you see Koprulu Canyon and the river from multiple angles.
• Guides make the pacing work for different comfort levels, including families (one guide named Sino was praised for caring attention).
• You start canyoning, then swim to the rafting start, so the day has a natural build instead of stop-and-go.
• Lunch is on the route near the river, which makes it feel like part of the adventure, not a separate meal break.
• Zipline happens after rafting, with a crossing over Koprucay River, but ride length can feel shorter than you expect.
• Water shoes matter and rentals may cost extra, so bring what you need for traction.

Koprulu Canyon in One Packed, Water-First Day

This tour is designed for a full-on day outside, in and around Koprulu Canyon National Park. Instead of choosing one activity, you do three: canyoning, whitewater rafting, and ziplining. That mix is the whole appeal. You’ll spend the day moving through the canyon, then get on the river, and finally fly across the water.

The day also has a practical rhythm. You’re picked up, geared up, transported to the canyon area, then the activities flow into one another. There’s no long transfer between canyoning and rafting because the route connects. That matters if you want maximum action with less waiting.

Price is another reason this stands out: $45 for a full day with hotel pickup, a tour guide, lunch, and three activities is serious value on paper. The catch is that not everything related to comfort is automatically included. You’ll want to be ready with the basics, and you may still see optional charges for things like drinks or gear.

The Morning Setup: Pickup, Base Station, and Gear Up

Your day starts with hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from Alanya and Side. Once you’re at the rafting base station, the guide gives you information about both the canyoning and rafting parts. This is where you’ll want to listen closely, especially if it’s your first time with water sports like these.

Next comes the change-and-gear stage. You switch clothes, then put on equipment like a helmet and life vest. You’ll also take your paddle into the bus. Then you head to the canyoning area by mini Cabrio bus.

This is one of those “small” details that makes the tour feel smoother: you’re not dragging gear around while hungry or confused. You arrive, get fitted, then go.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to know what to expect, you’ll appreciate that this tour is built around clear instruction first, action second. If you hate being cold in open water, though, keep in mind that canyoning uses fresh river water, and it can be chilly (one group noted the water at about 8°C).

Inside the Canyon: Walking In, Jumping In, and Getting Back Out

The canyoning portion is the centerpiece for most people, and it’s easy to see why. You walk in the canyon, then jump into the fresh water. After that, you swim to the rafting starting point.

That format is more than an adrenaline moment. It’s also practical because it connects canyoning directly to rafting. You’re not done once you jump in; you move through the water and work your way to where the next activity begins.

The best part is the scenery and the physical experience. One of the most praised aspects is the natural beauty of the canyon stretch itself. The guides also matter here. Sino, in particular, was praised for being funny and caring, and for pacing the experience in a way that felt safe for a 9-year-old. That kind of hands-on attention is what makes canyoning feel doable instead of intimidating.

The main consideration is the cold factor and the footwear factor. You’re required to bring swimwear and water shoes. If you show up with slippery shoes or no plan for traction, you’ll feel it fast.

Also, this activity is not for everyone. It’s not suitable for people with heart problems, mobility impairments, wheelchair users, pregnant women, or non-swimmers. That list is there for a reason, and you should treat it seriously.

Rafting the Koprucay: Paddling, Lunch by the Water, and Photo Moments

After canyoning, you climb into the rafting boats and start paddling. The plan describes about 7 km of rafting on the river. You’ll be actively paddling while your group runs the whitewater section.

This is where the trip becomes more social and energetic. You get into a boat rhythm, and the guide support helps you stay oriented. You’ll also notice that the operator includes a paparazzi-style photo team during the rafting stretch. The photos are part of the experience, but the take-home products (DVD/movie and photos) are not included—so plan on paying only if you want the extras.

Then comes lunch break. It happens in the middle of the route near the river. Having lunch in the middle is a smart choice because it keeps your energy up before the second half of rafting. It also keeps the day from feeling like you finished the fun and are now waiting around.

