Rafting Guide: How to Prepare for Your Day on the River

Prices and booking: Antalya rafting tours in Köprülü Canyon

This guide covers the practical side of a rafting day on the Köprüçay River: what to wear, what we give you at the base, how the safety briefing works and how the time on the water is spent. It is written by the team that runs the tours, so everything here is how the day really works with us.

What to Wear for Rafting

You will get wet, so the only rule is to wear things that are comfortable in water and dry quickly. The easiest way is to arrive with your swimwear already on under your clothes.

• Swimsuit, bikini or swim shorts
• A quick-drying synthetic T-shirt (cotton soaks up water)
• Shoes that stay on your feet: water shoes, trainers or sandals with a back strap
• A strap for your sunglasses, if you wear them
• Sunscreen

Why Your Shoes Matter

You step on rocks when you get in and out of the raft and during the waterfall stops. Flip-flops slip off easily, get lost in the river and are dangerous on wet stones, so they are not allowed in the boat. Water shoes are not included in the price, which is why we suggest bringing your own pair; an old pair of trainers that can get wet works just as well.

What We Provide at the Base

Helmets, life jackets and paddles are given out free of charge. Before you launch, your guide checks that your life jacket is adjusted to your size. Changing cabins, showers and toilets are on site, so bring a towel and dry clothes to change into after the river.

The Safety Briefing

Once everyone is dressed, your guide gives a short safety talk on the riverbank. You practise the paddle commands together and go through what to do if you fall into the water. On the river, follow the guide's commands, keep your life jacket fastened and your helmet on, and hold your paddle the way you were shown.

Children can take part from the age of 5. Adults without a serious health problem can join without any experience. The minimum age can change when the water level rises in some seasons, so always ask us before you book.

How the Time on the River Passes

The route is about 14 km and you spend around 3 hours on the water. Not all of that is paddling: lively rapids alternate with calm stretches. In the calm parts the rafts pull in to the bank, and anyone who wants to can jump in and float with the current. There are photo stops at the waterfalls that run down the canyon walls. Depending on the water level and the pace of the group, the trip can be about half an hour shorter or longer.

Start Times and Lunch

The first group starts at 11:00. In the busy summer season, 14:00 and 16:00 starts are added. If you come by car you choose one of these times; guests with hotel pickup always join the 11:00 start and are back at their hotel in the late afternoon.

After the river you shower, change into dry clothes and sit down to an open buffet lunch at our restaurant right next to the river. The menu includes grilled chicken skewers, seasonal salad, rice, pasta and seasonal fruit.

Before You Book

Check the age rule for your children, pack the clothes on the list above and choose between self-drive and hotel pickup. Prices, pickup times from each resort and combo packages are on our Antalya rafting page, and you can ask anything on WhatsApp at +90 534 820 11 69.