When you’re done eating, you jump back in and continue paddling toward the finish point. You’ll feel the momentum shift here: first half gets you warmed up, then lunch resets you so you can enjoy the rest instead of dragging.

Ziplining Across Koprucay: The Moment Between River Legs

The zipline stop comes after rafting. You’ll cross the zipline over the Koprucay River, then continue on to the finish point after you land.

This part works well as a reset. After being in the water and paddling, ziplining gives you a different kind of thrill—one that’s more about control, breath, and timing. It’s also a scenic break because you’re looking down and across the river corridor.

That said, ride feel can vary. One drawback noted is that the zipline can feel a bit short, and one person thought it sat a little too low. If you’re chasing a long, dramatic zipline experience, you might wish it lasted longer. But if you want a well-placed activity that breaks up the water day, it does the job.

Price and What It Includes in Real Life

At $45 per person for a one-day canyoning + rafting + ziplining program with lunch and hotel pickup, this is strong value. You’re also getting live tour guidance in English and German, which matters when the activities require clear instructions.

Included items:

• Canyoning
• Rafting
• Zipline
• Lunch
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Tour guide

Not included:

• DVD movie and photos
• Drinks
• Gözleme (Turkish snack)
• Neoprene rental
• Rafting shoes
• Mobile phone cover

This is the part where you should be a little street-smart. One negative experience described a surprise add-on for drinks, including an 18 euro vodka charge added at the end. The takeaway isn’t to assume it will happen to you every time. It’s to manage it yourself: before the day gets too far, ask what is included, what is optional, and what you will be paying for if you buy drinks or rent extra gear.

Also, clothing and gear can change your comfort level. Rafting shoes and neoprene rental aren’t included. If you run cold easily, you’ll want to decide in advance whether you’ll rent warmth or rely on what you bring.

Who This Trip Suits (and Who Should Skip It)

This is best for active travelers who don’t mind getting wet and who can handle basic swimming and outdoor exertion. The tour is not suitable for:

• Children under 7
• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users
• People with heart problems
• Non-swimmers

If you fit the criteria, the reward is big. You get variety: canyon walking and jumps, active rafting, and a zipline crossing. Families have praised the guide approach, and the tour can work when a guide is attentive to safety and pacing.

If your goal is comfort and zero risk, this may not be the right choice. It’s an activity day with real water time. You should also be ready for the cold. One group reported water around 8°C, which can catch people off guard even in warm months.

Practical Tips That Make the Day Easier

Bring swimwear and water shoes. That isn’t optional advice—it’s part of making canyoning and rafting feel stable instead of stressful.

If you rely on your phone for photos, note that a mobile phone cover is not included. You might want to plan how you’ll protect it before you arrive.

Finally, treat the meal and drink options as separate from the main included lunch. Drinks are not included, and you may be tempted to buy snacks like gözleme. That’s fine, just check prices and what you’re signing up for before you reach the payment stage.

And if you’re wondering about the energy level: you’ll be in motion most of the day. The tour is built around you being active, not watching from the sidelines.

Should You Book This Tour?

Book it if you want one day that covers three big nature-adventure activities in Koprulu Canyon, with hotel pickup, a real lunch stop, and guided instruction in English or German. The canyoning section and the overall guiding approach are the standout strengths, especially when the guide is attentive and the pacing works for kids and first-timers.

Skip it or switch plans if you:

• cannot swim
• have heart or mobility limitations
• want long, signature zipline time as the main event
• hate uncertainty around extra costs for drinks or optional gear

If you do book, go in prepared: bring water shoes, wear swimwear, and ask upfront what costs extra so the day ends the way you want it to.

FAQ

How much does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $45 per person.

Where does the tour take place?

It takes place in Antalya Province, Turkey, with activities in and around Koprulu Canyon National Park.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 1 day.

What activities are included?

The tour includes canyoning, whitewater rafting, and ziplining.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included.

Do you get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Alanya and Side areas.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is listed as English and German.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and water shoes.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What is not included in the price?

DVD movie and photos, drinks, gözleme, neoprene rental, rafting shoes, and a cover for mobile phones are not included.